Where to start with a build update that's a bit overdue?
For those who know the car and the build, it's progressed into an over the top hot rod build that's taken on quite a few one off custom twists as of late. Currently, we're manufacturing custom stainless exhaust using lightweight 321 grade stainless steel, some custom touches like a one off transmission mount, S/S drive shaft loop, carbon fiber drive shaft, custom built headers, coolant lines, and a custom interior. Pictures will be updated below, and video's are soon to follow as updates are numerous.
For those who are seeing this build for the first time, I bought the car as a rust free sedan that was restored once with a frame off back in 1987 by a previous owner. A dozen or so years ago, it was hopped up with a GM 430hp crate motor, TH400 trans, high stall converter and a 9" posi rear end. I bought it in 2010 because of an all original sheet metal body that was primarily rust free, and then decided after a few short months that it needed more power (or should I say way more power). Tear down commenced just over a year ago and since then it's received a complete frame off restoration, a full race drive line, modern brakes and suspension, strengthened chassis, roll cage, a custom paint job using House of Kolor 3 stage, and a ton of really cool little modifications that add a tasteful finish to this track ready hot rod. Here's an overview of the base car, what's been done to it, and whats left to complete before it debuts in a couple of months from now. Pictures are posted below with a link to over 225 shots of the project.
Complete body tear down - Dec 10 to Jan 11
Frame modifications with Williams 4 Link - Jan 11 to Feb 11
Sheet metal prep w/ Williams mini tubs and firewall kits - Feb 11 to Mar 11
Roll cage install with AME 8 point kit- Mar 11
Rotisserie body restoration - Apr 11 to May 11
Chassis restoration with modern suspension - April 11 to May 11
House of Kolor 3 stage paint job - June 11 to Jul 11
Home for build process and Blown BBC driveline install - July 11 to Aug 11
Wilwood 12" disk brake install (4 corners) - Sept 11
Rewire with all new electrical & accessories - Aug 11 to Oct 11
New glass install with power windows/locks - Sept 11 to Oct 11
BelAir stainless restoration and install October 11 - Nov 11
Rad support and blower clearance mods - Oct 11 to Nov 11
Complete 321 custom stainless exhaust system - Dec 11 to Jan 12
Complete custom interior design and install - Dec 11 to Jan 12
Stainless hard fuel and trans lines Dec 11 to Jan 12
Debut of car at upcoming World of Wheels - Feb 12
Numerous appearances throughout US & Canada 2012
Cudo's to Earle at Williams Classic Chassis Works who's been involved with this build since it began. He supplied me with many of the parts to complete this project including the sheet metal mods, suspension, brakes, steering, rear end and all of the mounts to get this big block fitting nicely. He's a patient man with excellent customer service and Earle's been great to work with from the start.
The car is nearing completion and should be 100% over the next 4-6 weeks. It's currently out for installation of a custom stainless exhaust system and I will soon plumb the fuel lines in matching stainless steel before firing this monster up for the first time. The car is finished in Black and Silver HOK paint with a blown 565 cubic inch big block, TH400 trans with 3500 converter, and a Currie 9" rear with Earles 4 Link and a set of his Mini Tubs. The wheels are a custom forged design from Boze, and the car is loaded up with power electric brakes, HID/LED lighting, power windows, locks, trunk, remote hidden filler neck, a one off custom interior and a 1200 watt Alpine audio system.
It should run high 9's to low 10's in the quarter, and will make the rounds in 2012 as a street driven & bracket raced show car. Hope you enjoy the pictures. It's been a lot of work getting this all done inside 12-14 months, but the fun is now about to start all over again as I now get to enjoy this monster build.
http://s1218.photobucket.com/albums/...ickel%20Build/