1950 Chevy Fleetline "Fiddie"build

[srcracing]

Here is a couple pictures of the 1950 Fleetline, I picked up in Knoxville, Tn. 1 family car, sat in a barn from 1975ish to summer of 2013. I picked it up in Nov. 2014, got the engine un frozen, rebuilt the front suspension and added disc brakes and 12 volt conversion. Drove it to some local shows why I gathered parts for "part 1" of it's Pro-Touring build.

[srcracing]

This was after the front suspension rebuild, drop uprights, disc brakes in front, dual reservoir master cylinder, and 3" blocks in rear

[srcracing]

Now in precess with "part 1" of the Pro-Touring build. 6 cylinder engine, 3 speed transmission,, and leaf springs out torque tube, rear differential and leaf springs out. LS1 with 4L60E trans in for mock up, 9" rear axle with 3.50 gears, and 45" truck arms and coil overs going in.

[Motown 454]

Nice upgrades! That cross member looks sturdy with the tube over and the mount under it. Does this have a split drive shaft?

[srcracing]

Nice upgrades! That cross member looks sturdy with the tube over and the mount under it. Does this have a split drive shaft?

This car originally had a closed driveshaft (torque tube) it will be a single aluminum driveshaft when I am finished.

[srcracing]

Tires and wheels. 18 x 9.5 fronts with Nitto Invo 275/35-18 and 19 x 12 rear with 345/30-19 Nitto Invo

[srcracing]

HRE truck arms, and 9" housing. Going to start building the cross member today. C5 brakes should be delivered on Tuesday

[srcracing]

Brakes can in today, time to get back to work!!

[sdg0080]

You're off to a good start. The nice thing about the c5 brakes is if you ever want to upgrade just go to c6 z06 brakes. They bolt right up.

[srcracing]

Making more progress. Going after the rear frame narrowing for the 305/35R19 tires on the 19x12 wheels. Got car sitting on wooden blocks close to ride height.


121678

[srcracing]

cut inner fender wells out, and removing a portion of the frame rails.

[srcracing]

set new tire and wheels in place to see how it will look.

[srcracing]

Trunk view of the new tire/wheel package.

[srcracing]

getting the removed frame rails prepared to go back in place 4" inboard.

[Godbolt]

I like this a lot! Very cool car and nice work. Looking good.

[Pt109]

Wow, this is cool. it makes me regret selling my '37 chevy coupe. However I love the '66 Chevelle I am now working on. consider this build subscribed!! I love these kinds of projects. Bruce

[wfo guy]

Good start. Paint or no paint?

[srcracing]

I like this a lot! Very cool car and nice work. Looking good.

Thanks

[srcracing]

Wow, this is cool. it makes me regret selling my '37 chevy coupe. However I love the '66 Chevelle I am now working on. consider this build subscribed!! I love these kinds of projects. Bruce

Thanks, I've always wanted a car like this, but I was always torn which way to go with it. I believe this will be the best way!

[srcracing]

Good start. Paint or no paint?

For the time being it will stay "patina" but some day it will be painted. A guy told me at the first car show I went with it, " it will only be like this once" Now I am going to paint the undercarrage, and engine bay now.

[srcracing]

Re installed the frame pieces today

[srcracing]

started to box the steps in the rear frame. Didn't finish today, ran out of material and Argon...

[Jetfixr320]

This is going to be a great build.

[srcracing]

Started a rough mock up of the rear suspension. 9" ford with 45" truck arms.

[srcracing]

Started to build the truck arm cross member.

[srcracing]

Still have to finish boxing the crossmember, the next pieces will go where the card board templates are.

[srcracing]

Almost have the truck arm cross member finished, just need alittle more welding...

[srcracing]

Also worked on the track bar and mounting...

[srcracing]

Well, I've been working on the car, and my internet was down at the house, so I haven't posted any up dates, but I will try to catch this thread up. Rear frame welded in, painted and final install. 31 spline Moser axles, G Force posi unit, and Strange nodular case, check.

[srcracing]

`Got my parts from Tobin at Kore3.com all I can say is THANK YOU! they are great people, and great parts....

[srcracing]

Well, I finally have it back on it's wheels! I can feel it getting closer to back driving, Can't wait!

[srcracing]

Now it is time to get the engine bay ready to get the power installed. Holes in firewall welded shut, sections of firewall hammered and dollied for engine clearance, and paint

[srcracing]

Finally got the engine assembled. 01 LS1, bored .010, with SpeadPro flat top pistons, Comp Cams custom grind, ported 241 castings, Holley muscle car oil pan and mellings HV oil pump. Should make some good power!

[srcracing]

Engine sitting in the engine bay, finally....

[srcracing]

started to put the front sheet metal together, Flaming River steering column installed. And love the Holley fuel rails on the tralblazer intake!

[srcracing]

Check out the reflection in the hood.... Kinda freaky....

[Godbolt]

Very cool! Nice progress.

[srcracing]

Very cool! Nice progress.

Thanks! I'm still running behind. I wanted to take it to Cruisin the smokies next week, not going to make it with the car. Oh well, next year. Have to use a rent a car this year, lol!

[srcracing]

Dakota Digital VHX instrument cluster, Flaming River tilt column, and Lokar shifter installed.

