The Texas 300

Jeff Norwell · 2017-06-25 07:42

Well,.. here we go again.
I finally managed to get the time(and space!) to bring home my 57 custom project I purchased 7 years ago in Childress Texas.
I have been collecting parts for this car for a long time and with the extra [parts car i have and all the parts I have collected.... I am ready to begin.This will be a slow build(as All my stuff is) just due to family work and spare Money.
I have a 428 with a Galaxie 4 speed to be the motivation.. the engine is complete and ready.Rear gear shall either be a 3:50 or 3:25 ... both posi units.. the stock unit now is a 3:00.
Since collecting,I have everything for this car...... so replacing the damage and and start.
Working space is limited because of the other cars..but I thing we can manage it.

I took a bunch of cell shots from yesterday........
Body,frame,sheetmetal is very very good..... the rockers needed to be replaced and the floors sections as well.Nice thing about this car it is so dry from its life in Texas.... there is no rot like a northern car can get... so its an awesome base to start.

Jeff Norwell · 2017-06-25 07:43

Couple more shots.....

Jeff Norwell · 2017-06-25 07:49

Engine bay is very sano..... again.. just more surface rust than anything..... the sun really bleached everything off this car.
The car was born in Dallas in and was last on the road in 1971.... the plates were on the car when I got it.....
This car was a project and went thru a few hands.I bought it off a gentleman ,Larry Grillett of Childress TX. Larry just recently passed.... great guy... big collector.

Need to replace the rubber in the front end... but mostly just clean and paint.

Jeff Norwell · 2017-06-25 07:57

At some point in this cars life...likely when a project and sitting outside..... all the windows were smashed....and rain got in and soaked the floors and carpet.... well.. you know what happened.... I have cut the pans out and have all the EMS panels to install.(God Bless EMS!)
Under the car... all the red factory red primer is evident and all the years of road crap has been cleaned.I just need to start painting.

I have the dash out and already primed for painting......all really good dash parts are ready as well.Again.. after the floor panels are welded in.... I will paint the entire interior.... just like the other 57 on my other thread and insulate.All the headliner bows are present in in their proper position.I have a very nice Bench and rear seat ready.I will have to save up $$$ for interior panels.... or make my own.

Jeff Norwell · 2017-06-25 08:03

Trunk in is very good shape..... no rot or Rust.
Strange..... one of the deck lid hinges(drivers side) has a spot weld broken.....so it needs a quick zap.... throws the deck lid off by an 1/8 on alignment.
I am pretty sure this car was abused in it's previous life.....The original fuel tank(now long gone) had a massive gash on the left side of it as if someone hit a giant rock and destroyed it.
No Matter.... all points for the shocks are in excellent shape.. no rust..... got all the new suspension stuff too.

troublemaker427 · 2017-06-25 08:22

Looks like a great starting point! My 61 Fairlane came from Texas and was in very similar condition. Dry but cooked!

Jeff Norwell · 2017-06-25 08:23

I have posted the engine before....(on my other thread...) but here is my friend Don Palmer... our local FE Guru working on the 428 in his shop.Don was introduced to me by a great member here, Gary(fordaholic).... This man really knows his stuff. Gary.....THANK YOU!

Jeff Norwell · 2017-06-25 08:29

So. there you have it... this will be a slow burn...but by the grace of god and the crick don't rise.... we shall get her done.
Weather has been horrible here in the Northeast... rain,rain and more rain..... yesterday was the first nice day in 3 weeks.
Counties are flooded and it has stopped me from working on cars and of course...maintaining my chores around the house.

and today.... it's raining....

Yesterday after getting the car... I did manage to install a cherry clutch pedal assembly (THANK YOU GARY!) so a little bit was done.Deck lid also fitted but ran in to that spot weld problem on the rear spring.....so.. it was getting dark and it was tools down.

Jeff Norwell · 2017-06-25 08:30

Quote from: troublemaker427 on 2017-06-25 08:22
Looks like a great starting point! My 61 Fairlane came from Texas and was in very similar condition. Dry but cooked!

ha ha ha.. yes.cooked well!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

hiball3985 · 2017-06-25 09:14

Awesome! I only wish I had your energy and money

My car building days are about over

Jeff Norwell · 2017-06-25 09:16

Quote from: hiball3985 on 2017-06-25 09:14
Awesome! I only wish I had your energy and money My car building days are about over

Jim.... I don't have money.....that's a "for sure".... and the energy part is dwindling...... This is the last project for quite a while.
hahahah

terry_208 · 2017-06-25 09:19

Looks like you have a lot of work ahead of you. It looks like a great place to enter a project. Having the replacement panels and the drivetrain set up, it won't be too long before you'll have it on the road!

Jeff Norwell · 2017-06-25 09:41

Yes terry... a lot of work ahead....here is the car when she came home about 5-6 years ago.... at the same time I met a very smart guy in Mass.!

Marc · 2017-06-25 13:15

Looks like a cool project Jeff. Gotta love those cars from a hot & dry climate. I bought an old F100 outside of Vegas. Dry as a bone and the most solid body I'd ever seen on a 57yr old vehicle.
That motor looks sweet as well. That'll move 'er right along.
You going to keep the black & white paint scheme?

terry_208 · 2017-06-25 14:09

Quote from: Jeff Norwell on 2017-06-25 09:41
Yes terry... a lot of work ahead....here is the car when she came home about 5-6 years ago.... at the same time I met a very smart guy in Mass.!

Although you've had this car for a few years you're just starting on it in earnest. How long do you expect till it's finished. I know, no car is ever really finished.

News:

The Texas 300