Engine primer and paint

The Drive Train

Joann and I spent last Saturday stripping the engine getting it ready for paint. With our upcoming move to Nashville we figured it would be easier to move the rolling chassis with the engine and transmission installed.

Next the transmission.

We finished with the rear suspension today. Installing new rear axle bearings and seals.

I have added some additional pictures showing the re-built front and rear shocks. I put the final coat of paint on the steering rack, so tomorrow we plan on doing the front hub bearings and installing the steering rack.

Front Suspension and Rear Suspension Complete

Joann busting knuckles!
We used a ratchet strap to compress the spring.

Finished RH side

Joann cleaning parts.

Suspension assembly

I started to assemble the front and rear suspension today and I'm missing some hardware. The rear springs and the front swivels links need to go to the machine shop on Monday to fit new bushings. I took the differential coupler off to replace the oil seal, good thing I did the outer bearing on the main shaft was badly worn. The internal bearing and the internal gears looked to be in good shape. So here is a couple pictures of the frame and nicely power coated. Also, some pictures of the front suspension with the new bushings installed.

My little helper

My wonderful wife pictured here lifting the body......I just wish you could see the expression on her face. What would I do without her?

Oil Trough Arkansas and Rockhard Powder coating

Joann and I set off this past Saturday morning to drop the frame and assorted parts for sandblasting and powder coating. Barry found this place in Oil Trough Arkansas (population 218)... about a 2 hour drive from Memphis. Well worth the drive for excellent work resonably priced. Tadpole.... the owner really helped out by being open on a rare Saturday. The frame needed some welding done and Tadpole's High School buddy is a welder just down the street that fabricates some of the finest dirt track frames in the area. So new Battery Boxes and a few things the previous owner had welded in place that could have been a roll bar will be taken care of. He will also be fitting the front frame extension by squaring up the front end of the frame.

Tadpole even offered to let us drop the trailer at his shop. Thanks to everyone at Rockhard Powder Coating for your friendly first class service!

I have started to clean the frame up before taking it to a sandblast and powder coat. I knew that the car had been in a collision at the left hand front. Today after the rear suspension and rear end were removed it was very apparent that the frame has a definite twist. Looks like I need a good frame shop!

The frame is upside down in these photos.

Ok Back to work...It kinda looked like Christmas in the driveway today. I unpacked the sheet metal parts along with the new grille and frame extension.

The transmission cover and frame extension will go along with the frame for powder coating.

Front Suspension removal

6 Hours later! Most of the parts had not been apart in 52 years.

Front Suspension

Back to work today. A before shot of the front suspension.

Found these along with some DMV registrations in the rear storage pouch. If this is correct the engine has just a few thousand miles on a fresh rebuild.

The mystery bracket. What the heck is it? Just behind the spring shackle on both sides. Did this have something to do with racing? There is some evidence of a roll bar that was welded behind the drivers seat.

This photo shows some "Rocker Rash". The inner and outer sills, Dog legs and Door shut pillars will be replaced.

Also a front end replacement kit complete with lower valance and grille.

Car number plate.

Our car is an early model 1958 in Orient Red.

The engine number matches the block.

Polite people don't point.