53 3100 - complete rebuild and upgrade . . . .

[big_dan]

I'm stoked to have it. Been looking for a Clausing-Colchester for quite a while; I don't think I'll need bigger. This should do everything I'll ever need for sure. It'll be nice to get cleaned up and running, but the 53 is still in progress! 20x11 rear wheels should show up this week!

More later-

Dan

[joedoh]

for a second (or longer) it looked like you had a rim chocked up on the lathe.

nice find!

[big_dan]

Originally Posted by joedoh

for a second (or longer) it looked like you had a rim chocked up on the lathe.

nice find!

I wish! It'll only swing 15", though.

Dan

[big_dan]

Rear wheels showed up; 20x11(6"BS) smoothies. Progress even with side projects! I may end up widening the rear fenders a bit, but they're glass so should go pretty quick.

Thanks for looking-

Dan

[big_dan]

So, a quick update on the Clausing-Colchester. Didn't want to pull it all the way apart since it wasn't necessary, but did pull it down enough to thoroughly clean it up and paint it. Should be done in a week or so, wire the phase converter then back to the firewall repairs. I do enjoy being busy!

More later-

Dan

[8man]

The Clausing looks good. Nice job.

[big_dan]

Ok, side distraction completed, making chips. Back to the firewall!

More later-

Dan

[big_dan]

A quick update - No, I haven't abandoned the 53! I've been piddling around with the firewall and bed but I've been a little distracted. As tends to happen, another side project showed up that I couldn't refuse. So, I've put in a little time on it to get it done before winter when I'll hammer down on the 53. Also, side note, debating on going to a stick instead of the auto, so eyes are open there as well.

Here's the little side project and progress (almost finished) then back at it!

Thanks for looking -
Dan

[6DoF]

DAMN! you went to down on that lath, that's amazing

and i 110% support the stick swap, save the manuals!

[youngrodder]

I wouldn't call that a "small" side project..Ha ha

Looks good
Marc

[dsraven]

I wish I had room for a lathe, mill, bandsaw, lateral belt sander, english wheel, nice big bead roller, planisher.....need I go on?
nice work.

[big_dan]

Thanks, fellas. It keeps me sane these days. This latest lathe is a 13x36, alot smaller than my other, so not sure what my intentions are for it yet. It was a right place / right time / right price deal so I had to grab it! Dsraven, I agree on the tools - I'd still like to build a good 72in belt sander . . . .

As for the stick swap, I'm keeping my eyes open for donors right now. Other than Camaros, Firebirds and GTOs (thinking T56, TKO. etc) are there any I'm not thinking of?

Thanks for looking -

Dan

[dsraven]

here is a quick google on the vehicles that used the T56 . maybe helpful.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Borg-W...6_transmission

[dsraven]

personally I would rather drive an auto but that just me. no cartilage left in my knees so bone on bone at a stop light or stop and go driving kinda sucks. an auto thats tuned to not shift into 6th gear before you get across an intersection.....more my style. I live in a city though so a country truck or a highway cruiser would be different maybe, less stops and starts.

[big_dan]

Ok - time for an update. Finished the small Clausing-Colchester side project, decided to put it up for sale and it was gone in a few hours. Unfortunately, while helping the buyer load it I took a little spill and landed on my back, so that put me down a bit. But, back at it. Working on finishing up the firewall. I think I've decided on a TKX behind the LS, so trying to get time to go pick that up (American Powertrain is just up the road a bit). Any input on powder coat wheel colors? More later - thanks for looking -

Dan

[8man]

Hope you are doing ok. That Clausen is nice! Truck is looking good too.

[big_dan]

Thank you. I'm still a young 45 so I still bounce back a little 😆.

Firewall is coming along. Picked up a quick time bellhousing, flywheel and clutch kit this weekend, so moving along.

Dan

Originally Posted by 8man

Hope you are doing ok. That Clausen is nice! Truck is looking good too.

[6DoF]

Originally Posted by big_dan

Any input on powder coat wheel colors?

Dan

is the truck staying that orange? chrome, black, or gunmetal for trim color? honestly, i say match the trim color ... black, chrome, or gunmetal. then pinstripe a nice body color line.

[big_dan]

Orange!? It's supposed to be red 😆. Currently I'm not planning too much of a change. I'd like a dark interior, but the exterior will probably stay as is. I was thinking a gloss charcoal/ dark gray with a red pin stripe personally. Thanks for the input -

Dan

Originally Posted by 6DoF

is the truck staying that orange? chrome, black, or gunmetal for trim color? honestly, i say match the trim color ... black, chrome, or gunmetal. then pinstripe a nice body color line.

[6DoF]

Originally Posted by big_dan

Orange!? It's supposed to be red 😆.

in that case, i vote yellow wheels!

[big_dan]

I've got a buddy with a powder coating shop; we have been kicking around "burnt bronze" a bit ..... but not yellow.

Dan

Originally Posted by 6DoF

in that case, i vote yellow wheels!

[youngrodder]

Check out Wimbledon white. It is a nice creamy off white. I used that color for my engine color and seat frames. I think it would look nice next to the red (assuming you are keeping it that color).

Marc

[big_dan]

More parts. The tires I wanted were in stock, so grabbed them before they're out. MT's, 305/35-20 rear and 245/40-18 front. And I dolike the white idea, but I think it needs to look just a fuzz more aggressive. More later - thanks for looking -

Dan

[big_dan]

Fishing this weekend and having a blast, but had to put together a little mockup since the tires were here. Dropped my wheels off at my buddy for powder coating........ and after seeing all the swatches? (samples?) I decided on - burnt bronze. More to follow - thanks for looking-

Dan

[6DoF]

i was thinking more ketchup n mustard ... but the burnt bronze should have a sexy contrast.

funny story, my sister used to have a wrangler that was fire engine red and a previous owner had put yellow pin striping on it