59 Convertible

[Blade]

Jim, that engine looks good - and the car on the lift too!

My engine is untouched and original at this point so I can check stuff for you just let me know. I'll look at the heater hoses and the oil line tonight.

[austingta]

I just found this thread... Jim, you are very talented. What an awesome icon of post-war American car history, unmatched by others. It's amazing how the cars gained and lost so much style in only a few years, with the '59 being the zenith.

[Blade]

Jim: here is the hookup for the heater. Outlet from the pump (driver side) goes to the bottom on the heater, inlet (passenger side) connects to the top, the hoses cross right behind the intake as they come out then run over the valve cover.

[INTMD8]

Thanks Frank but I didn't do anything to this car but clean it up a bit. Anyone could do it 

Tibor, thanks for the diagram and pics. Simple!

[INTMD8]

I finally received the transmission back from the rebuilder and was able to drop the engine and trans in tonight. Finally some progress!

Shouldn't be too long before the old girl is up and running again.

I had originally contemplated setting the original drivetrain aside and installing a late mode fuel injected Escalade engine.  Let me tell you rebuilding the original motor and trans was way (way!) more expensive and time consuming than I expected so I'm not sure I made the right decision.

Anyway, if there are no major problems it looks like I'm easily on track for some top down cruising come spring 

[Aaron Hudacky]

Jim,

Although LS series engines are great, I am really happy to see you stick with the 390.  It looks like you are making very nice progress. 

[INTMD8]

Thanks Aaron!

It's taken much more time than I expected but finally, she runs! I actually took it down the road to seat the rings. Night time, no hood, top down and 36 degrees.   

Engine and trans seem nice and the car is nice and smooth.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Pk4ncXtFwo

A few issues I need to work out.

-turn signals stopped working (nothing at all and green indicators don't even illuminate).

-no dash lights

-brakes need to be bled again

Otherwise it seems good!