tfeverfred's project
- Thread starter tfeverfred
- Start date
tfeverfred
Well-Known Member
I'm going to keep it. It's got sentimental value, being the first gas tank on my first hot rod.:welcome:
tfeverfred
Well-Known Member
Lookin' back and giving thanks.
Ya know, sometimes I like to get out my build book and look back at where I started. Most of you guys with a few builds under your belt may think it's corny and all, but it really makes me feel good to see where I was at during a certain time and try to remember how happy I was to be at that point. I can remember when just bolting on the master cylinder assembly was a big day. It's all those little memories that combine to really make me proud of myself and this car I'm almost done with.
For you that don't know, my dad passed away the week of Fathers Day in 1999. When I was 16, he took me and my brother to our very first car show, The 1974 Houston Autorama. It was there that the hot rod bug REALLY bit me. All the shiney paint and chrome was really hypnotising. That night, I was in our kitchen drawing hot rods and my dad told me, "Ya know, if you can get your crap (he used the other word) together, you could build one of those one day." My dad was always trying to build something like a hot rod or steet machine, but raising a family always got in the way. Before we moved from New York in the summer of '74, he was working on a '65 Chevy. He had to sell it when we moved to Houston and I don't think he really ever forgave himself for that.
For some reason, he popped in my head today as I was looking in my build book. So, I drove the T out and took a shot that I think would have really made him happy. Me, sitting in a hot rod that I built.
Dad, if your up there looking down... I miss ya, man. This ones for the both of us. Thanks.
Ya know, sometimes I like to get out my build book and look back at where I started. Most of you guys with a few builds under your belt may think it's corny and all, but it really makes me feel good to see where I was at during a certain time and try to remember how happy I was to be at that point. I can remember when just bolting on the master cylinder assembly was a big day. It's all those little memories that combine to really make me proud of myself and this car I'm almost done with.
For you that don't know, my dad passed away the week of Fathers Day in 1999. When I was 16, he took me and my brother to our very first car show, The 1974 Houston Autorama. It was there that the hot rod bug REALLY bit me. All the shiney paint and chrome was really hypnotising. That night, I was in our kitchen drawing hot rods and my dad told me, "Ya know, if you can get your crap (he used the other word) together, you could build one of those one day." My dad was always trying to build something like a hot rod or steet machine, but raising a family always got in the way. Before we moved from New York in the summer of '74, he was working on a '65 Chevy. He had to sell it when we moved to Houston and I don't think he really ever forgave himself for that.
For some reason, he popped in my head today as I was looking in my build book. So, I drove the T out and took a shot that I think would have really made him happy. Me, sitting in a hot rod that I built.
Dad, if your up there looking down... I miss ya, man. This ones for the both of us. Thanks.
LumenAl
Member
Re: Lookin' back and giving thanks.
Dag nab it! You went and got me all teary-eyed and you're the one that said there ain't no crying in Hot Roding!
All kidding aside, thanks for taking the time to share that story... I'd bet ya titles he's not only watching, but damn proud as well... I suspect more for who you are as a person, then for what a great job you've done building this car...
I for one look forward to the day that we can shake hands and meet face to face... FYI... we'll have to be sitting down to meet face to face as you will tower over me!
Dag nab it! You went and got me all teary-eyed and you're the one that said there ain't no crying in Hot Roding!
All kidding aside, thanks for taking the time to share that story... I'd bet ya titles he's not only watching, but damn proud as well... I suspect more for who you are as a person, then for what a great job you've done building this car...
I for one look forward to the day that we can shake hands and meet face to face... FYI... we'll have to be sitting down to meet face to face as you will tower over me!
engine24355
Member
I have to agree with what LumenAL said and say thanks for posting your story and build progress. As I have said before, you have given me a bunch of great ideas and reminded me how lucky I am to still have my father around. We take so many things for granted and we should be thankful for everything we have. I too look forward to the day when I can meet you fact to face and shake your hand. We have a good brotherhood here at Tbucketeers. Mabye we need to host our own show for all members. Thanks again Fred and hopfully I can get down your way sometime soon. Houston is not that far, but always go north instead of south from Louisiana...lol. Anyway, keep up the great work.
Thanks for ths story Fred. My bucket was my Dad's car. I spent lots of time with him building it, until my Moms passing. Then he lost interest at that point then it sat for a few years. Now after his passing I've let it sit for a while myself, Ive been trying to figure out how to finish it to honor their memories. I have come to the realization that it dosen't matter how I finish it as long as it gets done. So a little at a time it will get finished.
Fred a couple of years from now I'll be moving to Texas, we'll have to get together and go crusing.
