'55 Chevy LS1 / T56

[JMG-63]

Time to be kinder to my neighbors.

Had a set of mufflers in my stash, ordered up a set of Flowmaster pre-bent tailpipes, and some pre bent pieces of 2-1/2" tube. Decided to experiment with the v-band clamps as well.

Its a giant Lego set of parts that will morph into an exhaust from headers to rear bumper. Going to try to keep it as tight to the floor as possible and butt weld and metal finish all of the seams. This ought to take a while.

[JMG-63]

Progress is being made.

Cut some parts on the plasma I'm using for weld-on anti-vibration clamps. The red cushions came straight from e-Bay.



Spent a fair amount of time under the car on my back mocking up the passenger side set of pipes from header to rear bumper. Once that was set it was just a matter of making a mirror image. The goal was to have everything tuck within the frame rails.

The drivers side muffler is being supported by the jack stand right now which is why its crooked. Once I get it clamped it will be fine.

The tacked up primary pipe in my vise is for the drivers side - comprised of 4each 45 degree bends and a section of a u-bend. Nothing off the shelf.

I'm actually enjoying this more than I thought I would. I just need to finish off the rear pipe set for the drivers side, weld it all complete, metal finish and find a place that Jet-Hot coats in LA.

By the way - those V-band clamps are awesome!!

[JMG-63]

Spent some time welding up the h-pipe and made the mistake of taking my mini-pneumatic sander to one of the welds.

A few belts and boxes of sanding discs later I have a smooth h-pipe. This weekend I hope to finish the details, paint it and reinstall. If its not raining here maybe even a test drive!

Yes, I know my workbench is a mess...

[Alwhite00]

Great job on everything. Keep it up man.

[JMG-63]

Great job on everything. Keep it up man.

Thanks. My OCD took over big time with this but once you go down the rabbit hole might as well go all the way.

The H-Pipe is now painted and ready for install. I still have four more sections to weld and finish. The time-lapse is kind of nice to look at. No feedback on the paint yet but it dried to a nice flat sheen. We shall see how it cures and holds up.

[JMG-63]

Things are really starting to come together.

Exhaust is on the car, rear shocks set, front steering tightened up and semi aligned, front end sheetmetal bolted on, door handles on, hood and trunk latches on.

Car has made a few trips around the block and even comes back under it own power. She starts, stops, steers, and shifts.

Still a ton of details to work out but it seems the heavy mechanical lifting is done for now. Its probably been ten+ years since its been on the road.

Pics from my Easter Sunday drive.

Jeff

[andrewb70]

Nice progress!

Andrew

[Motown 454]

Sweet! nice job.

[JMG-63]

Things seem to come together much quicker now. All the big / major work is done.

H4 lights are in, new signal lights, and a few trinkets to make me smile. The windshield got delivered yesterday so it looks like I have another full weekend in the garage.

[WILWAXU]

Good looking project!

[JMG-63]

Good looking project!

Thanks,

Its truly been a labor of love. I'm getting excited to be able to drive it anywhere!

Spent some time fabricating a transmission tunnel to cover up the 6 speed this past weekend. Its almost done but it takes a while when you're using a hammer and dolly combo to form flat sheets. Fit up is coming along ok. Hope to cross that off the list this coming weekend.

[JMG-63]

Trans tunnel is finished. Spent way too much time dressing welds that will get covered with sound deadening and carpet.

Racked my brain on how to safely and securely mount the bucket seats. A bolt thru the sheetmetal floor just didn't seem strong enough. Whipped up a reinforcement plate, attached a few weld nuts to the bottom side and welded the whole thing to the floor. Its not going anywhere!

One seat down, one to go.

[JMG-63]

Couple of more days of progress.

First up is my vintage oil filter housing becomes a radiator overflow.

[JMG-63]

Re-doing my cold-air intake. My previous fabrication efforts were less than stellar. Same concept with much cleaner execution.

[JMG-63]

And now I'm apparently a glass installer. Bought the tools, did my research and watched every video I could find.

First shot; went in like nothin.

[Peanut1959]

Good on ya'!

[andrewb70]

That airbox looks awesome!

[minendrews68]

I promise I know how you feel about driving it after so long! I drove my Camaro without windows too!

[JMG-63]

The top of the airbox is finally done. Still have to finish off the bottom but that's a project for another weekend.

Welded a flat top to the box, primed it, wet sanded and shot it with satin black, 3M undercoating and a few more coats of satin black.

Drilled a set of mounting holes in all three pieces of the box-top.

Sanded the 'matrix' and gave it the same paint treatment.

Line sanded the stainless sheet with 80grit.

Add a few stainless rivets and you have a finished airbox top.

[JMG-63]

Staying at this project and knocking things off the list.

Airbox is done and crossed off the list. Fresh Honda V6 element inside and new MAF. Time to clean up the engine harness though..



Two seats are now in. Fabricating the second bracket was a piece of cake. Isn't it always easier the second time?



Exhaust tailpipes for both sides are now sanded smooth, painted with hi-temp paint and installed for good.

Windshield is in and test drives have commenced.

Lots of details to work out and get this fully sorted but that's half the fun I guess.

Jeff