'55 oval questions

Finally getting around to fixing my old '55 european oval, and need some input. This car will be a driver so I'm undecided on whether to keep it bone stock or upgrade it a little.12volt conversion would be a necessity for a nice sound system.Always liked the look of polished empi 5 spokes.Of course the exterior will be kept stock with original style trim, mirrors etc.And interior will use stock seats, carpets etc. Maybe pop in a lowered front beam. Car has the original non syncro 1st gear tranny, so I'd like to swap it.Which year tranny would be a simple bolt in replacement? I have a 1776 with single 36 dellorto I'll be using for it.Would it be possible to make the semaphores work with 12 volt ?

Reply to
bugman1955
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All of those modifications can be done without modifying the car itself, which, with a euro '55 Oval, I would suggest. The semaphores can either be re-wired for 12-volt use, or, as most people do, use a voltage drop in-line in the circuit, drop it to aboput 7 volts, and you will have bright, happy, semaphores. Use a swingaxle trans, with a Bus nose cone and hockey stick, and use your year of car mounts, and everything is a bolt-in

Reply to
Kaferdave

...with a 1776 pushing it, you may wish to consider CB performances dropped spindle disk brake kit...drop it right for better ride and improve braking in one fell swoop. Euro ovals are getting harder to find..it would eb great to see it lasdt another 50 years ;-)

..Gareth

Reply to
Gary Tateosian

You know, if you have a '55 European oval you have a car that a lot of people would be jealous of. It can be a really wonderful and rare showcar. Have you seen some of the websites on how these cars can look when restored? I had one once, when I was young, and made a daily driver out of it. I made irreversible modifications, and finally it would up as a dune buggy. Later, I learned what a rare treasure I had been chopping up. I have always regretted my youthful enthusiasm and inexperience. If I owned your car today, I would find another daily driver, even if it meant buying an old, bashed up Toyota or Fiesta or such. I would keep the '55 covered until I had some money (if that's an issue), and then I would, with care and reverence, try my best to restore it to brand new. I would scrimp on other projects to be able to pay a little extra for the better quality parts and materials. And, if I ever finished it, I would have a car that few men ever get to see, let alone own, drive, or even sit in. But, that's just me. And I would practice driving with a non-synchro transmission.

Reply to
Russell Funk

Reply to
bugman1955

I'd baja it. :-D

*runs for cover*

Reply to
Shaggie

Reply to
bugman1955

Reply to
bugman1955

my semaphored 55:)

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have pretty much the same plan as you larger engine,12v but stock lookingotherwise(mags mabey)russ

Reply to
Russ

C'mon, live a little! :-)

Reply to
Shaggie

Reply to
bugman1955

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