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The 55 Project
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60 Imp
Posted 2013-01-21 7:25 AM (#356112 - in reply to #309019)
Subject: RE: The 55 Project


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Mark, love your work, and the car, especially the engine. Top job. A couple of things of note on the first vid. The engine test stand is gold! The way it swayed when the engine RPM increased was mesmerising. The paper towel screwed into the ears is also a ripper. Safety first I say! I also have a couple of neighbors willing to help, like yours. They are of limited value though, having one hand and all (Mine also have one craw out of action with a glass of beer!). As far as the neighbors go ( the ones who don't drink beer), what the hell are they complaining about? an unmuffled Hemispherical V8 engine makes one of the sweetest sound in nature. Unapreciative buggers!
Top job mate.

Steve.

p.s. the marine spark plug leads/covers look neat.
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Beltran
Posted 2013-01-21 1:46 PM (#356141 - in reply to #309019)
Subject: Re: The 55 Project



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Thanks Steve. I had this check list of things to do and one was get the ear plugs. Well, as the moment approached I forgot to go over the list again and had to make due with what was on hand. Not being one to concern myself with wanting to impress, didn't consider the look of the tissue, until the video of course. Oh well. It is what it is.

The engine test stand is an idea from Hemi Haines. Look him up on you tube. Didn't really have dimensions to work with so I 'judged' it. Seems I needed a little more latteral support. It was unnerving at times.
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earleebob
Posted 2013-01-25 8:05 PM (#356801 - in reply to #356112)
Subject: RE: The 55 Project



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60 Imp - 2013-01-21 9:25 PM

Mark, love your work, and the car, especially the engine. Top job. A couple of things of note on the first vid. The engine test stand is gold! The way it swayed when the engine RPM increased was mesmerising. The paper towel screwed into the ears is also a ripper. Safety first I say! I also have a couple of neighbors willing to help, like yours. They are of limited value though, having one hand and all (Mine also have one craw out of action with a glass of beer!). As far as the neighbors go ( the ones who don't drink beer), what the hell are they complaining about? an unmuffled Hemispherical V8 engine makes one of the sweetest sound in nature. Unapreciative buggers!
Top job mate.

Steve.

p.s. the marine spark plug leads/covers look neat.

Very observant Steve, had to go back to the vid to check it out for myself. Mark, I also love the paper towel Shrek ears! The engine stand is a very practical and cost effective device which also emphasizes visually the torque in that mighty hemi!!! Ha! Ha!
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wbower3
Posted 2013-02-16 12:41 PM (#360273 - in reply to #309019)
Subject: Re: The 55 Project


Walter passed away on Jul 29, 2014. We will miss you, Walt!

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Mark, looking good, and great to see a '55 so near to going back on the road. I do have a question about your fuel pump. I plan on using a similiar pump on my '55 Dodge CRL with a pressure switch from the oil pressure port to trigger the electric fuel pump relay in the event of collision etc and the engine shuts down. How did you handle your electricl supply to the fuel pump?
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Beltran
Posted 2013-02-16 2:06 PM (#360295 - in reply to #309019)
Subject: Re: The 55 Project



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Mine is a hard line from the ignition switch. Turn the key and it comes on. Interesting thought you have there. How are you going to manage that from oil pressure? When your engine is off there is no oil pressure so how will you get the pump to come on at all if the activation is tied to positive oil pressure?
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Beltran
Posted 2013-03-06 7:25 PM (#363397 - in reply to #309019)
Subject: RE: The 55 Project



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Well the supplies finally arrived from SMS today. Here are some shots of fabric and vinyl.

Headliner and the Windlace.

Seat Vinyl and fabric.

Now to decide on a shop to rework the seats.

Edited by Beltran 2013-03-06 7:27 PM




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ttotired
Posted 2013-03-17 7:34 PM (#365161 - in reply to #309019)
Subject: Re: The 55 Project



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The oil pressure swith set up for the fuel pump is a must have to me

When you crank the engine, it will build up oil pressure and allow the pump to start.

The other thing is the carby should hold enough fuel for the initial start anyway.

the main reason for it is (god forbid) the car gets upside down, without an oil pressure cut out, the fuel pump will keep pumping fuel out the carby top

Not ideal

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FIN ME
Posted 2013-03-18 8:45 AM (#365230 - in reply to #363397)
Subject: RE: The 55 Project



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Beltran - 2013-03-06 7:25 PM

Well the supplies finally arrived from SMS today. Here are some shots of fabric and vinyl.

Headliner and the Windlace.


Congrats on the arrival of your supplies from SMS!

It's like Christmas!

They look good - hope you're pleased with them.