[srcracing]

Well, getting closer, finally on all 4 wheels, and most of the front sheet metal back on! Love the stance!!

[wfo guy]

Good progress. I know there's about 3 million things left but you're doing all right. :)

[syborg tt]

Saw the car on Facebook last night and I have to say I freaking Love it !!!!

I totally want to build something like this or just let my 70 Patina like this car.

Great work and please post some updates.

[Motown 454]

So much progress since I last check in. The car looks great with the wheels a tires at that ride height. Nice work.

[srcracing]

Been working on thew car a little at a time. Here are some up dates. Built mounts and installed a power rack and pinion

[srcracing]

Well she is off of the lift and on the ground . Also ran it acrossed the scales! I was pleasantly suprised. Now it still has some more parts to be installed, but looks like I should be able to keep it under 3,100 lbs. which is my goal! Balance looks pretty good front to rear also.

[srcracing]

Started working on the engine bay. TrailBlazer intake with Holley injectors and fuel rail, 102mm throttle body. 3 row aluminum radiator, aluminum shroud and (2) 12" 2100 cfm fans. Air intake tube and stainless coolant lines.

[srcracing]

Went to the Daytona Rod Run and ordered smoothie bumpers from the BumperBoyz.com, and bought some LED lights from Rodworkz.com Here is some test pictures, of the tail lights. Driverside is LED, passenger side is stock lens with 12v standard lights

[srcracing]

Had to modify the transmission tunnel to clear the 4L60E and Lokar shifter assembly. Fits great now!

[srcracing]

Modified my stock lower control arms to work with the new QA1 coil overs, and a small notch to clear the wheel on hard turns. First picture is a stock arm and the modified next to each other. I made new 1/4" plates and sandwiched the stock control arm, after cutting out the old spring locator. With the 2 plates sandwiching the stock LCA, they should be able to handle the stress of hard cornering.

[srcracing]

Finished the front brake caliper mounts to the original spindles. Now the C5 ZO6 brakes should be ready to do work! Just have bleeding brakes left. Another thing off of the list.

[srcracing]

Moving back to the interior, mounted the Lokar shifter boot, gas pedal, cable to the throttle body, and a grant steering wheel. Last picture is my buddy Chuck, scraping more sound deadener and under coating. Se have been scraping a ton of that stuff off of this car....

[srcracing]

Installed new ProCar seats. Love these seats for the look and the way they feel like they will hold you when AutoX. Got my RaceQuip 6 way harnesses also. Interior is getting close.

[srcracing]

Punch out list getting short, almost have this thing ready to run and drive.

[srcracing]

Have the engine bay just about finished up. Fuel injection and ignition wired up. Complete vehicle wiring harness done. Fuel system in engine bay done. Cooling system plumbed. Cold air intake tube done.

[JohnJ@RideTech]

Nice build man! I really like the way the wheels look. Good to see someone utilizing the factory front suspension instead of swapping to a Mustang II.

[srcracing]

Nice build man! I really like the way the wheels look. Good to see someone utilizing the factory front suspension instead of swapping to a Mustang II.
don't like the roll center of the MKII front suspension. But I will eventually swapping for a C5 front suspension for better autoX and better roll center numbers.

[srcracing]

Nice build man! I really like the way the wheels look. Good to see someone utilizing the factory front suspension instead of swapping to a Mustang II.
I need to call you guys. Want to get a rear sway bar, and I see you guys are making one for the C10 truck arm rear suspension. Maybe we can work one out to fit my car....

[srcracing]

Got my flex fuel sensor today, I'll hook it up to my Holley HP so I can run E-85, or any blend that I want or find if I'm out cruising.

[drmatera]

Damn George, she is coming along great. Watching you thrash on this thing has lit the fire under my ass to finish my '65 GMC truck. Can't wait to see it in person, I'm planning on dragging the wife up to the Cruising event.

[srcracing]

Damn George, she is coming along great. Watching you thrash on this thing has lit the fire under my ass to finish my '65 GMC truck. Can't wait to see it in person, I'm planning on dragging the wife up to the Cruising event.

Can't wait to see your truck done, we will have to go cruising.... Plans to take #thefiddie to LS Fest in Bowling green, in Sept.

[Godbolt]

Love this build, it really is a fantastic looking car. The lines on it are beyond stylish. Great job.

[srcracing]

Love this build, it really is a fantastic looking car. The lines on it are beyond stylish. Great job.
Thanks, man your Mustang build is really awesome, great job...

[srcracing]

Been a while since I posted pictures of the progress. So I'm going to get this thread caught back up. Made the new filler panels to fit the new fuel tank which is going to drop in from the top.

[srcracing]

Aluminum fuel tank, baffled with fuel door to servive the lines and Holley HydroMat. 26 gallons for those long cruises and HRPT'18. Plus E-85!

[srcracing]

Fuel tank being installed.

[srcracing]

Fuel tank installed, with VDO fuel sending unit.

[srcracing]

Addco front anti-roll bar for the stock front clip, 1" the largest I could find.

[srcracing]

Had BumperBoyz.com in Ca. make a set of one piece "smoothie" bumpers. They delivered them to the Daytona Spring Rod Run for me. I think they look awesome.

