The Texas 300

Jeff Norwell · 2019-10-08 06:34

Next step is now to tear into the front end, need to rebuild the complete front end.... I have a complete NOS rebuild kit from a great source who has tons of NOS stuff for Fords going back to the teens... a company called Presixties... local to me..but a valuable resource.
I plan to swap out the 57 steering box for a 58-59 unit.... On the fence to run Aerostar or original coils....(I believe the OG coils in the car now are worn out)

Jeff Norwell · 2019-10-08 06:38

Engine wise.... the jury is still out... but I am leaning towards another FE,.... I picked up a 63 Factory aluminum intake... and i have a core 390 sitting in the corner.I may go C-6 because I already have a Trans crossmember for a C-6 and a proper length driveshaft.But.... who knows.
I also found locally a 66 Merc 410 that may fit the bill... but...I dunno... not there yet.

Jeff Norwell · 2019-10-08 06:41

My pal Tom(or Tom the Painter, as he is known) painted some 56 steelies for me...I prefer a 15 inch wheel to 14's..... He painted them a colonial white base.....I may go black.... but again... we will see.

RICH MUISE · 2019-10-08 08:53

Awesome you're doing two at the same time. This one does not have the rust issues the other on had, correct? Yep, cleaning the underside is the dirtiest job ever, especially if you're not using a rotiserie. The 10 worst days of my life were spent cleaning/sandblasting/por-15 the underside on mine. Never again without a rotiserie.
Everything is looking great Jeff. Nice having some more active build threads here. Keep it coming.

Jeff Norwell · 2019-10-08 08:56

Thanks Rich!
No. the Texas car has very very little rust issues... yes... 2 at the same time..I refuse to take the body off.... so I will suffer the pain... hahahah
Thanks again Rich

Jeff

Tom S · 2019-10-08 14:52

Quote from: Jeff Norwell on 2019-10-08 06:38...
I may go C-6 because I already have a Trans crossmember for a C-6 and a proper length driveshaft. ...

What do you mean by C-6 crossmember? Is it something other than the standard '57 crossmember?
I am assuming that stick shift & auto trans X-members in '57s are the same. No?

Jeff Norwell · 2019-10-08 15:04

Quote from: Tom S on 2019-10-08 14:52
What do you mean by C-6 crossmember? Is it something other than the standard '57 crossmember?
I am assuming that stick shift & auto trans X-members in '57s are the same. No?

No..... Ford never made anything but the standard fair trans-crossmember.....I have a Crites unit that came from my car that had a 460/C-6..... They make crossmember for that application.Pretty sure its an easy swap with little or no mods to the base plate.The driveshaft is also in my shop here.

Tom S · 2019-10-08 15:11

Ah! Just as I thought, was makin' me wonder.

Thanks, Jeff!

Jeff Norwell · 2019-10-08 15:19

Sorry Tom..I should have clarified that..... to be honest. the real reason for an auto.. is my wife may drive this car.. and although she drives stick ... with no problem..... a modern stick.. she may tire quite quickly of rowing through an old transmission..... and I simply don't want to hear about it.

hiball3985 · 2019-10-08 15:58

Jeff is that a NOS manifold? I lost mine a couple of years ago when the exhaust cross over burned through, very thin in that area. I had to pull the tin pan oil shield on the bottom off to find the problem. Just a word of caution it it's a used piece.

Jeff Norwell · 2019-10-08 16:04

Yes Jim.NOS.. the pan underneath is in fantastic shape.... almost new... I was aware of that before i bought it.

djfordmanjack · 2019-10-08 16:54

The Texas Custom has great tin on it ! I cannot believe how you can build 2 or 3 of them at the same time.... what's the plan Jeff. really using these as daily drivers and your wife driving one of them? wouldn't an FE be cost prohibitive for a daily driver? Why not build one of them with a sweet 289K code, 5Litre or even a 292/AOD ?

hiball3985 · 2019-10-08 17:02

Quote from: Jeff Norwell on 2019-10-08 16:04
Yes Jim.NOS.. the pan underneath is in fantastic shape.... almost new... I was aware of that before i bought it.

It looked NOS but just wanted to check, what a great score

Jeff Norwell · 2019-10-09 05:24

Quote from: djfordmanjack on 2019-10-08 16:54
The Texas Custom has great tin on it ! I cannot believe how you can build 2 or 3 of them at the same time.... what's the plan Jeff. really using these as daily drivers and your wife driving one of them? wouldn't an FE be cost prohibitive for a daily driver? Why not build one of them with a sweet 289K code, 5Litre or even a 292/AOD ?

I am still not sure what direction to proceed in yet G,.... But I have quite a bit for some kind of FE.... as for a SBF?...... they don't interest me at all.... I do have access to a running 292 Y-Block,... but it needs to be rebuilt and I would only go with that and a T-5...... I just have not reached any decision yet.

Jeff Norwell · 2023-03-06 06:06

I really neglected this thread.. but it hasn't gone cold..... I will give the Coles notes version.....

Car is nearly finished... all wired, floors fixed and installed ..complete front end rebuild... Basically..I have to install the interior, headliner ..... seats and stuff... get the exhaust wrapped up and fire it up.
driveline is a 1960 352/ 4 speed on the column.... and if it turns out to be a lump..I have a fresh FE waiting in the wings.
I thought it would have gone a lot faster.. but ....well...... that's life.
My other 57 custom is also coming home from the body shop too... so.... I am excited....

anyhow..visuals of the progress on this car from the last 2 years....

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The Texas 300