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Posts: 174
Location: Phoenix, AZ | The 2004 Viper engine and Tremac 6 speed actually fit quite well. The engine is about 6" longer than the old 318 so I will have to go with a custom radiator and electric fan, but otherwise things look like they will fit OK. The engine and transmission are all aluminum so it is much lighter and the front of the car sits about 2"higher. Now I have to hook up the fuel, cooling, and electrical so I can fire up the motor!
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Attachments ---------------- Viper FrontN2.jpg (95KB - 419 downloads) EngineN1.JPG (96KB - 354 downloads) Ply L.JPG (96KB - 351 downloads)
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Posts: 2097
Location: Idaho - where men are men and spuds are spuds | HOLY FANGS, Batman! How are ya' going to keep tires on that thing? |
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Extreme Veteran
Posts: 474
Location: Rushford Minnesota | Show us the 'chute on the back! |
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Expert
Posts: 1590
Location: Scottsdale, AZ | Hey Jim beautiful ride! Where you at in Phx? I'm up around T-Bird & Scottsdale Road. I'd love to see your Belvy. A couple months back a guy a few streets down from me put a Viper V10 in a '50 Merc sled. Jay |
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Extreme Veteran
Posts: 397
Location: McHenry Illinois | Looks awesome in there! Please keep us posted on the progress.
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Posts: 1539
Location: Farnborough. Hampshire. England. | You will need a Jet Fighter pilots licence to use that car on the road Jim
Definitely need more pics please........NICE JOB !!! |
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| Awesome! What a sleeper...looking forward to hearing what cars you'll blow the doors off of with her! The car might even handle a bit better with the lighter powertrain...not so front heavy...the wide V8s with the cast iron auto's in these cars make for one HEAVY powertrain. |
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Exner Expert 19,174 posts. Neil passed away 18 Sep 2015. You will be missed, Neil!
Posts: 19146
Location: bishop, ca | BTW, is that a Gen III or GEN IV Viper mill? |
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Veteran
Posts: 174
Location: Phoenix, AZ | Thanks for all the comments! I installed a Gen 3 engine. Now that it has cooled off in Arizona I should be able to make some more progress with getting the fuel and cooling system installed. The newer PS pump puts out more pressure but I found a pressure adjustment valve that should allow me to use the original PS box. Lots of new hoses, especially when I hook up the AC! I also need to do a disk brake conversion and decide whether to put a dana 60 in the rear or a beefed up 8 3/4. I want it to look as original as possible so will probably go with some smoothie wheels and possibly some wide whites. The Money Pit! |
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Exner Expert 19,174 posts. Neil passed away 18 Sep 2015. You will be missed, Neil!
Posts: 19146
Location: bishop, ca | Jim: you DO have a Sure Grip limited slipper, on there, right?
With the Tremec, you can easily run a 3.55 (with the non-tubbed rear, traction is going to be a problem, anyway, with relatively skinny tires, so you
might as well hook-up, using a 'high-ish' rear end) unless you just want to burn rubber, & go nowhere fast!
I think that a late 60's non-tapered 8 3/4" rear axle is the way to go, with the limited traction that you WILL have, from that
engine!!! Limited traction is 'easy' on a rear end, anyway; right?
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Posts: 174
Location: Phoenix, AZ | I have the original open rear in the car but don't plan on using it. I talked to a local guy who builds rear ends an he told me they make a nodular iron center he could build with a posi unit and the newer axles that should hold up with the tires I could use. The 3.55 sounds like it would be a good ratio. 6th gear in the Tremec is 0.5 so it would really cruise at a low RPM. The fellow who mounted the motor for me builds funny cars and he thinks the frame will easily handle the 510 horsepower, and he has built early 60's Mopars that have gone 140mph with stock front suspension! He told me I should take this one up to the Bonneville Salt Flats when I get it done to see how fast it will go! Not with ME driving! (I wonder what the speed record is for a FL car?) |
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Exner Expert 19,174 posts. Neil passed away 18 Sep 2015. You will be missed, Neil!
Posts: 19146
Location: bishop, ca | Mine, is around 105 (on street radials).
Yep; 3.55:1 Sure Grip should be just the ticket, for a nice 3rd gear get-away. Hooking-up, is where races are won, not in tire smoke.
I'm running a 2.76 (open) rear end in mine; now, THAT is a Bonneville ratio !!!
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Posts: 184
Location: Cape Cod, Ma | This is so cool, Im glad someone exists with the right combination of funds, skill and sickness(in the best way possible) to create this beast. Time to start saving,hahaha |
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Veteran
Posts: 174
Location: Phoenix, AZ | You've got the sickness part right! With a 3.55 rear ratio and the 0.5 ratio in 6th gear, it gives a calculated top speed of 252 MPH at redline! Maybe I had better rethink those wide whitewalls and plan on the 6 piston Willwoods! (the truth is I will probably never drive it over 100 MPH, but it will be fun to be able to do it 3rd gear) |
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Exner Expert 19,174 posts. Neil passed away 18 Sep 2015. You will be missed, Neil!
Posts: 19146
Location: bishop, ca | AH, but, it WILL be fun to get up TO 100 mph....(or whatever the posted speed limit may be!) |
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Posts: 273
Location: Los Angeles, Ca | I am very jealous! Awesome, awesome , awesome. Had funds permitted, this is how I would have set my car up. |
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Exner Expert 19,174 posts. Neil passed away 18 Sep 2015. You will be missed, Neil!
Posts: 19146
Location: bishop, ca | Yeahbutt: could KoKo drive it? |
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Posts: 2011
Location: Ballwin, Missouri | Big Jimbo - 2007-10-31 6:53 PM
You've got the sickness part right! With a 3.55 rear ratio and the 0.5 ratio in 6th gear, it gives a calculated top speed of 252 MPH at redline! Maybe I had better rethink those wide whitewalls and plan on the 6 piston Willwoods! (the truth is I will probably never drive it over 100 MPH, but it will be fun to be able to do it 3rd gear)
As an X-Vpier Tech I can attest to the fact that they will go WAY over 100 mph in third gear.
I don't know what the top end speed would be as I never had the area or balls to leg one out
and see just how fast it would go. I know my brother-in-law used to race his Viper and said
the speedometer didn't go far enough. At some of the bigger tracks he raced at he could peg
the speedo any time he wanted to. Just keep in mind, the Viper had the suspension, steering,
and brakes to handle that kind of speed and power.
I love that set-up you are putting together. What a sleeper you are going to have.
Good Luck. |
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Veteran
Posts: 273
Location: Los Angeles, Ca | d500neil - 2007-11-03 12:47 PM
Yeahbutt: could KoKo drive it?
Yeah, I'd let her drive it. She's respectful, and would not floor it if I advised her not to.
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Extreme Veteran
Posts: 387
Location: morehead, kentucky | That car is beautiful, I think the wheels totally set that car off. To me it kinda gives it a touch of class or something, not that the original was not total class but it just looks wonderful with that color and not to mention how it will look at a show with the hood up. Wonderful job. |
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Expert
Posts: 1508
Location: new york | In the word of my father 20
something years ago when i opened the hood of my 57 plymouth with a 413 cross ram
"WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO PULL A TRAILER?" Looks great an amazing job ! Keep us posted!
