TNVettGuy

3 weeks into the build and I already have the motor, transmission, rear end and carbs out and being rebuilt. Chrome has been dropped off for to get repaired and dipped. Soda blasted the old paint off with guidance from a professional fiberglass guy as you will see below.




I hope to be done by mid march. I really am looking forward to a full season of cruising!

Cheers

Matt

Mike Terry

Matt it looks like you are off to a good start and sounds like you have a lot of things going on at one time. March is not that far away and you have a ways to go yet. Are you doing the work yourself or are you having it done? Please keep us all posted on the progress with info and pic. I have had several 54 Vettes and have kind of one now, kind of. Where are you located, I am guessing TN.

TNVettGuy

Hi Mike - I am doing the engine but having the transmission, carbs etc done by a shop. As for the paint, I am prepping but having someone else block and paint. I try to do most usually but for some reason, I am getting some additional help on this one. I am also in the final phase of restoring a 1968 L-71. It should be done with paint in the next two weeks.

I am located in Tennessee just south of Nashville. If you ever pass through on 65, let me know and I'll have you swing by!

csherman

what number is the 54 ?
Keep up the good work

TNVettGuy

Thanks C Sherman - I am #2530

TNVettGuy

Just a quick update bodywork coming along. Lines look great. Doors open and close perfectly.

Engine has been rebuilt, carbs are almost done and the transmission will be done at the end of the week.

6 more weeks until I am done!

Easy Rhino

Wow, you move right along!

Is that a '68 Torino fastback I see in the back?

TNVettGuy

Hi Easy Rhino. - yes it is!

Easy Rhino

OldKarz

Nice n fast! Looks great!

TNVettGuy

Thanks! Painting engine tomorrow then time to reassemble.

painting engine bay on Friday then dropping engine in and getting carbs and accessories on. Moving quickly but I really want to drive that first real nice day in March. More pics to come.

oldsarge

Keep up the good work, like to see the old ones back on the road, have fun.

54vetteguy

Goodness Gracious - completing in MARCH
Don't let my wife hear that TNVette ... I have been 6 years off and on for the restoratioin of my 54 and I am only getting to the body work this summer. Drivetrain, engine etc are completed so I was telling her probably another 2 years.
She is tired of waiting and threatens to go ahead and purchase a new Camaro rather than waiting for me to finish......ha she does not realize that when I finish this one I will surely find another to start on
Keep up the good work and from another 54 restorerer --- keep the photos coming!
John
Columbus Ohio

TNVettGuy

Hey John! I am not a patient man . I usually sprint for the garage when my wife goes to bed and work on it about 20 hours a week. I decided to outsource the rebuilding of the tranny & carbs so that has saved me time. I'll keep updating pics here. I should be done blocking and sanding late next week and then epoxy prime the body before final color. I am guessing that I will put the engine back in the first week in February and paint the final coat by the 20th. Then it is reassembly of trim and bumpers.

Do you have any pics of your project? Also, if you ever travel down 65 through Nashville, you will have to swing out and check it out!

TNVettGuy

More pics. Making a lot of progress. Painted engine and engine parts. Painted wheels. Almost done with bodywork (pic was taken last week). Got the tranny back from an incredible rebuilder today here in Tennessee. He rebuild racing transmissions and his specialty for years has been powerglides.

Should be able to spray engine compartment and prime entire body this week then drop engine in early next week. March is fast approaching!










Enjoy!

Matt

TNVettGuy

Looking good !

TNVettGuy

Getting closer! finished blocking main body and sprayed the poly coating yesterday. Will sit until Monday and then sanding and primer coat 1. Hope to be able to put engine at the end of next week.

1955 copper

Your doing a great job. By looking at the front of the engine don't forget to have the large freeze plug removed before putting the water pump assy together .

TNVettGuy

Water pump? I thought them there engines was air cooled.

Thanks for the compliment on the car. I will be done with my 68 L-71 this weekend and the 54 in the next few weeks. I wont know what to do with myself when the nice weather arrives!

Easy Rhino

Somehow I think you'll come up with something to do with yourself.