That's an amazing start to an incredible project. There are so many ways to go with it. If it were me, I think I would start with getting it running/driving as is then as time and budget allow, put a straight six out of a Trailblazer in it. It's a solid motor, cheap and can make huge power with just a turbo, plus it would look right under the hood This American engine could be the next 2JZ. And do the brakes and upgrade stuff as you go. It could be a lovely long term project.
ShawnG said:I'm not the biggest fan of 12V conversions.
Nothing wrong with 12V conversions, they work well, they just don't look right. Even the Gener-nator conversions with an alternator crammed into a way-too-big generator style case.
Alternators never look right in the engine bay. Your radio won't work right (If it has one). That's about all really.
I agree a 12V conversion probably isn't necessary, after all it's probably not going to be daily driven in subzero temps. However, most US makes had a period from the mid 1950s until the early 1960s where they used 12 volt generators, before alternators came into use. It may be possible to adapt one from some suitable Mopar, and then it would look the same under the hood. In any case that would be far down the priority list for me - make sure the existing electrical system is in good condition first, especially that the battery cables have good connections.
If that car were mine I'd stick with getting it running with the original engine and drivetrain. It won't be suitable for doing 85mph hours on end on the freeway, but should still be happy enough doing 55 or 60 on local trips.
I know this is the GRM forum, but the world really doesn't need yet another hot-rodded 1930s car with a blasphemous engine in it. Unless you are ready to replace the entire suspension, rear axle, steering column, etc etc changing the engine makes little sense. The axle ratio in that thing is probably a 4.56. Top speed will be 50, because that's all you could do on the roads back then. I feel like there's endless charm to be had in leaving it as-is if all you want is a fun toy to chug around in.
The glass back then was not laminated safety glass, and usually flat, so having it made isn't difficult. If the body is solid (and it looks to be) then it's a good basis. Old car interiors are expensive to do, though. No idea on parts availability, as I'm not a Mopar man, but if it's the same engine as the Power Wagon trucks had you should be golden. Those old engines were low compression and would run on just about any kind of fuel.
You may want to post over on the AACA forum for some opinions as there will be several guys there that own similar cars.
^This
You don't buy an old car and expect it to drive like a new car.
If you're getting the glass done, please have the windshield done in laminated glass for your own sake. Some clubs even require it if you're going on tour.
ddavidv said:but if it's the same engine as the Power Wagon trucks had you should be golden. Those old engines were low compression and would run on just about any kind of fuel.
And smooth. Smooth isn't an adequate enough word. They're hydraulically smooth, somehow feeling even smoother than an EV (probably the lack of motor whine).
Putting a modern engine in it would be understandable, but also it would be taking a lot away from the car.
WonkoTheSane said:You guys are really shameless enablers...
You haven't even seen my true form yet...
Just go for it.
Something that's functional and family fun is such an attainable thing compared to a "build" its silly.
Do it. Its one of those cars you can almost always get your money out of.
I've enjoyed my '26 REO in stock form. I considered a 12v conversion but the 6v system has been working fine for almost 100 years and 90k miles. Why change it.
ShawnG said:WonkoTheSane said:You guys are really shameless enablers...
You haven't even seen my true form yet...
It's TRUE. Shawn G is the final boss
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