Project Tetanus, my '66 coupe restoration

29255 Views 202 Replies 41 Participants Last post by xcelr8, 2 mo ago

xcelr8

Discussion Starter · Sep 17, 2015 (Edited)

8

After selling the Charger my late father and I built together I was looking for another car. Found this one online fairly local and had what I wanted, V8, stick, no power anything and was complete. Upon disassembly she had lots of rust issues and I thought about tanking the entire thing. Instead, maybe foolishly or not, I went back to my roots and dug into it. Sold some other stuff to buy the welder and tools needed and started disassembly in my garage. Here's her journey.

Car looked really great... they hid a lot of the wrong really well.

Started tearing her down.

Jig built and plan in place

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Nailbender

· #181 · 8 mo ago

I have it on good authority that your one wheel peel days are behind you with that center section, even with the GM additive.

Reactions: 1

xcelr8

Discussion Starter · #182 · 8 mo ago

Nailbender said:
I have it on good authority that your one wheel peel days are behind you with that center section, even with the GM additive.

Amen to that lol

It’s interesting as she wants the clutch let out faster now vs. the previous center. Maybe I’m just crazy. Otherwise so far so good.

Heading to cars/coffee at the old Studebaker plant on Hwy 2 Saturday so we’ll see where the rpm’s settle at cruising speed. It was about 2700’ish around 60mph when I took it for a short test run today. Hibernation is fast approaching.

xcelr8

Discussion Starter · #183 · 8 mo ago

2

Some fun shots I took on the way to an early cars/coffee at the old Studebaker proving grounds near South Bend today. Had all of Hwy 2 to myself.

Tire Wheel Vehicle Car Land vehicle

Tire Wheel Vehicle Cloud Sky

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Nailbender

· #184 · 8 mo ago

I can't believe you did that! Don't try that on a weekday!

xcelr8

Discussion Starter · #185 · 8 mo ago

I tried Hwy 94 but was too busy 😂 j/k

Reactions: 1

Nailbender

· #186 · 8 mo ago

I love driving through New Carlisle on 20 going to autocross at the Rack. What a perfectly quaint little town. Didn't Oprah pay for that when she lived out that way?

xcelr8

Discussion Starter · #187 · 8 mo ago

Been driving that same route for 20 years to/from TRack, know it well. I need to get a similar pic of the car across the street in downtown New C. More traffic there though.

There was a small group of guys from the Michiana Mustang group at coffee today. They were not that friendly. I’ve had similar experiences with other members from that club. Weird.

She had a house long ago between Springfield Township and Rolling Prairie near the Michigan line. It was sold probably 10 years ago.

Reactions: 1

Nailbender

· #188 · 7 mo ago

I was fortunate enough to see the fruits of @xcelr8 's long labor of love today! Amazing what the younger folks can do with a basket case! It might not be a SEMA winner, but a beautiful car nevertheless. He is and should be proud of what he has accomplished. A beautiful day for a last cruise. Although his car sounded like a pup pulling in the driveway, it sounded very impressive while leaving down route 8! Hopefully I can get him to show up for work on Sunday in South Bend next year and go for a ride in mine.

No pictures or it didn't happen. While we didn't do a photo op I do have security camera footage. Heroin, and drug related crimes related to it are a big deal around here in the middle of nowhere, sadly.

Plant Car Road surface Infrastructure Vehicle

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Doodles66

· #189 · 7 mo ago

Yeah his project is my “idol” as I have the same starting block and nearly the same end desires!

Reactions: 2

xcelr8

Discussion Starter · #190 · 7 mo ago

Didn’t realize it but I made great time (despite the detours) per your video time stamp 😂

Beautiful day in northern Indiana to go for a cruise and see a buddy. If any of you get a chance to meet Nailbender he’s a super cool guy that really knows his stuff. His ‘65 is my favorite. Have him give you the tour. It’s quite impressive. Now I know it will make it to work and back I’ll join ya for an event or few next season 👍

I started this spring driving the car for the first time in ten years not knowing if I’d get past April without problems. She’s been amazing and I truly enjoy seeing the smiles it brings people. I met so many cool car enthusiasts, like Mr. Nail, and younger kids who are keeping the hobby alive that it makes all those cold Sundays in the garage welding without a heater worth it. Hats off to the many forum members that helped me over the years navigate through what seemed impossible. We have a great community here.

Back in the garage, cleaned and under cover till April. I already have a list of things to tidy up, but till then here are two end season pics.

