Ugly betsy my forgotten '63

[Sillyoldman]

I pushed her out of the shop over a year a ago to make room for a 67 skylark 455 project. Ugly Betsy ('63 BW) was at first a project that was going at a enthusiastic pace. I got in pretty deep with body issues and my interest declined. I went into this project focused on the engine, a 327. Not to say that I have not done a ton of body work & lowering. I spent a bunch of money on the heads. And tossed in a mighty cam. Today I peeled off the rotting tarp to reveal what I had expected. What I did not expect was the new motor to look so bad. The aluminum is oxidized as is the new intake. The paint has started to peel in placed from the block. I threw in a bunch of body bolts today and assembled the hood latch assembly. Chased down a few parts today. Hope to get her running tomorrow.

[the lights]

it still looks good to me. the rust and body work issues on these trucks can make you loose interest, but in the end it is all worth it.

[joe231]

looks cool

[jonzcustomshop]

looks nice I would like to see a pic of the wheels close up if you get a chance.. are they the stock 15's?

[Sillyoldman]

Originally Posted by jonzcustomshop

looks nice I would like to see a pic of the wheels close up if you get a chance.. are they the stock 15's?

Stock wheels. Trust me you DO NOT want a close up. I rattle canned them and the beauty rings are in very poor shape. I have some old slots that I'm putting on her.

[Captainfab]

I was wondering what had become of your '63.......that engine looks great!

So did you get it running today?

[Sillyoldman]

Yep it fired up. Simple 180 degree mistake with the rotor drop (oops). It fired on one key turn no goofing around with timing or carb and with some feathering of the pedal it ran nice at its sweet spot. Nothing substantial leaked. I do have to drop the oil pan, I attempted to change out the timing cover without dropping the pan. It was a gamble so I was not surprised when it leaked. In the video it is running without any adjustments after it fired. I was real excited, but contained myself to a reserved smile as so not to look gay jumping up and down and giggling. I spent the day with another member Nonhog (guy in truck vid) and BIL. Special thanks to him.

YouTube - uglybetsy 011

[Captainfab]

Cool

Sounds good with open headers.

I like how that upper radiator hose looks and I see the tag is still on it. Could I possibly get the number off of it

[DaddyMack]

Sounds Great!! Get on it...lol

[Sillyoldman]

Originally Posted by Captainfab

Cool

Sounds good with open headers.

I like how that upper radiator hose looks and I see the tag is still on it. Could I possibly get the number off of it

Well it's almost 2300 and I should be going to bed, but I spose I'll do it! You know I dont want to pop that hood again today!

Brand Is Carquest. Part#20607. SKU 0 72053 32546 1

[protrash64]

Sweet!!!!!!! Sounds really good.

[TimE]

Nice!

[Sillyoldman]

Thanks all. I'm pretty excited about it. I'm tossing around welding up some pipe for it. I have two new mufflers and pipe I removed from my 67 skylark. It has some bends I could cut out and use. Does anyone know if I can drop the oil pan with everything in tact, or or I need to pull motor mounts and lift it? I'm starting to wish I pulled the motor originally and while I had the front clip off.

[oldblu65]

Ugly Betsy is what you would call a " Diamond in the rough " ! She just needs a little polishing up to be " Beautiful Betsy " ! Do you think all those " beautiful women " , in Hollywood , look that great when they get out of bed ? Of course not ! So all you have to do is shower Betsy with love and you'll reap the benefits tenfold ! In ten years Betsy will still be beautiful , you can't say that about the " Hollywood girls " !

[Captainfab]

Originally Posted by Sillyoldman

Well it's almost 2300 and I should be going to bed, but I spose I'll do it! You know I dont want to pop that hood again today!

Brand Is Carquest. Part#20607. SKU 0 72053 32546 1

Thanks much for the number....'preciate it
You really didn't have to do it right then....

Originally Posted by Sillyoldman

Thanks all. I'm pretty excited about it. I'm tossing around welding up some pipe for it. I have two new mufflers and pipe I removed from my 67 skylark. It has some bends I could cut out and use. Does anyone know if I can drop the oil pan with everything in tact, or or I need to pull motor mounts and lift it? I'm starting to wish I pulled the motor originally and while I had the front clip off.

If I remember correctly you should be able to remove the pan if the crank is positioned with the front throw up above center.....it's been a long time since I've done it.

[Sillyoldman]

Originally Posted by Captainfab

Thanks much for the number....'preciate it
You really didn't have to do it right then....

Just kidding. I was looking for a reason to stare under the hood a little longer



If I remember correctly you should be able to remove the pan if the crank is positioned with the front throw up above center.....it's been a long time since I've done it.

Good tip. I will try that first. Ssounds good. RP's for you. Thanks