64 Street/Strip Straight Axle Project
 

Hi Guys,
I've been working on a new project here in the shop. I picked up a 64 Tempest Custom from a friend of mine out in SoCal and brought her back here to Oklahoma. I've been in contact with Glenn Gibbons (64 Pouncin Poncho) and give a lot of the credit to him for sharing his straight axle build pictures with me. Also to my long time friend Alex "Axle" Idzardi for sharing his vast knowledge of nostalgia and how to make a period correct staraight axle and for all of the connections on where to get the stuff needed to do it.

I'll share some pictures of what she looked like when I brought her home and then some as I progress

All I can say is there was LOTS cutting, welding, grinding on the body.

Here's a few more so you can get the whole picture

And here she is after weeks of body work with the first coat of primer.

Here's some shots of the front suspension coming off in preparation for the new straight axle.

These photos show where I removed the shock towers and pretty well smoothed things out. I decided to stick with the stock chassis as I want more of a rough do it yourself in the garage 60's look.

Showing my boy how to triangulate, measure and weld. I love every minute my boy spends in the shop with me. Even if he's just playing around, just knowing he's there means the world to me. Whoa, I just noticed in picture 2 that I'm missing some hair in the back of my nug. I must have got some hot slag over the top of the helmet and singed some hair ;)

For the dash I'm using a piece of stainless. I used my little angle air grinder with a scotch brite pad and just kept hitting it to make a swirl pattern. I think it turned out pretty cool.

Progressing along with the welding of the axle. By the way, if anyone is interested, Speedway Motors sells the complete straight axle kit with everything you need to do a conversion. Axle, springs, mounts, spindles, brakes, rotors, hardware, steering links and rods, shocks, the whole enchilada. Takes a lot of the guess work out of the figuring.

Looks like at your pace this project won't take too long ....The work quality looks very good!!...Nice touch with the straight axle...you just don't see that kind of stuff anymore...What engine & transmission combo?......Gene

neat..speedway kits are nice..

Most of the front is welded in place. Just a few spots to brace up. I went with Rocket 10 spoke gasser style wheels up front with new HURST reproduced radial front super cushion tires. The rears are American Torque Thrust Originals with HURST pie crust cheater slicks.

Wow, now that's a project.

I bought this book and a CD by the same guy(s) in hope to try this someday myself.

http://www.amazon.com/Build-Altered-...=cm_cr_pr_pb_t

Looking forward to when it's done! Cool project!

Quick, I'm using the blown 474 combo I had in my 66 when she was pro streeted but going with a cast and brushed look on the blower and pulleys. No shiny stuff on this one. I also picked up a set of the finned valve covers from Ace at PPR which will look great as well.

Tin, yeah, their kit made it pretty straight forward. Check back for more pictures.

Goquick, me too. It's a fun project and I'm really looking forward to driving it.

Look'n good......
Pontiac Slim

Keep us posted on the progress, I'll be looking for the updates!:Peace:

check this car out I saw at a local show about a month ago. seen a lot of a nostalgia cars around with straight axles,there was a Falcon with flames also

look forward to seeing the final results ,

I like it.........
 

Very :cool: project Dil, and complete with your usual high level of craftsmanship. Looks like little Colt is really growing up fast, and is already helping Dad in the shop. Can't wait to see more pics :).