Roadkill's 1958 Cadillac

[Roadkill]

I mean *this* year . . . .

The Camaro took 6-7 years to do . . . The Cadillac (which will be FAR more involved) I'm hoping to finish in under 4 years . . .

2014 will be :

Quoting: Roadkill

The plans for the Cadillac this year are simple :

i) Buy Engine,
ii) Buy Intake manifold and Carbs,
iii) Buy Transmission,
iv) Buy Air Ride Kit

Basically more "buying", less "doing" . . .

The last comment on the work I need to do is referring to this year only . . . Meaning I can still physically carry on using the Cadillac while all that's going on . . .

Some point in early autumn will be when I plan to pull the motor - but that's all I *plan* to do this year . . .

2015 will be more "doing", less "buying" . . . . hopefully.

[Cunning Plan]

Aha, that makes sense.

It was beginning to sound like a very short project!

[Roadkill]

Watch this :

http://www.powerblocktv.com/episodes/HP2012-03/the-caddy-500-other-engine-build-up

It's a highly interesting and educational film but why you ask ?

I'll tell you later.

[Roadkill]

Tyres.

The tyres on the Caddy are OLD !

They're 235x75 R15's which is great as I like meaty tyres but after checking the rim width this weekend and after doing a few calculations, I find that 235's shouldn't even be on those rims ! - 225's are the biggest and even then quite "bloated".

So, long story short, I decided I'm not running the (40 year) old tyres anymore as I don't drive particularly slow and don't want one blowing out on me.

That said, I'm not sure what rim size I'm going for long term (I'd like 17's providing I can get whitewalls to suit) so I've gone for some cheap new ones with a reasonably thick white band. 

No, they're not going to be the best but I got them for just under £400 (they were on 10% off at Northants Tyres), she'll probably handle better and wallow less, I'll (hopefully) be able to fit the rears fully inflated (couldn't before) AND I'll have crack-free tyres.

I'm really quite excited as I'll treat the rims to a coat of paint and test some ideas I've been having for the "final look".

[FUBAR]

(40 year) old tyres

 
I bet it'll make a huge difference.

[Roadkill]

Got the new (budget) white walls fitted yesterday.

She's noticeably smoother, quieter and handles corners much better (gave her some serious beans last night).

Worlds apart.  I wish I'd done it earlier !

Also found a partly clogged jet in the carb which I managed to clear and re-direct in situ . . . so she's running much, much better now, too.

I think the vacuum advance on the dizzy is shot so that'll be next on the list . . . . if there is a list . . . . It depends.