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xcelr8

Discussion Starter · #191 · 7 mo ago

2

Wheel Tire Vehicle Car Hood

Wheel Tire Vehicle Car Hood

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Caper50

· #192 · 7 mo ago

That's a bitchin ride man. Your posts have often kept me motivated as I worked my way through my own project.

Reactions: 1

xcelr8

Discussion Starter · #193 · 7 mo ago

Thanks bro! I know we were kinda neck and neck during our builds. Pretty much crossed the finish line at same time.

Reactions: 1

xcelr8

Discussion Starter · #194 · 6 mo ago (Edited)

8

I was the dd for my wife and a group of her friends that spent a Saturday wine tasting in SW Michigan

and had forgotten how close Lane Automotive was to us. Seeing that they sell Scott Drake stuff, I asked if they could order my Shelby hood so I could pick up, thus avoiding freight costs to my house. I was in no rush and they said no problem and it would be included with an upcoming freight delivery. Three weeks later it was here and I took a day off work today to go get it.

I don't have another brand to compare it against, but I'm quite happy with it overall. The metal frame is riveted and bonded in various spots to the outer shell and the whole piece is very rigid. There are some low/high spots on the surface you can feel running your hand over it, but a lot less than I was expecting. Air intake is nicely finished and they left no flash behind. It weighed in at 37 lbs on a digital USPS scale.

There are some small things like mold markings on the underside that will need filled to look right but whatever. For under $550 I'm pretty happy.

Then I dropped off my driveshaft to a shop in Portage for balance and u-joints. The owner was pretty concerned and pointed out the grooves and wear marks at the yoke. He said it was from the seal etc. at the trans tail being worn out and the yoke moving around over years like that. The trans was rebuilt and new seal in the tail, so I'm confident we're over that issue, but I told him to put a new yoke on it as well.

So, overall a productive day in the off season. Perfect example of a car never being finished. Paint/body pics for the hood will have to wait till April which is fine given the price he quoted me

Shelf Shelving Eyewear Retail Customer

Tableware Drinkware Dishware Fluid Rectangle

Hood Automotive design Automotive exterior Bumper Tints and shades

Kitchen appliance Rectangle Gas Wood Automotive exterior

Rectangle Automotive exterior Bumper Material property Font

Automotive tire Bicycle part Automotive exterior Rim Bumper

Hood Automotive tire Fender Wood Tints and shades

Hood Automotive exterior Vehicle door Bumper Ceiling

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Reactions: 3

Caper50

· #195 · 6 mo ago

xcelr8 said:
Decided that yesterdays rainy cold Sunday was a good excuse to pull the open 2.80 rear end and install the 3.40 posi unit. Not the easiest job by ones self on their back, but it got done. Unfortunately, the weather and power going out just after I finished kept me from test driving. Things are looking better for today though. Sat overnight and no leaks this AM, so as long as there are no problems driving I can mark this off the list. Anyone need a perfectly good 8" 2.80?

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So whatcha got there? Details please. I've been thinking about a 2 wheel tire toaster too lately.

Caper50

· #196 · 6 mo ago

xcelr8 said:
I was the dd for my wife and a group of her friends that spent a Saturday wine tasting in SW Michigan and had forgotten how close Lane Automotive was to us. Seeing that they sell Scott Drake stuff, I asked if they could order my Shelby hood so I could pick up, thus avoiding freight costs to my house. I was in no rush and they said no problem and it would be included with an upcoming freight delivery. Three weeks later it was here and I took a day off work today to go get it.

I don't have another brand to compare it against, but I'm quite happy with it overall. The metal frame is riveted and bonded in various spots to the outer shell and the whole piece is very rigid. There are some low/high spots on the surface you can feel running your hand over it, but a lot less than I was expecting. Air intake is nicely finished and they left no flash behind. It weighed in at 37 lbs on a digital USPS scale.

There are some small things like mold markings on the underside that will need filled to look right but whatever. For under $550 I'm pretty happy.

Then I dropped off my driveshaft to a shop in Portage for balance and u-joints. The owner was pretty concerned and pointed out the grooves and wear marks at the yolk. He said it was from the seal etc. at the trans tail being worn out and the yolk moving around over years like that. The trans was rebuilt and new seal in the tail, so I'm confident we're over that issue, but I told him to put a new yolk on it as well.

