FARM FRESH 1969 359 PROJECT

I did make it over there long enough to spring a leak in my radiator while charging the batteries. Simple fix though.

 

There were tornados north and south of us. It has cleared up and it's just now drying out. I'm headed over tomorrow to check that radiator leak, and finish cutting off the rear of the frame. Weather permitting of course.

 

I've been slammed at work. I started pulling the drives and rear suspension but haven't had a moment to get back to finish. As of right now I am free half of Thursday so hopefully I can post some more disturbing photos.

 

I LIKE!

I'm probably gonna go ahead and lose the front fenders and stretch out the front end in true hot rod fashion anyway. Just put the front axle out in front of the frame. That makes room to do something like that in the future, but it's not in the current budget. As I've said before I always wanted to do one with a mid-engine v12 or v16 mounted behind the cab but not with this aluminum frame.

If anyone knows someone restoring an old 359 when I remove the front fenders that frees up the fender lights (original front corner markers) and the steps at the back of the fender for someone's restoration! I'm open to offers.
I cranked it up and turned it around so I can load the drives with a forklift after I remove them. When I did the left front drive locked momentarily. I set and released the break a few times, that didn't seem to help. So I locked and unlocked the axles (power divider) a few times and it freed up. I'm not sure that did it though, It might have just been the brake not releasing. I had that wheel lock up briefly the day I unloaded it from the step deck but it released almost immediately. I was applying brake when that happened. Any thoughts?

I've been going back and forth on running a single rear axle. I think my decision has been made. If I pull the suspension and move the rear forward the problem should be solved. I have someone interested in the front one with the power divider but I don't want to sell it to him without first knowing what caused the lockup.

Progress forthcoming.....

 

Thanks, now that you say it I may have backed up when it released. I was nervous I was going be stuck blocking access for others who have vehicles stored there.