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Beltran
Posted 2013-03-20 10:42 PM (#365646 - in reply to #309019)
Subject: Re: The 55 Project



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Yes so far so good. I now need to decide on a shop to rework the seats. The first one I went to was full of heavy smokers. I was thinking, ya right, I am going to put my 1200 fabric and vinyl in this place for two weeks while you rework these seats and then live with cigarette smell in my car.... not. On to the next shop.
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Beltran
Posted 2013-03-20 10:45 PM (#365647 - in reply to #309019)
Subject: Re: The 55 Project



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Michael, Thats a good safety feature. Going to have to share that setup once you figure it out.
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Beltran
Posted 2013-03-26 7:55 PM (#366486 - in reply to #309019)
Subject: Re: The 55 Project



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Ok the Seats and the fabric / vinyl are at the shop and hope to have them back by the end of April. I have the head liner down and noticed that this isn't the first time the head liner has been removed. Some old insulation is up there and a mouse nest. There were no holes so I have no idea how they got in there...

Now to decide how to clean it all up, rework a package tray and fix the painted rubber gasket around the rear window.

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Beltran
Posted 2013-04-09 10:48 PM (#368777 - in reply to #309019)
Subject: RE: The 55 Project



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Some overdue updates to the work effort.

Gutted the interior and cleaning up all the metal before putting in the new fabrics and lacing.



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Beltran
Posted 2013-04-09 10:56 PM (#368778 - in reply to #309019)
Subject: Re: The 55 Project



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That pin holding the door catch on was the hardest part of taking the door off. Could not punch that through. Had to cut off the top and drive it down.

Each door will get cleaned, primed and then a layer of sound deadner and a complete re-moulding.
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Beltran
Posted 2013-04-21 11:06 PM (#371119 - in reply to #368778)
Subject: Re: The 55 Project



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Made some progress this today. Got the new guages in, wired up and successfully modified my Stewart Warner Tach to fit into a Sun chrome cup so I can hide all the wiring.





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Beltran
Posted 2013-05-03 6:55 PM (#373340 - in reply to #309019)
Subject: Re: The 55 Project



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So I have the windlace in now and the headliner hardware was cleaned up, painted and installed. On Sunday I will get my helper over here and we will put in the headliner. More pictures then.
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ttotired
Posted 2013-05-03 8:00 PM (#373352 - in reply to #309019)
Subject: Re: The 55 Project



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What are you going to use for roof insulation?

I was thinking dynamat or simmilar for mine, just not sure about how well it will stay up

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bbrasse1
Posted 2013-05-03 8:22 PM (#373362 - in reply to #373340)
Subject: Re: The 55 Project


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Let me know the struggles and tricks to install a headliner. You have done such a good job with the rest I know you will end up with a good job. It seems like headliners and padded dashes are the jobs that are some of the most difficult, at least in the interior. How was the wind lace install and now did you attach it?
Thanks and a really nice car. Oh yeah, I also wanted to ask do you notice any difference between your oil gauge and the factory one? I always wondered how accurate they were.
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Beltran
Posted 2013-05-03 11:36 PM (#373388 - in reply to #373352)
Subject: Re: The 55 Project



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Well I wasn't gonna post these pictures but since your asking I guess I will. So the windlace is stapled to this flexible plastic runner. Amazing really given how old it is that it in such good shape. The staples go in it pretty well although I am only using a standard staple gun and I have to use a hammer to tap them in completely. They come out easily so if you need to make an adjustment you just use a pliers to pull the staple out and tack it again.

I used Dynamat all over the car. Bought the $300 box of 9 sheets and put it on the floor, ceiling, outer door panels (on the inside of course) and up the firewall as far as i could go given that the dash is already in. Considering the car never came with insulation up there it should make a big difference.



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Beltran
Posted 2013-05-04 12:01 AM (#373392 - in reply to #309019)
Subject: Re: The 55 Project



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Note the Dynamat is very sticky and doesn't have any problem adhering to the roof.

As far as the oil guages go I haven't got to compare them much yet, but 60 PSI is at the higher end of the 'range' of the stock oil pressure guage. Once the engine was warmed up, at idle I would have just under 20psi and that would read on the lower end of the 'range' of the stock guage. I am running Brad Penn Break in oil at the moment. Can't remember the viscosity rating of that you need to consider that as well.
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ttotired
Posted 2013-05-04 12:41 PM (#373440 - in reply to #309019)
Subject: Re: The 55 Project



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Thanks for the dynamat info Beltran

I was just thinking, as your doing the interior, are you going for strict orriginality?

