Above 1200 Sq/FT Swanny's Garage Expansion Project

[Bob Heine]

Gary, I grew up reading every issue of Rod&Custom, Car Craft, Hot Rod and even Rodding & Restyling I could get my hands on. That Caddy is the best of the best in terms of the radical but carefully thought out changes. I remember an almost finished chopped and channeled '50 Mercury convertible in a shop on Long Island being up for sale for $300. At the time that was most of a month's salary for me. The Carson top alone cost more than what they were asking for the whole car. It was in primer, ready for 20 or 30 coats of lacquer.

Just a tidbit in the hours I've spent on my '72 Corvette. I cut up two sets of chrome C3 rear bumpers and tacked the pieces together so a certified aircraft welder could to make the pair I designed. He did the welding as a favor and I hand filed the welds to make them disappear. Paid $450 twenty years ago to have them re-chromed. Had to modify the fiberglass rear pan to get rid of the vertical body lines. Because they are not OEM or even reproduction parts, they are worth their weight in scrap steel. It doesn't bother me but I know the time and money put into my cars is paid back in priceless satisfaction. Stock vs. Bob's Corvette rear end:

The extra time retirement provided led to more misdeeds:

As the repair shop owner told me, maybe I’m not meant to have nice things!!

He didn't finish the sentence out loud: "...but I appreciate you helping ME to acquire them.

Insurance company motto is 'We upped our income, now up yours' and they will do everything in their power not to pay a claim. The Hartford just e-mailed me a survey. I didn't give them the answers they expected. We insure two cars with them, a 2004 PT Cruiser with 53,000 miles on it and a 2011 Cadillac CTS-V with 19,000 miles on it. In the ten years since I switched from Progressive, The Hartford more than quadrupled the premium and we haven't had a single accident or ticket. The premium doubled in the last three years alone, while the cars have gotten older (as have I). The total paid in those ten years is almost $22,000 and they want to know why I gave them a low rating for "value for money." I can rent a Hertz EV sedan for $24 a day so when The Hartford or one of the other smiling highway robbers doubles my current $13 a day for insurance alone, I have an alternative.

Might be a good idea to limit drives in the new Cadillac to lonely country roads. I'd be happy to store it here in the boondocks for ya, we have like zero traffic! Course, I would need to exercise it periodically.

Gary, don't fall for his line. It snows in Wyoming. I would be happy to put my old Cadillac in the driveway and store your '49 in my air conditioned garage. I would even have a custom cover made. I wouldn't think of driving it but we're only 24 miles from either Palm Beach or Fort Lauderdale International airports. My airport pickup and drop-off service is free.

 

[Swanny1953]

Gary, I grew up reading every issue of Rod&Custom, Car Craft, Hot Rod and even Rodding & Restyling I could get my hands on. That Caddy is the best of the best in terms of the radical but carefully thought out changes. I remember an almost finished chopped and channeled '50 Mercury convertible in a shop on Long Island being up for sale for $300. At the time that was most of a month's salary for me. The Carson top alone cost more than what they were asking for the whole car. It was in primer, ready for 20 or 30 coats of lacquer.

Just a tidbit in the hours I've spent on my '72 Corvette. I cut up two sets of chrome C3 rear bumpers and tacked the pieces together so a certified aircraft welder could to make the pair I designed. He did the welding as a favor and I hand filed the welds to make them disappear. Paid $450 twenty years ago to have them re-chromed. Had to modify the fiberglass rear pan to get rid of the vertical body lines. Because they are not OEM or even reproduction parts, they are worth their weight in scrap steel. It doesn't bother me but I know the time and money put into my cars is paid back in priceless satisfaction. Stock vs. Bob's Corvette rear end:

The extra time retirement provided led to more misdeeds:


He didn't finish the sentence out loud: "...but I appreciate you helping ME to acquire them.

Insurance company motto is 'We upped our income, now up yours' and they will do everything in their power not to pay a claim. The Hartford just e-mailed me a survey. I didn't give them the answers they expected. We insure two cars with them, a 2004 PT Cruiser with 53,000 miles on it and a 2011 Cadillac CTS-V with 19,000 miles on it. In the ten years since I switched from Progressive, The Hartford more than quadrupled the premium and we haven't had a single accident or ticket. The premium doubled in the last three years alone, while the cars have gotten older (as have I). The total paid in those ten years is almost $22,000 and they want to know why I gave them a low rating for "value for money." I can rent a Hertz EV sedan for $24 a day so when The Hartford or one of the other smiling highway robbers doubles my current $13 a day for insurance alone, I have an alternative.

