Not so new news anymore... but I got my car running 'bout month ago. During four months period, engine and trans got new life. All works was made by me, with just minor help from other people.
Original thought was to paint car, but when I was working with engine, I noticed that that idea was born dead... So now I had trans -plus- engine to repair.
New camshaft was needed, so I did not want to use old lifters anymore. New chain and gears were easy to replace at the same time. Chain is same one that big block Ford uses.
Old oil pump wasn't much worn out, but because I was already working on this, and parts were reasonably priced, I thought "whatta heck, I'll buy it"! New oil pump was installed...
Freeze plugs -which I had installed in 2004- were totally rusted out, few of them already spillin' water through them. Well, new freeze plugs were used. Also, I reworked heads. All valvetrain parts were cleaned also inside. Took quite a lot time to clean heads in and outside, waterpassages were cleaned also.
New waterpump was bolted on. Wouldn't need to, but my hot rod has same engine, and '57 had aluminum waterpump on it, so it was replaced with cast iron one, so aluminum one can now be polished for '31.
New fuelpump was also used, because I had one unused layin' around in my garage. Old one worked, but was spittin' oil out sometimes...
New paint! Parts which are being hidden here, were painted earlier. Colour is not any already mixed colour, it was mixed between two already available colours, plus all metalflakes changed to bigger ones.
Reworked tri-power carbs also. It's simple as one-two-three. Anyone saying something else is wrong.
Put it all together... Looks great!
It is '57 364 cid nailhead with Offenhauser 3x2 intake (cast in 2002) ,vintage carbs, Eelco linkage, Offy fuel block, unknown fuel pressure gauge, vintage Mallory Rev-Pol distributor, valve covers designed by me and cast in Finland, and valley pan by me, cast in Finland. Polished all aluminum myself, including intake and distributor...
Between them rails again!
First start!
Home at last! Got car running on tuesday, registerated in wednesday, and on thursday we went on a little trip to Sweden! So it was kind of hurry... Drove about 1000 kilometers, most of it in rain without wipers, and got back home also. It seems that engine and trans repairs were succesful!
Photos from Sweden trip coming later...
Sounds like you had a lot of work! But I guess, that is nothing when you see the fruits of your labor. And in your case, it’s to see that classic auto up and running again! There is certainly some satisfaction to see that you can still make old things work like your car. It maybe a little costly and time-consuming, but in the end, it is time and money well-spent. :-)
VastaaPoista-Erwin Calverley
Thank you for your words, Erwin! ;)
VastaaPoista“All works was made by me, with just minor help from other people.” Well, isn’t that an exhibition of independence and pure skills? Kudos! Your car is indeed looking good! :) Always have it checked and cleaned, from its engine to its exteriors. :)
VastaaPoistaTyra Shortino
Thank you for your kind words, Tyra!
VastaaPoista"exhibition of independence", never thought it that way, but yes, that is what this repair seemed to be.
After seeing how you handled the engine like a pro, I can say that you certainly are skilled when it comes to cars! I think all the work and effort you gave was all worth it after seeing your car run smoothly after. They say you can never truly enjoy victory if you didn’t get your hands dirty, so I’m sure you felt good after that!
VastaaPoista@Michelina Douglass