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The 55 Project
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Beltran
Posted 2012-02-21 11:38 PM (#309019)
Subject: The 55 Project



Expert

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Location: Michigan
Well it all started with this incredible deal on a 55 Chrysler Windsor.

Then my high school dream of having a hemi car came back to me.

Then a conversation with a friend lead me to a set of Marine Hemi engines.

A year after tearing down, selling / trading off parts I have an engine nearly ready to be fired.

But after reviewing the options, I think I not only have to change out the engine but clean up the engine compartment and heck.. why not upgrade that trans too.

So here we are, front end off, fabricating parts to get the new and old to play well. But it's progress and one thing thats great about this project. I don't have a time line, budget to track or approvals to get. It gets there.... when it gets there.





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Attachments 60yrs of grease jobs.JPG (152KB - 297 downloads)
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twistedpower
Posted 2012-02-22 12:00 AM (#309023 - in reply to #309019)
Subject: Re: The 55 Project



Regular

Posts: 53
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awesome car and can i have the engine?
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Beltran
Posted 2012-02-22 9:06 PM (#309175 - in reply to #309019)
Subject: Re: The 55 Project



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Location: Michigan
I intend to keep it for now.
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firedome
Posted 2012-02-24 12:05 PM (#309434 - in reply to #309019)
Subject: Re: The 55 Project



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Location: NY & VT
If you aren't keeping the poly I may need one....
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d500neil
Posted 2012-02-24 6:20 PM (#309509 - in reply to #309019)
Subject: Re: The 55 Project



Exner Expert 19,174 posts. Neil passed away 18 Sep 2015. You will be missed, Neil!

Posts: 19146
5000500050002000200010025
Location: bishop, ca
Mark, think I've mentioned this, before, but the 55 Windsor Poly-head has hands-down, the best FWDLK era distributor
on its engine.

If you've got IAZ 4001E, there, it has dual points (for Pertonix under-cap E.I. installation), plus 28 degrees of Mechanical
Advancement, and its vacuum advance should have a "7" stamped on its lever arm.

You should check to see if the V.A. is operable, by sucking on its orifice, to feel/hear if its diaphram is moving.






Edited by d500neil 2012-02-24 6:21 PM
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Beltran
Posted 2012-03-04 10:32 AM (#310671 - in reply to #309019)
Subject: Re: The 55 Project



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Location: Michigan
I have a pertronix in it right now. Should I just pick that distributor out and put it on the other engine, no changes? It works well but it is 6v and I will be changing it over to 12v. I think I only need to get a new pertronix unit.

Edited by Beltran 2012-03-04 10:34 AM
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B/G 61
Posted 2012-03-04 12:44 PM (#310687 - in reply to #309019)
Subject: RE: The 55 Project



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Beltran
Posted 2012-03-11 5:58 PM (#311707 - in reply to #309019)
Subject: RE: The 55 Project



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Made some critical progress this weekend. Got the pulley system for the water pump worked out with the help of my neighbor Kirk. Anything is possible when you have the right tools for the job.

This is a 57 marine block which as I learned is a combination of 51-54 and 56-57 fittings. The oil pan and timing chain cover plate are 51-54 (the water jacket holes in the block are cut closer together) and the rest is 56-57. I have the HH cover and a GM short pump and will retain the original pulley system with the help of the custom fixtures for the belt tensioner.



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Beltran
Posted 2012-04-18 12:04 AM (#317348 - in reply to #309019)
Subject: RE: The 55 Project



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Location: Michigan
This months progress involved settling on a transmission built by Art Carr a few years ago. Not exactly what I wanted but it will do for now. I managed to sort out my plumbing and belt conflict issues by using a 354 cross over that has the water outlet facing up. Could not get the forward facing one to work with only 2.25 inches of clearance to the generator belt. Here are the finished shots of the engine.

I also got the old poly and trans out of the vehicle and can begin the cleanup and rebuild of the front end and engine compartment.





