The project began with the objective of servicing a carburetor and reinstalling it onto the car. The maker subsequently mounted the engine, which features a V8 and an exposed multi-barrel carburetor that lacks an air cleaner housing. This vehicle is described as heavily hotrodded, meaning most of the engine bay components are not factory original. The setup includes an intake manifold, chrome valve covers, an alternator, a distributor with ignition wires, and several drive belts with pulleys.
During the assembly process, the engine made a strange whooshing sound after the carburetor went back on. The maker repeatedly turned the key to start the engine, which cranked and sputtered. Upon ignition, a flare-up appeared from the front of the car. The engine produced a leak from the fuel inlet. This leak originated from stripped internal threads within the carburetor itself. The car’s interior features an analog instrument cluster that displays gauges for the tachometer, fuel, coolant temperature, and battery voltage.
The maker nearly set the car on fire, leading the vehicle to be abandoned immediately. The maker eventually gave up on the current carburetor due to the fuel inlet issue. A replacement unit featuring a factory style electric choke is expected to arrive soon. The maker remains unsure of the extent of any damage caused by the incident.