OK! Let's do a little catch up.

I started my quest to build this T because it seemed (after crunching many numbers) to be the only option for me to build my own hotrod. To attempt to build anything else would take years, and bit too much cashish for this working man to cough up. (This is the part of the blog where I could babble on about what is wrong with our industry, the over-stufed, over priced, billet impregnated trailer queens that have made this hobby so expensive for the rest of us.... but I will refrain for once.)

I was originally going to weld up my own frame. But, recognizing that I could not run a welder in my tiny 1.33333333 car garage without blacking out my apartment complex, I don't think I'm really that popular with the neighbors already. Too many loud toys. Being plunged into total darkness would probably not go over too well. So, I contacted my good friends at Spirit Industries and bought a frame. I did, however, already have a body that was purchased from a local rod shop.

Quickly, it was realized that the body would have to be, um, MODIFIED to fit the chassis. So, I got Ricky to help me with a little Sawzall action.


He assured me that his previous years of bodywork would allow him to widen the body (about 1" in the front and 1/2" in the rear) and it would be no problem.

So, we mocked up the body and continued.

I got a little punchy after seeing the car hacked in 2 and temp screwed together with scrap wood. I decided I had to sit in it and grab an air cleaner lid for use as a steering wheel.










Next, came building the engine. I scored a completely done 400 short block thanks to my good friend and co-worker, Colin. After having some ordeals getting a matching set of stock heads, I started the top end assembly. So far, the engine is essentially assembled. I still need to adjust the valves, and start tacking on all the accessories, but here is how she looks at the present time.

The Edlebrock air cleaner is unlike anything I have seen. Anyone have an idea of how old it is? The Elite series valve covers will be going away in favor of some M/T that should be arriving any day now from Ken. (Thanks, yo!) I'm not sure if the scoop will be staying. I might go with a hilbourn style scoop. We'll see.


Today, I'll be headed out to the garage to finish up my shift kit install and to get the outside of the trans cleaned up enough to paint. After that, I'm going to finish cleaning up the garage. I'm going to need some room to begin cleaning up the rear end and for when the suspension parts start to arrive over the next few weeks. Once those get here, we'll start the pre-assembly. Once we have a rolling chassis, it'll probably be just in time for the move to the new house and MUCH larger garage.