Started Modding the 215!

[craigtone]

Now that it is finally warm here in SW Michigan, I started modding the 215 in my '53 Cussy! First up was installing the Barker Hi-Lift Rocker Arms. Install was a breeze ... now I just need to adjust the lash and I am done. Next up was the Offenhauser dual carb intake. Broke one manifold mount stud off the exhaust manifold, but drilled it out and re-tapped it and good as new. Now just looking for a second Holley 1904 (preferably glass bowl) and an Offenhauser dual carb linkage.

Next up is retrofitting a PCV system from a 62-64 inline 6 ... does anyone have some spare parts they wanna sell or pics of the stock system so I can machine some parts to re-create it? I want to delete the road draft system to keep sludge down. I have a similar system for my flathead that I bought from a guy on eBay and it works great! Was wondering if anything was available for the 215/223/262?

 

[bubba22349]

Sounds like a good plan would like to do the same type mods for my 54 Custo 223. Have the Offy intake and Bakers so if you happen discover a horde of the Holley glass bowls could sure use two. I sure would like to find a set of the Fenton exhaust manifolds for it though. Heard that the 215 cams were quite stout for stock grinds any other parts are you using inside you 215?

 

[craigtone]

Sounds like a good plan would like to do the same type mods for my 54 Custo 223. Have the Offy intake and Bakers so if you happen discover a horde of the Holley glass bowls could sure use two. I sure would like to find a set of the Fenton exhaust manifolds for it though. Heard that the 215 cams were quite stout for stock grinds any other parts are you using inside you 215?

For exhaust I plan on running new pipes with a Smithy ... gave up on finding Fentons!

Probably not going to get into the internals at this time since it runs strong as-is. Only thing on the list yet is Petronix, 12V PowerGen and an Offy Valve Cover. When I tear the car down for a frame-up I'll probably punch it out to a 223 and shave the heads. Might even toy with the idea of dropping the compression and putting a small turbo on it. We'll see what kind of mood I am in when I get to that point.

Right now the goal is a driver with 50's vintage hotrodding parts (minus the Petronix which is hidden anyway).

 

[bubba22349]

Yeah 50's driver is way this one is going to be. Still is all orig. car 3 speed/od. Have it apart right now and have installed new clutch. Next would like to freshen up trans bearing gaskets and seals while it’s out. Engine ran very good when parked but will need a WP now and some new hoses and all the reg. tune up items. I found a Mallory DP and coil sometime back that may use leaning more to keep this a 6V.

 

[craigtone]

Nice! I plan to keep all the original parts and someday revert back to a concourse resto since I live so close to Dearborn, MI.

I'd LOVE to find an OD for mine so I could expand my "driveable" radius a bit more. Running max RPM's on the highway at 55 is not my idea of fun (nor the cars)!

 

[bubba22349]

I bough mine back in 87 from the original family who purchased it new, is still in fairly good condition so will only be doing minor resto. It sure needs a headliner, small area of patching to rocker & paint other things too but can live with them for now. Picked up some new skirts for it. Would really like a set of the wide whites and the wire spoke wheels think those are going to be outside the budget for a lone time unless happen to find a deal. I have an extra OD trans but I know the OD unit needs to be rebuilt not sure how easy those parts are to come by. Always wanted to go and see Dearborn.

 

[craigtone]

Just the OD or an entire OD trans? Where are ya located?

Just went out and put the car on jackstands and got the tires off. This week it is to AutoZone for Aerostar springs, check the brakes, new shocks, etc. Drop it back down, re-measure to figure how much block I need in the back to level it. Then rims off to powdercoater for red, 15" starbust hubcaps and 2-1/2" whitewall radial BFG's!

Get that all done and the engine buttoned up, I am ready for the show season!

 

[bubba22349]

That wheel combo sound like will be a beauty like to see picture of those. It's mostly a complete trans missing some external items like the shift levers. In SoCal 91780 area.

 

[craigtone]

DOH! Would cost a fortune to ship to SW Michigan ... oh well. I'll post pics when they are done. Are you a member of the 52-56 Ford social group on HAMB?

 

[bubba22349]

Yeah though that would not work to well unless it could go by Gray Hound. Have not done that in years so not sure what it costs now. No not a member of that group. Come to think about it I have not been on the HAMB site for quite some time.