The Grateful Dead.

[kenjisan]

great story and car. Nice pics also.

[kirslis]

Thanks Guys. I've been researching the engine and I'm about to head back to TN to get the 2nd engine and other parts from my Dad's basement. I found the original starter and it looks to have been rebuilt and painted. I've been doing some small body work jobs on her, just to get familiar and I slowly am going to begin the mechanical side. I know I am also missing the SU carb Air Cleaner assembly. Hopefully that will also be in his basement. Thank y'all for the tips so far. I'll post some pictures in a month or so. Also just keep in mind for this particular project, that I'm kinda poor. I'm not interested in period correct restorations if there are modern upgrades that are more cost effective. I can't imagine ever having the money to really bring her back to period, I more interested in learning about the U20 and having it run well. Obviously its going to be somewhat costly, but at least the labor will be free and the car is stored inside! Anyways I'll report back when I get back from the basement.

[Gregs672000]

Welcome! Let's take our time on the engine as you inspect and prepare to see if it will run, as rebuilding the mighty U20 is not cheap and you can cause problems for yourself if you move too fast with trying to fire it up. I can relate to your budget, reminds me of me 32 yrs ago!

[kirslis]

Wise words Greg, thank you. I'm in no hurry to fire up the engine, I'm still approaching with caution. Good news is my dad found the SU carb Air Cleaner assembly in the basement. He also found another SU carb set and some other parts. He says he thinks there's another engine somewhere down there. I got ahead of myself and decided to take off the gas can. I used the tech wiki and successfully removed it. I snapped one of 2 bolts holding the gas can after it was half way out... Wondering what is the most effective way to putting some TLC into the gas can. Whats the original color on these things?

Also any tips on really rusty floorboards. I want to cut most of it out and weld in new sheets but I'd hate for the body to fold in, I've heard stories about that. Sorry for the blurry pics.

[Gregs672000]

There are several here who can guide you on floor replacement, and replacement sheet metal is available for a price. Mine were similar but there were no replacement panels back then, so I welded in replacements. There are several products out there (Por, Sems Rust Seal, etc) that can permanently treat the rust, then undercoat it.
Regarding the gas tank, there is a kit available to mount it to the frame instead of the body, the later of which tends to crack the trunk floor from the weight of the gas over the years.

Got to run to the dentist now... I'll post some suggestions on what to look for on the engine prior to firing when I get a Chance! I'm sure others will chime in too... we get to enjoy your discovery, so it's fun for us.

[kirslis]

Thank Greg. I inspected the innards of the gas tank. its dry but pretty flakey and dirty inside it. I'll start cleaning her up today, and then find a radiator shop to bring it to. I also am having a friend who is restoring an AC 60s Shelby Cobra come take a quick look at it. I don't know him well but he has done several major restorations on classic cars in my area. He wants to take a look at this one. I'll tell y'all if he has any good info to share.