4 Wheel Money Pit

[Justin B.]

Sometimes people might think I've fallen off the map but I assure you I'm still kicking but sometimes very busy with other projects.  After getting past the point of no return on this project I remember why I switched back to motorcycles!

I have probably put $3000-$4000 into this in the past year and now have a fairly reliable "beater".  The rear end pinion seal went out last weekend so next week I'll replace that.  Still need to add A/C!!!

Here's some particulars:

1957 Belair 4 dr Sedan
GM Goodwrench 350 crate motor
Edelbrock Performer Intake
Holly 4165 Spreadbore carb
Late 80s 700R4 transmission
3.55 Gears
1986 T-Bird power bucket seats
1984 Olds Toronado tilt steering column and leather wheel
Power front disc brakes
Early 70s Chevy 15" Rally Wheels
Dual exhaust with turbo mufflers
B&M shifter
605 Power steering box

[montmil]

A Tri-Five sleeper!

Cool. Gnarly patina. Don't paint it, just drive it like you done stole it.

[steve hawkins]

What is the plan?

Wheeler Dealers had one of these recently

You have to spend a lot of money to make it worth anything........

Too thirsty to run in the UK - I'd have to sell my house to drive it to work for a week.......Then I would not need it for commuting...As i would not have a house to commute from!

Cheers

Rev. Light

[montmil]

That GM 350 small block V8 with a 3.55 third member in the 57's relatively lightweight body will probably get twice the MPG than my 3.0L Ford F150.

Of course, Justin will have to "peddle" the car instead of beating up on new Camaros.

BTW, this weekend, the retro movie night at one of our local cinemas is American Graffiti. I'm in!

EDIT: Fumble fingers... the truck has a 5.0L / 300-inch, FI, 6-cylinder with a Mazda 5-speed tranny. Wish I did have one of the new EcoBoost mills. I bought my truck new 18+ years ago and it has less than 79K on the odo. Most reliable vehicle I've ever owned... just pitiful fuel mileage.

[Ed Miller]

Parts for that are a lot cheaper than BMW parts.  Unless the car stuff is more expensive than the pickup stuff.

[Luca]

3.0L?  That one of those newfangled ecoboost jobs?

Usually the truck parts are more expensive Ed.  Takes a bit more iron to make em.  More noticeable when you get into the 3/4 ton pickups

[montmil]

3.0L?  That one of those newfangled ecoboost jobs?

My error, Luca. Fumble Fingers should have posted 5.0L. Wish I did have the new EcoBoost...

[nhmaf]

That is one cool looking car, Justin!  
Admittedly, they DO require ALOT more money (And garage space) to make right, and to paint, etc.   One of the reasons I stayed with tinkering on old bikes and not old cars!

It will be great when you get it done - or drive as-is and everyone will think you are a teenager again!
 

[montmil]

Admittedly -and thank you, Jesus- Texas is not California. However, the "beater" look -well used patina and bodies cloaking upgraded suspension, brakes, motor, trans and other go-fast goodies- is upward trending in all the performance car rags that share space in my mailbox with the bike mags.

I'd add some crumpled up In-N-Out burger sacks in the passenger floorboard and call it good.

[Justin B.]

The last car I restored (completely) was a 1965 Impala SS396 and after the amount of money and work I put into it I was afraid to drive it.  I think this project will remain Rat-Rod.  Eastwood has "Rat-Rod" paint in several primer colors and I'm leaning toward the whole car in "primer grey".

Steve - my ultimate plan is to squeak 17mpg out of it and have a very comfortable car that is very easy to get in and out of!

[Ed Miller]

Justin, my '59 Chevy pickup 1/2 gets about 17 mpg, but that's with a 283 and a Rochester Quadrajet carb, and I keep my foot out of those fat secondaries.  That was before I added the Napco running gear, but I don't think the extra weight would really make that much difference, especially since I have locking hubs.  

[Justin B.]

I just swapped back to the Spreadbore carb and will see if it does any better than the vacuum secondary Holley.  I really want to try a Holley 4175 but the one I have on the shelf has an issue I haven't figured out yet...

[Bengt_Phorqs]

Justin, don't forget to add the bobblehead dog or Hula Girl on the rear window shelf.  And an old Crowley Eagles high school decal would make a nice touch as well.

[nhmaf]

I am still in awe of the dashboard - they are NEVER so nice in any cars up here without beaucoup investment in time and samolians.

Makes me recall the days when I was in college and my Dad and I were windows shopping used cars for me..  Came across a 67 Pontiac GTO hardtop with 396 and 3 deuces on it in a beautiful dark metallic blue and corvette wheels.   Man!   Did I want that car, but of course, it was totally impractical for a college kid in northern vermont when there is snow and salt on the road for 6 months out of the year..

[Justin B.]

My rear disc brake conversion kit and new Holley 4175 are here!

Mike, think of what that Goat would be worth today!