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Beltran
Posted 2012-06-30 6:43 PM (#327855 - in reply to #309019)
Subject: RE: The 55 Project



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Location: Michigan
Here is the latest progress on the engine. Valve covers are switched back to ones with da bumps... I was told an untruth about the Chrome ones I got. Bumps are required, no matter what the year of the valve covers.

Tranny is mounted and the 56 cable Big M sold me fits nicely. Had to fabricate a lock down for it though. Didn't have a picture or anything so I hope this will suffice. Amazing what you can do with a curtain rod bracket. I knew I saved those for a reason... 5 yrs ago...

Mounting the torque converter sucked. I hope I don't have to take it off for any reason. I used some loctite on the nuts.

Got an issue with the stock starter. Not gonna fit in that spot. Any suggestions?

Edited by Beltran 2012-06-30 6:46 PM




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Beltran
Posted 2012-07-09 11:08 PM (#329123 - in reply to #309019)
Subject: Re: The 55 Project



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The starter from HH came today. It's about 1/3 the size of the OEM. Adjusts to different angles so you can get it in anywhere and I was able to put it in place on my engine cradle without too much hassle.
- need to finish hooking up the carb
- need to set up the fuel pump
- need to hook up some exhaust pipes at least to get it pointing behind the trans.
- need to rig up the TAC and control board
- need to add trans fluid and a quart or two of oil.

I think I could start it for the first time within a week or two... getting pumped!
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Beltran
Posted 2012-07-13 6:54 PM (#329739 - in reply to #309019)
Subject: Re: The 55 Project



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Almost there... plan to start it up on Sunday... video pending on youtube.
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Beltran
Posted 2012-07-16 12:38 AM (#330064 - in reply to #309019)
Subject: Re: The 55 Project



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Well it started! Here is the video for those interested. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mH0hX0WsksE&feature=g-upl
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Beltran
Posted 2012-09-03 9:27 PM (#337417 - in reply to #309019)
Subject: RE: The 55 Project



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Got the firewall painted this week. Before and after shots included.




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craigt
Posted 2012-09-06 10:38 PM (#337854 - in reply to #309019)
Subject: RE: The 55 Project



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Location: Castlemaine Victoria Australia
Keep em coming!
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Beltran
Posted 2012-09-17 7:58 PM (#339282 - in reply to #337854)
Subject: RE: The 55 Project



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Latest efforts.
Firewall coming together.
New wiring harness from Rhode Island Wiring installed and ready for the newly powdercoated instrament cluster to be installed.
Engine going into the bay... guess who is underneath...
The engine bay holding it's new heart!

Edited by Beltran 2012-09-17 8:14 PM




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Beltran
Posted 2012-09-17 8:15 PM (#339285 - in reply to #309019)
Subject: Re: The 55 Project



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Posts: 1730
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Location: Michigan
Got a line on some Chrysler Firepower Valve covers with Dimples and they should be arriving soon.... don't worry.. it won't say Marine when it's completed.
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oldwood
Posted 2012-09-17 8:55 PM (#339292 - in reply to #339285)
Subject: Re: The 55 Project


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Posts: 2905
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Location: little rock, AR
It could be a dual purpose Chrysler, Land and Sea!!! It really great to see this one coming together.
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craigt
Posted 2012-09-17 11:17 PM (#339308 - in reply to #309019)
Subject: Re: The 55 Project



Veteran

Posts: 126
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Location: Castlemaine Victoria Australia
No way, leave the marine rocker covers on they, look cool az!!!
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Beltran
Posted 2012-09-30 8:23 PM (#341187 - in reply to #309019)
Subject: RE: The 55 Project



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Location: Michigan
Been putting in stupid amounts of hours at work so I took off Friday and spent three days outside from sun up to sundown.

Here is the latest progress.... It took a full day to get the dash in... funny it didn't take that long to get it out...