HAPPY MOTORING!!!! |
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Veteran
Posts: 174
Location: Phoenix, AZ | I needed to install an electric fuel pump for the new engine in my 59 Plymouth and wanted to go with an in-tank electric pump. The original tank is not deep enough for one so I have been looking for a replacement. The cheapest custom tank I could find was $700, but I found an off the shelf tank that does fit and still allows me to use the left fender filler! A company called Tanks Inc in Minnesota had a tank they sell for 1941-48 Ch**ys that does fit. It is model 48CG and retails for $195. You can also use it with your original fuel pump if you don't want to install an electric. To get it to mate up with the fender filler I had to buy their straight filler neck (2-FN) because the one that comes with the tank has the wrong angle to fit in the hole for the filler pipe. A two inch diameter rubber hose connects the two. I was able to rebend my original tank straps to hold it in place. The new tank is not as long, but is roughly the same width and it is deep enough for the high pressure electric pump for FI. The next project is to fit a radiator!
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Veteran
Posts: 174
Location: Phoenix, AZ | Progress Update on my crazy project.
I needed to rebuild my front suspension and after removing everything I decided to completely finish the mechanical part of my project. I never want to take that front end apart again! I had so much apart I decided to drop out the frame and get everything blasted and powdercoated. It really turned out great! |
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Veteran
Posts: 174
Location: Phoenix, AZ | Pictures
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Attachments ---------------- Dirtyframe1.JPG (15KB - 319 downloads) PdrCt Frame1.JPG (14KB - 305 downloads) PdrCt Susp.JPG (15KB - 327 downloads)
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Inactive by user's request
Location: Las Vegas, Nevada | Funny how one thing can lead to another, eh?
But in your case, it was time well spent. Looks great.
K. |
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Veteran
Posts: 174
Location: Phoenix, AZ | You've got that right Kenny J! I went to bolt things back together on my pretty frame and my nuts and bolts now look awful. I put them in my rock tumbler and they cleaned up really well. I now have them over at a plating shop to get them zinc coated. Where will it all end? Either when it is all finished or when I go broke trying! |
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Posts: 233
Location: Oxnard/Ventura, California | Holy Cow!!! I wish i did that with my Coronet!!! That car will be an absolute hoot at Pavilions when you get it together!!! |
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Posts: 1812
Location: Slidell La. | Great job so far , Dam . I wish I were close enuff just to come and help and see that BEAST in person . You got any lines on a radiator yet ? How big is that fuel tank you went with , my 59 has the 18 gal , and I just hate stopping for a fill up . My Ram truck has a 35 gal , thats what I m talkin about . When you get a chance , post some pics of the car overall if you don t mind . Keep up the good work . |
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Veteran
Posts: 174
Location: Phoenix, AZ | I finally made some progress on the 59 Plymouth! After a 3 month wait for the front Wilwood disc conversion I finally have it installed. I also got a radiator made by a guy in AZ with the 3" inlet and outlet for the Viper, and the guy who installed the engine welded up some custom brackets to mount the radiator to the core support. I will post some pictures of this after I get the engine back in the car. Now that I have the brakes installed I can put it back in. I also got a custom wiring harness built for the engine so it will function like a stand alone crate engine and be seperate from the car's wiring harness. The gas tank is about 18 gallons. It is amazing how many things there are to "customize" when building a hot rod project. Much more work than I had imagined. Thanks for the words of encouragement!
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Attachments ---------------- Interior pedals em.jpg (48KB - 324 downloads) CaliperMtdEM.jpg (63KB - 313 downloads) M cyls em.jpg (42KB - 295 downloads) SteeringboxEM.JPG (66KB - 304 downloads) Wheel EM.jpg (65KB - 318 downloads)
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Location: Under the X in Texas | I have a friend who has a late model Viper engine and trans for sale if anyone else wants to start a project. Location is Helotes, TX. |
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Expert 5K+
Posts: 6203
Location: Big pimpin' | Wonder why no one has mentioned the gas mileage thing with the Viper engine like they do when I mention a 440?
488 C.I., 10 cylinders, gotta be worse than a 440, even fuel injected...............................
Edited by dukeboy 2008-10-04 10:11 PM
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Location: Parts Unknown | dukeboy - 2008-10-05 7:09 PM
Wonder why no one has mentioned the gas mileage thing with the Viper engine like they do when I mention a 440?
**********************
Prolly cuz owning a 440 Mopar was not that uncommon a phenom in the 70's for many people. Lots of people know how those engines thirst. How many folks are familiar with the ins and outs of a Viper ?
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Expert 5K+
Posts: 6203
Location: Big pimpin' | The WOW factor must outwiegh the gas mileage, as it still don't change the end result any.... |
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Veteran
Posts: 174
Location: Phoenix, AZ | The Viper was rated at 12 City and 21 Highway, so the milage with the Viper engine shouldn't be worse that the old 318 Poly. With the computerized fuel injection and the 6th gear being a 0.5 ratio overdrive the highway milage does really well. But I am building it to melt tires, not for good milage :cool: Yesterday I installed the engine and trans back in, so hopefully will get the radiator mounted next weekend. |
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Regular
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Location: Mendocino County, Northern Calif | Hey Jim,
It's looking great! Its nice to see the progress you've made in spite of the heat we've had here this summer..Your original 318 that I bought from you is still sitting on the engine stand thats how much progress I've made!! I lose all motivation here during the summer.. Would love to see your car again when it's done... Karl |
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Veteran
Posts: 155
| Sweet, nothing but pure sweet unadulterated horsepower and speed coming together. You're gonna love it when you're done.
My nephew has a Viper that he lets me drive when we go visit. 115 mph in 3rd went by real fast & I quit looking at the speedo when it went by 150. Yeah you're gonna smoke 'em.
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Attachments ---------------- scan0015.JPG (161KB - 313 downloads)
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Expert 5K+
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Location: Big pimpin' | Big Jimbo - 2008-10-06 5:39 PM
The Viper was rated at 12 City and 21 Highway, But I am building it to melt tires, not for good milage :cool: trans .
Big Jim, I couldn't have said it better myself.....The car is looking good BTW....Gotta love the hood poppin' on that one at the local cruise....WOW!
Edited by dukeboy 2008-10-15 8:57 PM
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Veteran
Posts: 174
Location: Phoenix, AZ | Major progress! I finally got my radiator and fan constructed and mounted. I wanted the largest possible radiator I could fit but was limited by how think the fan could be. The radiator is a triple core cross flow and the dual fan is from a Dodge Durango. I had to do major surgery on the core support so I welded some 1/2 inch square tubing around the cut-out area to stiffen it up. I can also use this to mount the AC condensor. It is a close fit but I made it! I also got the fuel lines hooked up. There is a gauge and adjustable pressure regulator with filter on the fire wall. I had to have a new PS hose made with a fitting to hook up to the viper PS pump.