Fred a couple of years from now I'll be moving to Texas, we'll have to get together and go crusing.
tfeverfred
Well-Known Member
Thanks, guys. Yea, I really miss him sometimes and yesturday was one of those days. I don't have them as much as I used to, but I kinda like it when they come on.
MDANIELSON55
New Member
new speedometer
contacted tiger gps and in there refurbished section they had the gamin nuvi for 144 bucks. it has a very good speedo in mph or km. works great.
contacted tiger gps and in there refurbished section they had the gamin nuvi for 144 bucks. it has a very good speedo in mph or km. works great.
tfeverfred
Well-Known Member
Re: new speedometer
Okay, ya got my curiosity up. What ya talkin' about?:dance:
MDANIELSON55 said:
Okay, ya got my curiosity up. What ya talkin' about?
:dance:Lowrollerchevy
Member
its one of the Garmin brand GPS units, which can also funtion as a speedometer
tfeverfred
Well-Known Member
Lowrollerchevy said:
:dance:
Oh, okay! I forgot the posts where i was trying to have a minimal dash. yea, the garmin would be nice and that's a good price, but it would be out of place in my T. I'm just going to get a speedo and the other gauges as well. Speedway has a really nice setup for about $300.Man, these last things I need sure do cost a lot.
I'm not having any luck on ebay for the rest of the things I need, but she's almost done! Well, ready to roll. They're never done.
tfeverfred
Well-Known Member
Gauge placement
I had nothing better to do today, so I cut some circles and planned where I want my gauges to go. I'm going to stay with a column mounted tach and everything else, speedo, voltmeter, temp, oil pressure and fuel will go in the dash. When sitting in my car, the sweep of the speedo will be plain to see as well as the other guages.
I also called Speedway and got the length of their column mounted signal switch. Because of how I get in my bucket, it will be mounted on the right hand side of the column. I may also cut an inch or two off the shaft, but we'll see when it gets here.
As far as doing my electrical (DEVIL), I'm still going to try it, but I have decided to wait until I have everything that will require wiring. Guages, fuel tank, etc. This kinda puts me doing my wiring in about a month.:sad: See, once I start something like the wiring, I want to get into it and see it through at one time. Having loose wires out and about while I wait for a part just won't do for me.
i' odering my fuel tank tommorrow and it should arrive next week! I can't wait!
I had nothing better to do today, so I cut some circles and planned where I want my gauges to go. I'm going to stay with a column mounted tach and everything else, speedo, voltmeter, temp, oil pressure and fuel will go in the dash. When sitting in my car, the sweep of the speedo will be plain to see as well as the other guages.
I also called Speedway and got the length of their column mounted signal switch. Because of how I get in my bucket, it will be mounted on the right hand side of the column. I may also cut an inch or two off the shaft, but we'll see when it gets here.
As far as doing my electrical (DEVIL), I'm still going to try it, but I have decided to wait until I have everything that will require wiring. Guages, fuel tank, etc. This kinda puts me doing my wiring in about a month.:sad: See, once I start something like the wiring, I want to get into it and see it through at one time. Having loose wires out and about while I wait for a part just won't do for me.
i' odering my fuel tank tommorrow and it should arrive next week! I can't wait!
jrn
New Member
Hey Fred. I dig your car. I cant wait to see what windshield you go with! Don't sweat the electrical side of it. I think youve got a schematic right? Just plan your wire routing with looks and accessiblity in mind. If you have instructions, they will tell you the wire size recquired for each circuit. Just take your time, make it neat, and with good connections. No sweat right? Hope this helps.......Jason
tfeverfred
Well-Known Member
Re: Wiring tip
Thanks for the tip on shrink tubing! I never would have thought of it.
I have also changed my mind, like I usually do, and I'm going to try and wire the starting & charging section of Koalas wiring plans. I have been studying all the plans and checking out how I want to run my wires so it will be neat and worry free. I'll take as many pics as I can and post them as well as tell what I'm doing and why. I'll also give the cost for supplies for each step. I hope this works out. Koalas schematics are very easy to read and he has given me permission to post them for everyone to see and use.
Here is the section I'll be attempting this weekend:
I'll post each section as I do it. Stay tuned. Tfeverfred is taking on the DEVIL!
Duke said:
Thanks for the tip on shrink tubing! I never would have thought of it.
I have also changed my mind, like I usually do, and I'm going to try and wire the starting & charging section of Koalas wiring plans. I have been studying all the plans and checking out how I want to run my wires so it will be neat and worry free. I'll take as many pics as I can and post them as well as tell what I'm doing and why. I'll also give the cost for supplies for each step. I hope this works out. Koalas schematics are very easy to read and he has given me permission to post them for everyone to see and use.
Here is the section I'll be attempting this weekend:
I'll post each section as I do it. Stay tuned. Tfeverfred is taking on the DEVIL!
