deathbound Posted September 5, 2011 Report Posted September 5, 2011 (edited) Well, after being down for about a year (since mid Sept last year), I finally got my '38 running again. Last Monday, I buttoned up all the wiring on a complete re-wire with an original wiring harness in very good condition (I did have to make my own headlight harness-as this was missing from the new to me wiring harness). I added an Offy dual carb intake with a pair of Carter Weber carbs & Langdon's cast headers earlier this year. I had to fabricate the carb linkage between my original linkage that runs across the back of the motor to the right side & the linkage Langdon supplies for the carbs. I made a block-off plate/gasket for the mech fuel pump & installed an electric fuel pump just ahead of the rear axle & ran all new fuel line from the tank to a Fenton fuel block-mounted on the firewall to the carbs (with a ball valve @the tank so I can shut it & disconnect it to drop the tank in the future). While I was at it, I installed new plugs, plug wires, cap & rotor. I also installed a NOS heat gauge (previous one was cut-now I what temp I'm running), my ammeter now works (didn't before), oil pressure worked, but my fuel gauge doesn't-need to look into that in the near future. NOW, the good part, back to last Monday. I get home from work, go into the garage, finish tightening up the last couple wires to the ignition switch. Re-connect the ground wire (battery has sat for the year without a tender). Turn the ignition switch on, push the foot starter.....it immediately roars to life-straight headers-no exhaust yet:D:D. Shut it down. I did nothing to the carbs, except bolt them on & install the linkage. Ran smooth, but still need to double check they're synched. Too late to call a muffler shop. Call AAA Tuesday, but can't arrange a flatbed tow. Make an appt. for AAA to pick it up Wednesday @9am....2pm, I call the muffler shop, it's ready (forgot my camera for the pics while it was on the lift:mad:. I get to drive it for the first time in just short of a year.-felt great:D:D. Thursday is when I did the plugs, wire, cap & rotor. Friday, re-installed the hood & hood sides, then washed the year old dust off. NOW, for the real test...drive it up to Ventura (from Long Beach) for the Primer Nationals/Beatnik Blow-Out Saturday. Saturday @6am, a couple friends come by in a '59 Biscayne. I go out to start the '38, it won't start:confused:. We jump it & check the battery, it's not charging. After checking a few things, I throw on an old voltage reg. I had laying around. It works & shows the battery charging now:D. We're on our way. Too late to make a long story short, but it ran great! Cruised @60-65 mph, even hit 70 for a second or 2. Made it there & back without a hitch. Next, go through the front suspension & install the front disc brake conversion I got from Charlie. Also, install the HEI I got a while back. If you got this far, thanks for being patient & reading through. Edited September 5, 2011 by deathbound Quote
Jim Yergin Posted September 5, 2011 Report Posted September 5, 2011 Great story. Congratulations. Thanks for sharing. Jim Yergin Quote
Cpt.Fred Posted September 5, 2011 Report Posted September 5, 2011 Good to hear it's back on the road! Just visited your profile, that's a fine looking coupe you got there Quote
busycoupe Posted September 5, 2011 Report Posted September 5, 2011 Congratulations! I hope that you have many trouble free miles. Dave Quote
Greenbomb Posted September 6, 2011 Report Posted September 6, 2011 That's great! Congrats. Now, just keep driving it. Quote
falconvan Posted September 10, 2011 Report Posted September 10, 2011 Sound like a good accomplishment. That's a lot of work done! Where did you get your HEI and how much did you pay for it? Quote
deathbound Posted September 10, 2011 Author Report Posted September 10, 2011 Sound like a good accomplishment. That's a lot of work done! Where did you get your HEI and how much did you pay for it? Thanks. Langdon's.....$190.00 for the HEI & coil. http://stoveboltengineco.com/index.php/catalog/store/#ecwid:category=361515&mode=product&product=1222043 Quote
deathbound Posted September 13, 2011 Author Report Posted September 13, 2011 (edited) Thought I would add some before & after pics....first few of the engine compartment. Edited September 13, 2011 by deathbound Quote
deathbound Posted September 13, 2011 Author Report Posted September 13, 2011 (edited) A few before & after of the wiring (first 2 are the old harness, 3rd is part of the new harness) & also newly fabbed dual carb linkage (from existing crossover shaft to supplied linkage @the carbs). Edited September 13, 2011 by deathbound Quote
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