Im sure you are having fun installing all the new shiny clean pieces. Quite rewarding for all the hard work that has been done. What rate springs are on the coil overs. Ive considered using them on my modified "stock" style suspension for the adjustability factor but am also considering airbags with an accuair controller. I'm sure the car will ride well, and stop nice with those big rotors. Thanks for the updates.
I had the SP400 rebuilt last week and now have it coupled to the 425 and in the chassis. Also had all my brackets powder coated 60% black. Here are a few pics.
Ross, All I have done so fare is smooth the casting slag then give them a quick run through the blast cabinet. I have yet to smooth up some of the pitting in the castings then I will have them ceramic coated in the cast color.
I decided to build my exhaust next. First step was to build my exhaust tips. I picked up another parts car that had a nice set of bumper ends that will work great for my mock up. I used a piece of 2-1/2" SS .063 exhaust tubing for the tip and then slipped a piece of 2-1/4" SS .063 exhaust tubbing inside to complete the tip. These two will get tig welded and use a band clap to attach the tip to the rest of the 2-1/4" system. To finish off the tip I will tig weld a piece of 1/4" SS round stock around the perimeter.
Thanks for the complement.. I picked up a nice little 35 Ford 5-window coupe in July. I made a few changes to the coupe and then took the summer off and drove the crap out of it and my other cars while I was waiting for my rear end on the Buick. Here is the chassis pretty much done.
It appears you are having more than your share of fun Good on you !! The Chassis is looking very nice, the attention to detail is nice to see.
I got started on the exhaust this week. I bought my supplies from Columbia River Mandrel Bending. http://www.mandrel-bends.com/catalog/?gclid=CO3LiIvB5LoCFRFxQgodpwoAow Great people to deal with and they are fairly close by in Saint Helens, Oregon so I was able to run down there and pick up my stuff. Original exhaust was 2". I was able to bump the exhaust manifold flange out just a hair on a friends exhaust machine to accept 2-1/4" mild steel 16 gauge tubing.... The original system also used ball socket/flange fittings but I decided to use the V-Band Clamps for a cleaner look. I also made some hangers for the front that basically imitate the flange hangers that were used originally stole the rear hangers off my 57' Olds parts car for where the exhaust exits the rear of the X-member. I had some nice conveyer belt material from one of the log mills lying around so I used it to make the rubber straps. Here are a few pics.
Okay got a few more things done. Got the exhaust all fit and tacked in as well as the tailpipes. I ended up just doing a bologna cut on the tailpipes. I think it fits the bumper ends real nice. I used 1957 Oldsmobile hangers just before the exhaust exits the "X" member and had to clearance the floor boards slightly and cut the end of the bracket to fit. I made all the other hangers. Also got the buckets mounted. I made plates with studs similar to what like GM did then tacked them to the floor for now. Also picked up another parts car today. 1957 Buick Century 2dr ht.
Thanks for sharing the progress photos. It's making me realise how much work I have ahead of me. :grin: Where did you source your body to chassis rubber mounts? Are you using original style or an aftermarket replacement. Pictures / details always appreciated.
Ross, I used the original style mounts. I bought all but 3-sets from another member here that had some extras from his project. The others I purchase from Steel Rubber. Thanks for the complements. Got the seat tracks mounts all welded in. They tie into the floor braces.
Thanks for the bump...:grin: Guess I need to update this. I have been busy with some of my other cars and then Spring sprang so had to get the yard in order. I finished up the exhaust and the body goes on the rotisserie this week. Here are a few pics.
Thought I should give a update on this project. I put this project on hold to do another quick project that I thought I would make a nice driver but it ended up a frame off rotisserie. I started it in January 2015 and am just finishing it up now hoping to have it done in the next few weeks and then will get back on the Buick. Here are a couple pics of the current project.
Ross, Sorry I took so long to reply. I'm just now getting back to the 57 and will post some updates soon. There were a couple things I needed so I picked up another parts car. Will post a add in the for sale section for that vehicle.