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Attachments ---------------- New Rad Front EM.jpg (138KB - 318 downloads) New Rad Rear EM.jpg (140KB - 311 downloads) LEngineEM1.jpg (131KB - 306 downloads) EngineFan close fit.jpg (128KB - 336 downloads)
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Posts: 1443
Location: Oconomowoc Wi | I wonder how a V10 truck engine would work in an application like this?
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Posts: 265
Location: North Carolina | HOLY CRAP BATMAN!! That is awesome Jim.. |
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Board Moderator & Exner Expert 10K+
Posts: 13036
Location: Southern Sweden - Sturkö island | Impressive work really, I bet that one's gonna fly! |
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Expert 5K+
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Location: Big pimpin' | Big Jim, You know what's wierd? Except for the length issues, that Viper engine fits better than my 440 did?!
Nice, VERY nice work...I know all to well how much time and planning goes into something like this and you've done very well....I don't know that I'd have tackled this one myself....My hats off to'ya... |
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Regular
Posts: 58
| It probably just me but look at that motor in there through the eyes of the styling at that time the v10 looks more at home in there then a big block mopar or hemi. |
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Expert
Posts: 1443
Location: Oconomowoc Wi | La tortuga - 2008-11-22 3:22 PM It probably just me but look at that motor in there through the eyes of the styling at that time the v10 looks more at home in there then a big block mopar or hemi. OK... Im squinting at the picture.... and I think you're right. It DOES look great. |
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Posts: 143
Location: Australia | OMG that is sensational bro, im surprosed it fitted, it will go like the clappers |
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Veteran
Posts: 174
Location: Phoenix, AZ | Thanks for the words of encouragement! The engine is a little narrower and lower (and a lot lighter) than the old 318 Poly, but about 8 inches longer. Except for the length it is similar in size to a small block chevy. This is the first hot rod I have done, and it is a lot harder than a restoration. Every single piece takes a lot of thought and scrounging to get it right. Even something a simple as radiator hoses is a struggle since both upper and lower are 2". After much digging, I found some NASCAR ones I can piece together. I figure in about another month or so I will be able to see if I can get it started. Then just the exhaust system and rear end rebuild and it should be drivable. My goal is to get it drivable before the AZ summer and temps over 100! |
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Posts: 143
Location: Australia | it will go fast, a video would be great |
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Extreme Veteran
Posts: 461
Location: Brooklyn NY | Everybody is always saying they can't get headders to fit FL cars without major mods, those factory headders on that V10 fit with room to spare! What brand or who made that radiator, it's freakin beautiful and I like its mounting system alot. Great Work......Ralph from Brooklyn |
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Veteran
Posts: 174
Location: Phoenix, AZ | I spent a couple of months planning the radiator and fan because I live in Phoenix and want to run AC. I wanted the largest possible unit that would fit. The radiator was built by McCulloch Fabricating in Kingman AZ, http://www.alumrad.com/ and they did a great job making it exactly like I requested. I also looked for the thinnest most powerful fan I could find because of the long engine and limited space. The best one I could find was from Delta Current Control http://www.dccontrol.com/0820.htm and it has an amazing temp control unit for multispeed fan control. It is very easy to wire and use with AC. I will definitely video when I try to start this beast. I have some volunteers to man the fire extinguishers! |
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Expert
Posts: 1812
Location: Slidell La. | Is the Viper engine a 90 degree or something else , GM had those 60 degree motors in the 80s , they may still have them , I could care less . Just wondering . Jimbo keep doin what your doin , its working . Can t wait to hear the stoplite story when your next to a Viper and he has no idea " What Lurks Within " sounds like a good movie title .I m hopin your not going to put V10 emlems on it , well maybe on the back . Thanks for keepin us posted . |
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Extreme Veteran
Posts: 500
Location: Upper East Tennessee | This is an awesome thread. I'm working on retrofitting a '58 DeSoto Firesweep with a 5.7L Hemi. Great information!!! Thanks for this post. |
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Expert
Posts: 1316
Location: Belgium, 40 miles south of Brussels | Impressive work !!
Some kinda magic at work here, as a classic restoration is already a a challenge for me.
I would not dream of doing such a huge work of adaptation !
Kudos ! |
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Veteran
Posts: 174
Location: Phoenix, AZ | The day finally came and I was able to get the engine started! I initially had a grounding problem, then good spark and no fuel. I found out that after sitting for 3 years the fuel injectors were all stuck from the old gas in the fuel rails, so I took them all out and had TPI in Tempe clean and calibrate them. Then the final results are on a video I was able to get on YouTube (with some help from my daughter who was also the camara man.) I forgot to tell her it would be loud because of the straight headers, and she almost dropped the camara! I am now building a Dana 60 and should be getting close to my first test drive. I can see the end in sight! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZpN4LAneHlQ |
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Posts: 2824
Location: Snohomish, WA. | WOW!
Mike |
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Posts: 1918
Location: Hell's Outhouse - a.k.a. Buckeye, Arizona | Stock or no, replacement drop or original barn dust-off, there's hardly a bigger thrill than the first fire-up.
Congrats, Jim - you've also toughened up your daughter just a bit. |
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Expert 5K+
Posts: 6203
Location: Big pimpin' | Nuttin' like 488 C.I. of Mopower....congrats on making it live Jim..... |
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Board Moderator & Exner Expert 10K+
Location: .Norfolk..Mafia.. ,England UK | SPEECHLESS...............
Would LOVE to be there for the FIRST Test Drive.... WOW |
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Inactive by user's request
Location: Las Vegas, Nevada | 1955Coronado - 2009-03-30 3:03 PM
Congrats, Jim - you've also toughened up your daughter just a bit. ; )
Start 'em young, I say :
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Attachments ---------------- karlabuick.jpg (59KB - 238 downloads)
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Location: Parts Unknown |
I am most interested to hear an objective report on how this car / HP combo plays out in terms of maintaining road grip and not heading for the nearest ditch, power pole, bridge abutment, when given a little petrol.
There comes that point of overwhelming power that is certainly a thrill, but is just so $#@! powerful that it takes a constant vigil to keep from having it get away from you. My Coronet is that way. All it takes is some sand, leaves, wetness on the road, or a curve, or pushing the shift, or too much foot on the gas in a straight line !
My plumber has wrecked two Vipers beyond repair and is working on his third. They are a wild beast. The 59 Plymouth weighs double what a Viper scales out at. Will be interesting !
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Expert
Posts: 1590
Location: Scottsdale, AZ | Awesome dude! I've got to get down to your place soon! |
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Expert 5K+
Posts: 6203
Location: Big pimpin' | Doctor DeSoto - 2009-03-30 10:33 PM
There comes that point of overwhelming power that is certainly a thrill, but is just so $#@! powerful that it takes a constant vigil to keep from having it get away from you. My Coronet is that way. All it takes is some sand, leaves, wetness on the road, or a curve, or pushing the shift, or too much foot on the gas in a straight line !