Gary, don't fall for his line. It snows in Wyoming. I would be happy to put my old Cadillac in the driveway and store your '49 in my air conditioned garage. I would even have a custom cover made. I wouldn't think of driving it but we're only 24 miles from either Palm Beach or Fort Lauderdale International airports. My airport pickup and drop-off service is free.

Bob, like you, I grew up reading all those magazines. I’ve had a subscription to Hot Rod since I was 6, but they’re only digital now
I love the mods you did to your C3 - very tasteful!
As for storing the Caddy, you almost had me with the offer of a custom cover. That is, until I remembered the PO sent along a custom cover by California Car Covers that appears to take intro account the top chop and other body mods as it fits like a glove! Thanks again - better luck next time!!!

 

[Bob Heine]

Gary, it's kind of a win-win you turned down my offer. I wouldn't have time to spend with Liane or the Garage Journal, with my waking hours peeking under every corner of the car cover and my nights sleeping next to it so it doesn't get lonely. I only offered because another car member did.

GM built 2,130 Cadillac Series 62 coupes in 1949 and the car was a big hit. Turning a nice one into a modern homage took guts to make so many major changes. The result is a one of one vehicle no car obsessed guy who saw them in their childhood would fail to recognize its bones. Even most younger car obsessed guys know it's a Cadillac with those Dagmar bumpers up front.

To save the youngsters a Google:
"The Dagmar bumper consists of dual chrome bullet- point bulges on the front bumpers of Cadillacs, Buicks and Packards built during the 1950s. The term was coined by customizers in direct reference to Dagmar, an early 1950s television personality well known for her pronounced cleavage on Broadway Open House."

 

[Mr.zippy]

Hey! I made the initial offer to store the Cad! I have a heated and air conditioned garage Gary! Plus, we don't have all that Florida/Arizona infernal heat and like....sun. I've also been of the thought that 30 below zero teaches an automobile "character ".... better offer still stands!

 

[Bob Heine]

I’ve had a subscription to Hot Rod since I was 6

<hijack>Gary, you beat me by a mile. In 1956 I turned 12 and my father increased my allowance to 25¢ a week. That was the price of a car magazine in 1956 so I bought one every week, starting with the October 1956 edition of "RODDING and Re-styling." I recently bought a decently preserved copy on eBay:

Before I discovered car magazines my 12-year old brother signed up for a paper route that was too big for him to handle alone so I was his 10-year old subcontractor (had to be 12 to get a paper route back then). I also worked on the basement finishing project so I got 25¢ an hour for that labor. All my money got invested in glue, paint and plastic model cars that I built at night rather than do my homework. At some point my labor rate increased enough for me to pay for subscriptions. Had to part with the models when they didn't fit the decor of our first tiny house and much later had to toss the magazine collections when shelf space became more valuable for storing 150 years of family photos we inherited and needed to be digitized. I did keep my first and last issues of Corvette Fever magazine.</hijack>

 

[Swanny1953]

Hey! I made the initial offer to store the Cad! I have a heated and air conditioned garage Gary! Plus, we don't have all that Florida/Arizona infernal heat and like....sun. I've also been of the thought that 30 below zero teaches an automobile "character ".... better offer still stands!

While I appreciate your generous offer, I think I’ll keep the Caddy here for now! I know you would properly exercise it, but I’d prefer to do that myself!!
Bob, like you, I busied myself in my younger years building all types of model cars. I can’t tell you how many AMT kits I put together over the years, but I don’t have anything to show for it today as they all went down the road many moons ago.

 

[Swanny1953]

When I bought the Caddy, the PO had custom KS plates with the car’s moniker. Luckily, the same plates showed as available in TX, so I ordered them. Of course, as soon as I get the TX assigned plates, I head to the county tax office to swap them for my custom plates only to be told something in the system showed my title application as “rejected” and I’d have to deal with the county that issued the standard plates. In talking with Caramel, the company BAT uses for title transfers, payments and the like, TX will issue plates without the title work being finalized and the issue was likely due to the “shortened VIN” for the old girl. I was assured all would be handled within a few days and they would call to confirm. Got the call last week, so off to the county tax office I go to get my new plates. This time there were no issues other than having to pay $0.50.
Before putting them on the car, they had to be modified for the “hidden” rear view camera.