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mogge65
Posted 2012-09-30 10:11 PM (#341198 - in reply to #309019)
Subject: Re: The 55 Project



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Location: Nasco , SWEDEN
Awesome work Beltran! I´m in to this soon to, my engine compartment isn´t the nicest to say the least... tell me , whats gonna happen to the other hemi engine?
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Beltran
Posted 2012-10-01 10:10 PM (#341368 - in reply to #309019)
Subject: Re: The 55 Project



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Location: Michigan
It is sitting in a wood stand... looming as a future project of some kind. I don't know what it is yet but in time it will reveal itself to me.

Today's progress was moving the car into the garage because I got a letter from the township telling me that no inopperable vehicles are allowed to be kept outside of a closed building in our township. I have 7 days to comply or I will receive a 300-500 dollar fine. (mind you I can site several examples around the neighborhood, but someone in the back of the subdivision feels the need to complain because they drive by my house on their way home)

Tomorrow I am going to call the township and ask for a permit for a greenhouse. This will be erected on my driveway to be my second 'closed building'. I will also request a permit for a billboard to be placed facing the road in front of my house that says. 'to the asshat that complained to the township about my covered vintage car in my driveway. Hope you like the township approved view better now. "
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Beltran
Posted 2012-10-01 10:13 PM (#341370 - in reply to #309019)
Subject: Re: The 55 Project



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Location: Michigan
Oh and by the way. That rubber flashing is from Gary Goers. AWESOME Quality!
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oldwood
Posted 2012-10-01 10:16 PM (#341373 - in reply to #341368)
Subject: Re: The 55 Project


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Posts: 2905
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Location: little rock, AR
I feel your pain as I have the neighbor that probably placed a complaint on you. I have to leave early and come home late.
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GregCon
Posted 2012-10-02 9:18 AM (#341409 - in reply to #309019)
Subject: Re: The 55 Project



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Nice work. Any time I hear the word 'township' I know there will be troubles.

You're lucky...in 55 the hood were taller and you can fit that Hot Heads intake underneath. On my 58 there's no way it would clear.
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Beltran
Posted 2012-10-23 7:18 PM (#344391 - in reply to #341409)
Subject: Re: The 55 Project



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Been busy lately. Here are some pics of the progress.

The rubber flashing went on great. Had to pop-rivit them in place.

The wiring is from Rhode Island Wiring Service.



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Beltran
Posted 2012-11-15 11:06 PM (#347330 - in reply to #344391)
Subject: Re: The 55 Project



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Location: Michigan
Well I have been working on the car some over the last few weeks but the progress isn't very visible.
1) Big M sent me the trans pieces I needed... oh that is a picture I can include.
2) I got the push button cable installed and connected in the trans with the proper fixture
3) Had the radiator bottom outlet moved to the other side to accomdate the GM pump I have. Had to get it set up at a 30 degree angle to allow clearance for the K member.
4) trying to get the right custom hoses to fit the radiator. 2in outlet on the pump to 1-3/4" on the radiator and then 1 3/4" on both ends of the top hose. A few more trips to Mazza's to search through the hose book...
5) trans lines are connected with the cooler I added to the front of the radiator. Electric Fan mounted on the radiator but will be hidden under the shroud so you don't see it.
6) Fuel line hooked up to the carb and the new electric pump and filter connected up along the frame rail with new line out of the tank.


And thanks to NEIL !!! I now have another project.....

Edited by Beltran 2012-11-15 11:10 PM




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FIN ME
Posted 2012-11-16 11:21 AM (#347389 - in reply to #309019)
Subject: Re: The 55 Project



Expert

Posts: 2788
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Location: USA - KY

I know you've heard this before, Marc...but your car is going to be seriously awesome!

Please keep the reports coming!

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Beltran
Posted 2012-11-18 9:13 PM (#347726 - in reply to #309019)
Subject: Re: The 55 Project



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Posts: 1730
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Location: Michigan
Got the pump hooked up electrically tonight. Did the electrical test of my new wiring to make sure it all works. Pumps and motors all work as expected! I tested the lights and blinkers and the only thing that wasn't working was the brake lights. I think that may have something to do with my pressure switch which is easy enough to verify. Turned over the engine and it fired after 2 rotations!.. oops! Didn't have the exhaust or the cooling system connected so I shut it down right away. Just wanted to make sure the starter wiring was ok and the neutral safety switch were ok.

