jclars

Thanks - I have both gasket and studs waiting in the wings. Its the stuck studs that worry me, especially the three broken off at the head surface which may need drilling. And what if there is more to come? Not expensive if I can do it myself, but how to hit dead center on drill out? So payload might be in line with the passenger + cargo of a 4 door sedan. At least 500# extra, plus the difference in wheelbase. I think they both had the same frame and drive train from what I've studied, but no weights listed in the sedan category either.

Good info! But every bolt?? Oh well, It was not a runner when I got it, and quite frankly, my intent was a different powerplant anyway, so low probability that this motor will get revitalized. It was only because it started up so easily that I pursued what I thought would be a few quick fixes for a runner. At $1250, I guess I was expecting too much! I take it that there is no official data on what makes a business coupe a hauler? Any extra payload given all the added cargo area?

Thanks for the encouragement! After twisting off three almost flush to the block surface, I decided to drill the heads off the rest. Giving me at least a shank to work with. These are the most stubborn I have ever faced, and so many. There is evidence of some sort of gunk on the three I got out - Loctite? But so far no progress. I will also be looking to weld oversized nuts on the heads to give something to grab onto. I was actually not looking for a project as I have one I am in the middle of. But when it actually started I thought it would be fun to drive around. Now I can't even move it easily! And I have a new water pump, head gasket and bolts already invested in it. Oh well, I keep doing those things you mention in passing, as I putter on the other project. A pic of the car, as I found it. Almost looks like a staged barn find, except this was a typical scene throughout this mans hoard.

Last September, while still on vacation, a friend sent me a pic of a business coupe for sale. I recognized the place immediately and regretted I would not be home for a couple of days. But it waited for me! It has a bit of history. Owned by famous Mopar sponsored drag racer Dave Wren, it was one of two drivers he used before passing away the year before. As it turns out he had about six of them scattered over his farm, most of which looked like a parts source for the others. They sat out in an open field with many of his 70's era racing cars. I was lucky enough to get one that had been indoors for awhile at least. I got it running within a couple of days, but when I replaced the water pump, the extra flow blew out a weak spot in the head gasket. It went downhill from there, with 3 head bolts removed, 3 broken off and 18 still stuck in the block. Anyway, I haven't decided fully what to do with the thing as it came to me unexpected. For the 1 mile I was able to drive it, it sure glided along! These have always been an attraction to me reminding me of those little armored sowbugs that seemed to float along as they moved. My first question is how these business coupes were outfitted for the travelling salesman. I cant find any pix or examples. I understand there were even shelving systems available like for a cargo van. And in relation to that, what was their payload? Is this stated on a published spec sheet? Thanks in advance, John