The Saga of the Ugly Duckling

[live4theking]

I adjusted the adjusters out a lot and bleed the brakes just to be sure. Seems to have been the problem. Thanks guys.

We have a dirt lane that goes back our property to a couple of neighbors. I drove it back the lane a couple of times. That felt good, more than moving it around the driveway.

 

[live4theking]

I got a nice, but simple surprise yesterday while working on the car.

As I was sitting in it warming it a little I decided to mess with the radio. It crackled to life so I decided to see if anything would come in. i tuned into some football game. I was surprised that the speaker and the radio actually worked. ;)

 

[65sporty]

When I adjust the brakes I use a screwdriver to push the adjuster side to side to feel how loose the shoes are. I like them as tight as possible without drag. Jacking up the wheel helps also

 

[Pete]

Working Original radio, that's cool. Probably only gets a few stations? Nice write up btw...

 

[live4theking]

It seemed I had a little more air in the lines. Bleed them again a week or so ago. They seem to be fine now. What an adjustment going from modern brakes to 60's brakes.

Now I need to give it a once over checking all of the little stuff for an inspection.

The guy I'm taking it to for inspection is also an exhaust guy so I'm going to have him hang a set of duals with probably DynoMax Super Turbos (about $500). I've got a set of HP exhaust manifolds that I was hoping to put on first, but the left side dumps in a different location. Also it isn't a "C" body manifold, 2951865. Has anyone tried to put one of these on a 68 C? I've got the correct RT side 2806900, it seems to dump in similar location to the LP manifold.

I'm looking forward to driving it. The short winter and early warm up has me itching to drive it. I wonder how much I'll actually ride the motorcycle this summer?

 

[65sporty]

Definitely install the manifolds before going to the exhaust shop, if you put them on later the front pipes will have to be remade or modified

 

[lewis h.]

I had a chance to explore the rural region of PA that is East of the Susquehanna River, North of Harrisburg. Seemed like every house and farm had gems abandoned behind the sheds.
I called that area The Sweet Spot.

 

[lewis h.]

Hey commando, what are some of the tell tale signs of a float sticking or failing fuel pump..thanks

 

[live4theking]

I spent a little bit of time in the garage the other day. I was surprised how easily I was able to break the manifold bolts loose. I'm going to ask the shop how much more it will be to put the manifolds on for me. Hopefully not too much since I broke all of the bolts loose.

I need to replace a marker light bulb and get the windshield washer pump working then I'll be ready for inspection. So, long as he isn't to much of a stickler.

Getting closer...

 

[live4theking]

Well, I cleaned up the valve covers, exhaust manifolds and the license plate bracket and painted them. I know, I know the maifolds aren't supposed to black, but my car isn't supposed to have magnum manifolds either. So, tonight I was able to actually get the good tires put on the car.

My little tire rolling assistant isn't yet 4, but he loved rolling them out of the garage for me.

I got the washer pump installed the other day. Hopefully on Saturday I'll be able to get the valve covers installed. I'm having a heck of a time getting a hold of the shop that I want to put the exhaust on and do the inspection for me. I'll get there. It finally looks like the weather is going to be consistently nicer.

 

[67-Fury]

Dont know why i am drawn to a 4 door as much as yours but the car just looks good too me.

Are you still keeping the 15" Steelies on it?

 

[live4theking]

Oh yeah, keeping the black steelies with some plain jane 80's caps.

 

[Funkym44]

I'd really like to see a picture of the whole car broadside with the new wheels and tires if ya don't mind. Excellent read btw

 

[live4theking]

I'd really like to see a picture of the whole car broadside with the new wheels and tires if ya don't mind. Excellent read btw

Thanks! If I manage to get the valve covers back on this weekend I'll run it outside and snap some pictures. I'm glad that winter has finally released it's death grip on us.

 

[67-Fury]

Thanks! If I manage to get the valve covers back on this weekend I'll run it outside and snap some pictures. I'm glad that winter has finally released it's death grip on us.

you had a Winter? Nothing but 50s here.

 

[Funkym44]

Thanks! If I manage to get the valve covers back on this weekend I'll run it outside and snap some pictures. I'm glad that winter has finally released it's death grip on us.

ME TOO

 

[live4theking]

Well, I got the valve covers on, but didn't manage to get it outside. Last night I tried to fish the seat belts out of the backseat, but I wasn't as simple as reaching in and pulling them. Actually I'm glad it wasn't that simple, I got a nice surprise.

When I pulled the top of the backseat I was pleasantly surprised to find a build sheet. I still struggled to get the passenger side to come up so I had to pull the bottom of the seat out and found another copy of the build sheet.

Out of the 4 68's and one 70 Mopar I've owned these are the first build sheets I've ever found. Some of it I understand, but there is other stuff that I don't understand.

Here they are: The dark (easier to read) one was on the bottom of the seat hence the extra butt wear.

 

[live4theking]

Here's a couple of pics of the valve covers installed and it rolled outside tonight.

 

[live4theking]

Wednesday night I take it in for exhaust and inspection. I snuck it out on the asphalt to do a better brake test. It's going to take sometime to get used to driving an antique. That's okay it will be fun.

 

[Funkym44]

Here's a couple of pics of the valve covers installed and it rolled outside tonight.View attachment 77394 View attachment 77395
View attachment 77394 View attachment 77395 View attachment 77396 View attachment 77397 View attachment 77398 View attachment 77399

looks great!