51' crestliner

This 51′ Crestliner entered the shop as a impressive all original ford, right down to the plastic covered seats.

Original 51' seats still cevered in plastic

For this build the onwers the car wanted to retain all of its original looks but also for it to have modern creature comforts and reliability. This meant A/C and heat, AM/FM radio with ipod hook-up, a modern powertrain, and the suspension to handle it all safely.

The original flathead and transmission were removed. The front half of the frame along with the front suspension were then torn down. In their place went a “Heidts” front suspension and cross member.

orginal flathead being removed

51' crestliner front suspension before

Modified front suspension, frame, and steering

The next phase of the project was to choose a powertrain. To keep with the Ford brand the Ford 4.6l was chosen. For the transmission we went with a 4R70W automatic.

51' crestliner with a 4.6l installed

The 51′ crestliner also received a new wiring harness, air conditioning, and upgraded brakes to complete the transformation.

51' crestliner wiring

51' crestliner dash with A/C and modified original radio

Along with the upgraded brake master cylinder the Crestliner also received 4-wheel disk brakes.

51' crestliner brake system upgrade

The Crestliner was finished with a beautiful steering wheel that was offered as a dealer option in 1951.

Dealer option sttering wheel for 1951

Below are a few more pictures of the finished product.

For more build photos follow the link below:

1951 crestliner Build photos

A 1958 convertible Chevrolet Impala with a tri-powered 348 W-Block is quite the rare vehicle. Not only was 58′ the first year for the Impala, the 58′ body style was only produced for one year. Only 55k of the Impalas built that year were convertibles. This 58′ Impala also had the optional 348 with tri-power and the continental kit.

58' 348 tri-power

58' Impala Continental Kit

The impala came into the shop to have its motor rebuilt and installed. It also needed some minor work such as the instillation of a CD player under the drivers seat to keep the original dash intact, and other small finishing touches.

348 Ready for Installation

The CD player mounted under the drivers seat

Click the link below for a video of the Impala running during its break-in procedure.

1958 Impala w/ 348 tri-power Break-in video

For the full gallery of build photos follow the link below:

1958 Impala build gallery

Ethanol has been added to gasoline for years now, but its effect on older motors has just recently be discovered to be more detrimental that originally thought. Ed Syrocki, owner of “EMS Classic Car Care”, has taken it upon himself to document the cases of fuel system contamination that were presented to him. He kept faulty fuel system parts such as fuel tanks, fuel lines, fuel pumps, and carburetors. He dissected these parts to get to the root of what ethanol actually does to your fuel system.

Ethanol acts as a solvent, that if left to sit for as little as a week can begin to dissolve plastics and create a build up of corrosion around fuel passages.  This means bad news for fuel pumps, floats, diaphragms, and jets in carbs.

So what can you do?

1) Find a gas station that offers ethanol free gasoline

2) Use of a quality fuel system cleaner

3) DRIVE YOUR CAR. Don’t let the ethanol sit in your car if you plan on not driving it for a while. Only fill your vehicle with the amount of gas you plan to use for the day.

For more info. check out the links below

http://www.historicvehicle.org/Latest-News/News-archive/August-2011/2011/08/24/Kernel-Knowledge-One-man-on-a-mission

http://www.businessweek.com/lifestyle/content/may2009/bw20090514_058678.htm

A wonderful customer from Florida had a dream to start a shaved ice selling business.

Objective:

Transform a  step van into a mobile shaved ice van that contains all the necessary equipment and creature comforts to run the business reliably.

Target:

A 1958 Chevy step van

Results

Mission Complete

Dreams do come true

See the full build by clicking the link below:

https://picasaweb.google.com/115481806433236703739/58ChevyStepVan#

Follow the Santa Rosa Beach Ice Co. and wish them much success on their FB page:

http://www.facebook.com/SantaRosaBeachIceCo?sk=info

]]> http://www.americanrestomods.com/a-dream-deferred/feed/ 0 http://www.americanrestomods.com/the-deceptive-gentleman/ http://www.americanrestomods.com/the-deceptive-gentleman/#comments Sun, 18 Sep 2011 15:05:18 +0000 alex http://www.americanrestomods.com/?p=174 Continue reading →]]> This is a must see for restomod fans. A 1929 Ford Model A fitted with a BDA Cosworth engine.

This model A is a “sleeper” in its truest form, right down to the hidden switch to make the engine misfire. The finnish build team at Mäkelä Auto-Tuning Oy(Ltd) did a spectacular  job. Video and build photos below.

Info links:

Build Photos:

http://www.mat.fi/n_index.php?nav=gallery_view&gallery=project1929fordmodel-a&g=13

Video:

Their alias, Team Rattle Snake, was inspired by the “rattlesnake” by PPG painted 1963 Dynamic 88 that they will be driving. The competition begins in Seattle, Washington and ends 7 days later at the SEMA show in Las vegas. The teams will complete in a series of challenges that not only give them the clues needed to navigate their way south, but also increase their chances to win a limited edition 2011 Dodge Charger.

The Adventure Benefits a great cause and also gives us a chance to show the world what American RestoMods is made of.

Check back for daily updates and news as Mike and Ralph embark on a journey for a good cause and good fun.

Info Links:

The America Adventure

http://www.theamericaadventure.com/

1963 Dynamic 88 Build Photos

https://picasaweb.google.com/115481806433236703739/63Dynamic88