I wanted to the plate to stand off the paint some, so used a stack of washers and some painters tape to keep them in place while screwing to the car.

Installation complete.

 

[LXCam]

When I bought the Caddy, the PO had custom KS plates with the car’s moniker. Luckily, the same plates showed as available in TX, so I ordered them. Of course, as soon as I get the TX assigned plates, I head to the county tax office to swap them for my custom plates only to be told something in the system showed my title application as “rejected” and I’d have to deal with the county that issued the standard plates. In talking with Caramel, the company BAT uses for title transfers, payments and the like, TX will issue plates without the title work being finalized and the issue was likely due to the “shortened VIN” for the old girl. I was assured all would be handled within a few days and they would call to confirm. Got the call last week, so off to the county tax office I go to get my new plates. This time there were no issues other than having to pay $0.50.
Before putting them on the car, they had to be modified for the “hidden” rear view camera.

I wanted to the plate to stand off the paint some, so used a stack of washers and some painters tape to keep them in place while screwing to the car.

Installation complete.

Gary, ya know I luv ya man but we can't have that.......so sirrrrriiii!

When its time to put that girl away for the winter please PLEASE send me the frame and plate and I'll make you a proper machine fit polished bezzle.

 

[Swanny1953]

It’s been a busy couple of weeks, with very little going on in the garage.
First up, we had a reunion of 20 or so guys that worked together 20+ years ago at Cameron Ashley Building Products, which is the first company my CEO partner and I worked together at. We had it at his ranch, which started out at 96 acres 30 years ago and which he has expanded to now 1,360 acres. He has a working winery, conference center and dining/etc. pavilion on the property, along with nearly 30 species of exotic animals. The entire property is high fenced.
The winery building is nearly completed. They just have to finish the stone on the inside of the tower and some landscaping.

The barrel room inside the winery, where special events can be held.

The pavilion building

The original cabin and bunkhouse which was added 20 or so years ago.
They have some trophy deer on the property. We went out to one of the feeders to watch their trophy whitetail dear come out of the brush to feed. There were some big boys in here! Once they got most of their feed, some of the does started walking out to us, and a couple of the big bucks followed.
Ron hired chef Darren McGrady of Eating Royally to cater the meals for us. Darren was the Queen of England’s and Princess Diana’s personal chef, served us phenomenal meals and had very interesting stories to share!
We had a great time touring the ranch property, swapping stories and reminiscing. A lot of us are now retired and we want to make this an annual event. That seems to fall to me as the master scheduler, but that’s a task I’ll gladly take on!!

 

[Swanny1953]

When I left the ranch, it was off to Ft. Worth to drive for the Mecum auction at Dickies Arena. They had to move the event here from Dallas convention center as it is under renovation and they have discovered some structural issues. I spent Thursday afternoon and all day Friday and Saturday shuttling cars from the storage garage to the staging lines and across the auction block and back to storage. There were some pretty interesting rides
2001 Ridler award winning 1949 Chev. This thing was heavily modified.

This ‘41 Willys coupe was built to compete for the Ridler award. It was a no sale at $120,000. It was a beauty and it was probably a good thing it crossed the block when I was otherwise occupied!!
As an aside, I would think if you’re competing for or have won a prestigious award, you’d know how to spell it!! The signage for both these cars has the name spelled wrong.
For those who don’t know, the Don Ridler Memorial Award is one of the most prestigious in the world of custom automobiles. It is awarded annually at the Detroit Autorama. Don Ridler was a show promoter. To compete for the award, the Autorama must be the inaugural showing of the car, with no magazine coverage allowed before the show. Builders and owners have spent literally millions of $$$$ chasing this award. My Caddy was selected as outstanding custom at the 2018 Autorama, but was ineligible for the Ridler award as it had press coverage prior to the show and had already won Street Rodder Magazine’s Street Rod of the year in 2017.
Some other interesting vehicles -
5-speed manual, diesel power.
I learned to drive in one of these Dodges. This was really nicely restored!



