My son's homeschool project. It's alive!

My son was at a friend's house a bunch of months back, and noticed a pretty cool looking car parked under a tree, slowly blending in with the flora and fauna. He talked with the owners, and we called a flatbed and brought it home!

The car was built as a father/son project 18 years ago, and parked under a tree 15 years ago. Hadn't been run in forever. The engine was frozen solid.

We spent some time with Marvel Mystery Oil and a strap wrench and eventually freed the engine. Ran some SeaFoam through it. Replaced the battery, alternator, distributor cap, spark plug wires, spark plugs, did a few oil changes to get junk out, new fuel lines, new fuel filter, ... It started to run, but really rough! We were sucking junk up into the carb.

We just replaced the fuel tank and sending unit and a friend rebuilt the Carter AFB. It needed a new distributor as well (I really sweated lining up TDC and making sure the rotor was pointed to the #1 spark plug wire - spent a long time sorting that out! I shoulda studied and planned it first).

First try post fuel tank, carb rebuild and new distributor - and here is the result (if I can figure out Google Video, and pardon my stupid filming!):
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=2184979894890059244

We plan on replacing the transmission cooler lines and putting it in gear this weekend. We did have it running under it's own power, but figured we'd better pay close attention to the transmission before popping it in gear again).

(I think I should have aid more attention in Auto shop back in '74 - '75. We're way over my head!)

Hopefully we'll get it built enough to take it on a tour and check out some out of the way places! Fixed the link to the video clip.

Nice job...I can't tell from video what kind of car it is. Is it a kit car of some type?

quote:

Originally posted by Tony Bad

Nice job...I can't tell from video what kind of car it is. Is it a kit car of some type?

I was wondering the same thing. I first thought British but I saw the V-8 under the hood.

Paul E. Smith
Knoxville, TN

It's a kit car. A Sebring 5000, supposed to look like an Austin Healey 3000. Has a Chevy 350, Edelbrock intake, Hedman headers, Carter 4 barrel carb and a TH350 automatic. It'll be fun sorting it out.

I might need to let my son drive my Corolla while I drive the kit car. Wouldn't want him to break down along the way.

(we're a LONG way from having it licensed and registered, but I can plan!)

I wish more kids his age would take an interest in fixing things.

quote:

Originally posted by callmebruce

It's a kit car. A Sebring 5000, supposed to look like an Austin Healey 3000. Has a Chevy 350, Edelbrock intake, Hedman headers, Carter 4 barrel carb and a TH350 automatic. It'll be fun sorting it out.

I might need to let my son drive my Corolla while I drive the kit car. Wouldn't want him to break down along the way.

(we're a LONG way from having it licensed and registered, but I can plan!)

Like Paul, the small glimpse of front end suggested Healy, but engine said something else. Sounds like a fun project. The good thing is that parts for the mechanicals should be easy to get at the local parts store. Keep us posted on your progress.

You are right

IT'S ALIVE!!!!!!!!

ain't that a great sound, getting something to fire after it's been left to rot like that.

I restored a Hudson pick up truck, it had been sat in a barn covered and forgotten, finally after about a month working on the engine we got it to fire up, there is no better sound in the world... mechanical world than the firing of an engine you have rescued and rebuilt.

CajunKing - do you still have that Hudson pickup? Would you mind sending some pictures? Hudson trucks look great!!!! Even if you sold it - if you have some pics, would you mind?

Once we finish sorting my son's car out, I'm hoping to restore a real basic older car for a daily driver. I kinda like Nash, Rambler and AMC - but will probably look for any basic straight 6, three-on-the-tree wagon (providing I survive the current off-shoring phase, ugh!).

We found the transmission fluid leak and resolved that today - but the car is running way too rich. We had a few brief moments of flames shooting from the carb. I might want to fix that soon! (good thing we keep a fire extinguisher in the car)

I too reckonized the motor as a GM small block, thought maybe a 327. Great way to spend some time with your son.

MikeS.

The greatest memories I have of my dad is when he and I rebuilt and painted a 1949 TR-3 in 1968. I later rebuilt a 1970 VW that had been sitting in a barn and had hay in the engine. Not bad for a girl!

Hello All,
Callmebruce, I tip my hat off to you, bow, and am just happy that
you are doing this with your son, and a bit envious.
For some reason my father never trusted me with tools.
I had to teach myself alot.
My son is autistic and I cherish anything that we can share.
So, Bruce, enjoy and continue to build from this good adventure
you are having with your son. When it comes down to it, I think
family can be the greatest treasure we have. And you seem to
have a wonderful treasure chest.
Take Care,
Fieldthistle