If so, dont forget to throw (carelessly) a few items on the floor to be covered by the carpet and found again in 50 odd years

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bbrasse1
Posted 2013-05-04 7:35 PM (#373477 - in reply to #373392)
Subject: Re: The 55 Project


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Yes, great info. The wind lace looks really good. I will have to use the insulation too. Thanks a lot.
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Beltran
Posted 2013-05-06 11:24 PM (#373849 - in reply to #373477)
Subject: Re: The 55 Project



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So the headliner went in this weekend and here are the snapshots of the process.
1) Bows are in the sleaves and the headliner is hung up in the car and spread evenly across the roof.
2) couple of views of the bows holding the headliner up.
3) The glue I used to tack the front and rear of the headliner to keep it in place against the fabric hooks.
4) Trimming the sleaves to allow the headliner to be stretched to its fullest and remove the wrinkles.
5) Headliner with less wrinkles!
6) Located the dome light wires and cut a small hole for them to hang out.
7) view of the sides of the C pillars. Spent a bit of time here getting this to look good.
8) Job Done! My coach and former line worker that put cuda headliners in the vehicle in 4 car lengths... took us 4 hours! Well.. at least it looks nice after all that time.



Edited by Beltran 2013-05-06 11:31 PM




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oldwood
Posted 2013-05-06 11:50 PM (#373855 - in reply to #373849)
Subject: Re: The 55 Project


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I'll bring my '60 Ply. right up. Great looking job!!
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earleebob
Posted 2013-05-07 6:10 AM (#373878 - in reply to #309019)
Subject: RE: The 55 Project



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It's starting to take shape now Mark!
and lookin good!!!
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Beltran
Posted 2013-05-07 6:51 PM (#374016 - in reply to #309019)
Subject: Re: The 55 Project



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bah I went out there tonight and it has wrinkles again.. it stretched a bit it seems so I have to spend time tightning it up again. I was wondering if that would happen.
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ttotired
Posted 2013-05-07 7:45 PM (#374031 - in reply to #309019)
Subject: Re: The 55 Project



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They should make headlining like heat shrink

Just heat it and its done

This is all fun I have yet to have

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earleebob
Posted 2013-05-22 7:19 AM (#376461 - in reply to #309019)
Subject: RE: The 55 Project



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Mark do either of these take your fancy?
I personally like 2
BTW one is the reverse side of two and the coin is about the size of a quarter

Edited by earleebob1 2013-05-22 7:22 AM




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Powerflite
Posted 2013-05-22 2:43 PM (#376533 - in reply to #341368)
Subject: Re: The 55 Project



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Beltran - 2012-10-01 7:10 PM
...
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. "


I wanna see this greenhouse! Great work.
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Beltran
Posted 2013-05-23 6:56 PM (#376797 - in reply to #309019)
Subject: Re: The 55 Project



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Bob, I agree number 2. I assume the package arrived?

Edited by Beltran 2013-05-23 6:57 PM
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Beltran
Posted 2013-05-23 7:00 PM (#376799 - in reply to #309019)
Subject: Re: The 55 Project



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The rims and tires came yesterday. They look great. Tomorrow I get a portion of my interior. The front and back seats I hope. Then I can get it to an exhaust shop to get that work done. Still working the front facia. But weather has been crappy and I haven't been able to get out there and work on it... too many hours at work as of late.
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earleebob
Posted 2013-05-24 7:02 PM (#376969 - in reply to #376797)
Subject: Re: The 55 Project



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Beltran - 2013-05-24 8:56 AM

Bob, I agree number 2. I assume the package arrived?

number 2 it is
package arrived yesterday Friday and looks good to do the job I can do the final assembly on the doors now
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jimntempe
Posted 2013-05-24 8:01 PM (#376979 - in reply to #309019)
Subject: Re: The 55 Project



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I tried putting in a headliner once. What a clusterf#$^ that was. Had to take it to a pro to have them do it right. Your's looks great.
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big m
Posted 2013-05-24 8:15 PM (#376985 - in reply to #309019)
Subject: Re: The 55 Project



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Your car is looking great, Mark!! Keep up the good work!!

---John
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Beltran
Posted 2013-06-01 11:43 PM (#378481 - in reply to #309019)
Subject: Re: The 55 Project



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So I get the front end fully assembled and we are struggling with the hood. It doesn't seem to want to settle at the cowl when closed without pushing it down and the side to side alignment was off. Played with it quite a bit and finally got it to drop properly. When I got the cowl alignment right I still could not get the front of the hood to align to the fenders and fascia. Sat there and studied it for awhile and it came to me that the hood wasn't aligning because the fenders where off. Then it hit me. The whole front of the car is held on to the frame by two bolts. All that I needed to do was unloosen those two front crossmember bolts, use a crow bar to push it to the right a half inch and whala, the front end is right as rain. That car teaches me something new every week I swear.