So, overall a productive day in the off season. Perfect example of a car never being finished. Paint/body pics for the hood will have to wait till April which is fine given the price he quoted me

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I was wondering about the quality today. I'd love to put one on my car too, was on Cobranda looking at them today. So does it look like it will take much filler on the top? Shipping for me is going to be the killer.

xcelr8

Discussion Starter · #197 · 6 mo ago

Caper50 said:
So whatcha got there? Details please. I've been thinking about a 2 wheel tire toaster too lately.

When @Nailbender moved to a 9", he was kind enough to sell me his 8" center section. He can correct me if I remember wrong, but it's a Trac-Lok posi with 3.40 gears and a billet yoke. Unsure on the ring/pinion brand but Custom Built Ford 9 Inch - Custom Built Ford Rear Ends built it originally. It had some fun track use prior to me and I had zero issues this summer running it. Tossed my speedo way off so I'll need a new gear there. No more one wheel peel so I'm happy!

Caper50 said:
I was wondering about the quality today. I'd love to put one on my car too, was on Cobranda looking at them today. So does it look like it will take much filler on the top? Shipping for me is going to be the killer.

The areas I see needing the most filler are the outer two inches down each side (front/back). Otherwise there's one or two maybe high spots (one to left of the scoop and one pass front corner) that will need knocked down or floated out. True test will be blocking it the first time, but whatever it ends up being it is. Haven't put it on yet as I just got it today, but will after the holidays. I thought it was going to be a disaster given reviews online, but most of them are a couple years old so maybe the quality has improved. Dunno.

To block/paint the hood, blend tops of fenders and cowl, repaint one of my headlight surrounds (cause theres a healthy run in it compliments of the first paint guy) and shoot a couple small areas on my lower quarters I don't like he quoted me $3k.

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Reactions: 1

Nailbender

· #198 · 6 mo ago

xcelr8 said:
I was the dd for my wife and a group of her friends that spent a Saturday wine tasting in SW Michigan and had forgotten how close Lane Automotive was to us. Seeing that they sell Scott Drake stuff, I asked if they could order my Shelby hood so I could pick up, thus avoiding freight costs to my house. I was in no rush and they said no problem and it would be included with an upcoming freight delivery. Three weeks later it was here and I took a day off work today to go get it.

I don't have another brand to compare it against, but I'm quite happy with it overall. The metal frame is riveted and bonded in various spots to the outer shell and the whole piece is very rigid. There are some low/high spots on the surface you can feel running your hand over it, but a lot less than I was expecting. Air intake is nicely finished and they left no flash behind. It weighed in at 37 lbs on a digital USPS scale.

There are some small things like mold markings on the underside that will need filled to look right but whatever. For under $550 I'm pretty happy.

Then I dropped off my driveshaft to a shop in Portage for balance and u-joints. The owner was pretty concerned and pointed out the grooves and wear marks at the yoke. He said it was from the seal etc. at the trans tail being worn out and the yoke moving around over years like that. The trans was rebuilt and new seal in the tail, so I'm confident we're over that issue, but I told him to put a new yoke on it as well.

So, overall a productive day in the off season. Perfect example of a car never being finished. Paint/body pics for the hood will have to wait till April which is fine given the price he quoted me

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That hood looks impressive, considering the source! If you need some weekend help fitting it don't be afraid to ask. I think the steel sub structure will be a plus in being able to bend it to lineup the fenders!

Reactions: 1

xcelr8

Discussion Starter · #199 · 6 mo ago

Thanks! With the detached garage not heated and the $ they want to paint/fit I think I’ll let them do it it in April. For 3k I shouldn’t have to do anything. Right now it looks cool against the wall in our bar room next to your moonshine 😅

Bigger question is it strong enough to avoid the use of hood pins. I need a good Midwestern north/northwest wind on the way to your house to test it. Pretty sure April/May can deliver that.

Nailbender

· #200 · 6 mo ago

xcelr8 said:
Thanks! With the detached garage not heated and the $ they want to paint/fit I think I’ll let them do it it in April. For 3k I shouldn’t have to do anything. Right now it looks cool against the wall in our bar room next to your moonshine 😅

Bigger question is it strong enough to avoid the use of hood pins. I need a good Midwestern north/northwest wind on the way to your house to test it. Pretty sure April/May can deliver that.

It looks like it might have enough structure to support 80 mph? I think I would look into retrofitting a dual latch system before hood pins if it was my car. Thanks to your big mouth I've had to add a few more goodies to the holiday basket for the new sheriff. In jest! Don't knock the door down and break my nose on the sidewalk again like the last guy!

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