Slow And Steady

Progress is going slow and steady on January Birthday. My partner in the project, T.B. Lussier pictured right, and I are in the planning stages still. Gathering parts lists and trouble shooting what is what on her. We have the engine figured out for the most part. We have a lot of work to do on the front end. I am going to put a disc brake kit and upgrade the wheel bearings to make her a little safer. The steering box needs a little love too. We have decided to scrap the rear end it has in it now. It is old and we have figured out that a newer one from a mid sixties would be a more reliable choice. There are a lot of salvage yards here in town we can scout something I'm sure.


The ride home was a great realization that this project could work and be fun at the same time. We revelled in the fact that January Birthday was bought in the shadow of Route 66. We talked about all the possibilities, all the different ways we could make her great. From paint color combinations to how to out fit the rear to hold all of the grip equipment. Our thoughts were like the open road before us. Any turn is ours to take. We drove home through the night and dropped her off at the garage where we are doing the work. It was a quick twenty hour trip that started the wheels turning.









The work has started. Todd and I have chosen the front end to start with. I was blown away when I saw my solid front axle for the first time. I have decided to keep as many original parts as I can. So the big forged axle stays. The old drum brakes and ball wheel bearings are getting swapped out for disc brakes and tapered roller bearings. While we are waiting on parts there is little stuff to do here and there. I removed the headliner that was falling apart and the other day I removed the rusty wasted exhaust from the manifolds back. The engine is ready to be pulled. It's amazing how minimal the engine compartment is. Working on her is going to be a great learning experience. I'm taking photos every time I go up and do a little work. More to come soon.