Pictures coming soon. I also have my interior back. It's going to come together fast now.
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Beltran
Posted 2013-06-02 8:14 PM (#378622 - in reply to #378481)
Subject: Re: The 55 Project



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Got the interior Friday at 4pm.
Got it all in the car. Seats, Carpet, door panels, window trim in about 16 hours.
Also got the front end fully assembled on Saturday while I had my father and son to help with the hood.
I is tired....





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Beltran
Posted 2013-06-02 8:17 PM (#378624 - in reply to #309019)
Subject: Re: The 55 Project



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And the head liner still needs work...argh.
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ttotired
Posted 2013-06-02 8:28 PM (#378627 - in reply to #309019)
Subject: Re: The 55 Project



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It looks great

Is the headliner still stretching?

I still have mine sitting in a box and was thinking that pre stretching might be needed?

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d500neil
Posted 2013-06-02 8:46 PM (#378632 - in reply to #378627)
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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Looks great, Mark!

You sewed up the upholstery and installed it, yourself?



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Beltran
Posted 2013-06-02 10:17 PM (#378647 - in reply to #309019)
Subject: Re: The 55 Project



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Yes the head liner is still flexible. One of my bows came out as well. WTF... I have no idea how that happened. I have to carefully pull it down again and see what is going on.

I had John Pinkerton do the sewing of the seats and the door panels. The fabric and vinyl is SMS. I did the installation of course.
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1961plymouthfury
Posted 2013-06-03 2:12 AM (#378676 - in reply to #309019)
Subject: Re: The 55 Project


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Its getting there how much more you got to do?
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FIN ME
Posted 2013-06-03 8:47 AM (#378712 - in reply to #309019)
Subject: Re: The 55 Project



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Looking sooo beautiful, Beltran! That interior is a lovely colour.

Good luck with the headliner - it will get there with some persistence. I'm working on getting rid of some slack in my car's headliner too. It seems like a never-ending process.


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Beltran
Posted 2013-06-03 11:29 PM (#378847 - in reply to #309019)
Subject: Re: The 55 Project



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Location: Michigan
Speaking of PITA Headliners... I laid there on my new seats staring up at my headliner thinking about what was wrong with it. Then I started pulling down the drivers side again to examine the bows. I realized that as the headliner progressed forward in the car the seams became off center of the bow mount points. This got progressively worse until the front bow (last of 7) is actually laying sideways and not supporting the headliner in a vertical fashion at all. I ... was vexed.

So pulled out the old one (I had not thrown it away) and measured the distance between seams. Although the SMS headliner is not exact it's close. I then measured the distance between the back window and the first seam. Ouch. The original was 5 inches from the window. The new one is currently 7 inches. /sigh. So now I have to hope that I have enough fabric at the front of the headliner to move it back at least an inch. Or... I must deal again with the dreaded SMS and purchase another headliner. Shoot me now please....
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Beltran
Posted 2013-06-03 11:41 PM (#378849 - in reply to #309019)
Subject: Re: The 55 Project



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Once I get the headliner sorted the interior is done. The horn ring went on tonight after I straighten out the steering wheel. Those 6volt horns are REALLY powerful with the 12 volt system.. wow! I think I could rank in a truck horn blowing contest.
I have an appointment at the custom exhaust shop Wednesday morning. Crossing my fingers that it goes well. worried about the conflict of my headers in relation to my turning radius...

Once I get it back from the exhaust shop the new rims will go on it and I have to sort out this little issue with my charging system. I have a powerful battery with one of those little health lights on it. They are supposed to be green but my turned orange and then went out completely. The battery still works and holds a good charge but the light is no longer working. (it did go back to green once after I let the car sit for a few weeks without using the engine or battery.) It doesn't seem to like my generator. Don't feel comfortable driving the car around for extended time periods without knowing what is going on there.

Then it's engine break in time and some more adventurous trips out and about town. So far the farthest I have been away from the house is 5 miles or so... to the hardware store. OH and that reminds me. I have to change the speedo gear in the new trans. It LIES! I am not doing 70 in a 45mph zone. Traffic would not all be going that fast. :P Then... I think I am ready for cruzing season.... less some small additions to the trunk I have to put in.. that stuff from Gary Goers that's been sitting in the loft for 6 months... but then.. then I will be ready... maybe. /ponders...
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FIN ME
Posted 2013-06-04 11:14 AM (#378932 - in reply to #378847)
Subject: Re: The 55 Project



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Beltran - 2013-06-03 11:29 PM

...Shoot me now please....



