Building a 1964 Thunderbolt Clone Hi-rise 427

[SVO]

Damn, nice work! welds look fantastic

Thanx, I had to switch to .023 wire from .035, the big thing is that you have to "pulse" weld meaning to pull the trigger and release, to keep from burning a hole in the sheet metal.
It's a pain and I'm by no means a professional, but I do enjoy what I do and love the ablity to learn every time I get into one of these projects.
But like I say I wish this was work I was doing to my Navajo, ut all in good time, I'll be to wait it out till I get my time to work on my own junk.

I'll try and keep updated pics coming for you all to stay abreast of the projects, hopefully I'm projecting this one will be finished by/around October.

P.S. everyone, don't be scared to jump into something and learn, that's how I got to where I'm at now, and I'm not even to old to learn a new trick or three, I am forever a spounge soaking in the knowledge, to be ever better at what I can/want do.




Jeff - :navajo:

It's a pain and I'm by no means a professional, but I do enjoy what I do and love the ablity to learn every time I get into one of these projects.

Lemme back track a little, I may be a certified technician in many areas, and several certificates in others, but as for fab work and all the other stuff you see, this is all done on a job by job basis.
(hypocritically speaking) I'm fairly modest and and will stand on the grounds that I'm just another run of the mill guy having fun with what he does, the best part is when the project goes out the door, so the customer can enjoy it.

 

[SVO]

I will have to cut 6 1/8" holes in the core support for the cold air set-up similar to this set-up below:

 

[SVO]

I think this next week I'll get started on the roll cage, I'm pretty much done with the front for the time being, till I get ready to test fit the 427 for the motor mount positioning.

 

[JDraper]

Looking good Jeff !!

It's interesting that the one Thunderbolt in your pix is sponsored by Norristown Ford....that's right around the corner from where I grew up!!

 

[rookieshooter]

Again nice work, I had no idea you can still get those tear drop hood scoops? I remember when they were the rage. I had one on my 59 pink, yes pink chevy mixed the colors wrong HA HA that I had in the early 70's. I have seen the real car run that is in the pic. Is that an old photo or is it at a nostalga race? I think that car ran FX class, factory experimental or Super Stock. May even had the engine set back for better weight transfer what I can remember. Any info greatly appreciated.

What future projects do you have for us?

 

[SVO]

What future projects do you have for us?

Looks like I will prolly be doing a 4.6 DOHC w/an automatic into an old DPS fox Mustang in trade for a Corvette.

EEEK! me driving a Corvette

Watch for up coming details.



Jeff - :navajo:

 

[SVO]

Looks like I will prolly be doing a 4.6 DOHC w/an automatic into an old DPS fox Mustang in trade for a Corvette.

EEEK! me driving a Corvette

Watch for up coming details.



Jeff - :navajo:

1988, 76k original miles, been sitting in a storage unit for a looooong time, needs some TLC.

 

[SVO]

A peek at the custom built fuel tank and Currie rear axle:

Here is the roll cage being mocked up, I'm having a little conflict with the customer about weather I should run the rear bars straight (I already have them notched and ready to go in) back off the main hoop, or run them across the roof then down through the package deck (cleaner, but not as functional in a roll over), so as or right now things are up in the air

Enjoy, Jeff - :navajo:

 

[FROADER]

Looking good. I think the straight bars from the cage to the rear would look better straight myself. Not to mention (like you said), more functional.

 

[BeauJ]

Very nice Jeff.

 

[zavaral]

thats really sweet looking so far...ill have to come by and check it out one day.....or this week........or something......GL with it.....ill call you tomarrow if i can find your number.....

 

[SVO]

Looking good. I think the straight bars from the cage to the rear would look better straight myself. Not to mention (like you said), more functional.

Well it didn't happen that way as you can see he wanted the bent bars to hide the cage as much as possible, oh well it's ok, it's more or less going to be a show-off type of car it won't be really used for what it being built for.

thats really sweet looking so far...ill have to come by and check it out one day.....or this week........or something......GL with it.....ill call you tomarrow if i can find your number.....

Yeah I pass through your town EVRY day, and have even honked and waved at you before, but your either on the phone while driving or just aren't paying attention.

 

[BigDakota]

The 427 is one sweet power house!! Your project sure is looking fine! Is that the pic of the Vette your trading for? If it is, that will be a nice trade..I am looking for an early 70,s model Vette to have fun with!!!

 

[zavaral]

hey SVO let me have your number or give me a call...i got some news to tell you about precision off road......its not to good.....i dont recall seeing your truck when i drive.....i am normall on the phone but dont forget i got my stereo on all the time...

 

[SVO]

hey SVO let me have your number or give me a call...i got some news to tell you about precision off road......its not to good.....i dont recall seeing your truck when i drive.....i am normall on the phone but dont forget i got my stereo on all the time...

You can call me at the office, plus we're having a Halloween party too.







Jeff - :navajo:

 

[Stang Girl]

hey SVO let me have your number or give me a call...i got some news to tell you about precision off road......its not to good.....i dont recall seeing your truck when i drive.....i am normall on the phone but dont forget i got my stereo on all the time...

Look for a really hot '04 black Mustang with Austin Area Stang stickers in the quarter windows...

 

[zavaral]

Look for a really hot '04 black Mustang with Austin Area Stang stickers in the quarter windows...

hate to say this...i dont notice new stangs. i really havent noticed though...next time in out ill look for it....ohh SVO.....bad news about precision....brodie called it quits...hes officially gone

 

[SVO]

Well finally done with the cage, started on the battery box in the trunk but ran out of Argon

 

[Stang Girl]

Oooo, just want to run my finger over those welds....

 

[prodigal stang]

Looking good Jeff!