I am the proud ownwer or and 1953 special 3 speed on column, 262 straight 8, all stock.
I am planning on restoring it but not to the spoint of a show car, I want a driver, something we can hop in on the weekends and cruise the streets. maybe run to som car shows. I am even thinking of making her a rat type car because I am not finding any ideas that excite me. That would be my last reort.
My car has some rust and dings but she still looks good to me.
The one thing I want to do is make her a little more highway friendly and safe.
The suspinsion seems really soft, kind of like being in a boat, you dont hit the dips hard you kinda roll up amd down and side to side.
The radio doent work and I am looking into that but its a 6 volt system and havent made my mind up on what to do.
I would like to make it kind of a "hot rod" but seems these straight 8's dont have much available to make them hot..LOL
I am new to restoration and the old car world in general and have a few questiona for you old timers.
1. As far as suspention, does anyone have any ideas on upgrades that are affordable? I mean I would like the car to be safe and handle as good as one of these old girls can be. Not looking for a race suspention but something that will help stop the boat feeling when you drive,
2. Can anyone help me decide on converting to a 12 volt system. I am worried it will be too technical and costly for a new person to accomplish. Are the pros worth it? Or is it not that hard or exspensive to do?
3. Does amyone have any ideas on ways to sup-up these old straight 8's (262) She starts good and runs really smooth, but I remember my ubcle having a true hot rod with one of these cars back in the day but he is gone and I have no idea where to get or what to get as far as reasonable engine upgrades. Again I am NOT a mechanic. I would love a fast good sounding street car.
4. The brakes: They suck....
Should I do the disk brake thing or with a good brake job are these brakes possible of working good enough to be safe?
5. The body, I have some , what I call minor rust, I am sure a bidy man would say its worse. I am not buiding a show car are there any shortcute to rust without spending alot of money replaceing panels or using a lot of bondo?
I would love any onfo on places where I can get parts for this car, any pictures of projects that you have done with this car. Any ideas on wheter this car can be a hot little street car ot=r shouls I cut my loses and sell her to get something elses.
I LOVE this car for personal reasons but I cant feel safe to take my family in her for any distance.
I am looking for advise, ideas, and help.
I am planning on restoring it but not to the spoint of a show car, I want a driver, something we can hop in on the weekends and cruise the streets. maybe run to som car shows. I am even thinking of making her a rat type car because I am not finding any ideas that excite me. That would be my last reort.
My car has some rust and dings but she still looks good to me.
The one thing I want to do is make her a little more highway friendly and safe.
The suspinsion seems really soft, kind of like being in a boat, you dont hit the dips hard you kinda roll up amd down and side to side.
The radio doent work and I am looking into that but its a 6 volt system and havent made my mind up on what to do.
I would like to make it kind of a "hot rod" but seems these straight 8's dont have much available to make them hot..LOL
I am new to restoration and the old car world in general and have a few questiona for you old timers.
1. As far as suspention, does anyone have any ideas on upgrades that are affordable? I mean I would like the car to be safe and handle as good as one of these old girls can be. Not looking for a race suspention but something that will help stop the boat feeling when you drive,
2. Can anyone help me decide on converting to a 12 volt system. I am worried it will be too technical and costly for a new person to accomplish. Are the pros worth it? Or is it not that hard or exspensive to do?
3. Does amyone have any ideas on ways to sup-up these old straight 8's (262) She starts good and runs really smooth, but I remember my ubcle having a true hot rod with one of these cars back in the day but he is gone and I have no idea where to get or what to get as far as reasonable engine upgrades. Again I am NOT a mechanic. I would love a fast good sounding street car.
4. The brakes: They suck....
Should I do the disk brake thing or with a good brake job are these brakes possible of working good enough to be safe?
5. The body, I have some , what I call minor rust, I am sure a bidy man would say its worse. I am not buiding a show car are there any shortcute to rust without spending alot of money replaceing panels or using a lot of bondo?
I would love any onfo on places where I can get parts for this car, any pictures of projects that you have done with this car. Any ideas on wheter this car can be a hot little street car ot=r shouls I cut my loses and sell her to get something elses.
I LOVE this car for personal reasons but I cant feel safe to take my family in her for any distance.
I am looking for advise, ideas, and help.