I don’t know why anyone would do this to a perfectly good Corvette

 

[Blackbyrd]

I wonder what the added weight is to cover a car exterior in Penny's like that

 

[boyleged]

I was wondering the same thing, AI overview below

The image shows a 1965 Chevrolet Corvette that has been covered in pennies.

• This unique car, sometimes called the "Penny Corvette," was created by Charlie "Chuck" Regini in 1982.
• The project took six months and used an estimated 25,000 to 35,000 coins, mostly pennies, but also included some nickels, dimes, and silver dollars.
• The coins were glued to the car's fiberglass body, which added about 172 to 241 pounds to the car's weight.
• The car has been listed for sale on eBay with an asking price of around $37,500.

 

[Swanny1953]

People watching was kinda fun too - you get all kinds!!
His mom must be so proud - “Look - I raised a peacock!!”

 

[Swanny1953]

Update on the 2023 Z06 insurance/repairs. Before heading to my buddies ranch, the other driver’s insurance called to say they would cover the damage. Whew!! I was expecting it to be denied. The guy started off by telling me I could take it anywhere I wanted, just give the attachment in the email to the shop doing the repairs. So, I sent it to my now buddy who did the repairs on the last 2 Corvette issues. He called to tell me he had dealt with the insurer before and they were a joke! I looked at their “estimate” (made through only looking at the pictures I provided) to see their total for repairs was $1,741! You have to be kidding me???!!! Labor rate was $50/hr, they believe the bumper cap can be sourced for less than $500, etc. My guy just sent the insurer his supplement after tearing the car down and his estimate is $12,033! Quite a spread . I’ll let them sort it out for now.
The insurer also sent me a check for their estimate amount, with a notation ”claim paid in full”. You can bet I won’t be cashing that check.
I suspect I may have to get my insurer involved and let them subrogate against this fly by night outfit. Stay tuned. . . . . .

 

[zmotorsports]

***** you're having to deal with such games Gary. Hope it all gets sorted.

 

[Swanny1953]

***** you're having to deal with such games Gary. Hope it all gets sorted.

Thanks, Mike. All I can do at this point is play the hand I’ve been dealt!!

 

[Swanny1953]

I was able to track down the Street Rodder Magazine and Goodguys Gazette articles on the ‘49 Cadillac. Got them back from Hobby Lobby this afternoon.

 

[zmotorsports]

You're obtaining quite a collection of wall art there Gary. I've only got a couple of vehicles that were in magazines, but that's a nice wall of representation right there.

 

[HogDude]

Update on the 2023 Z06 insurance/repairs. Before heading to my buddies ranch, the other driver’s insurance called to say they would cover the damage. Whew!! I was expecting it to be denied. The guy started off by telling me I could take it anywhere I wanted, just give the attachment in the email to the shop doing the repairs. So, I sent it to my now buddy who did the repairs on the last 2 Corvette issues. He called to tell me he had dealt with the insurer before and they were a joke! I looked at their “estimate” (made through only looking at the pictures I provided) to see their total for repairs was $1,741! You have to be kidding me???!!! Labor rate was $50/hr, they believe the bumper cap can be sourced for less than $500, etc. My guy just sent the insurer his supplement after tearing the car down and his estimate is $12,033! Quite a spread . I’ll let them sort it out for now.
The insurer also sent me a check for their estimate amount, with a notation ”claim paid in full”. You can bet I won’t be cashing that check.
I suspect I may have to get my insurer involved and let them subrogate against this fly by night outfit. Stay tuned. . . . . .

For that insurance adjuster, "the gate is wide and the road is broad that leads to destruction and many take it".

 

[Swanny1953]

You're obtaining quite a collection of wall art there Gary. I've only got a couple of vehicles that were in magazines, but that's a nice wall of representation right there.

Thanks, Mike. I feel blessed to have found the Chev and Caddy at very reasonable prices and that I get to be their caretaker for now!!

 

[Swanny1953]

After completing the Mecum chore, I was home for a couple of days before heading off to Las Vegas and the SEMA show. This is the annual HUGE show for the automotive aftermarket industry, and it takes up all of the Las Vegas convention center’s 4.6 million feet and much of the outdoor parking adjacent to the convention center. Over the course of 3 days I walked 53,200 steps looking at all the exhibits.
Going to SEMA has long been a bucket list item for me, so a big shout out to Rich Verbal of Legacy Classic Cars of Texas for getting us admission badges. This is the car Rich displayed at the show, a 1969 Camaro. It has a pretty neat history, having been in the same family since being purchased new. It’s really a beautiful build.


