Thread: getting closer, but another question, help please

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After the initial wife negotiations about starting a new project, I have come up with this.....


http://www.wescottsauto.com/body-193...-phaeton-1.htm




I think I would like to build it and it meets the wifes requirements for a 4 seater and i like this style pretty well.


Now, this is going to be a big block motor with a blower and I have having to work in small places, so now my attention turns to the chassis and frame. I suppose this thing will fit on all/most 32 frames? I am wondering if I need to have the frame lengthened to make better clearances for blower pulleys and to have some firewall clearance. Who would you guys get to do such a change? How much should I go for in increased length or am I waisting my time because there is plenty of room anyway? Any advice once again very appreciated.

Buzz

Make sure you get the recessed firewall. It sez in the Wescott literature this will leave room for a small blower drive. Crowding the engine to the firewall, maybe even a notch for the distributor, if you're using a chebbie with the distributor on the wrong end of the motor.

There are lots of good frame-makers out there. However, make sure you tell whomever you choose that you're putting in a big block with a blower. You want some significant X-members to handle that torque. Pete and Jakes makes some good stuff, and they're not too far from you. They have an excellent tubular X-member. If had your motor, I would go with ladder bars in the rear rather than a 4-bar. I had a 4-bar on a model A with a hi-po 454, and I had to rebuild and reinforce much of it after about the third time I hit 2nd gear. P&J make a reinforced ladder bar that works well. Also, I can personally attest that Jerry or Jason at P&J will give you the STRAIGHT SCOOP. Call them and ask about the Wescott body fit.

On the firewall . . . Call Wescotts. Sure, they're interested in sales, but they should be able to tell you about any problems fitting a big block with a blower. Their comment about "have been successfully installed" could have several meanings. Rat motors "have been successfully installed" in Chevettes. That doesn't mean it's easy.