Re: Wiring tip
Thats how mine is too, I went as far as pulling all the plastic insulators off the crimp fittings.
Just remember the Devil can only win if you let him. :dance:
Duke said:
Thats how mine is too, I went as far as pulling all the plastic insulators off the crimp fittings.
tfeverfred said:Thanks for the tip on shrink tubing! I never would have thought of it.
I'll post each section as I do it. Stay tuned. Tfeverfred is taking on the DEVIL!
Just remember the Devil can only win if you let him. :dance:
tfeverfred
Well-Known Member
Devil? Who the heck is that!?
I DID IT! Charging and starting system wired in! It took about 3 hours. Not bad considering it was my first time. I had a fire extinguisher at the ready, though.
Here's how it went:
Yesturday evening I stopped at the auto parts store and picked up the items I would need. Wire in the appropriate sizes and in a variety of colors, an ignition swith and end connectors for the wires, etc. Plus, two packs of smokes!:lol:
I made a note on the schematic of what colors I was using and will keep this for trouble shooting should that occasion arise. Next, I selected the appropriate wire sizes, ran them along the route I wanted, cut and attached the end connections. I was able to get an alternator plug pre-wired at the auto parts store for minimal dollars. Then, I applyed shrink wrap to ALL of the connector ends. Then I mounted the wires in their location on the alternator and used zip ties every 4-5" to keep them together and neat.
Next, I wrapped the wires in wire wrap. Again, to keep everything together and neat.
I then ran this along the route I had chosen and attached the assembly with more zip ties. The route I took ran along the right front brake line, accross the bottom of the radiator and then to along the left brake line.
I then attached the wires to their appropriate locations on the starter. Afterwards, I ran the wires needed from the starter into the cab and one wire to the nuetral safety swicth which is under the car and attached to the shifter.
Of course, before I zip tied the wires together, I needed to test the connections! Fingers crossed........ THEN.......
I had previously left myself more than enough wire needed to join up with the ignition switch. I ran the wires into the the cab, bundled them together and zip tied them. Then, I ran them along the upper section of the inside firewall. Later, when all the wiring is done, I'll glue a section of wood to the firewall and use looms to hold the bundle in place.
And there ya have it! DONE with the first and most important section! Here's a little clip of the install and fire up!
So, eletrical wiring is nothing to be scared of. This was my VERY FIRST time. This was also the section that I thought I was going to mess up. So far I have $45 in supplies and have yet to get the fuse box, which will be an additional $88. Total for the whole shebang should come in at around $150. Plus, I get the satisfaction of saying I did it myself.
I DID IT! Charging and starting system wired in! It took about 3 hours. Not bad considering it was my first time. I had a fire extinguisher at the ready, though.
Here's how it went:
Yesturday evening I stopped at the auto parts store and picked up the items I would need. Wire in the appropriate sizes and in a variety of colors, an ignition swith and end connectors for the wires, etc. Plus, two packs of smokes!:lol:
I made a note on the schematic of what colors I was using and will keep this for trouble shooting should that occasion arise. Next, I selected the appropriate wire sizes, ran them along the route I wanted, cut and attached the end connections. I was able to get an alternator plug pre-wired at the auto parts store for minimal dollars. Then, I applyed shrink wrap to ALL of the connector ends. Then I mounted the wires in their location on the alternator and used zip ties every 4-5" to keep them together and neat.
Next, I wrapped the wires in wire wrap. Again, to keep everything together and neat.
I then ran this along the route I had chosen and attached the assembly with more zip ties. The route I took ran along the right front brake line, accross the bottom of the radiator and then to along the left brake line.
I then attached the wires to their appropriate locations on the starter. Afterwards, I ran the wires needed from the starter into the cab and one wire to the nuetral safety swicth which is under the car and attached to the shifter.
Of course, before I zip tied the wires together, I needed to test the connections! Fingers crossed........ THEN.......
I had previously left myself more than enough wire needed to join up with the ignition switch. I ran the wires into the the cab, bundled them together and zip tied them. Then, I ran them along the upper section of the inside firewall. Later, when all the wiring is done, I'll glue a section of wood to the firewall and use looms to hold the bundle in place.
And there ya have it! DONE with the first and most important section! Here's a little clip of the install and fire up!
So, eletrical wiring is nothing to be scared of. This was my VERY FIRST time. This was also the section that I thought I was going to mess up. So far I have $45 in supplies and have yet to get the fuse box, which will be an additional $88. Total for the whole shebang should come in at around $150. Plus, I get the satisfaction of saying I did it myself.
tfeverfred
Well-Known Member
After I got done hamming it up for the camera, i checked the charge going to the battery and it was right at 14.5 volts. PERFECT! I also checked to make sure that the shifter and nuetral safety switch were operating properly and all was good there too.
