1958 Chrysler Windsor 25 Yr Project Final Lap

[BIRD]

managed to source out new head bolt to replace the the block heater which does double duty as the center bottom head bolt on the left hand cylinder head.. It is difficult to torque properly and with global warming probably not required any longer.
(will post picture of this block heater element which extends deep into block and and down to the oil in the pan.)

 

[BIRD]

Ran into a little glitch... the lifter associated with the sticky valve was damaged and needs to be replaced.. ordered and on the way, should be here by Wednesday... lifter removal was not too difficult... wear on mating surfaces is minimal.. a little shellac on the lower side perimeter .. the cup suffered damage.. will do another oil and filter change... cleaned the lifter valley out and used magnets to search for any metal fragments.. after the oil change, will attach a long bar magnet to the base of the oil pan to limit circulation of any contaminates

..
( hoping to find the missing piece from the cup in the oil)

 

[BIRD]

found the last piece of the puzzle.. changed oil and filter, took filter apart and found nothing.
Another search of the lifter valley with a more powerful magnet brought success.... located last piece tucked in behind adjacent lifter.

 

[BIRD]

engine is reassembled and runs well... good oil pressure, water temperature where it should and exhaust is no longer a steady stream of white smoke. Transmission requires a bit of adjustment to the push button gear selector cable. Generator is noisy.. front bearing.. initially I thought noise was from the water pump but removing a fan belt brought the culprit to the forefront. Pretty much just a few little items to deal with, and will make sure it drives, shifts p and stops properly. Then will install the front clip and have it appraised for insurance and will be able to take it out into the world of driving.
.

 

[BIRD]

I have a runner...
I live in the country.. got brave and went for a spin..
all worked out.. transmission shifted smoothly... power steering is really power .. forgot how vague it feels... brakes are a little spongy .. has vacuum boost system and it never instilled a good pedal feel back in the day with my first 58.. seating position was a little more upright than I remembered and wow.. the steering wheel is big.. hope to install front clip before the end of the week....

all in all a good day and the drive felt a bit emotional after all those years.

 

[polara71]

I have a runner...
I live in the country.. got brave and went for a spin..
all worked out.. transmission shifted smoothly... power steering is really power .. forgot how vague it feels... brakes are a little spongy .. has vacuum boost system and it never instilled a good pedal feel back in the day with my first 58.. seating position was a little more upright than I remembered and wow.. the steering wheel is big.. hope to install front clip before the end of the week....View attachment 466661 all in all a good day and the drive felt a bit emotional after all those years.

That's gotta be cool!

 

[BIRD]

getting there...always turns out to be a slower event than anticipated.
only hood ,grill, lights and bumper to go

 

[BIRD]

with a little Saturday morning help from my sons and grandson.
took a little bit (lol) of adjustment but we have a hood in place.

 

[BIRD]

A step closer.. grill, headlights, parking lights and
bright work trim installed.

bumper tomorrow?

 

[BIRD]

hanging there waiting to make final adjustments

 

[BIRD]

It's a wrap.
Insurance appraisal done this morning.( pictures from appraiser)
All good... time to do some paperwork ,get insurance coverage license plate and validation sticker and should be driving next week

 

[3175375]

Gorgeous and great work!

 

[BIRD]

Gorgeous and great work!

Appreciate your compliment. Looking forward to having the picture taken with my Mom and driving the car.
Cheers Rudy

 

[patrick66]

Very slick! Shows that even a four-door deserves love and attention! Nice car.

 

[BIRD]

Very slick! Shows that even a four-door deserves love and attention! Nice car.

Thanks .. just picked up license plates yesterday.. so am good to go driving

 

[BIRD]

It has been a while since I posted (July 2021) my first real journey with car ended in a breakdown..had driven the car for about 15 miles and then while driving at about 30 mph on level ground, engine started to miss, shudder and then began backfiring through exhaust and carb..
had carb rebuilt to ensure the problem wasn't too much fuel..
Thinking ignition issues, timing, or worst case that timing chain jumped a tooth .
Going to post on the ignition section to look for advice..

 

[BIRD]

FINALLY got the then and now pictures.. 55 years later..
Pictured with my Mom ( 102 years young) my 58 Chrysler Windsor in front of the home I grew up and
my Mom still lives in.. She was quite tickled to do the photo shoot.
( May 1967 & May 2022)

 

[Justin Plant]

WOW, that is awesome!

 

[75LandYacht]

FINALLY got the then and now pictures.. 55 years later..
Pictured with my Mom ( 102 years young) my 58 Chrysler Windsor in front of the home I grew up and
my Mom still lives in.. She was quite tickled to do the photo shoot.
( May 1967 & May 2022)

View attachment 533319

View attachment 533322

View attachment 533323

View attachment 533324

Wow that’s awesome….

 

[cbarge]

That is awesome!