My plumber has wrecked two Vipers beyond repair and is working on his third. They are a wild beast.
1. When it tries to get sideways at 60 MPH, then to me, it's just right.....No such thing as too much power...
I believe everybody should drop the hammer on 1000 H.P. just once to understand it...You haven't lived till the 'ol Dollar bill on the dash trick has been played in HIGH GEAR......
2. There IS such a thing as a high perf. car in the hands of a low performance driver...If he's a plumber and has owned TWO Vipers and torn them up, I'm in the wrong profession...
Edited by dukeboy 2009-03-31 12:10 PM
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 1043
Location: Auckland, New Zealand. | Excuse my ignorance...but what's the ole dollar bill on the dash trick....? |
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Expert 5K+
Posts: 6203
Location: Big pimpin' | Well, one sticks a 100 dollar bill on the dash board, then tells you to try and sit up in your passenger seat and grab it...If you can get up to the dash and grab the $100.00 bill anytime while the car is accelerating, you can have it... I've ridden in only two cars that once the pedal was mashed, I couldn't move out of my seat... |
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 1117
Location: STL, MO | Have you sorted out your rearend, ratio, tire, and spring set-up yet? There is alot of torque down low in that V-10. 8 3/4's could live in a 4200# Hemi b-body but usally they had auto's and not as much torque at low revs. very interesting swap. great job jimbo! |
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Expert
Posts: 1918
Location: Hell's Outhouse - a.k.a. Buckeye, Arizona | Kenny, that pic never fails to bring a smile. |
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 1117
Location: STL, MO | Sorry, missed your Dana post, it will be hard to break that. |
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Expert 5K+
Posts: 9580
Location: So. Cal | Great pic Kenny. Somewhere I have a picture of my toddler helping me tear down a motor. It isn't pretty. |
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Veteran
Posts: 174
Location: Phoenix, AZ | I decided to go with a 4:10 ratio in a Dana 60. The 6th gear is a 0.5 ratio so I had to decide if I wanted a useless 1st gear or 6th gear. I thought I would rather have the ultra low 1st gear to putter around at car events so I don't have to keep slipping the clutch. Hopefully I will get the rear together this weekend so I can get the back end off of the jack stands! |
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Veteran
Posts: 117
Location: Loughborough, UK | What a fanastic sleeper it would make with a set of steels ,great car Jimbo |
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Veteran
Posts: 174
Location: Phoenix, AZ | I finally got my Dana 60 together and in the car. I put in a new Dana 4.10 gear and rebuilt the posi to take 35 spline axles. I converted the ends of the Dana 60 to the new style big ford ends that take the large tapered Timken bearings, and also it gives a much wider selection for disc brake kits. Setting up the gears on the Dana 60 was a real learning experience! The Wilwood brake kit has 12.19" diameter rotors and my 15" wheels do still fit. Now I need to get a driveshaft made and it is close to being drivable! I still need to bleed the brakes and clutch and get an exhaust system made, but I can see the end in site! I think it is getting close to 3 years.....
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Attachments ---------------- RearIMG_0352.jpg (109KB - 230 downloads) AxleIMG_0380.jpg (82KB - 235 downloads) BrakePtsIMG_0376.jpg (140KB - 230 downloads) EndsIMG_0294.jpg (100KB - 234 downloads) BrakeIMG_0412.jpg (98KB - 249 downloads) BrakeMtdIMG_0410.jpg (79KB - 250 downloads)
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 1117
Location: STL, MO | I am building a 60 for my 65 Coronet, whose sure-grip unit did you use? That looks huge under there! |
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Veteran
Posts: 174
Location: Phoenix, AZ | I used the original Dana PowerLok posi and replaced all the internal clutches and parts to make it 35 spline. I got the parts from MoParts Parts and Supply in Minnesota. The 35 spline axles are from Moser. |
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 1060
Location: Building incorrect cars since 2000!! | Thats the only way to go. I got my new dana 60 from moser and those axel look indestructable.
I like the brake setup with the e-brake set up |
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Expert 5K+
Posts: 5139
Location: cornpatch county, Southwest IOA | I never paid much attention to the Wilwood disc brake conversion, but I do like what I see in your pics. Very interesting. I would guess that the pic with the brake shoes is their parking brake set up? I would like to see some more details on that and also how the caliper is mounted. Any more pics of those? Thanks .......................MO |
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Expert 5K+
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Location: Big pimpin' | Ah yes, the most brutal rearend ever installed as factory equipment in only Chrysler product cars.......That is one impressive Dana 60 Jim.. |
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Location: Phoenix, AZ | Here is a picture of the other side of the parking brake setup. The caliper bolts on to the two captive brass nuts in the bracket bolted to the parking brake. The parking brake cable fits into the bracket you can see on the backing plate. I can take a picture of the diagram in the instructions if you would like more detail.
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Attachments ---------------- Parts2IMG_0377.jpg (135KB - 224 downloads)
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Expert 5K+
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Location: cornpatch county, Southwest IOA | Thanks Jim--that looks like a well made, simple, and effective set up. ..................MO |
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Veteran
Posts: 174
Location: Phoenix, AZ | After 3 years I finally got to drive the 59 Plymouth out of the garage under Viper Power! See it on YouTube! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PvDatnbWTYY I don't yet have an exhaust system, and am running the straight headers so it is really loud. Hide the women and children! I also need to get some newer tires as these are really old. After I get an exhaust and new tires I will have to Really test drive it (including the smoking tires!) |
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Board Moderator & Exner Expert 10K+
Location: .Norfolk..Mafia.. ,England UK | Holy $hit,, How Bad was the Temptation to Floor it just One time..Can,t wait for the Next update with Exhausts and Tyres,, I want to see this Baby Sing and Dance... |
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Regular
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Location: Martinsville, IN | That is the coolest thing I've ever seen. Smoke 'em if you got 'em! |
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Posts: 1812
Location: Slidell La. | After this thing hits the road and they do a movie , everyone will want to build a Big Jimbo 59 Plymouth , will it be red and white ? Hope not . That is one Bad 59 . Can t wait to see it go on tour . LOL |
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Extreme Veteran
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Location: Cushing, Wisconsin | hell yea great video, she looks freakin mean as hell! Congrats, and great job, your work was definitely worth it!! |
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Posts: 174
Location: Phoenix, AZ | I was so nervous watching the oil pressure and temp gauge and hoping the brakes and clutch and shifter and everything worked that I didn't even think about punching the throttle. But after watching the video I was wondering why I didn't give the tires a little spin! The next video will definitely have some smoking action! |
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Location: Phoenix, AZ | I finally got the exhaust system fabricated and had to post a picture before it gets mounted. It is 3" tubing and exits in front of the rear wheels. It fits like a glove and looks so cool I would like to hang it on my living room wall for art! :cool: My next post should be a video link with some tire melting action!
