**UPDATE**
I finally got some time and motivation together and did a little bit toward the final teardown.
I had moved Darrell's car outside back in May hoping to get to it.
Then I spent the next two months riding my bicycle and getting to know my neighbors at the shop. I've met Mom, Dad, and this is one of the three kids:
So yesterday, my good friend came by to help with motivation. We got it inside next to the Custom 4DSD that has been waiting for a fuel tank replacement (for nearly 2 years):
The underside of the Custom needs a lot of prep and paint, I started grinding away at it and then never made anymore progress. I wanted to put Darrell's car where the Custom was.
So we decided to take the decent fuel tank from the Darrellmobile and temporarily install it in the Custom so I can yard drive it and move it around as need be.
It became obvious that the tank had been replaced recently because the hardware all loosened easily. But like everything else on this car, it had some creative input.
The nuts for the tank strap bolts were two different sizes and and the bolts were standard hex head that had been heated and bent to work. And there was no ground strap either.
So the tank came out real easy and went into the Custom without any issues. Checked all of the fluids in the Custom and turned the key. A fair amount of cranking was needed to fill the fuel lines and then it fired right over. The fuel gauge even works with the new ground strap that I installed.
So the Custom saw the light of day for the first time in a couple of years:
So we dollied the Darrellmobile around, parked it where the Custom was and took the hood off:
And that was as far as we got. But it was a huge step toward getting it finished.
I took an after pic:
I have to say that it was a little sad to drive Darrell's car around the yard for the last time.
But when the Custom fired over, I figured Mr. Brown was smiling.
So I now have him riding with me in two of the Newps.
Thanks again Darrell, wherever you are.
Stay tuned, more to come.
John