[tterbo]

Wow, the car is coming out really nice. And so close! Definitely giving me inspiration to get out in my shop and work on mine. Love the stance. What is your rocker height at that stance?

[Pro-Buick]

Nice build, the patina is looking good with big wheels, are you gonna leave the chrome on the wheels or go for a more sinister look with a matt dark grey ?

[srcracing]

Nice build, the patina is looking good with big wheels, are you gonna leave the chrome on the wheels or go for a more sinister look with a matt dark grey ?

Staying with the Patina and the chrome wheels for now. Would like to change to 18" all the way around for better tire selection, but right now just need to get it on the road and change the automatic to a manual transmission now.

[srcracing]

Wow, the car is coming out really nice. And so close! Definitely giving me inspiration to get out in my shop and work on mine. Love the stance. What is your rocker height at that stance?

Thanks, I'm out of town right now, but will measure the rocker height when I get back in town. Your 53 will be pretty awesome when you are done!

[Larry R]

Great build, I am impressed with your creativity and workmanship.

[Peanut1959]

Sorry if I missed something obvious, but how do you fill the tank?

[syborg tt]

At first I said no no no on the new bumpers as I love the patina. However, I have to be honest you were right the new bumpers look awesome and I hope to see this car in person one day as I would love to build something like this next.

[srcracing]

Sorry if I missed something obvious, but how do you fill the tank?

I put two threaded nipples in the side of the tank, 1) 1 1/4" and 1) 1/2" and connected them to the original vehicle filler tube.

[srcracing]

At first I said no no no on the new bumpers as I love the patina. However, I have to be honest you were right the new bumpers look awesome and I hope to see this car in person one day as I would love to build something like this next.

My plan is to slowly replace all chrome with new or near new, but leave the patina. This way people will see this is the way I planned the look, instead of just being lazy and not painting the car. It's the same as under the hood, completely painted and near perfect, and all stainless hardware everywhere.

[srcracing]

Great build, I am impressed with your creativity and workmanship.

Thanks! Can't wait to get it on the road and some autoX events and see how this all works out.

[Motown 454]

The bumpers look really nice on there, with the patina they fit right in.

[tterbo]

Well she is off of the lift and on the ground . Also ran it acrossed the scales! I was pleasantly suprised. Now it still has some more parts to be installed, but looks like I should be able to keep it under 3,100 lbs. which is my goal! Balance looks pretty good front to rear also.

This is awesome! I was hoping I could keep my '53 under 3200 as well. I knew it felt pretty light rolling it around the shop but I am really surprised just light it is...

[srcracing]

Well, back from vacation with the family, but we are slammed at work, so only had time to add 1 piece of chrome to #thefiddie Hopefully I can get back at it next weekend

[tterbo]

Love it!

[srcracing]

Plumbed fuel lines, battery cables, and fuel pump

[srcracing]

Well I now have the left side exhaust system tacked together, now just have to match the right side to this, finish welding it up,and hang it for good. Had to run the exhaust down the outside of the frame,because of the truck arm crossmember, and the fact that the originalframe is pretty tight around the transmission area. Great news is that there is a ton of room on the outside, and it is completely tucked up, and can not be seen.

[srcracing]

Got all of the cooling fans wired up this week. Only have a couple more wires to hook up, and all of the wiring will be finished. Should be getting the engine running before the end of this month! Cannot wait, I really want to get in this thing and lay some rubber!!!

[Motown 454]

Nice progress, your getting a lot of stuff buttoned up. Great job.

[srcracing]

Nice progress, your getting a lot of stuff buttoned up. Great job.

Thanks! Your ride looks good also...

[tterbo]

Great progress! Can't wait to see the "first drive" video! Lol.

[ryeguy2006a]

Love this build! Great work!

[srcracing]

Well, finally got the other projects caught up, and life calming down. Got back to work on #thefiddie. Exhaust completely welded, hangers installed, and wide band exhaust sensor bungs installed. Going over all of the systems checked, put fuel in, and get ready to start up the engine. Only 18 days till LS Fest in Bowling Green, so I better get this thing running and test driven....

[srcracing]

Well, after 1 year and almost 11 months, #thefiddie is outside in the fresh air, under it's own power. Last minute thrashing to get finished to go to the LS Fest in Bowling Green next week.

https://www.facebook.com/landisgeorgek/videos/10214196603097943/

[srcracing]

Here's a couple pictures sitting on the drive on lift. New rocker moldings added. I will adjust the ride height a little lower, but I have a rim to LCA issue when turning, so for now this is it. Also the alignment will not be the best for the autoX and road coarse, but the next upgrade will be a C5 front suspension to fix these little issues.

[Tincup]

Very cool....

[tterbo]

Awesome! I know it's a bandaid fix but can you just run spacers for now on the front end to help your rim-to-lca clearance? Also, I meant to ask a while ago, what rack and pinion are you using?

[wfo guy]

Kool!

[srcracing]

Awesome! I know it's a bandaid fix but can you just run spacers for now on the front end to help your rim-to-lca clearance? Also, I meant to ask a while ago, what rack and pinion are you using?

