Steam Power!

It's not every day that you get a chance to work on a steam powered vehicle.  This is a '37 Packard that was converted to steam in 1940.  The guy who built this used early 20's Stanley Steamer parts...actually, he used the entire drive train and then some from the Stanley.  It's a bit of impressive engineering.

The owner did get it running using compressed air...here's a video.

There were some issues that needed attention on the rear axle so it was dropped off at the shop for a rebuild.

'50 Chevy delivered...

It's finally done and delivered back to the customer.  Onto the next one!

We are still here....

So it's been a while since I have had time to do a post. 

This last month has been crazy and I apologize if I have been hard to get a hold of or haven't had your parts to ship.  There was a multitude of reasons why I wasn't able to dedicate the time needed over this last month to the business.  First and foremost, there was some family medical issues that had to be taken care of.  As much as I love this business and working with customers, my family comes first. 

As hard as I try to plan and only work on one big project at a time, things just so happened to line up where I was trying to jungle 3 large builds simultaneously.  While trying to help customers out, I put myself in a position where I simply couldn't keep up.

On top of it all, my CNC mill decided that it needed some time off.  I have to say that I learned quite a bit about the control systems on vintage Fadal machining centers while diagnosing the issues.

Well, finally, I am starting to get caught back up. The mill is up and running, the never ending '50 Chevy convertible is almost done and very shortly, I should have an empty shop to maybe work on my own project.

So, we are still here, still kicking, and still machining parts.  Thank you for your patience and understanding.

'50 Chevy Convertible Engine Bay...

Since the motor was out of the car and the front end was still raw steel, we decided to tidy the engine compartment up a bit and paint it with Summit Satin Chassis Black.  We've used the Summit Racing brand paint in the past and it is pretty impressive.  It sticks to anything, it is a very tough finish and you can spill brake fluid on it and not hurt it.

Before we could paint though, there was a bit of rust to take care of...

I formed some 18ga over a dolly and post to get the approximate shape then cut out the rusty part...

After a bit of weld and grinding...

It's all ready for paint...

It always looks better when it is all the same color...

Love the contrast...still have to do something with the spark plug wires...

'50 Chevy Convertible Rewire...

Work has been progressing on the '50 Chevy convertible that is in the shop now.  Even though it came in for an engine swap, we decided to go ahead and replace the wiring.

I used an aftermarket harness from Speedway Motors.  I like this harness for the simple fact that it used a molded fuse box.  Many of the aftermarket harness are made from separate piece that are clipped or screwed together.

There really isn't much room under these Chevy dashboards.  I had to make a mount for the fuse panel that bolted to the driver's side hood hinge.  It's a little difficult to get to, but it was about the only place available. 

Whenever I wire, I always crimp, solder and heat shrink the connectors.  It makes for a very reliable connection that will be trouble free.

It is a good feeling when you finally put power to the harness and it all works like it suppose to.

We Are Back....

Back at in the shop...feel free to give us a call or send an email.

Also, you now can follow me on Instagram!

@thevintagemetalwork

Vacation time....

Finally!  It has been so busy and hectic around here that we needed some time away. 

The shop is going to be shut down from August 7th - 15th.  If you need something, feel free to call or email and I will try to help the best that I can.

Thank you.