All I need to do now is finish the cooling, connect the temporary exhaust up and top off all the fluids, connect up the Carb / Trans linkage thats due in this week and I can really start it up. I think Pennence may be running by next weekend!

Edited by Beltran 2012-11-18 9:15 PM
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Desotorandy
Posted 2012-11-18 11:44 PM (#347743 - in reply to #309019)
Subject: Re: The 55 Project



Veteran

Posts: 234
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Location: Chambersburg,PA
Nice job! Love the pic's, had a 56 w/the poly 331 2bbl,was a great driving car,had a ton of fun w/it all up and down the East coast, can't wait to see more pic's.
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Beltran
Posted 2012-11-24 12:17 AM (#348412 - in reply to #309019)
Subject: Re: The 55 Project



Expert

Posts: 1730
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Location: Michigan
Well I just got in from the Garage. Got the cooling system fully connected and fluids topped off. Spent 4-5 hours on the Carb linkage, getting that tweaked and ensuring I have full travel so those secondaries will open up. I started on the exhaust but I need to make a 90 Deg pipe from a straight pipe with a little cutting and welding. The store bought curved 90 deg. pipe just will not allow enough clearance when I lower the car. Will work on that tomorrow. Then it's time to fire it up!
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Beltran
Posted 2012-11-25 10:36 PM (#348472 - in reply to #309019)
Subject: Re: The 55 Project



Expert

Posts: 1730
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Location: Michigan
Well I got it running today and everything works! Trans shifts into reverse and drive properly. Hopefully I can get a video of it posted.
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Beltran
Posted 2012-11-26 8:01 PM (#348578 - in reply to #309019)
Subject: Re: The 55 Project



Expert

Posts: 1730
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Location: Michigan
Posted Video on youtube.
http://youtu.be/-qulz6oxFDA

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catman
Posted 2012-11-26 10:27 PM (#348594 - in reply to #309019)
Subject: RE: The 55 Project



Elite Veteran

Posts: 781
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Location: Montreal, Canada
Love the video!!!!!!

I just adore the engine sound.

Kool man !!!!!


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oldwood
Posted 2012-11-27 10:45 AM (#348648 - in reply to #348594)
Subject: Re: The 55 Project


Expert

Posts: 2905
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Location: little rock, AR
Whats really nice about your projects is that its not a complete resto. When it's broken in and a few miles have been logged maybe you can pull up beside one of those rice burners and let them see what the tail lights look like.
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Beltran
Posted 2012-11-27 6:30 PM (#348696 - in reply to #309019)
Subject: Re: The 55 Project



Expert

Posts: 1730
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Location: Michigan
Dam straight.


Edited by Beltran 2012-11-27 6:31 PM
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Beltran
Posted 2012-12-09 4:40 PM (#350394 - in reply to #309019)
Subject: RE: The 55 Project



Expert

Posts: 1730
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Location: Michigan
This weeks progress got the fenders back on the body after a cleaning and re-application of undercoat on the bare spots. First couple of photos shows the exposed / damaged areas. That is factory undercoat on that inner fender and although that upper area was accessible they didn't have anything protecting it. That spot is behind the inner fender well.

The next photos show the Gary Goers rubber shields mating nicely up to the fenders, frame area and suspension. Cleanest it will ever look again.

Edited by Beltran 2012-12-09 4:47 PM




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earleebob
Posted 2012-12-09 5:10 PM (#350397 - in reply to #309019)
Subject: RE: The 55 Project



Elite Veteran

Posts: 1120
1000100
Location: Brisbane, Australia
Looking good Mark!!
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oldwood
Posted 2012-12-11 10:17 AM (#350697 - in reply to #309019)
Subject: Re: The 55 Project


Expert

Posts: 2905
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Location: little rock, AR
We are all waiting for your updated youtube video's. Especially the ones where you have your foot down the throat of that carb.
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d500neil
Posted 2012-12-11 3:09 PM (#350746 - in reply to #309019)
Subject: Re: The 55 Project



Exner Expert 19,174 posts. Neil passed away 18 Sep 2015. You will be missed, Neil!

