Black Rat 55

[Donuts1]

Very clean! I'm diggin it!

 

[PA41]

Yo ZZ. I can't get over the work you put into your projects!! I'm kinda lazy, which probably means I'll never be a real 'tin banger'.

Thanks for the tips and 'how toos' on your project Truck. When I finish this project, I think I'll try making fenders for a while--. I just need to come up with a lazy mans method .. Probably ain't no such thing..

PA41

 

[zzrodder]

Working on the wiring, my most hated job. Done it on every build but still can't feel the love... Many years ago, I got my brother to do it, he's a whiz at it and that was in the days before wiring kits but now I'm on my own. The thing is, no matter how good the instuctions are there always seem to be some gremlins waiting when the key is turned the first time - I'd much rather be welding......

 

[DJ3100]

Whose wiring kit did you use? Got any comparisons on different brands for us?

 

[rwcstang]

man I lovin this car [dr awesome build!

 

[zzrodder]

Whose wiring kit did you use? Got any comparisons on different brands for us?

On this one I used a Keep It Kleen kit (Autoloc) and I've used them before, pretty good though on the last two I used, two wires to the GM ignition switch were reversed, it would only run when holding the key on start! Tech guys helped me solve it. Instructions could be better, though... but the price was good!
On my Packard I used an American Autowire kit - very good! Excellent instructions, very complete kit and you only connect the wires to the fuse panel you need so you dont have a bunch of unused wires hanging around, naturally it cost more, but well worth it. It even came with a screwdriver!
I've also used a Painless kit, also a good kit plus they give you lots of connectors and other misc components.
Bottom line is you get what you pay for, look the kit over to see if it has what you need like dimmer switch, ignition switch, lite switch, etc., and if it has enough circuits for your needs like compressor, stereo, power windows, locks, etc. No sense getting a massive kit if you aren't using any of those things but leave some capacity for future additions.

 

[DJ3100]

Thanks for the wiring kit info.

I put the current build together without a kit. It took a lot longer, isn't color coded (but the wires are labeled) and it didn't save much, if any money. Had fun doing it, but will use a kit next time.

Love your build.

 

[zzrodder]

Wiring is done, windows in and the stainless front window trim I made is on. Also got the doors on, nearly ready to run.....

 

[zzrodder]

Up and running, got some outside shots. Had a real nightmare getting it running right and fixing leaks. When I bought the engine rebuild kit, it came with a MR. Gasket engine gasket kit - TOTAL CRAP !! The thermostat gasket absorbed water and seeped, the intake gaskets did the same, leaking at all 4 corners, the oil pan set came with the wrong end seals and the head gaskets seeped and shrank so the head bolts didn't keep their torque. Also the water pump gaskets seeped, geez, their sole purpose is to hold in water! I made some from a Cheerios box and they seal perfectly, so what does that tell you ? When assembling it, fortunately I put in a Felpro one piece pan gasket so I didn't have to drop the pan. Got a complete Felpro set - problems solved !!
Also had a real hard time figuring out why it would barely run, traced the problem to the distributor - I got an HEI from an 80's Chev that had the semi-computer control so I chopped off the extra wires and put in a module for a pre computer model - problem turned out to be that the green and white wires from the sensor to the module were reversed. Switched them around and it runs A-one.

 

[Motorhead]

It's ALIVE! I'll drink a glass of wine to that, preferebaly from the vineyard in the back ground!

Everything on this car is right. There's not a single spot on it that needs to be tweaked, changed or reworked. It's an all around perfect hot rod. Well done, my friend!

 

[zzrodder]

It's ALIVE! I'll drink a glass of wine to that, preferebaly from the vineyard in the back ground!

Everything on this car is right. There's not a single spot on it that needs to be tweaked, changed or reworked. It's an all around perfect hot rod. Well done, my friend!

Thanks Motorhead ! Well, nothing is ever that perfect - I'm making a new carb scoop that better matches the body lines and has a little grille to match the front one, plus some other tweaks[.... you know hot rods, they're never done.[S

 

[DJ3100]

I didn't see anything wrong with the other scoop - but the new one looks like it might flow a little better with the body lines.

Beautiful ride!

 

[deerchooper]

awsome work zz. you got the touch

 

[zzrodder]

Got the air cleaner finished today and painted, also finished the stainless grille for it, I think it flows a bit better with the body lines, the other one tilted back too much.
Tomorrow it's off to the upholstery shop, that is one thing I don't do myself - can't sew and don't wanna learn....

 

[earthman]

Masterpiece!

 

[wrecker55]

That's one sharp innovative ride you built......very nice work !!

 

[zzrodder]

Thanks fellas, when I get it back in a couple days, I'll get some outside shots for a better perspective, plus a look at the new completed interior.

 

[Motorhead]

The red stripe really sets it off. Is there going to be a hood/grill ornament?

 

[mikehemmen]

love the shop

Must be nice to have all that space. My wife still thinks I have to much sapce as is.

 

[zzrodder]

The red stripe really sets it off. Is there going to be a hood/grill ornament?

I'm trying to resist the urge to add more doodads, it's easy to go too far and clutter it up.