Thread: Project Special K

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Good Progress Steve! Thanks for the photos too..

Well after two full days hitting it hard, was able to reconnect all the transmission fluid and vacuum lines, rewire the engine, reinstalled new belt and pulley set, reinstalled the radiator, put the headers in, replumbed the fuel lines and reinstalled the carb. Went to fire it up around dinner, but had some gas line issues, now solved, let the truck sit, ate pizza, came back out turned the key, pumped the gas and boom! She runs and idles again, the 460 is breathing life after over a year of frame mods, ect. It was a great feeling. Next I will wire the charging system, and then mount the Lokar Nostalgia shifter, which mounts directly to the transmission, so I will be cutting out the floor pan, and reshapiing the hump over the transmission, to give me more floor space for my size 11 feet, not to mention shoring up some underfloor support. All in all a great weekend, with lots of help from my high school buddy Andre (30 years after High School!)

That's good progress Steve! Sounds like a good buddy too!!!

First fire is an exciting time, no matter how many times you've turned a key/pushed a button. That "new life", often with thundering exhaust that has neighbors giving that "What the heck??" look is priceless!! Driving in the Spring?

34-40 and Roger thanks, and my thoughts exactly, as the beast roared to life with just headers, amplified by the garage doors being open, I thought it best to shut it down quick, as I actually like my neighbors and want to stay on good terms!

Here is a startup video, had a hard time filming and keeping idle up!

Congrats Steve, good to hear the big block running!!!!!

Managed to fix my carb linkage and the transmission kick down linkage. I was greatfull for whoever it was who posted cutting braided stainless hose with a chisel and a block of soft metal(aluminium) Was quick and clean, now the cables are the right length for their placement.

I think next is the floor tunnel and the transmission linkage. Could use some info on rivets for the floor sheet metal. Never seen or used rivets before.

Today I cut the tunnel that was existing to make room for the Lokar Nostalgia shifter, and to reform to get some foot space back. I took a bunch of photos to ask several questions from you guys. the first few are just before and after shots of taking the old B&M truck shifter out and the amount of room I actually have under the old tunnel.

The next question is what are these staples doing in my fender sheet metal and what are they for. I have no idea how anyone could staple sheet metal, so I'm guessing old Henry Ford welded these on for the fender welting? Just not sure how it attaches to the staples? Anyone have a clew? Will need to know before paint goes on.

Here is a shot of the aluminium pulleys that I used to get engine room in the engine bay, definately prettier than stock.

Thanks for all the pics Steve. Looks like you can gain a lot of foot room by re-working the floor. Regarding the staples, I would think your assumption is correct, but perhaps they held the welting before the fenders were even in place, so rather than welded on, the staples fit into holes in the fender and through the welting and are crimped underneath..??..?? Just a guess!

The wierd thing about the staples is the don't go thru the steel fender, not sure how you use them on the welting?

No explanation, but see the comments by 49fordv8f4 on the early fords site. He discusses staples in several posts. Wondering if you might not find the story in the vintage restoration arena, like maybe a tech guy at Mac's or another supplier? EFV-8 Club Forum - 48-52 truck fender to cowl seal