Posts: 19146
5000500050002000200010025
Location: bishop, ca
I forget, Mark; did you upgrade your ride's springs and shocks?




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Beltran
Posted 2012-12-12 9:36 PM (#351002 - in reply to #309019)
Subject: Re: The 55 Project



Expert

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Location: Michigan
That was the first thing I did Neil when I got the vehicle. They are new all around. Made a HUGE difference in the ride quality of the vehicle. So much quieter too.

Dorsey I can't wait to take her out but it's getting very wintery here and I think I will not have the opportunity until spring. I have to take the front valence to the powdercoater. It's just too rusty and I want to protect it from further deterioration. I will have him do my FirePower Valve covers as well.

My SMS stuff is starting to show up. I have the headliner now and hoping to have the seat fabric soon. I can get the interior redone over the winter and have it all ready to drive in the spring!
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rbmain
Posted 2012-12-12 9:41 PM (#351004 - in reply to #309019)
Subject: Re: The 55 Project



100010010010010025
Man, that is some tricky ass spark-plug wiring.
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d500neil
Posted 2012-12-12 9:47 PM (#351006 - in reply to #309019)
Subject: Re: The 55 Project



Exner Expert 19,174 posts. Neil passed away 18 Sep 2015. You will be missed, Neil!

Posts: 19146
5000500050002000200010025
Location: bishop, ca
That's because that's a NAVY engine, there, Robert!



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Beltran
Posted 2013-01-12 11:52 PM (#354960 - in reply to #309019)
Subject: RE: The 55 Project



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So today it was 60 Degrees in Michigan... could not miss the opportunity to be outside without the heaters running! So today I got the front facia bolted up and got the engine tuned properly, setting the carb, choke, timing and idle. As well set the kick down properly so it downshifts when it's supposed too. All in all I'm pleased with how it's running, starting and idling. Got pics and video of how it sounds.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qaH7tIBvu3E



Edited by Beltran 2013-01-12 11:55 PM




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d500neil
Posted 2013-01-13 2:29 AM (#354972 - in reply to #354960)
Subject: Re: The 55 Project



Exner Expert 19,174 posts. Neil passed away 18 Sep 2015. You will be missed, Neil!

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Location: bishop, ca
Nice; assuming that your getting the gas from the tank, and that your gas gauge is operational, you can
see that you can run the 'gauge' all the way to the "E" before running out of gas.



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Beltran
Posted 2013-01-13 1:00 PM (#355032 - in reply to #309019)
Subject: Re: The 55 Project



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Location: Michigan
Actually the needle is hanging up inside.. If I tap on the lense it moves up. Got it to half a tank. I had a bunch of stuff in the trunk and moved it out of the way yesterday to get to the wire and connect it up. I had not completed that when I put the wiring in. Going to have to take that guage back out and fix it...argh.

A little disappointed that I cannot break the tires loose with the new motor, even with a brake torque. Gearing with the two speed is just too low I think. Although when it gets rolling it has a lot of pull. More incentive to get my three spd from Mike and get it in there at some point. I will need to find a 56 Chrysler with a 3sp trans push button chrome bezel for the dash though. I have the mechanism but not the outside bezel. Maybe I can get Bob's guys to fab one for me.

Edited by Beltran 2013-01-13 1:11 PM
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earleebob
Posted 2013-01-14 3:39 PM (#355182 - in reply to #355032)
Subject: Re: The 55 Project



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Posts: 1120
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Beltran - 2013-01-14 3:00 AM

Actually the needle is hanging up inside.. If I tap on the lense it moves up. Got it to half a tank. I had a bunch of stuff in the trunk and moved it out of the way yesterday to get to the wire and connect it up. I had not completed that when I put the wiring in. Going to have to take that guage back out and fix it...argh.

