Got The '61 On The Road, Safely!!

Well, I think I did pretty good.

I bought a '61 from a friend that sat for 30 years inside of a hay barn for a whole $200.

I have replaced a ton of stuff;

>water pump
>dist cap, rotor points and condenser
>plugs, wires, coil
>new Falcon radiator, hoses
>belt
>fuel pump
>valve cover gasket
>rebuilt the carb
>new fuel lines
>Mustang tank and sending unit
>new hard and soft brake lines
>new wheel cylinders
>rebuilt master cylinder
>changed all fluids
>replaced the tires and wheels (temporary, not my style..)
>rewired the ignition switch
>got the wipers to work

While going through the brakes I found that everything was replaced just before it was put away. The wheel cylinders were toast but evrything else was perfect. Easiest brake job I have ever done.

So when I took it out the first time the exhaust manifold blew a chunk and took the bolt and ear from the head with it. I welded the chunk back in but now I am looking to replace the head and manifold.

Also, I thought it was a 144 but it has the orange valve cover and air cleaner which tells me it may be a 170. It has plenty of power....for what it is.

Today I took it up to 65 and other than a nasty exhaust leak it's rather nice to drive. It stops so damn good to boot.

So all in all I am pleased with this thing. Going from a 30yr slumber (stuck engine and all...) to a decent little hauler.

Pics;








I do need a master cylinder spring if any one has one or knows where I could get one.


Thanks for taking the time to read this. I have a long way to go but I feel like I'm off to a good start.



BloodyKnuckles

Looking good!!!!

Looks like you're off to a great start!

good stuff nice score

Thanks guys.

I'm planning on a little drive today. Have to see if this thing will be reliable or not.




BloodyKnuckles

I will tell you, I have been driving the hell out of it and I'm enjoying everything about it. It rides really well, tracks great, pulls real hard for an engine that was stuck when I got it and it stops super-di-duper!



I have been talking with my wife and we have made some plans. We have decided to return it mostly to stock. Possibly solid cream color or a 2-tone with cream and blue. Stock wheels with dog dish or solid caps and black wall black bias plies.



Not sure yet on the interior. I think I want to skin the walls with something to cover the structure. The seats will probably have the only custom touch with diamond stich or tuck. The doghouse will also be covered. The floor will be rubber matting.



We have a beverage company called "Kustom Beverage Company". Our plan is to have a friend paint our logo on the side and use the truck for events and conventions.





What a blast. It is a madness!!







BloodyKnuckles

There is another good thing about putting the business name on in. Can you say tax right off!!! Sticking it back to the man

Ain't that the truth!

Thanks man.




BloodyKnuckles