I think we can all relate! I've almost entirely lost the will to live during some of my attempts to get things "just right".

But hang in there, Beltran!

As Ringo once said, "I've got blisters on me fingers.", but the music made it all worth while, just as your completed car will make it all soooooooooo worth while.


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Beltran
Posted 2013-06-06 9:59 PM (#379494 - in reply to #309019)
Subject: Re: The 55 Project



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Location: Michigan
Penance is back in the garage. New exhaust is in! Barry of Barry's Ace Maintenance, Waterford, MI did a GREAT job. She sounds sweet with the Borla's on there and no more exhaust smell in the car!
The steering linkage binds a bit on the headers though. Not sure if I can adjust that in any way with an special Pitman Arm setup... anyone ever seen that done?

Edited by Beltran 2013-06-06 10:03 PM




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Beltran
Posted 2013-06-08 9:45 PM (#379863 - in reply to #379494)
Subject: Re: The 55 Project



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Well. Today was a fabulous day. I got the new tires and rims on Penance (after stripping a lug nut, really?? Why can't everything go right just once? ) and we went out for a little ride around town doing errands and lookin mighty fine. People were stopping and turning around to come and look at her while I was parked at one of my stops.

She's running well, starting kinda slow sometimes but always starting at least. Got to adjust the kickdown band? Really goes into second too quickly and then will not kick down at ANY speed into first. (I have a grandpa tranny... "you must save gas my child, you don't need that first gear"...BS!)

Here are some pics with the new treads. I am glad I spent the cash on those rims. Would not have been happy in the long run, if I had got something else.

Exhaust note recorded >>> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=je7VoEMqAIs&feature=youtu.be


Edited by Beltran 2013-06-08 9:54 PM




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earleebob
Posted 2013-06-08 10:14 PM (#379867 - in reply to #309019)
Subject: RE: The 55 Project



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Posts: 1120
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love it!!
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60 Imp
Posted 2013-06-09 12:44 AM (#379878 - in reply to #309019)
Subject: RE: The 55 Project


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Location: North Australia
That looks sweet. Very nicely customised 55. Let us know how she runs out on the highway.
Steve.
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Beltran
Posted 2013-08-02 10:31 PM (#389204 - in reply to #309019)
Subject: Re: The 55 Project



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Location: Michigan
Well I have been enjoying the car a bit and taking her out for drives with the spouse. I am working on it a bit. I have a new windshield (windscreen which ever you prefer) coming. Will have Clarkston Glass install it for me. It was not easy to find this glass so I really hope it fits right. I also have SMS making me a new headliner. It seems the headliner pattern was off. The seams don't align with the bows. I pointed this out to the owner and well he shocked me. He offered to make me a new one and paid for the shipping to send my original to them so they could correct their pattern.

I was frankly.... pleased with SMS. I know, shocking isn't it. I mean, I got real customer service, I mean I was just blown away, no argument, no delay tactics and paid postage! I think my jaw darn near hit my desk. So I just got the email message from UPS that it's on its way across this great United States of America via ground and with no charge. /pause to read what I just wrote. Jaw darn near hit the desk again.

Oh please let it be right and fit the car this time. I would love to say something nice about SMS. I could get it in time to have a very late night headliner replacement party in the middle of Woodward Cruise week! I can DO THIS!!! I digress.

I sent the radio off to RPM to have it rebuilt for 12v and modern AM / FM / AUX inputs. Although I won't have it back for the cruise it will be a fall project to get the sound system in.

Oh I almost forgot to mention I got the 3sp trans from Mike. It still has issues to resolve but I won the 1 month battle with UPS to only pay $188 bucks for Ground shipping instead of $540 for Freight shipping. Driver screw up and no authorization for the change means UPS has to eat it. This darn trans is expensive... and if I am not careful it's going to rival the cost of my engine rebuild...
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Beltran
Posted 2013-08-19 7:40 PM (#392339 - in reply to #309019)
Subject: Re: The 55 Project



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Update. The headliner arrived from SMS and I have to find some time to take down the bad one and put up this new one. I hope it was corrected. Going to be a lot more careful with this and make sure it is in alignment from back to front before cutting anything.
The glass got to the shop and today's appointment didn't go well. Have to get a new gasket. Gary Goers to the rescue. Should be here by end of week. Next week we try again.
RPM has the radio and they are rebuilding it.
Got the 3sp trans pump to stop binding when tightened down and got the rear drum setup and parts for the cable control on the way. Short of a torque converter and a good cleaning I think I have what I need.
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