keeks2915

Last year I found the proverbial 1954 in a barn, not started since 1994. Covered in dirt, mouse ****, raccoon footprints but all there and just parked because PO couldn't get carbs going right and finally gave up.

You can search my screen name for the original story.

With great thanks to Mike Terry, Brett Henderson, Chris Sherman, Troy Pyles, Bill Corneil and numerous others I am now done with the chassis, ready to install engine and body drop over the next two weeks before Carlisle (unless there is a hiccup with machine shop)

I will try to detail lessons learned, short cuts and screw ups as we all do during these things. I didn't want to do this as a Top flight car but a close amateur restoration and just drive it.

The biggest thanks to this point is my friend and personal mechanic, Darren Wright who does all the mechanical stuff and I do the sandblasting, painting, part sourcing etc. I restored the undercarriage, interior and engine bay while Darren does what mechanics do... the real work.

I know not every screw, sheen and item is correct but it is very close and little changes will fix any fastener issues as I locate the hard to find stuff.

To keep this thread organized, please don't post until I get all my photos posted, then they will all be easier to view at the top of the thread.. update: all pictures posted to date so if you have any questions or comments fire away.. 11:50pm

Thanks for you patience it will take me a while tonight to get them together..

Here is where I started and when the body came off the frame Nov. 9th, 2017

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Current status:

Rebound straps going on next, gas tank in and body drop Thursday.

Bringing to Carlisle April 19 to have top installed and will drive her all summer with mucked up paint.

Then body work and paint next winter. Rebuilt detailed engine and engine bay, detailed undercarriage, chassis, trunks, and interior.

I will post some detailed notes and restoration spreadheet info.

So Nov.9 u till now when body is back on was 6 months...

NightshiftHD

Awesome progress in a short period of time Steve. Well done! Its looking road-worthy now and I love the patina of that old paint :-) Cheers, Bill

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tuxnharley

Great thread, pics, documentation, and project!

keeks2915

I neglected to mention all your great advice as well so I edited the original, post, o thanks again Bill for your recommendations and advice. Hope you are back to full speed and if you ever need a hand give me a shout... I can also mount and balance your tires for a Timmy's....

NightshiftHD

Might take you up on that when I get around to getting new rubber for my wire wheels Steve Cheers, Bill

keeks2915

Having done a few of these, (smaller frame on stuff) I know why stuff often comes apart and never gets back together. You need incredible discipline even when you don't feel like it, organize a detailed spreadsheet to keep everything organized and on schedule. You need a ton of $ if you can't do all the mechanical stuff, a ton of time to do little detail stuff, chase parts, pick up parts etc. and very forgiving wife....