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Attachments ---------------- Exhaust1.jpg (39KB - 209 downloads)
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Expert 5K+
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Location: Big pimpin' | SWEET!! An "X" Pipe too...Shades of the 'ol AAR and T/A Cudas and Challengers with that side exit exhaust....Tasty, very tasty Jim...Can't wait to hear it through that exhaust..Big pipes, big engine, and a dana 60? Does it get any better??
Edited by dukeboy 2009-09-29 9:28 PM
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Expert
Posts: 1295
Location: Nasco , SWEDEN | Hope that tire melting video soon will be posted
Edited by mogge65 2009-12-16 6:18 AM
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Extreme Veteran
Posts: 397
Location: McHenry Illinois | Big Jimbo - 2009-05-13 12:58 PM
I finally got my Dana 60 together and in the car. I put in a new Dana 4.10 gear and rebuilt the posi to take 35 spline axles. I converted the ends of the Dana 60 to the new style big ford ends that take the large tapered Timken bearings, and also it gives a much wider selection for disc brake kits. Setting up the gears on the Dana 60 was a real learning experience! The Wilwood brake kit has 12.19" diameter rotors and my 15" wheels do still fit. Now I need to get a driveshaft made and it is close to being drivable! I still need to bleed the brakes and clutch and get an exhaust system made, but I can see the end in site! I think it is getting close to 3 years.....
Jimbo,
Did you have the Dana 60 Housing made, or did you find an OEM one that was the same width as your Plymouth? |
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Expert
Posts: 1295
Location: Nasco , SWEDEN | search on youtube and you will see an tire schredding burnout performed by Carlo Notaro, one of swedens most mopar restorers! It´s a D500! " Power Meet, Nossebro 2009" write : carlo nossebro
Edited by mogge65 2009-12-17 10:44 AM
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Extreme Veteran
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Location: Mishawaka, IN. | Now thats what I call Too much fun, way to go Jim. I would pay for a ride in that Plymouth WAHOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!
GREAT JOB.
Jimmy |
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Location: Phoenix, AZ | My58PlymouthFury - 2009-12-16 8:14 AM Big Jimbo - 2009-05-13 12:58 PM I finally got my Dana 60 together and in the car. I put in a new Dana 4.10 gear and rebuilt the posi to take 35 spline axles. I converted the ends of the Dana 60 to the new style big ford ends that take the large tapered Timken bearings, and also it gives a much wider selection for disc brake kits. Setting up the gears on the Dana 60 was a real learning experience! The Wilwood brake kit has 12.19" diameter rotors and my 15" wheels do still fit. Now I need to get a driveshaft made and it is close to being drivable! I still need to bleed the brakes and clutch and get an exhaust system made, but I can see the end in site! I think it is getting close to 3 years..... Jimbo, Did you have the Dana 60 Housing made, or did you find an OEM one that was the same width as your Plymouth? The Dana 60 housing was from an old pickup. The guy who installed the engine (Darryl Smith Race Cars) made it the correct width and welded on the big ford bearing ends on it. My front wheels and tires should arrive right after Christmas so then it should be ready for some real driving. I am going to drive it over to a local car show in Phoenix on Jan 2 so I need to get those tires! I was really happy that I was able to fit some 275/60/15 Nitto drag radials on the rear so now I should be able to get a decent launch with the car. I drove it about 15 miles before the old front tires started to separate, but it sure runs smooth and if I took it easy it wasn't difficult to drive like a normal car. Because of the front tires I didn't go over 50 mph, but the torque was amazing. I can tell it is going to be a lot faster than the 396 Chevelle I used to own. I will post a video of the car show.
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Attachments ---------------- WheelsIMG_0908.jpg (129KB - 226 downloads)
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Extreme Veteran
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Location: Mishawaka, IN. | Man she is to sweet that ride will mess up them thar chevy, and ford people and the tuners will think it must be a space ship that is capable of warp speed ENGAGE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Jimmy
Edited by moparjimmy 2009-12-24 4:14 AM
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Location: Scottsdale, AZ | The Dana 60 housing was from an old pickup. The guy who installed the engine (Darryl Smith Race Cars) made it the correct width and welded on the big ford bearing ends on it. My front wheels and tires should arrive right after Christmas so then it should be ready for some real driving. I am going to drive it over to a local car show in Phoenix on Jan 2 so I need to get those tires! I was really happy that I was able to fit some 275/60/15 Nitto drag radials on the rear so now I should be able to get a decent launch with the car. I drove it about 15 miles before the old front tires started to separate, but it sure runs smooth and if I took it easy it wasn't difficult to drive like a normal car. Because of the front tires I didn't go over 50 mph, but the torque was amazing. I can tell it is going to be a lot faster than the 396 Chevelle I used to own. I will post a video of the car show.
Jimbo, will you be at the Pavilion's show or 83rd Ave and Beardsley? Which show will you be at as my son and I would like to meet up with you and check out your beautiful car? We are up in the No. Phoenix/Scottsdale area. Jay and Dmitri
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Location: Phoenix, AZ | There is a car show at the big Beaudry RV site (across the freeway from Firebird Raceway) on Jan 2-3. I will be there barring any major mechanical malfunctions! |
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 1107
Location: Arvada, Colorado (NW Denver Metro Area) | Jim, what is new on your rocket ship? Are you going to cruise B-J's auction with it? |
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Posts: 174
Location: Phoenix, AZ | I finally got around to putting another update on YouTube. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SuXEnTUM680 I was able to get some video while up on a lift to see the underside. I am almost ready to take it over to Firebird Raceway for a trip down the 1/4 mile after I readjust the pinion angle and replace a leaking shock. So far no over-heating problems, but I still need to install AC as it is getting too hot to drive in Phoenix. I am amazed at how well it shifts and drives. Just like a new car with a computerized engine. It also steers and stops straight and seems to handle well even though I haven't put sway bars on it yet. I think the modern tires must have a lot to do with it. So far all the work seems to be worth it. Every time I take it out it is like going on a ride at Six Flags.
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Beautiful ride, she looks and sounds great!! |
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Location: Slidell La. | Looks like a new car underneath . I love how the finished product it came out . Hope you have many
a year of trouble free cruisin . Cruisin the Coast is coming up in October , bring it on over to the Ms Gulf Coast
and show it off .
Edited by narleycharlie 2010-05-31 8:52 AM
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Expert 5K+
Posts: 8946
Location: WHEELING,WV.>>>HOME OF WWVA | i'd love to drive that rod just one mile and my life would be complete !------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------later |
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Expert
Posts: 1590
Location: Scottsdale, AZ | I saw Jim's Belvie up close at a small car show in Chandler a few months ago and it is one sweet machine. Everything looks and fits like it was factory in there. Bone stock look outside, a real sleeper if you couldn't hear that beautiful exhaust. Nice sound and lots of power! Better get that a/c in there quick! LOL Supposed to hit 100 again tomorrow.
Jay |
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Expert
Posts: 1497
Location: Fairfax, Minnesota | >>No such thing as too much power... I believe everybody should drop the hammer on 1000 H.P. just once to understand it...You haven't lived till the 'ol Dollar bill on the dash trick has been played in HIGH GEAR......<< I have always been told that "Too much power is almost enough..."