One whole hall was dedicated to wheels and tires. I never knew there were so many tire manufacturers!!
Half of another hall was dedicated to all things electronics related, and the other half of this hall was for shop management and PPF coating companies.
A third hall had all things four wheel drive/outdoor/camping/towing related in roughly half the hall with the remainder dedicated to PPF and car care products. Again, I wasn’t aware there were so many PPF film companies around.
The last hall included “Hot Rod Alley” and was dedicated to aftermarket speed parts, etc. for the custom industry.
Outside were all the lifted trucks and other exhibits. They also did the daily burnout competitions and drifting demonstrations here. They were also running one leg of the Optima Ultimate Street Car Challenge during the show.

This thing is massive. I’m glad I got to check it off my bucket list, but I don’t need to go back for a while!!!

 

[mmsheb]

Thanks for sharing. What an event. Would love to attend someday.
Mike in WI

 

[zmotorsports]

Looks like fun Gary. We haven't been to SEMA for about 15 years now. I started going in 1987 with the auto parts store I worked at, then continued to go with them even after I quit and began my career as an Industrial Maintenance Mechanic, but because I was still doing a lot of custom painting and buying supplies from them, they continued to include me in their list of attendees.

Then there was a few years when I didn't go and then around 1997 or so when we started our side business/speed shop, we started going as a family up until around 2010~ish when quit going. I'm sure it is quite a bit different today than it was back then though.

 

[LXCam]

I’m glad you finally got to go Gary. And as you found out it’s a lot of everything! I can’t imagine how bad Friday was with it be open to the general public, it’s bad enough without the added traffic.

I had or was a player for one or two rides a year from 06 till 16 and by that time I’d had enough. After all the drama every year it was cool to finally win an award from mothers polish for best modern hot rod in 16 so I figured it was time to end it.

 

[zmotorsports]

That's awesome Cam. It has grown to much more than it once was. It is more of a car show these days than what it originated as. It used to just be newly released products and maybe a few vehicles mixed in displaying those products in use. Much different than today.

 

[LXCam]

That's awesome Cam. It has grown to much more than it once was. It is more of a car show these days than what it originated as. It used to just be newly released products and maybe a few vehicles mixed in displaying those products in use. Much different than today.

No doubt about that Mike. Used to be if memory serves me correctly, central hall was the product display area. The second floor of south hall was rims (which I stayed far away from - I hate looking at/for rims) and new products. Then I think in the early teens they decided to throw a mix of everything anywhere to get more exposure. Honestly I think that was a mistake.

 

[T VETTE]

Lucky you got to go to SEMA, I went about 10 years ago thanks to a friend who had a shop. I tried to go last year with his help and geez what a nightmare with those people. SEMA wanted a pay stub from them showing I was an employee and if my wife wanted to go we had to send them a copy of our marriage license. Can't make this up. So it was a NO go.

 

[Swanny1953]

Lucky you got to go to SEMA, I went about 10 years ago thanks to a friend who had a shop. I tried to go last year with his help and geez what a nightmare with those people. SEMA wanted a pay stub from them showing I was an employee and if my wife wanted to go we had to send them a copy of our marriage license. Can't make this up. So it was a NO go.

Sorry to hear about that. We didn’t have to endure any of that bull!!
Mike & Cam - thanks for the comments and history. While all the product displays, new product rollouts, etc. were interesting, to me the cars on display were the stars of the show. Several years ago, SEMA started a “Battle of the Builders” competition. This year the big winner was the ‘36 Ford built by Rad Rides by Troy.

Just a stunning example of an extremely well done “coach built” hot rod!! Not surprisingly, it has earned awards and accolades everywhere it has been shown!
The 2025 Ridler award winner was also on display.

Not much of this that hasn’t been touched!
Some of my other favorites -
To be continued……..

 

[Swanny1953]

More beautiful builds from SEMA.
This was built by Rick Dore, with the aluminum body custom made by Luc DeLey of Marcel’s Custom Metal. Just stunning. I had a chance to say hi to Rick Dore.


There were more, but you get the point!!
Glad I got to go. It was, as everyone warned me, a LOT of walking. It wasn’t overly crowded, but there were a lot of people on Friday when they opened the doors to the public. I MAY go again, but likely won’t feel the push for a few years at least!

