Deliveries & Setbacks

I sanded and scrub down the firewall Center and driver side portions anyway as well as the front frame.  I then used automotive grade rust reformer 2 coat any bits of rust that I might have missed, causing them to turn into a hardened paintable surface. 

My power disc brake conversion kit for the front off the 55 Chevy arrived this morning! As soon as my springs and shocks get here I might start putting the front end back together!

Now for the setback, I was trying to extend my workbench so I was moving a metal shelving unit and something fell off of it on to that water main sticking out of the wall... This broke the old cold plastic pipe causing tons of water to come stealing out all over me and the garage... As I jumped up to go shut off the breaker to the water pump I slipped or tripped on something smashing my face on the wall cracking a rib on my workbench and smashing my right pinky into the wall!

Long story short I shut off the water eventually got myself enough breath to drive to Lowes to get the parts needed to fix it, got home and repaired the pipes all with bruised ribs and a broken finger and a big knot on my face... PS I was able to bend my glasses back into wearable shape!

Wow It's been a while!
I was on hold for a long time searching for a non-existent part, I stripped out the bolts/couplers trying to get them off while replacing the oil pump...
The original tube was 7/16", so the 3/8" outlet from the oil pump had a 3/8"-1/2" coupler to the 7/16" tube to a 1/2"-3/8" coupler to the block intake.  I couldn't find the proper couplers  to fit the tube & the block, and apparently I couldn't find any 7/16" tubing anywhere.  So I had to make my own new tubing so I went with 3/8" outlet, tubing & inlet which should slightly increase the oil pressure due to shrinking the tubing diameter by 1/16".  
I also couldn't find a 1/4" tube to go from the block up to the lifters, as these were also stripped out... So I had to buy some straight tubing, cut it to fit, bend it and re-flare it on both ends.
Today I was about to close up the oil pan BUT I couldn't find the oil pick up anywhere!  So that'll have to wait.  I did get the water pump & thermostat housing mounted on with the new shiny Stainless Steel bolts, however after looking at it I decided to paint them to match the engine... At least they'll never rust.

I managed to get some overtime this paycheck so I ordered some goodies for the '55...

A complete front power disc brake conversion kit!

New MOOG Springs!

 Complete front end suspension rebuild kit (tie rod ends, bushings, bumpers, ball joints, with all connectors)

 New pair of Monroe Sensa-trac shocks

 Complete Suspension fastener kit (since all the original parts were super rusted)

So I basically have the entire front end on order, from the firewall up the entire front end suspension & steering will be brand new!

More updates later!