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Location: Slidell La. | Jimbo , in your video I noticed an aftermarket centerlink and tie rod assemblies , are those custom made or did you purchase from somewhere ? Would love to know , cause I ll be needing some soon and can t find any factory replacements . Who did you purchase you rear springs from ? |
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Veteran
Posts: 174
Location: Phoenix, AZ | I got my rear leaf springs from McVeighs Truck Springs from Tom at 989-826-3095. They are made in the USA., and for a Dodge Dart but they fit perfectly. Tom put the correct size front bushing in so I didn't have to use the Dart bolt in the front eye. I was having a problem with wheel hop and this weekend put a spring clamp on each side and it completely cured the problem! I guess that is an old school fix. The front center link and tie rod assembly was built by Daryl Smith Race Cars in Phoenix. Daryl is the guy who mounted my engine and did the front frame modification to clear the oil pan. Otherwise the front suspension and steering box is all stock and seems to work well. I put another 50 miles on it this weekend and it didn't overheat in the 110 degree Phoenix weather , but I sure did, so my next project is to install AC. |
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Location: Phoenix, AZ | I took my first trip over to Firebird Raceway on Friday to see what I could do in the quarter mile, and made two runs. It has been about 15 years since I was at a drag strip, and my reaction times really showed that! On the first run my reaction time was .84, and I got bad wheel hop in first gear and backed off, then got wheel hop in second gear and backed off. The 1/8 mile time was 10.097. Then it really rolled and did the quarter in 15.18 at 102.1 MPH. A pretty good trap speed for such a slow time. I then did a second run and started out in second gear at about 2000 RPMs. I only got a little wheel hop, but my reaction time was .672 secs. My 60 ft was 2.292, 1/8 was 8.81, and quarter mile was 13.38 @ 110.55. I thought that one wasn't too bad for using only three gears. With a better reaction time it would easily be in the 12 second range. It looks like I will need to install some CalTrak traction bars so I can use first gear. With some practice I would think it would do low 12's. Lots of fun |
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Location: Netherlands | Nice!
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Posts: 174
Location: Phoenix, AZ | Now that I have sorted out all the mechanical issues and really like the car, I decided to pull the body off the frame to repair the rust, weld in a smooth fire wall, and make it look pretty. Here are some pictures of what I am doing. I used a four post lift to pull the body.
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Attachments ---------------- Post1.jpg (92KB - 194 downloads) post2.jpg (166KB - 360 downloads) PostDana.jpg (177KB - 321 downloads) PostFrame.jpg (178KB - 386 downloads)
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Location: Phoenix, AZ | Off to the media blaster!
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Attachments ---------------- trailerbody.jpg (101KB - 207 downloads) trailer3.jpg (102KB - 202 downloads)
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Location: Phoenix, AZ | Back from the blaster and and lots of work ahead. I will post more pics when I start welding.
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Attachments ---------------- blast1.jpg (124KB - 205 downloads) blast2.jpg (160KB - 209 downloads) blastfender.jpg (121KB - 207 downloads) Blastinside.jpg (148KB - 215 downloads) blasttrunk.jpg (142KB - 197 downloads)
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Elite Veteran
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Location: D-70199 Heslach | Almost rustfee, except some minor in the floor. Perfect ! :-) |
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 1172
Location: Georgia | Wow! Some people are never satisfied! Perfects a fine machine like that, then tears it apart again!
Looks like you've been busy, thank you for the updates. Surely, she will be amazing when completed. Most excellent.
Pete |
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Veteran
Posts: 174
Location: Phoenix, AZ | ToMopar - 2012-03-28 4:26 AM Almost rustfee, except some minor in the floor. Perfect ! :-) The blasting revealed lots of pin holes in the trunk and most of the trunk floor will have to be replaced. There are also some pin holes at the bottom of the rear fenders. At least there aren't any pieces missing so I can see how everything fits together. I am going to replace the entire firewall to get rid of all the holes, and to fit a Vintage Air system I need to get rid of the big hump from the original air box under the dash. The trick will be to do it and still keep the mounts for the windshield wipers. Anyway, I need to have a project to work on and this is a fun one. When I put it back together I can put in lots of dynamat and new rubber and make it a much nicer driver. The big decision will be what color to paint it!
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Posts: 3577
Location: Blythewood, SC | I've always thought that 59's would look nice in a deep blue. |
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Regular
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| yes now were talking ,nice job on the install,and engine choice,looks great, |
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Location: Blythewood, SC | Any update? |
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Location: Houston | Nice, but you'll need more than better reaction times to get into the 12's. Reaction times have nothing to do with ET's. |
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Extreme Veteran
Posts: 306
Location: Newcastle Australia | Big Jimbo - 2012-03-30 11:19 PM
ToMopar - 2012-03-28 4:26 AM Almost rustfee, except some minor in the floor. Perfect ! :-) The blasting revealed lots of pin holes in the trunk and most of the trunk floor will have to be replaced. There are also some pin holes at the bottom of the rear fenders. At least there aren't any pieces missing so I can see how everything fits together. I am going to replace the entire firewall to get rid of all the holes, and to fit a Vintage Air system I need to get rid of the big hump from the original air box under the dash. The trick will be to do it and still keep the mounts for the windshield wipers. Anyway, I need to have a project to work on and this is a fun one. When I put it back together I can put in lots of dynamat and new rubber and make it a much nicer driver. The big decision will be what color to paint it!
One of the dilemmas I struck was the clearance between the Vintage air unit and the wiper arms. The movement of the arms forces the a/c to be mounted low on the firewall. As you are going to the trouble of replacing your firewall can I suggest that you try to space the firewall forward where the a/c will mount. That way the a/c can mount in front of the wipers. Mine's RHD so its not quite the same, but I posted some photos here. With the firewall in the original position the wiper arms sit between the demist vents and the main vents.
http://www.forwardlook.net/forums/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=38003&...
Edited by lozrox58 2012-06-13 12:30 AM
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Veteran
Posts: 174
Location: Phoenix, AZ | Here are some updated pictures of my project. I replaced the trunk floor, and some of the floor pan. Also repaired rust around rear wheel wells where someone had stuffed bondo in the holes. I really improved my welding skills with this project!! Fortunately the rest of the car including doors and front fenders were perfect. I decided to paint it the 1959 Dodge and Desoto turquise color with a white roof. I painted the firewall before I put the body back on the frame because it is to tight, but I am going to have a professional painted do the rest of the car. I fit a Vintage Air Gen 4 kit and fit all the hoses so it will be an easy installation after painting. I also got a trunk mounted Painless Wiring harness and welded the battery mounts in the trunk. I think all the holes are drilled and brackets are welded before it gets painted.
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Attachments ---------------- Pan1.jpg (42KB - 199 downloads) Pan2.jpg (51KB - 189 downloads) BodyOn.jpg (68KB - 196 downloads) BodyL.jpg (57KB - 179 downloads) Engine.jpg (62KB - 190 downloads)
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Posts: 2788
Location: USA - KY |
Truly amazing work!
