Here are a few pics:
http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2003-8/339303/2107017 http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2003-8/339303/2104059 http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2003-8/339303/2106365
I have just started on the car last month, so there is not that much progress yet. I have mocked up the drivetrain, and fabricated the mounts. The engine is going to be a warmed-over L76 and 6L80E that has less then 1500 miles on them.
The car has been stripped to the bare shell and mounted on the rotisserie for metal work. The upper rear window channels were rusted pretty bad, as are most wagons. I fabricated new channels and shaved the drip rails from the car at the same time. I have pulled out the passenger side quarter, but after all that work, I have decided to replace the quarter and outer wheelhouse.
I am planning on having airbags on all 4 corners, and that is why I raised the tunnel the entire length of the car. I would like to have the car done in time for the Hot Rod Power Tour next summer, but It is going to be a stretch to get it done by then. The car is getting all the modern conveniences, as it is going to be my highway cruiser. I am not going to get carried away with building horsepower, as the car needs to be super reliable. If the car will dip into the 12's, I will be tickled!
As soon as the weather cools down enough that I can spend several hours under the blast hood, I will get the chassis blasted and painted. I am hoping to have the body clean and primed by Thanksgiving, and hopefully, back on the frame by Christmas.
I would like to think that it will be no problem having it finished by June, but I have been down this road too many times to think that. It always takes twice as long and cost twice as much as you originally think!
Regards, John McGraw
