New build thread; 48 Plymouth

[falconvan]

I guess I need to do some serious thinking about this; it could be really radical but definately more high tech than anything I've ever attempted. Not something I want to rush into by any means. Cutting up a Corvette, even a high mile, low resale valued model is a big descition.

[Dave Severson]

I guess I need to do some serious thinking about this; it could be really radical but definately more high tech than anything I've ever attempted. Not something I want to rush into by any means. Cutting up a Corvette, even a high mile, low resale valued model is a big descition.

Not for me!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I hate chebbies and love to cut up Vettes!!!!!!!!!!!!

[falconvan]

You're crazy, Dave! OK, after checking this out it looks like building a vette equipped chassis is going to be a little out of my skill level and price range so I'm going to fix the Vette. Back to the Plymouth; I'm going to have a tranny built for it next week. I was going to give it a shot myself but decided I have enough to do without having a 700r4 tore apart all over the bench. Using the 700r4 behind an LS style small block requires 1 of two things; either an adaptor hub for the early style torque converter hub to fit the LS style flexplate, or a special torque converter that fits the LS flexplate and early trans without the use of an adaptor. Has anyone done this and does it really matter which way you go?

[falconvan]

Finally finished my son's Firebird and put the 48 back in it's rightful spot. Also made an even trade yesterday with the blown up Vette for a 2002 Mustang. It's just a six clyinder/5 speed but it's nice and will make a good daily driver. I'm just happy to get the Vette out of my hair without gettin $$$ hurt too bad.
I picked up the 700 R4 transmission for the Plymouth from the shop; they built it with heavy duty internals, one of TCIs new constant pressure valve bodies, and a 2200 stall. he said it should be good for 500 hp which should be plenty. Next step is to redo the rack and pinion setup, plumb the frame and get the drivetrain set in place. And clean of the 2" of dust, of course.

[falconvan]

Time to redo the steering and hopefully get it right this time. I bought the brackets for the Cavalier rack from Fatman's. First thing is to cut off the other brackets I had made. The plus was that I found out my welds had penetrated pretty well. Here's everything cut off, the new rack, and a cool little sheet metal brake I picked up on clearance at the local farm & feed store for 50% off. I dont need it for this but I'm sure I'll find something to use it on.

[Dave Severson]

Looking good, Falcon! Steering should work out great... The brake looks like a Clark??? Got one of them that I've had for better then 10 years!!! Bought it cheap and it's paid for itself many, many times over....

[falconvan]

Looking good, Falcon! Steering should work out great... The brake looks like a Clark??? Got one of them that I've had for better then 10 years!!! Bought it cheap and it's paid for itself many, many times over....

Yeah, I've had a Clarke mig welder for about 7 years and other than being really finicky about the groung wire, it's been a good machine. I couldn't pass up a decent looking brake for that cheap.
I'm going to have to call Fatman's tech line; their directions could use some better pictures but I'm sure it'll work out fine. You're Camaro is really looking good, too! What ever became of the chopped Bronco II you were working on?

[Dave Severson]

Yeah, I've had a Clarke mig welder for about 7 years and other than being really finicky about the groung wire, it's been a good machine. I couldn't pass up a decent looking brake for that cheap.
I'm going to have to call Fatman's tech line; their directions could use some better pictures but I'm sure it'll work out fine. You're Camaro is really looking good, too! What ever became of the chopped Bronco II you were working on?

The Bronco II is in the back garage, next on the list when the 'maro runs..

[moparjack44]

A 392 Hemi/727TF would have looked, and fit great.
Did in my 48 DeSoto.

At least, not cookie-cutter !!

[FMXhellraiser]

Looks like your project has come together great! Did you ever get the steering figured out by Fatman's? If they gave you problems, just let me know, he is about 35 minutes or so from my house and I will give him a talk on not screwing around with falconvan!

[falconvan]

Looks like your project has come together great! Did you ever get the steering figured out by Fatman's? If they gave you problems, just let me know, he is about 35 minutes or so from my house and I will give him a talk on not screwing around with falconvan!

No, I got Cavalier rack and cut off the MII I had first installed but I havent gotten back to it for a while. I'm working on this weird old panel truck right now but hopefully we'll be back on the Plymouth in a few months. Just got a little sidetracked like I swore I wouldn't. Fatman's has been really helpful, though. I talked to them a few times and they took the time to listen and help me with the setup.

[moparjack44]

Falcon, if not for the enemy "sidetrack", its amazing what we would be able to get done. Hang in there, it'll all come together in time.

Jack

[falconvan]

I know; staying on one project from start to finish would be the best way to get it done but who can stand to do that? Do I hear an AMEN, Dave?

[1954merc]

falcon,
How's the project coming?

[falconvan]

It's kind of in dry dock right now until I finish this shop truck I'm working on. I'm looking forward to getting back to it this spring. Thanks for asking!