She's going to be a BEAST!
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 716
| (pounding my desk and screaming):
"youtube video! youtube video! youtube video!"
Fin Me, BEAST ain't the word that this thing is going to be......can't wait! |
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Expert 5K+
Posts: 7805
Location: Williams California | Looking good now!!!
---John |
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Expert
Posts: 2788
Location: USA - KY | bel5758 - 2013-06-07 2:39 PM
Fin Me, BEAST ain't the word that this thing is going to be......can't wait! :)
LOL...maybe it will be?...yes!...MAXIMUS PRIME!
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Location: Sweden | Now that's a streetmachine nice work! |
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 1120
Location: Brisbane, Australia | First time I've seen this thread... What a great project .....a man after my own heart
You can never have enough horsepower! That motor looks like it was meant to be there. |
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Expert
Posts: 1730
Location: Michigan | Very nice. As big as these cars are, that engine looks like it was a tight fit. |
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| I think it's ill advised, but looks like I'm alone on this.
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Attachments ---------------- Hey Let's Put Some Camels in a Pickup.jpg (140KB - 194 downloads)
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Location: NE Ohio | Picture above reminds me of a new statistic just out:
70% off the women out there that tried camels went back to men.......... |
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| have you made any progress jim? |
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Member
Posts: 11
| dukeboy - 2008-10-04 10:09 PM
Wonder why no one has mentioned the gas mileage thing with the Viper engine like they do when I mention a 440?
488 C.I., 10 cylinders, gotta be worse than a 440, even fuel injected...............................
i just wanted to point out a correction here to dukeboy, this is actually a 8.3L viper engine which is 505 cubic inches not 488 |
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 716
| Ha ha!
Because 488 CI is not nearly enough! |
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Posts: 174
Location: Phoenix, AZ | There has been great progress with the project! It is in primer and should be painted this week. I can't wait to get it back from the painter and start putting it all back together. I have the bumpers and all the trim at a shop to get re-plated and polished. I will post some more pictures when it is in color.
I drove it about 500 miles before I took it apart and it actually got about 20 mpg on the highway. It only turns 1800 RPM at 70 MPH with the Tremec 6 speed, and these new computerized engines are very efficient when you are gentle with them. But when I really get on it, like when I took it to Firebird drag strip, that is a very different story. It is tuned for about 550 hp and it takes a lot of gas to feed all those hungry horses when you have them at full gallup.
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Attachments ---------------- PrimerLSM.JPG (97KB - 192 downloads) PrimerRSm.JPG (100KB - 186 downloads)
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Expert 5K+
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Location: Williams California | Looking good, Jim!! |
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Member
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| Car looks great, you have 4.10 gears correct? how does 6th gear feel? a lot of the viper drivers say they prefer the 456 but i feel that is too aggressive for long hauls? |
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 716
| Darn good question Jag!
I've got 4.10s in 'another' car and wow what a difference at low rpms and surprisingly enough not much change on the high end.
So Jim......4.10s or what? |
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Veteran
Posts: 174
Location: Phoenix, AZ | I have the 4.10 gear, and this gives a redline speed of only about 50 mph in 1st gear but makes it very easy to drive in slow traffic. 6th gear in the Tremec is a 0.5 ratio so even with the 4.10 it turns very slow RPMs on the highway. I never even put it in 6th until I am going over 60 mph. This engine make a lot of low end torque and pulls like a tractor from 1500 RPMs so 6th gear is still usable on the highway. I think the Viper car comes with a gear around 3.4, but they are set up to go 180 mph plus. I wouldn't want to try that with the forward look aerodynamics! But I did have it up to 120 mph at Firebird with no problems, and that was still in 4th gear! |
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 716
| Excellent excellent excellent.
Good details on the 4.10s and if you are not running the dragstrip, they are more than sufficient and a heck of a lot of fun,
as you obviously already know.
Very cool. My 4.10 car gets surprisingly good gas mileage on the highway, as an unexpected bonus.
And if yours is as torque-y as it sounds, I can just imagine your front end bucking up a bit from little gas gooses while cruising around at low speeds.
Can't wait to the see the videos! And, if I'm ever near Phoenix, I'm coming to see you and beast. Good for you. Keep us posted. |
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Veteran
Posts: 174
Location: Phoenix, AZ | Finally got my car back from the painter and it looks great!! Much better in person than in the pictures. I put the trim on the right side and wanted to post a picture. Now comes the fun part of putting it all back together with all the parts re-done so you don't even get your hands dirty.
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Attachments ---------------- Painted Front small.JPG (105KB - 176 downloads) painted right trim.JPG (109KB - 168 downloads)
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Board Moderator & Exner Expert 10K+
Location: .Norfolk..Mafia.. ,England UK | Looks Great Jim,,
Please post more PICs as you put her back together and another Video when she is done... |
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Veteran
Posts: 174
Location: Phoenix, AZ | Will do! |
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Posts: 1493
Location: Jamaica Plain, MA | That is amazing. Great color choice there, too. No one will know what just came up to them at light. |
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Location: NE Ohio | Looks fantastic...a sleeper |
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| car turned out great |
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Board Moderator & Exner Expert 10K+
Posts: 13036
Location: Southern Sweden - Sturkö island | Even though I'm leaning towards purism, I have to admit that this car is something else! Really nice work and it will be a really cruel sleeper. |
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Veteran
Posts: 174
Location: Phoenix, AZ | Over the past 30 years I have done 5 other cars to absolute every nut and bold originality, but I have never learned so much or enjoyed a project as much as this one. This is the first car where I can actually make changes that I really want, and have the challenge to engineer and fabricate all the pieces. I still want it to look basically stock (with the hood closed) because I have learned to love the lines of the old sedan, and want it to look like a mildly customized car done back in the 60's. Plus it has so much more power and stops so much better than any of the other 50's-60's cars I have had. Now I just have to get it all back together and on the road again! |
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Location: North Australia | Really awesome job Big Jim. A credit to you and your automotive engineering skills. I suspect you have a higher learning in the art of Auto??
Steve. |
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Expert 5K+
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Location: Williams California | Looks great, Jim!!!! |
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Posts: 1493
Location: Jamaica Plain, MA | I am a total fan of the 2 door sedan, it's lighter, more solid and more subtle than a hardtop. Perfect sleeper. If I had the $$ and time I'd do a 58 Dodge 2 door sedan up like this with a gen 3 Hemi. Very inspirational. |
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Veteran
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Location: Phoenix, AZ | I finally got the dash, steering, and pedals all installed. Behind the dash I have the big Vintage Air Gen IV system and does it blow the cold air! I did not have much problem getting the engine running after 1 year in hibernation. One of the fuel injectors stuck, but that was about it. I installed a Painless wiring harness and it sure took me a lot more time than I thought, but everything works great. Now I just need to put the doors back together and have all the seats and door panels done. It looks like I might reach my goal of having all the big things done before it gets too hot in AZ!