Well, I already have rolled the fenders, so spacers would put the tires into the fender when turning. Right now they just clear. After the LS Fest, I will re address this. With the coil over springs I have right now, the adjuster is all the way down against the compression knob. So they will need to be cut. As far as the rack goes. I built mounting brackets from blueprints that are floating around the internet. It uses a later model X body. I believe mine is out of a 1995 Grand Am. In the junk yard, you can spot this rack by the tie rod/spindle arm mounted high on the strut., and the rack mounted to the firewall, not the cradle. http://www.how-to-build-hotrods.com/rack-and-pinion.html

[srcracing]

Here are a couple shots from tonight, before a test ride.

[tterbo]

Crazy cool. Won't be another one like it at LS Fest, that's for sure!

[srcracing]

Here's a video fromthe Holley LS Fest 3S Challenge in #thefiddie



https://youtu.be/NZxFG8OxKzI

[srcracing]

For the Grand Championship, we had to run the autoXcoarse, 3S challenge and make a couple quaurter mile passes, here is the fastest pass in #thefiddie 13.011 @ 106.75


https://youtu.be/5_QLdG1mTkY

[wfo guy]

Nice!

[srcracing]

Here is the best passon the AutoX coarse at Beech Bend


https://youtu.be/FVKPbAV9Xe4

[tterbo]

Awesome! This is inspiring. How did the car feel at speed at 106mph? It looked like you are getting pretty decent traction with it, what was your 60 ft/time? How much negative camber were you running for the autoX? Sorry for all the questions, lol.

[srcracing]

Awesome! This is inspiring. How did the car feel at speed at 106mph? It looked like you are getting pretty decent traction with it, what was your 60 ft/time? How much negative camber were you running for the autoX? Sorry for all the questions, lol.

The car proformed great, but the factory front suspension only allowed -.75 camber and -.5 caster, not the best. As far as the 60 ft. after we ran, I saw in the data log that the knock sensors were picking up the valve train noise, so it was leavingthe dtarting line with 12 degrees timing. With that it was 1.95 60ft. it is fixed now,and when the local track opens up from Irma, I will see how it is now.

[srcracing]

A couple pictures I found on Lateral-G.net

[tterbo]

Great to see pictures and video of it in action. Can't wait to get where you are with my project.

[srcracing]

Some pictures from the LS Fest

[srcracing]

Well, now that the car is outside of the garage, and hit the streets and race track, it will be out in the elements. So I am wanting to seal up the metal and patina to perserve it. I've been told about a metal coating called Penetrol, which was available at Home Depot. Watched a few Youtube videos, decided to try it out. Here is the car with it done, but not completely dry. I'll post the dry photos if it changes the appearance.

[hfernon]

Just saw this car and Palm Beach Cars and Coffee. Really neat job, I've always loved these old Fleetlines

[JayinMI]

Just saw this car and Palm Beach Cars and Coffee. Really neat job, I've always loved these old Fleetlines

You wouldn't happen to own a chopped VW Volksrod would you?

Jay

[hfernon]

You wouldn't happen to own a chopped VW Volksrod would you?

Jay

That would be my father, very cool you recognized the name though! Cant wait to see what you do with this car next.

[srcracing]

I will be at the Daytona Turkey Rod Run on Saturday if anyone wants to meet up. Will be parked in the infield of turn 4 near the tunnel turn, with the car club asphalt misfits.

[cornfedbill]

I love the old Chevy Fleetlines. My dad had a black '49 years ago.

I have always thought they would make good pro-touring cars. This is a very good example. Good work.

[srcracing]

Wired up the GM Flex Fuel sensor a couple weeks ago, here are some pictures of the computer and dash on the first drive with E85 in the tank. When I loaded the maps in the Holley HP computer, it showed the current fuel in the tank at 8% ethanol, which was pump 93 octane from RaceTrac. So the tank already had between 5 and 8 gallons of the 93, I added 15 gallons of E85from my local RaceTrac station and the computer showed about 65%. Everything looks great, ran good to, and the learning table showd almost no correction, so it is good to go!

[Autobahn-Outlaw]

Very nice car and work ! One of the best bodys is the 50.
I own a 1950 Pontiac and i am thinking the same suspension/frame modification in the next winter.

Why is it better to fit a C5 frontsuspension than a Mustang 2 ? And is it your next work ?
I will follow.
Thumps up from Germany!

[andrewb70]

Well, now that the car is outside of the garage, and hit the streets and race track, it will be out in the elements. So I am wanting to seal up the metal and patina to perserve it. I've been told about a metal coating called Penetrol, which was available at Home Depot. Watched a few Youtube videos, decided to try it out. Here is the car with it done, but not completely dry. I'll post the dry photos if it changes the appearance.

Any more pictures and info on Penetrol?

Andrew

[USAZR1]

A good friend of mine here in town built a really nice 50 Fleetline, with 454" big block, 4L80E, and Ford 9". He passed away earlier this year but I haven't heard what happened to the car.

