Sharps40

Getting ready to make a road trip next week. First I've seen the car since the final primer coat in Jan 18. Now she's blue, got a suspension and drive line and coming together. Hauling the bling. Spent the morning cleaning and putting the final touches on 80 year old stainless and chrome. Most is in very usable shape and exhibits sufficient shine. A mix of new and old, just like Dad could have done about 60 years ago. And, bringing back many of the excess parts and sheetmetal to get it ready to sell.

Gunsmithing. Here a Ruger blackhawk fitted with an 1860 colt tiffany grip including converting the colt trigger guard from flat to coil springs. The brass was a porus casting so not suitable for plating, but lends a look of age to the entire project. And a vaquero fitted with a brass insert front sight, 1860 colt trigger guard and back strap, and colt one piece walnut grip including all the spring conversion, satin rust blue and faux case colors, also lending the look of well cared for yet old..

link on the HAMB. Discission from folks who like it and those that dont along with the typical opinions from others that used racks from different vehicles. https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/fatmans-power-rack-and-pinion-conversion.140107/

OP.... I think i have a good solid not leaky one. I believe its the one that is 54 and earlier, has the tit and valve and elbow that bolts to the top of the water pump if i'm recalling correctly. If ya want a photo I can shoot one and if your just want it, price of postage. I should also have 2 fully functional nos 160F bellows type thermostats. Had em in hot water with a thermometer last year and they both opened at 160F. Shoot a pm if ya need to know more.

I'd recommend a .45 Auto but being as you're in England that might not be possible....so perhaps .455 Webley or one of those feather-light British Side By Side's in a 28 bore? But, sure do wish there was a way to power up a car with a Weed-burner electric fence box....jackasses' would only touch it once! Seriously, probably need to park it in close to the house, keep it locked and lit and at the least, remove the coil wire and rotor.

4 door ply and dodge that year are different. I know from attempted fitting of Plymouth rear doors to a dodge, the Plymouth/dodge rear doors are shaped differently in the arch and hinge positions and will not interchange. Also, ply is 3 or so inches shorter in the area of the rear vent window than the dodge. Don't recall if the running boards are different as well due to the reduced car over all length but, he'll have them for you/make them up from pattern.

Steel. Just a whisker over $500/$550ish delivered as I recall..... http://www.smoothiefab.com/

Running Boards are from Smoothie Fab, a local NC company. Blue is in place and now to topcoat (a panel, surrounded by the blue) with black bed liner so we can actually step on them getting in and out of the car.

Got some work to do with the tilt column. Its a bit long for the car. Not sure if we can shorten and put on a double d or have to go to an aftermarket column to get a more suitable projection past the dash board.

Bessy getting dressed with doors fenders and 300 horses...

http://www.automotivetimelines.com/blog/2017/09/06/polarizing-a-generator/

Beautiful Bessy!

No warp, been on the truck about 5 years now.

I used trex like composite product in mine. An aged silver/grey called something like beachouse cottage or some such. You can get it in thicknesses like 5/8, 3/4, etc. Got it at lowes. Perfect, no stain, machines like wood, wears like iron.

Yep. And the museum pieces are already in the museums. Have fun with it and if anybody is acting like a turd about your plans, tell em to go lay in the yard!

Build it your way. Modern ford driveline will make it powerful and responsive for modern traffic. The Independent front suspension should work when rebuilt, adding power disc will make it safer in modern traffic. Power rack if you can. Then, add some AC and you'll have comfort and reliability and a simpler ability to have it fixed should anything happen on the road.....go to the modern ford mechanic! For those that like lumbering along on a flathead six with truck gears out back and a clashing tranny double clutching midway between and the ever present worry in the back of their mind about breaking down/did I pack enough spare parts in the trunk for the trip....I respect them. They make a great choice for themselves....and themselves only. Go make a great choice for yourself! And whatever you choose, enjoy it. The 48 Special Deluxe Coupe is a serious contender in the Top 5 beauties of the post war period.

Running boards will also be B5 with black rhino liner to simulate the rubber mat. Dash and window frames also in B5 and offset by Burl Walnut Dash panel and the original chrome trim pieces. Original stainless trim on the belt line and hood should make the car pop. I picked up a NOS 37 Dodge Ram hood ornament to replace the heavily pitted original for $60 delivered. Chrome steelies with baby moons and wide whites. Final motor and transmission install with wiring and first start coming soon for 300 horse with AC. This is rapidly shaping up to be the car Dad wanted to build 60 years ago.....with a few modern amenities.

Ol Bessy is getting her makeup on! 2015 Dodge HellCat B5 Pearl Blue.

Finally got Dad to snap a pic of the color going on the car. 2015 HellCat B5 Pearl Blue.

Fire departments and folks that check air flow on ranges and other facilities use a glycerin smoke machine. Nice smoke, likely way less toxic. Maybe buy one (or google making one up) and attach it to the back bumper or something.

This is the thread. Many of the initial photos not functioning. Photo Host site issues. Some of the more recent 17 and 18 photos are still up in here.