Hiding out...

I stopped by a buddies house to take a look at the progress on his '50 dodge convert, but there was a Fugitive lurking in the shadows...

First Drive...

We got a chance to take the '56 out for the first drive over the weekend.  Everything works like it should and boy, does it ride and drive nice.  I actually hate to let this one go...

...guess I am going to have to start looking for one...

Tapped out....

A job came into the shop that needed a bunch of holes tapped.  They were 8-32's...all 244 of them.  Unfortunately, my '87 Fadal did not come with the rigid tapping optional.  So, I initially resorted to my tapping head for the drill press.  Since it was aluminum, I used a diesel fuel as the tapping lubricant.  I usually have great success with it.  The problem was that the tapping head was taking way too long.  I was also having to fight with it. 

So, I figured I would take a chance and try tapping with the cordless drill.  I had to change my tapping fluid to Anchor Lube.  This stuff is fantastic.  I originally got it for tapping stainless and titanium, but boy, did it do a wonderful job.  I set the clutch on the drill at a very low setting.  This prevented me from breaking a tap as well as helped make sure I was tapping straight.  240 holes in about 10 minutes, not too bad...with a very nice finish I might add...

It Runs!!!

We finally got to start the '56 up last night.  There was a little clearance issue with the valve covers rubbing on the valves, but once that was addressed, it was running good.

It's always a good feeling when you set the timing by ear and then follow up with the timing light to find that it's right where it should be....

Can't wait to give it a drive.

Sorry about the poor lighting in the video, the camera battery was almost dead.