[FloridaDave]

George
its nice to see this project come from its humble beginnings to what it is today!Every time I drive by your car when its outside, it makes me want to sell my jeep and build a street toy again...what limits me now though... is a place to do it and the funds to do it the way I want to...Bring it up to PBIR one wed or friday night and see me in tech...would love to admire your hard work closely and then see it run down the track. I know its not the pro mod your used to driving...but I bet it's a blast! LOL I just realized I have been lurking on this site for nearly 5 ys and your car finally made me post my first post! :-)

[srcracing]

George
its nice to see this project come from its humble beginnings to what it is today!Every time I drive by your car when its outside, it makes me want to sell my jeep and build a street toy again...what limits me now though... is a place to do it and the funds to do it the way I want to...Bring it up to PBIR one wed or friday night and see me in tech...would love to admire your hard work closely and then see it run down the track. I know its not the pro mod your used to driving...but I bet it's a blast! LOL I just realized I have been lurking on this site for nearly 5 ys and your car finally made me post my first post! :-)

Thanks Dave for the kind words. I saw on FB you are working out at PBIR. Was out there for the last SRMS evewnt on the Kart track for the autoX. Guess it's timeto hit the drag strip... Maybe this Wednesday.

- - - Updated - - -


A good friend of mine here in town built a really nice 50 Fleetline, with 454" big block, 4L80E, and Ford 9". He passed away earlier this year but I haven't heard what happened to the car.

That sounds like a fun ride...

[srcracing]

I love the old Chevy Fleetlines. My dad had a black '49 years ago.

I have always thought they would make good pro-touring cars. This is a very good example. Good work.

Thanks!

[srcracing]

Any more pictures and info on Penetrol?

Andrew

The Penetrol seems to work well. It has dulled down about 10%, everyone likes the finish it left. You can google it, there are alot of videos and forum discussion about it on raw metal.

[srcracing]

A buddie brought over the Chevy High Performance magazine, Feb. 2018 and #thefiddie made the LS Fest 2017 article.

[srcracing]

Very nice car and work ! One of the best bodys is the 50.
I own a 1950 Pontiac and i am thinking the same suspension/frame modification in the next winter.

Why is it better to fit a C5 frontsuspension than a Mustang 2 ? And is it your next work ?
I will follow.
Thumps up from Germany!

My personal opinion is that the C5 front suspension will have a better roll center, than the Mustang II front end. At least that is what I believe, and the manufacture of the C5 supframe, doesn't have any geometry numbers, except that everything is in the stock location, just a bit narrower. I'll post the roll center numbers when I get the parts. As far as the next up grade, I have a T56 transmission, Quicktime bellhousing, and a Ram RXT dual disc clutch set up. Hope to be putting that in before the end ofthe year.

[ryeguy2006a]

So cool to see it all done. Impressions of the Holley EFI?

[grendel]

Hmn, I have a C6 front and rear suspension, a destroked LS2 and a paddle shifted 4L80E... you're making me think of another project. Been looking at these and Pontiac Chiefs

[srcracing]

So cool to see it all done. Impressions of the Holley EFI?

First let me say that I was an Accel DFI EMIC (Engine Management Installation Center) since 1995 and a Master EMIC from 2011 till when Holley bought them out. The Accel DFI Gen.7 system was a great system when it was released in 1999. However it is a dinosaur now. The Holley System is un believable! It is very adaptive, the self learning really works great! And with the programmable digital inputs and outputs, you can drive anything you want. I just added a GM flex fuel sensor to mine, and it works fantastic. I really love the E85 @ 2.00/gallon. And my 11.0 to 1 LS1 loves the octane! If anyone has the Accel DFI and needs parts, or tuning support, I am still helping people out with it, and I have all of the schematics for the wiring harnesses, so I can make up accessory harnesses if needed. And untill we run out of parts, we can repair ECU's. Also hit me up for great prices on Holley Performance brand products.

[srcracing]

Hmn, I have a C6 front and rear suspension, a destroked LS2 and a paddle shifted 4L80E... you're making me think of another project. Been looking at these and Pontiac Chiefs

Sounds good, we need to get more of these cars out there!

[srcracing]

Finally had time to rebuild the T56 transmission and do a mid shifter conversion. Replaced a bunch of questionable parts, sowe have a great new to me unit. Cleaned up the cases, so it looks new. Then re assembled the transmission.

[srcracing]

Time to remove the 4L60E transmission and install the T56. Have some of the conversion figured out, but since I don't know anyone who has done this kind of conversion, not sure what problems I will encounter.

[srcracing]

bellhousing and McLeod RXT clutch installed. Had to notch the seat brace in the floor to make room for the F-body shifter cover. I believe that I will be making a new transmission crossmember, couldn't see a desent way to modify the old cross member, besides, with it not modified, I can re sell the old one.

[srcracing]

I;m using a Wilwood master cylinder, and a mount bracket I designed and had cut out for me. It will sit in between the brake master cylinder and the brake mount, which will locate the clutch master. A new push rod and hiem and it will connect to the original 1950 Chevrolet pedal assembly. Driveshaft will have to be shortened by 1", and fab a new cross member.

[wfo guy]

All my hot rods have manual trans. I sure enjoy them more than autos. I'm sure the effort will be worth it. :)

[cornfedbill]

I can't own a car with an automatic because my teenage daughter who has only driven a stick, with a few exceptions, will harass me too much.

[Motoracer838]

Cool build, The first car I remember my parents driving (early 60s') was a Green fleetline (come to think of it, that's the only color I've seen them in)...

Joe

[srcracing]

Decided to just build a complete new transmission cross member

[srcracing]

Here I have the cross member painted and installed, getting closer. NSRA Knoxville is a week away, have to get the car finished...