 

[Swanny1953]

While in Vegas, we had the chance to see The Wizard of Oz in the Sphere. What an experience. This is what we saw driving up.

This is the view inside before the show begins. Looks like a normal theater.

Once the show begins, you realize all that is very well done 3-D graphics!!

Quite the experience, complete with blowing winds and leaves during the hurricane, apples dropping from the "sky", and your seat shaking as though you are in the middle of the storm!!! If you get the chance, I highly recommend it!! The Eagles are doing a residency at the Sphere - cannot imagine what that experience would be like. Lori saw the Back Street Boys there in August with our daughters and raved about it!!!

 

[zmotorsports]

Beautiful builds Gary. I've followed the Lincoln build by Chip Foose on his YouTube channel. I've also followed Troy Trepanier's build of the '36 coupe and the Riddler Award winner on social media. True works of art, all of them. Thank you for showing them.

 

[Cdubu52]

Gary, We are doing Wizard of Oz at the Sphere in January. That is my Christmas present for my wife. She cant wait and keeps sending me videos of it. Glad to see you enjoyed it. As well as SEMA.

 

[T VETTE]

Thanks for all the pics at least I got to see something from the show and the Sphere. I am going in early February for the Mecum motorcycle auction and likely take in the Sphere. I also want to do the Raiders Allegiant stadium off hours tour of the facility.

 

[Swanny1953]

Beautiful builds Gary. I've followed the Lincoln build by Chip Foose on his YouTube channel. I've also followed Troy Trepanier's build of the '36 coupe and the Riddler Award winner on social media. True works of art, all of them. Thank you for showing them.

Like you, I had followed these builds before seeing them in person. While they are gorgeous in print, they're even better in person!

Gary, We are doing Wizard of Oz at the Sphere in January. That is my Christmas present for my wife. She cant wait and keeps sending me videos of it. Glad to see you enjoyed it. As well as SEMA.

Thanks - I really think you'll enjoy the show. It kinda transports us back to our childhoods!!

Thanks for all the pics at least I got to see something from the show and the Sphere. I am going in early February for the Mecum motorcycle auction and likely take in the Sphere. I also want to do the Raiders Allegiant stadium off hours tour of the facility.

You're welcome - I'm happy to share. I hope you enjoy your trip in February and get to take everything in.

 

[johnnycars]

The color looks fantastic!
Curious if the areas I noted in red below are stains/oils maybe from your hands or did they come this way? I had some paint issues that started slowly appearing which I believe are manufacturing defects. New Age may suggest trying to wipe with a microfibre cloth but if it doesn't come out, it may be stuck there forever and get worse over time.

Picture of New Age cabinets with backsplash installed. They also send enough dividers for 2 or more drawers.

 

[Swanny1953]

The color looks fantastic!
Curious if the areas I noted in red below are stains/oils maybe from your hands or did they come this way? I had some paint issues that started slowly appearing which I believe are manufacturing defects. New Age may suggest trying to wipe with a microfibre cloth but if it doesn't come out, it may be stuck there forever and get worse over time.

Thanks for pointing that out. It's just my body oils from the install. A couple squirts of Griot's Best of Show Detailer Spray and they came right off.

 

[johnnycars]

@Swanny1953
phew!
Here's the cleaning suggestions they sent via email. I would avoid any chemicals.

1. Regular Cleaning:
   • Wipe cabinet surfaces and drawers periodically using a soft, damp cloth and plain water.
   • This helps prevent buildup of dust and minor stains.
2. Grease or Oil Stains:
   • For tougher stains such as grease or oil, use standard household cleaning fluids (e.g., mild dish soap or all-purpose cleaner).
   • Apply the cleaner to a soft cloth rather than directly onto the cabinet surface to avoid damage.
   • Gently rub the affected area and then wipe with a clean, damp cloth to remove any residue.
3. Avoid Abrasives:
   • Do not use abrasive pads, brushes, or harsh chemicals, as these can scratch or discolor the cabinet finish.