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Attachments ---------------- Dash Medium.JPG (122KB - 174 downloads) engine medium.JPG (118KB - 174 downloads)
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Location: The Mile High City | fantastic work!
So can you stick with the bench over the new transmission hump, or are you going buckets?
Edited by Lancer Mike 2014-02-21 11:50 AM
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Veteran
Posts: 174
Location: Phoenix, AZ | I didn't need to modify the hump and the shifter luckily turned out to be in the correct spot so I can use the stock bench seat. I am going to go with all original interior. With the hood shut it will look pretty much all original except for the wheels and exhaust |
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Location: Sweden | Nice work this far, i bet the crate 502 boys will have dropped jaws in your rear view mirror |
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Member
Posts: 11
| This really looks great, this is the first time i seen the picture of the shifter installed, you really kept it simple using the truck shifter and the factory chrome ring and leather boot. it really looks clean and original |
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Expert
Posts: 1488
Location: New Castle PA | Like Wizard, I like the "back to original" restorations best, BUT I'm absolutely in awe of the talents shown in doing something like this. It's simply amazing, and you should be very proud of that incredible car! |
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Expert
Posts: 2905
Location: little rock, AR | What does a project like this cost??? Give us a ball park #. Chevy and Ford had nothing in looks vs the '59 Plymouth in that year. |
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 1043
Location: Auckland, New Zealand. | My guess would be that the biggest expense is the countless hours put in by the owner himself, and how do you put a price on this.
oldwood - 2014-03-13 1:14 AM
What does a project like this cost??? Give us a ball park #. Chevy and Ford had nothing in looks vs the '59 Plymouth in that year. |
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Veteran
Posts: 174
Location: Phoenix, AZ | Thanks for the kind words! Over the years I have restored a couple of old Corvettes and a Chevelle SS back to original, and this project didn't cost more for the parts and things than other complete restorations, it was just MUCH more difficult to find parts for these cars because you can't build one out of a catalog like you can the old GM and Ford cars. Where Fury is correct is that it did take countless hours to do the car because every change had to be carefully thought through and then fabricated. Probably 2 or 3 times the hours to do a regular restoration. No one sells anything in kit form to install a Viper engine. Also my goal was to make this as reliable as a daily driver, and to make the brakes and suspension safely handle 550 HP. Because of this I have used factory Mopar parts wherever possible and no made in China aftermarket stuff. I also wanted excellent A/C and sound proofing like a new car. I have probably put in well over 1000 hours on the car but got to learn many new skills like how to build a Dana 60, installing and servicing A/C, and how to weld and do metal fabrication. It has been the most fun I have ever had building a car. And now it is almost finished. The only big thing left is the interior and then installing the rear windows after the headliner. I am going to hire a professional to do that part. This weekend I am going to take it out on the road for the first time in over a year and get it ready to take over to the upholstery guy! I will post some more pictures then. |
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Expert 5K+
Posts: 8946
Location: WHEELING,WV.>>>HOME OF WWVA | was there a lot of weight difference between the old motor/trans and new -----------------------------------------------------later |
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Veteran
Posts: 174
Location: Phoenix, AZ | I am guessing that the new aluminum motor and transmission weigh at least 200# less than the old 318 and iron torqueflite. The 318 almost bent an engine stand I had used on a big block chevy engine and I could hardly lift the cast iron intake manifold out of the engine compartment without using the cherry picker. Also, 1 human can lift a tremec 6sp trans, and that is not true with the iron torqueflite! The car sat over an inch higher with the new motor and I had to readjust the torsion bars to get it back to factory specs. I weighed the car on a truck scale after I installed the engine and it weighed 3690# with almost a full gas tank, but I don't know what it was before the transplant. I will have to weigh it again now that I have re-done everthing and added A/C and some sound deadening. |
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Member
Posts: 11
| i love this building looking forward to updates when you can |
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Expert 5K+
Posts: 5001
| you might have some competition here is a bit
I am looking at the SRT-8 hemi setup, 6.4 litre with custom frame, etc to put in the 58 Belvedere.
I am finishing a 1970 GTO right now with and LS3 and a front Corvette z06 suspension in it(back axle is actually from a Ford Mustang Shelby Gt500).
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Expert
Posts: 2905
Location: little rock, AR | You'll probably have to get some bleach to get the rear tires really rollling. LOL |
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Regular
Posts: 99
| Your car is FREAKIN BEAUTIFUL!!!!!!! You've done a great job. You've taken a Foward Look and blended it with a heavy dose of Forward Thinking!
I'll be re-doing my '57 Saratoga and I formally challenge you to a good ole drag race. My old school Hemi power against your new school Viper power. The race would be epic on YouTube. What do you think, Jimbo?
How far is N. Alabama from Arizona?
What up Dorsey?
Edited by notweak2 2014-04-19 12:21 PM
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Attachments ---------------- 142 064sm.jpg (164KB - 181 downloads) 142 058sm.jpg (156KB - 190 downloads)
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Veteran
Posts: 174
Location: Phoenix, AZ | I love the look of your old school Hemi, and a run-off at the local drag strip would be really cool. Two old mopars battling it out. Mine would look like the underdog with the hood shut. Unfortunately we are about 1700 miles apart. |
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Veteran
Posts: 174
Location: Phoenix, AZ | I finally got my interior done and am very pleased with the workmanship. I went with a 1959 Dodge pattern and material. The 59 Plymouth now has a 59 Dodge color with 59 Dodge interior, a 2005 Dodge engine, and a 1966 Dana 60 rear. All in the Mopar family I plan on installing the rest of the interior and glass this weekend, and it will then be all finished except for a few cosmetic issues. I will post some additional pictures and a video when it is all done. I drove it about 60 miles and all is well. The AC blows very cold and the engine does not overheat which is good now that it is about 110 in AZ. It is amazing how much quiter and tighter the car is after welding up the holes and adding lots of insulation. I can't wait to take it over to Firebird for a few runs down the 1/4 mile!
(Interior Seats.JPG)
Attachments ---------------- Interior Seats.JPG (112KB - 177 downloads)
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Expert
Posts: 2905
Location: little rock, AR | Well, we need to have Central US FL mopar show and let the big dogs fight it out. Darn we need another Tulsa!!!
Edited by oldwood 2014-06-27 8:20 PM
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 1172
Location: Georgia | Right on, Dorsey!! We do need another world-wide meet!!
The interior looks great, Jim. She's a beautiful beast, with quite the attitude!
Pete |
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Expert 5K+
Posts: 8443
Location: Perth Australia | I recon a worldwide forward look show here in Perth would be pretty cool
The only thing is the freight costs, but have an answer to that one, you could all bring your cars here and just leave them here for me
I promise I will look after them
Sounds like a great idea, wadda you think
Looks like they did a great job Jim
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Regular
Posts: 99
| Update, please. |
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Member
Posts: 11
| wow, the last time i was on here was about this time last year and still no update, such an awesome car that none of us can enjoy with big jimbo |
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