[ryeguy2006a]

Very nice! Any pictures of how the MC connects to the clutch pedal?

[srcracing]

Very nice! Any pictures of how the MC connects to the clutch pedal?

I used a master/clutch adapter mount from Chassisengineeringinc.com, other companies make them also. This mount allows a late model master cylinder to mount to the original swing pedals {original clutch is a mechanical rod actuation}. Then I made the mount in the pictures above to hang the cluch slave to the mastercylinder mount. In the second picture, you can see the linkage going from the original swing pedal, to the clutch slave.

[srcracing]

Got the shifter installed, with the CoreShifter, Hurst stick and whiter shifter ball, and a super cool nomex Racequip shifter boot.

[andrewb70]

Looks great. I use that same shifter boot on my Cougar. I took a razor blade and got rid of the red tag, so it looks cleaner.

Andrew

[srcracing]

The 6 speed is awesome, check out the RPM's at 80mph, 1720! unfortunitly I missed the NSRA Knoxville event. However, it is all on for the LS Fest in Bowling Green. So the C5 vette front end is going in next. Then a Holley hi ram intake and headers, new springs and front and rear sway bars. I have to get on it!

[andrewb70]

Looking forward to seeing the car and meeting you at LSfest!

Andrew

[Autobahn-Outlaw]

Very very nice conversion ! The Nomex shifter boot makes the car more faster, exspecially the 50s bodystyle. I like it very much !!
I am looking forward on the C5 frontend and hope you make enough pics at the LS fest for the guys, who cant be there and have a to long driving way to it, lol.

[Toxic38]

That's awesome! Is that a chrome stick? If it is, I hope it doesn't fade with palm sweat.

[srcracing]

Looks great. I use that same shifter boot on my Cougar. I took a razor blade and got rid of the red tag, so it looks cleaner.

Andrew

I like the race car look with the Racequip tag, plus I am buddies with the owner of Racequip and a dealer for them, and worked on a bunch of their cars in the past, so I'm loyal to them...

[srcracing]

Looking forward to seeing the car and meeting you at LSfest!

Andrew

Can't wait for LS Fest, last year I was a newbie, so this year, i'm going for it, running the Grand Champions group... Definitely let's hang out.

[srcracing]

Very very nice conversion ! The Nomex shifter boot makes the car more faster, exspecially the 50s bodystyle. I like it very much !!
I am looking forward on the C5 frontend and hope you make enough pics at the LS fest for the guys, who cant be there and have a to long driving way to it, lol.

I'm hoping to really make a splash with some quick times, so everyone knows an early 50's can run with all of the camaros, etc.

[srcracing]

That's awesome! Is that a chrome stick? If it is, I hope it doesn't fade with palm sweat.

Yes, that is a real Hurst chrome stick. Hope it stays nice as well!!

[srcracing]

Here is the new front suspension I am installing....

[Tims68Olds]

This is a seriously cool ride. Nice work. New frontend will be very nice.

[egoman]

Could you give me the details of the shocks and springs you are using here? I am under way with a project that this info would be very helpful. Thanks in advance.

[srcracing]

This is a seriously cool ride. Nice work. New frontend will be very nice.

Thanks, it has been a blast driving this thing. Next stop LS Fest in two weeks!!

[srcracing]

Could you give me the details of the shocks and springs you are using here? I am under way with a project that this info would be very helpful. Thanks in advance.

QA1 DD303 double adjustable coil over shocks with bearings. Springs are 7HT650, 7" high travel 650lb.

[srcracing]

Out with the old suspension

[srcracing]

New sub frame installed, had to cut some of the inner fender out for the install. I hid all of the front wiring in through the front sheet metal, so I decided to not remove the front clip for the install.

[srcracing]

Had to install engine mounts and installed A arm, spindles, and QA1 coil overs.

[srcracing]

Back on it's wheels, for corner balance, roll center math, wheel alignment, and measuring for sway bars

[srcracing]

#TheFiddie is a little heavier than I wanted, but there is time for Jenny Craig later! Total weight is with me (200#) and 20 gallons of fuel,so it could be worst. Spring selections worked out good, however the new front suspension will not work at my front ride height choice, so I will have to modify the upper coil over mounts, for now, and relocate the lower control arm mounts on the frame. Sway bars from Speedway Engineering should be here on Wednesday,so I should be ready to load up Labor day and head to LS Fest in Bowling Green. By the way, the car was 3540# at the 2017 LS Fest, with the old suspension, with 0 camber, 1/2 caster, and no rear sway bar and automatic. So I'm hoping for a lot better times this year!

[FLYNAVY53]

Somehow just stumbled on this build.....VERY COOL!

[Peanut1959]

I love "wolves in (bad ass) sheep's clothing" rods. Carry on!

[egoman]

QA1 DD303 double adjustable coil over shocks with bearings. Springs are 7HT650, 7" high travel 650lb.
Thank you very much. It's good info that is available from other builders.

[ryeguy2006a]

Love this build! Can you tell a little bit more about your new front suspension? Who makes it?

[srcracing]

Love this build! Can you tell a little bit more about your new front suspension? Who makes it?