 

[Swanny1953]

This has turned out to be an interesting week. I woke Monday to an early morning email from Mike Keller, the builder of the '40 Chev business coupe. Apparently someone reposted the 2013 Street Rodder Magazine article (with a few more pictures) about the car on Street Machine Central - https://www.streetmachinecentral.com/blog The blog caught the attention of one of the folks at Rod Shows, the promoter of the Grand National Roadster Show at the Pomona Fairplex each January. Each year, in addition to the America's Most Beautiful Roadster and Al Slonaker Memorial Award competitions (two of the most prestigious awards in the custom car world, in addition to the Detroit Autorama Don Ridler Memorial Award), they have a building dedicated to a "theme". This year the theme is "Fat Attack" and will feature fat fendered cars and trucks from 1935-1948, and participation is by invitation only. Long story short, I got an invitation from GNRS to show the '40 Chev in the Fat Attack display! Attending the GNRS has long been a "bucket list" item, and to be invited to show a car in the feature building is just icing on the cake!!
I don't own an enclosed trailer, so I reached out to a buddy who does to see if he would be interested in a week long road trip to LA. He is (the GNRS was also on his "list"!), and after getting the OK from his bride, it looks like we'll be able to pull this together!
But first, there are a couple of things that have to be attended to. Right after I got the car back from having a couple of minor paint & body repairs, I caused an under hood light bar to fall onto the hood of the car, putting a couple of chips in the leading edge of the hood down to the primer. I just hate self inflicted wounds!! I have reached out to my painter who said it won't be a problem getting the car in for that repair.
The last time I showed the car it was a hot day in Dallas and the show was 30 or so miles away. On the trip home, it seemed to be running a little rough. I hooked up my Blue Driver code reader, and found a couple of codes "P0300 Random/Multiple Cylinder Misfire Detected", and "P0101 Mass or Volume Air Flow Sensor 'A' Circuit Range/Performance". Digging a little deeper into these, the P0300 code is typically an injector or oxygen sensor issue, but can also be related to other trouble codes. So, I'll attack the MAF sensor code. I pulled the radiator cover and discovered this setup for the air intake/MAF -

I did a little more research on MAF placement for LS3 engines and discovered Chevy's recommended placement is at least 10" from the throttle body and mounted in a minimum 6" long section of straight tube. Obviously, the setup above doesn't meet either of these criteria. So, I went looking for a solution.
There's not a lot of room in the front of this engine bay. The first solution I tried was this one -

While this one meets the spacing requirements for mounting the MAF, there's not enough engine compartment room for the filter to fit. I cannot turn it down as the PS and idler pulleys would be in the way. So, the search continues.
Whatever solution I come up with, the filter will have to at least partially be in the fender well and I'll have to cut a hole of some dimension in the panel between the engine and the fender. This intake, from the same manufacturer, will allow me to turn the intake both down and back to be able to access the fender well.

My buddy from Legacy Classic Cars of Texas is coming by this afternoon to consult with me on how best to attack this minor "butchery" to get the MAF properly placed. Hopefully, when done, this will remedy the trouble codes issue. Stay tuned . . . . .

 

[zmotorsports]

Gary, a random misfire, P0300 generally isn't an injector issue as an injector will usually only effect one cylinder and a misfire will be specific to that particular cylinder rather than a random misfire. A MAF sensor can however, affect multiple cylinders and yes, they like to be in a straight section of intake duct.


Here is how I mounted my MAF between the intake manifold and air filter. Very similar to what it looks like you are doing.

 

[Swanny1953]

Gary, a random misfire, P0300 generally isn't an injector issue as an injector will usually only effect one cylinder and a misfire will be specific to that particular cylinder rather than a random misfire. A MAF sensor can however, affect multiple cylinders and yes, they like to be in a straight section of intake duct.


Here is how I mounted my MAF between the intake manifold and air filter. Very similar to what it looks like you are doing.

Mike, thanks for the confirmation. I have had coil pack misfire issues with the '65 Corvette and they have always been isolated to a single cylinder as you mention. That's why I decided to attack the MAF issue first, then see if any codes are thrown after the repair is in.
I wish I had the under hood real estate you did for your swap. In the second picture above, the distance from the bottom of the turnbuckle to the underside of the fender is a little more than 2", so turning the intake tube down at an angle is absolutely necessary. The distance from the end of the u-shaped tube to the inner fender panel is about 10" at the rear (less in the front) and with a 7-1/2" filter element, I will absolutely have to invade the fender space.
I'm taking lots of measurements and noodling with options before cutting the panel. I only want to do this once!!