Driving golden era cars in the modern era

[David Conwill]

And now were on to the next issue at hand, seems my 60 year old fuel tank has more than just gas in it!! The hunt is on to replace the tank and avoid the problems with filters and fuel pump that have plagued me for the last three years.

I’m not sure how easy old MoPar gas tanks are to find. If you can find something NOS, that would be great. Otherwise, I’d be looking to clean up and seal your OE tank. I replaced the gas tank in my Falcon in January 2010, and I’ve only just gotten it where the replacement tank works well and doesn’t fill the passenger compartment with fumes - and I still don’t have a gas gauge unless you count a paint-mixing stick with a full mark. If I had to do it over, I’d try to salvage the original tank.

Here's one for you all...I'm getting some oil blowback from the breather caps on the valve covers. What would cause this and how do I prevent the mess this is making of my engine bay. It's not much, just a fine mist but after a couple of days on the road it's a real mess in there.

I almost started talking about road-draft tubes, and then remembered your engine swap. :lol: Is your PCV system fully intact and functional? If not, oil mist is going to be a part of your life until you restore it. My Camaro does similar things, and I’m looking to reinstall the PCV system in the factory manner.

-Dave

 

[AtomicEraTom]

I'd suggest a plastic one, if they make it for your year. They're great and they don't rust!

And now were on to the next issue at hand, seems my 60 year old fuel tank has more than just gas in it!! The hunt is on to replace the tank and avoid the problems with filters and fuel pump that have plagued me for the last three years. Not sure how we overlooked this one but we'll get her straightened out this week! Otherwise she's running great. Here's one for you all...I'm getting some oil blowback from the breather caps on the valve covers. What would cause this and how do I prevent the mess this is making of my engine bay. It's not much, just a fine mist but after a couple of days on the road it's a real mess in there.

 

[1930artdeco]

Bourne ID, I would think twice about replacing your tank if you can salvage yours in any way shape or form. Just drain it and have it boiled out and if want have it seal. If you have lots of cancer in it have it patched and reassemble and drop her in. If you have to replace it then go for an original.

Mike

 

[jdbenson]

If anyone is interested, I know someone selling a 1962 Caddillac Fleetwood, a 79 Chevy El Camino, a 48 Dodge Limo, a 59 Ford Galaxie 500 and a 61 Pontiac Catalina. All are in great shape, and have low original miles. These are not restos, they are stock originals.

If interested PM me, and I'll pass along the details...

 

[Talbot]

And now were on to the next issue at hand, seems my 60 year old fuel tank has more than just gas in it!!

I still remember the time I took my old '49 Ford on its first long run. In hindsight it was also the first time I had filled the tank to the top. Not a good introduction to my wife on the pleasures of long trips in old cars.

I now run two filters for this reason - before the pump and before the carb. Its braces and belt, but works for me.

Save money - pull the tank and give it a good clean out, followed by a coat of internal sealer. You can have it sandblasted, or just stick a decent length of heavy chain in the tank, with perhaps some water to suppress sparks. Give the tank some decent agitation - you will be surprised what comes out. Seal afterwards.

 

[Talbot]

If anyone is interested, I know someone selling a 1962 Caddillac Fleetwood, a 79 Chevy El Camino, a 48 Dodge Limo, a 59 Ford Galaxie 500 and a 61 Pontiac Catalina. All are in great shape, and have low original miles. These are not restos, they are stock originals.

If interested PM me, and I'll pass along the details...

I'd love to see pics!

 

[Bourne ID]

Thanks everyone for all the great tips and info, a good scrubbing seems to be tip o' the day and I think I'll start there.

 

[p51]

The car show yesterday went well. I decided to forego the back roads as it was early in the morning and had no problems. Drove right to the casino after warming up the Jeep (didn't even have to dump fuel into the carb to get it kicked off). She ran as normal, lots of people admired her and many were shcoked when I told them that a WW2 Jeep can NEVER be a daily driver car.
My ride (don't pay attention to the handicapped markings, the whole lot was closed off and I think a quarter of the parking lot is marked like this).

A so-so 1943 Ford GPW 'restoration' that showed up, parked not very close by:

A 1931 Buick driven by Tom Hanks in "The Road to Perdition":

Interesting cartoon paintings on a couple of hot rods:

 

[BoPeep]

Nice pics, p51. I adore vintage military vehicles. And the cartoon graphics (while perhaps a bit corny) are period appropriate.