A little disappointed that I cannot break the tires loose with the new motor, even with a brake torque. Gearing with the two speed is just too low I think. Although when it gets rolling it has a lot of pull. More incentive to get my three spd from Mike and get it in there at some point. I will need to find a 56 Chrysler with a 3sp trans push button chrome bezel for the dash though. I have the mechanism but not the outside bezel. Maybe I can get Bob's guys to fab one for me. :)


What have you got in mind Mark, maybe you can email me some details/photos?
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earleebob
Posted 2013-01-19 5:38 AM (#355807 - in reply to #309019)
Subject: RE: The 55 Project



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There is a bit of integration required to tub the guards enough to stick 9 inch rubber on the back. For a start the springs lie beside the chassis and the rear inner guards are too small to accept the wheels. The wheels themselves run a 15” centre originally made for a Chevelle, available from vintage wheels. The rims are aftermarket and the off-set is determined by the width of rear axle. I shortened the rear housing so I could get that old school deep dish of the 60s drag racing rims. Initially it was thought that removing and replacing the wheels on the car would pose a problem (which it didn’t) so we opted for bolts rather than studs. You can see in one of the photos we made the axle housing tubes adjustable and taped them (YELLOW TAPE) in place when we had decided on the desired width. The diff itself is 9”ford (aftermarket.
I have been tossing about the wheels I want to use on my 55. I see how you have gotten yours tucked under the fenders and they look so nice with the wide stance. Did you have to modify the axle to accomplish that? YES What rims did you get? CHEVELLE CENTRES 15” I know the bolt pattern is specific WE USED BLANK MOSS AXLES AND CHOSE FORD PATTERN BUT YOU COULD USE WHAT EVER YOU WANT and I don’t quite know how to measure mine to ensure I get the right rims. YOU PLACE A STEEL RULE ON THE TIP OF THE OUTER INSIDE SAFETY ROLL ON THE RIM AND MEASURE DOWN TO THE BACK OF THE CENTRE IN LINE WITH THE STUD/BOLD HOLES ( THE PEOPLE YOU GET TO BUILD THE WHEELS CAN HELP WITH THIS MEASUREMENT ) Any advice here would be appreciated. I would love to duplicate what you have done with your Desoto rims.



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Beltran
Posted 2013-01-20 5:25 PM (#356015 - in reply to #309019)
Subject: Re: The 55 Project



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Hey, Bob thanks for the post. A bit more than I can handle but at least I know what is required. I am curious about the way you added metal to the frame at the body (?) mount points. Was that to strengthen the frame or another reason?
It looks like you moved the body mounts up higher on the frame? Or was that an optical illusion? Pics 13_5794 and 13_5817.

Your springs are integrated into the frame. Mine are on the outside of the frame. I could move the springs inboard on the frame. Give me say... 3 more inches for tires? That would be an interesting mod...

Edited by Beltran 2013-01-20 5:27 PM
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earleebob
Posted 2013-01-20 5:36 PM (#356017 - in reply to #356015)
Subject: Re: The 55 Project



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Location: Brisbane, Australia
Beltran - 2013-01-21 7:25 AM

Hey, Bob thanks for the post. A bit more than I can handle but at least I know what is required. I am curious about the way you added metal to the frame at the body (?) mount points. Was that to strengthen the frame or another reason?
It looks like you moved the body mounts up higher on the frame? Or was that an optical illusion? Pics 13_5794 and 13_5817.

Your springs are integrated into the frame. Mine are on the outside of the frame. I could move the springs inboard on the frame. Give me say... 3 more inches for tires? That would be an interesting mod...


When I moved the springs into the chassis, the DOT engineer insisted that the frame be strengthened as shown. I added the extra sheet metal on top of the frame so it looked like it was original! Very observant, we did move them up a little so the body would clear the modified chassis. Moving the springs inboard would certainly give a couple of inches but 9" tyres might be a bit of a squeeze without tubbing the inner guards.
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