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Post by lo51merc on Mar 3, 2021 21:10:47 GMT -5
This is just about the last of my ancient builds. This one is from September/October of 1965 and I guess that would make it an original release. I still have the body, interior and dashboard, glass, custom grille and the chassis that no longer has the high front suspension part (sawed off). There were no wheels or tires but I have an older reissue (parts) that I'll be using the Cragars from, which might be what I had used in 65 if they were in the kit back then. For tires I'll be using the AMT Blue Streak slicks and F-60 15's in the front if they're OK here. As I built it, it had the custom front and rear pans welded in place. I've removed the rear pan and have a rear bumper from a wagon kit. I have a stock 65 bumper/grille from the wagon kit that goes in an old build that i'd rather not strip it away from. I'd like to go with the stock bumper/grille and would ask if there's anybody out there with an extra one that they can part with. I got rid of most of the 55 year old paint except for some of the black which I hope will also loosen up. The new frame I'm gonna use is from the previously mentioned parts kit I have and it now has a jacked front like the old one.I have no idea where the engine from my first build has gone, and only a couple of pieces remained in the parts kit. I scrounged around and was able to come up with a complete blown "small block"engine for it. I have "small block" in quotes because this sucker is tiny! The body was stripped of all trim, handles etc., and the rear wheel openings were radiused. The dealership on the side was a place I worked back in the early 60's and Smitty was the best mechanic there. I may try to replace all the lettering with decals on the new version. Have a look......Gary Hosted on FotkiHosted on FotkiHosted on FotkiHosted on FotkiHosted on Fotki
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Post by chepp on Mar 3, 2021 23:10:40 GMT -5
Nice start. I remember that kit back when it was new but I don't have any parts from it or others from that time but I'm sure that someone will have a front bumper/grille to send to you. Since the front roll pan is already in place and you have the custom grille, I think that would be fine alternative, especially if you add some quad round headlights in the stock location. I like your idea to re-spray the color and make decals with similar lettering. It's nice to have a connection with the past.
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Post by Duane on Mar 3, 2021 23:49:03 GMT -5
great start Gary; your '65 is gonna be kick ass !
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Post by falconwagon on Mar 4, 2021 17:13:12 GMT -5
nice start
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Post by lo51merc on Mar 5, 2021 20:09:02 GMT -5
Here's the picture of the wagon grille. Still need it. Thanks, Gary Hosted on Fotki
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Post by lo51merc on Mar 10, 2021 11:10:53 GMT -5
I've got the stance dialed in, and really like the way it looks. What I did not like is that tiny looking Chevy smallblock in that big engine compartment. Say, what if I change that little engine for something just a wee bit bigger, and also from a kit that was available in 1965. Solution, there's a fairly decent HEMI in the Double Dragster kit. I'm gonna use that then! Now that's what I'm talking about. The valve covers on it are a pair that I've had for many, many years and for that reason plus the fact that they look darn good, they're the ones I used. What Gasser class would this baby run in? Anybody........ Hosted on FotkiHosted on FotkiI made a bed cover but haven't got a picture of it in place yet. Thanks for the feedback, Gary
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Post by 41chevy on Mar 10, 2021 12:58:10 GMT -5
Cool build! I would think B/G or A/G depending on the weight break. There was at the 2018 or 19 HRM Drag Week a Blown Hemi Ranchero running A/Gas . . low 9's @ 150 +mph. Could possibly even fit in S/SX. Paul
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Post by lo51merc on Mar 10, 2021 16:09:03 GMT -5
I would really like to have an injected engine here, but then I would have to buy another kit for those parts. Or I can go with a blown injected version with the kit parts. Hilborn injected would be cool though.
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Post by lo51merc on Mar 11, 2021 11:46:31 GMT -5
Been thinking as to how can I do the injected version with the parts I have. I have 8 of what look to me like injector stacks. They're all the same and look very old. I must have gotten them in a junk lot at some time. I could conceivably use the Hemi log manifold as a fake injector setup and glue the stacks into it. It would look the part......sort of,yes? Feedback please. Thanks, Gary
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Post by lo51merc on Mar 11, 2021 23:12:20 GMT -5
First here is the tarp over the bed, and the location of the hole in the hood is roughly laid out. Hosted on FotkiNext, the reason for the hole in the hood. I am gonna use the 8 carb log manifold to sub for injectors from the Hemi parts. The stacks are still soaking in the purple juice. The 2 small tubes between the left and right side injectors will be removed. I also removed the inner fenders, but if they're required for Gas class, I can replace them. The front motor mount isn't complete to the frame yet. Hosted on FotkiLastly is the inspiration for my fuel injection setup. Hopefully it will serve the purpose. Hosted on FotkiComments guys, come on! Gary
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Post by 41chevy on Mar 12, 2021 10:15:21 GMT -5
If you use just the individual carb bases and not any of the connecting tubing between them and make some type of valley cover, it would be a respectable injection set up in my eyes. Nothing looks better than stacks! Paul
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Post by lo51merc on Mar 12, 2021 11:13:49 GMT -5
What doesn't show in the picture is the valley cover that goes with that log manifold. The detail on it is very weak to be sure. Thanks for the comeback Paul. Gary
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Post by lo51merc on Mar 14, 2021 10:47:06 GMT -5
Here's a very preliminary picture showing the injector stacks poking through the hole in the hood. I'm not very happy with the diameter of the tubes so I probably need to think of a remedy. Thanks for looking in, Gary Hosted on Fotki
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Post by Dave from Pleasanton on Mar 14, 2021 12:27:30 GMT -5
Here's a listing on eBay for a 392 Valley Cover. If you google Chrysler 392 valley cover and then select image you will see a number of aftermarket versions with fins if you want to go that route. I agree that if you remove the cross tubes on the log manifold it would be close enough. If you removed the connectors between each port and rounded it off it would be much closer but that is a lot of work. I think your El Camino would run in A/G. A/G was 5.00 to 8.99 pounds per cubic inch. According to Google a 65 El Camino weighed 2930 pounds plus a couple of hundred pounds for the hemi and dividing that by 392 would give you 8 pounds/cubic inch. It would have been a very uncompetitive gasser. OBTW, a great build.
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Post by lo51merc on Mar 14, 2021 16:15:10 GMT -5
Dave, that DD kit valley cover is glued in place already but I thank you for your input. A/G it will be, thanks! Uncompetitive huh. So after it's first few race losses they switched to a blower. Could happen! Gary
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