I just wanted to chime in and say that after a total of 3 hrs seat time, I hopped in the Shoebox and made the trip to the Symco Shakedown (about an hour from my house). No interior, no working gauges, no exterior rearview mirrors and two pillows behind me . . .I arrived in one piece and didn't kill it once! So now I'm thinking of all kinds of excuses to drive into town. What's that? We're running low on milk? More gas for the tractor? Baby needs a new pair of shoes? No problem! lol I'll post more detailed pics of the car and interior when we get it finished off, but here's a bit for now http://willowhomestead.blogspot.com/2011/08/symco-or-bust.html

And should you be curious about the pin-up contest . . . http://willowhomestead.blogspot.com/2011/08/and-winner-is.html

 

[John in Covina]

Parts and repairs

I do love old vehicles and got to see some neat cars now and then. I have mentioned it before but it's a while ago but one of the best sources for finding stuff or associations that can point you the way is Hemmings Motor News. They have a ton of advertisers that are vintage specialists and make or model associations. My friends at Egge Machine can help sometimes when your trying to find a part for and old engine.

 

[Bourne ID]

Nice pics, p51. I adore vintage military vehicles. And the cartoon graphics (while perhaps a bit corny) are period appropriate.

I just wanted to chime in and say that after a total of 3 hrs seat time, I hopped in the Shoebox and made the trip to the Symco Shakedown (about an hour from my house). No interior, no working gauges, no exterior rearview mirrors and two pillows behind me . . .I arrived in one piece and didn't kill it once! So now I'm thinking of all kinds of excuses to drive into town. What's that? We're running low on milk? More gas for the tractor? Baby needs a new pair of shoes? No problem! lol I'll post more detailed pics of the car and interior when we get it finished off, but here's a bit for now http://willowhomestead.blogspot.com/2011/08/symco-or-bust.html

And should you be curious about the pin-up contest . . . http://willowhomestead.blogspot.com/2011/08/and-winner-is.html

That's awesome Peep!! Glad to hear she's back on the road and running well !! The cars look fantastic, absolutely fantastic!!

 

[Stearmen]

Model T Speedster

I accidentally ran across these videos. Model T Roadsters. Suprisingly inexpensive to build, there were so many Model Ts built. They look like a lot of fun, fur coats optional! [video=youtube;-NAKt16dzTI]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-NAKt16dzTI[/video] [video=youtube;5Wldgqhmicw]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Wldgqhmicw [/video]

 

[Gregg Axley]

Those do look fun.
Fur coats? Does that mean he's a college man?

 

[Rathdown]

The fur coats cost more than the cars!

 

[Gregg Axley]

If they are real. LOL

 

[Stearmen]

The fur coats cost more than the cars!

:roll::roll::roll::roll::roll::roll::roll::roll::roll::roll:

 

[randooch]

Maybe not the exact right spot for this post, but close.

Any of you close enough to Portland, Oregon to see the fabulous display at the downtown art museum? It is unforgettable and exquisite, so if you are able to make it, please do. Unbelievably elegant 1930's cars, up close and personal. Hispanola-Suiza, Duesenberg, Pierce-Arrow, Mercedes, Jaguar, Tucker, and the list goes on. Some of these are the last of their kind! Not to be missed.

 

[HOP UP]

Ok so here's what I've been driving daily for the past few months....no issues and I love driving her. Firme` !!

HOP UP



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[Bourne ID]

beautiful Chevy Hop Up!! more pics more info!!??

 

[HOP UP]

Bourne I found this masterpiece in the Bay Area. She has been restored to her original glory with the original drivetrain/running gear and drives very well.

I've lowered the rear some more and raised the front a tad, added Caddy Sombrero hubcaps, added a vintage Thickstun intake with a pair of vintage Carter carbs I rebuilt, tuned her up well and drive her almost every day, peak hour traffic and all. The interior is totally original, everything works - even the factory clock lol !!

The reactions you get from "John Citizen" motorists on the road can be very funny indeed.

Driving the 47 and driving my hotrod generate different kinds of reactions.

Here's a few pix - enjoy guys !!

HOP UP



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