The front sub frame came from www.Chevsofthe40s.com I like the kit, just wish they had more information about the kit, before I bought it. They had no idea of ride height or roll center, and no instructions. I was told to watch their video, which is a bare frame in a garage, with really no information, plus the hardware was the wrong size and grade 5. The Rack and Pinion that comes with the kit is a custom Uni-steer, and the driver side of the rack had a casted D shape mount, and the rack comes with U bolts and saddles and it will not work as delivered. When I called Uni-steer, they had no idea, and the mounts came from them. Now that being said, I fixed all odf these problem my self. And since I had no where to dis able the car, I couldn't build it right now my self, so for that I'm OK with t

[Autobahn-Outlaw]

Does it work and do you have more news ?

[srcracing]

Does it work and do you have more news ?

Been really busy since I got back from LS Fest, so I will post more info soon. Here is a couple pictures from the event. Over all I'm happy with the performance of the car. My driving needs a tune up, but finished 16 out of 49 entrees in the vintage class, 90 and older, all makes.

[nitroracer]

Awesome! Great to see the car in action!

[Motown 454]

That's a good finish.

[srcracing]

Well, it's been a while since my last post. Been working on building a new shop at my house, so work on #thefiddie has taken a little back seat. Our local race track has started an autocross group to run the 4th Friday night of each month on their Go Kart track. This has proven to be great for sorting out my driving and tuning suspension, gearing and tires. i went out for the first event and was pretty slow, saw it was time to loose the Nitto INVO tires, and a rear gear change was needed. The 3.50 gear in the rear axle was the correct gear for the 4L60E transmission I had when I first got the car on the street. But even at the last LS Fest, I knew it was the wrong gear for the T56.

[srcracing]

Well after the last event I knew we had some small changes to make. And since the county was dragging there feet on the permits for the garage, I switches gears and went to work on #thefiddie. I have 315 and 335 BFG Rival S for the car, but that requires 18" rims all the way around, and now wasn't the time to buy new wheels, and I still haven't found the design that I like. So, a friend turned me on to Bridgestone RE71-E, they come in more sizes and they make a couple sizes for the 19" wheels I have on the rear, so I bought those, and while I was at it, I added 4.10 gear to the rear axle. Also at the beginning of the year I bought the RacePak Vantage CL2 autocross data logger. So at the next event, with some driver adjustments, new tires and gear change, I dropped 5 seconds off of the previous event times. Very happy with that.

[srcracing]

Well I still haven't completely figured out how to use the RacePak Vantage CL2, I did learn some interesting things about the last autocross event. First was I had the car in the wrong gear. I ran the track in first gear, once I tried to up shift in one section of the track, but there isn't alot of straightways, and that didn't work out so good. And I was hitting the rev limiter in a couple places on the track, but I thought my rev limiter was set around 6100 rpms. Well the next day I looked at my engine tune in the Holley EFI and saw the rev limiter was set at 6800 rpms. So that shows I should have been in second gear for the whole track. So with that info I am looking forward to this months event!

[srcracing]

Here is an in car video from my pass that night, there is more on my youtube page.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JOuhUabVcwY

[srcracing]

Well, looks like I found the common problem with the corvette spindles and or hubs. Looks like I need to get the SKF X-Tracker hubs to replace mine for the front suspension. https://www.instagram.com/p/ByLWR7bn6AP/?igshid=1fwu5sa9xz6qn

[Peanut1959]

Thanks for the update! Glad you're getting it sorted out and fine tuned.

[srcracing]

Went back to Palm Beach International Raceway for another autocross. Here is a couple current pictures of the car, getting ready to attack the coarse.

[srcracing]

Well I added more negative camber to the car, and chased a new tire pressure gauge that I'm sure is not even close to the old one,so I had to make many adjustments, but it was enough to win the V8 N/A class and be 9th overall. 10 car in class, 4 late model Corvettes, and 5 mustangs. If anyone know how to flip these pictures, they were correct on my computer, but when I upload them, they flip. I tried a bunch of things, but can't seem to correct it.

[srcracing]

Here is a link to a video from the autocross event.
https://photos.app.goo.gl/GjuAawujeLx59yfn6
There are some Facebook live videos on my page. facebook.com/landisgeorgek

[jc70chevy]

I absolutely love this car definitely inspired my build

[srcracing]

Well with the pandemic, and I started a new shop. Instagram @landis.performance.center email [email protected] in January 2021, and I'm currently booked with work till October! I have done a couple things to the car, went to GoodGuys Rod and Custom show in Nashville and autocrossed. First thing I did, was make some aluminum door panels, for the upcoming interior job. Figured these would last longer than the cardboard ones, plus looked a little better for the GoodGuys show. I put bead rolls to mimic the stainless trim (which was missing)

[srcracing]

well I wore the Bridgestone RE71tires down pretty good, and went to purchase new ones, but they discontinued the 305/30R19 I used on the rear wheels. So that led to looking for replacement brand. I had some used 335/30R18 BFG Rival S that I wanted to use, but never could figure out the wheels I wanted. Then a buddy offer up new C6 Z06 rotors, pads, and calipers, that I couldn't resist. So I found MRR replica wheels, they only had Black, but the price was right. So new 18x9.5 front and 18x12 rear, ordered (2) BFG Rival S 275/35R18 for the front and installed the new brakes. Here is pictures of the brakes.

