My thought also.

 

Quick update.

I've been busy doing other things and have been dedicating time to the engine whenever I was free. It's ready for installation. I'll post a picture later.

Also got the manifold done. Take a look. Same was posted in the "Hard to find part" thread.

This is after the cracks were welded ($100) on the manifold that I purchased with Dano78's help. I told the guy not to be concerned with it being pretty as long as he can seal the cracks. I'm not exactly happy, but satisfied.








And this is a few days ago being BBQ'd to cure the VHT Flame Proof ceramic paint header coating. It's flat black. Originally the manifold was painted the engine color, but I'm too chicken "s" to paint it. I don't want to risk burning off the green engine color after the first run. With the intake being mounted on top and the carburetor in center, the top weld will be barely seen, as will the lower right weld since it's at the bottom.

 

Made great progress today. Finished installing the engine back into the truck. Started on Tuesday. Took a break because of rain on Wednesday and finished today. I had to take off the left front wheel in order for my cherry picker to fit under the truck and to get more crawling room to get to the trans/eng mating. Took a while to mate the engine to the transmission. Also had to disconnect the driveshaft at the rear axle in order to spin it freely and aling the splines. Still need to wire it and attach the remaining components.

Hoping to fire it up on Sunday.

 

Looking good! Glad to see this is finally coming together. Are you going back to the dual carb setup as well?

BTW - I think those welds on the manifold look a little rough. I haven't ever welded cast iron though so it is just my opinion, fwiw...

 

looks real nice in the engine bay, bet you can't wait to turn the key!
Good luck.

 

Nice progress!!

 

That looks nice!
Did you make your battery and starter cables?

 

Ilya, man that engine is looking GOOD! Very NICE! That valve cover looks SWEET on that engine too!

The manifold had that many cracks? That stinks. Only saw one that was questionable. Cast is a PITA to weld on but i think it could have been done a little cleaner than that though. But- as long as you're happy with it, that all that matters.

 

Yes, the attempt will be made to go back to the dual carb set up. The welds are rough, but I was more concerned with the function rather than appearance.

I have a friend that works in the fleet maintenance department for a heavy equipment rental facility. He made the cables for me while I helped. I paid for the materials.

Thanks. It's coming together very slowly. Didn't have have much time today as I thought. Only was able to attach the intake and exhaust manifolds to the engine block.

Yes, once cleaned up, it showed three cracks. They didn't appear to be fatal though. As I mentioned earlier in the post, I was more after the function than appearance. Plus, the cleaner the welds, the more time it would have taken. Time equals money. I already spent enough money and time trying to find a decent manifold. I hope to find an NOS or a much cleaner exhaust manifold later.

 

Well I'll keep looking for ya. You know... ever since we did this, I can't seem to go by an early 6 without looking at the manifold now. But I'll keep my eyes peeled for a nicer or NOS one for ya.

 

Greatly appreciated!

 

Today would have marked the two year anniversary and the return of my 52 for the holiday parade. However, we've had several severe rain storms come through in the last few days, including some rain today, that caused us to cancel our participation in the parade.

I'm bummed because I've been preparing for this day.