190398190399190400190401

[srcracing]

December 2019, I installed LG billet drop spindles, and SKF race hubs, forgot to post them. I was tired of replacing the OEM replacement Corvette hubs. Anyway, watching the autocross videos, I realized I was turning the wheel way to much, from a pour steering rack ratio. So I modified the tie rod hole location on the billet spindles and it helped out tremendously.

[srcracing]

Here is a couple pictures of the wheels. I think I like the chrome or a polished wheel better on my car, but for now these are growing on me. What do you think? Love to hear everyone's thoughts. Locals say it makes the car look sinister...

190407190408190409190410

[Peanut1959]

Fwiw (since you asked), I like a machined rim.

[srcracing]

Last October 2020, I had the car do some weird noise and handling issue. At the track (PBIR Autocross League) I couldn't see anything. But I bought a used NASCAR G Force locker when I built the car. Figured it must have **** the bed.. So I took it apart to rebuild it, didn't find any problems, but installed 60# springs in the locker, which did make the car better in the turns and on power application. Turns out the rear anti roll bar arm had worked it's way off, and partially stripped the splines in the arm. (aluminum)

[ryeguy2006a]

Love this car, glad you are still working on it and more importantly... Driving it!!

[Tincup]

Love the black wheels....

[srcracing]

Love this car, glad you are still working on it and more importantly... Driving it!!
Thanks, it is fun to drive and autocross. I have a new engine in the works, was hoping to have it installed for LS Fest, but haven't gotten the block out of machine shop jail...

[srcracing]

Love the black wheels....
I'm still torn, but they will work for now.

[srcracing]

Fwiw (since you asked), I like a machined rim.
I think I agree, maybe this winter I can find an affordable machined and possibly polished wheel. Right now money is going to interior and new engine. ( which is in machine shop jail)

[srcracing]

here is a video from Nashville GoodGuys AX

https://youtu.be/RZ6nCwbSpFs

[srcracing]

Here is an in car video from Nashville GoodGuys AX

https://youtu.be/Dae716b5-4A

- - - Updated - - -

Here is a suspension view from PBIR Autocross league event 6/25/2021

https://youtu.be/YLEsQnh4_gc

- - - Updated - - -

Here is a side shot video from the PBIR Autocross league 6/25/2021

https://youtu.be/e3-aet5agfM

[srcracing]

https://youtu.be/HX5Ua0l4OeA

Here is the latest walk around video of the car, loading up for LS Fest East 2021

[ProTouringMan]

Love your build! Why the choice of the 45" long truck bars for your rear suspension? Does it fit your needs better than a 4-link or was it easier to attach to this frame?

[Jk918]

Dig the black wheels, looks bad @$$

[srcracing]

Love your build! Why the choice of the 45" long truck bars for your rear suspension? Does it fit your needs better than a 4-link or was it easier to attach to this frame?
I would have preferred a 3 or 4 link suspension, but wifey said the car had to have a back seat, so the truck arm was the best choice, and I found the 45" long Nascar arms on ebay. they are used on short tracks on the left side, and this guy had 3 on a auction, plus they had the mono balls in them, instead of the rubber bushings the GM trucks used.

- - - Updated - - -


Dig the black wheels, looks bad @$$
Thanks, they are growing on me

[srcracing]

Check out my Youtube channel, I have been uploading videos from the LS Fest East 2021, subscribe to the channel, I will be posting a ton more videos, builds and EFI how to's
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRi5Z8XNIBflWFjU18_5NrQ

[srcracing]

https://youtu.be/NGs7SB3ilZ4


https://youtu.be/K1USosg-gAQ


https://youtu.be/SF73bcjfFoM


https://youtu.be/1FKBx7rq1tg

Please subscribe to our YouTube channel, we will be posting more videos in the future, and start doing EFI and build videos also.
Feel free to leave comments on the videos, tell me what you liked and disliked, or what you would like to see more of.

[srcracing]

I just hit 200 subscribers on my channel, thank you, so I am going to have a give away at 500 subscribers. At 500 I will draw 2 names and they will win a hoodie, and 10 more names will win a prize box! So tell your friends to subscribe and if you haven't, do it!

https://www.youtube.com/c/LANDISPERFORMANCE

[srcracing]

Here is the latest LS Fest video, got some of the car, but also more videos of other cars and trucks from the show.




https://youtu.be/lFDZttTaPLA

[srcracing]

Well, I want a more competitive autocross car and have started a new project. So I have had a 1989 C$ Vettekart chassis laying around the shop, was going to install an engine and trans and flip it. But I bought a 1977 Buick Skyhawk and the wheelbase are the same. So the Skyhawk body will be installed on the C4 Vettekart and become the VetteHawk. And unfortunately https://www.ebay.com/itm/255736339968?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=lb2Pm7LNSgG&sssrc=2047675&ssuid=lb2Pm7LNSgG&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY the #thefiddie is for sale.

[Peanut1959]

Please provide a link to the build thread!

[srcracing]

here is the new thread, gathering parts right now, will be posting pictures soon

https://www.pro-touring.com/threads/139344-project-VetteHawk?highlight=

[srcracing]

Here is the link to the new build, gathering parts right now, will be posting pictures soon
https://www.pro-touring.com/threads/139780-New-build-Vettehawk

Please provide a link to the build thread!