Rocky has a new coach?????

[Rocky Fluegge]

Here is going to be the new heart for the 58, It is nothing to crazy but it should help move this old girl alittle better.

It is a gm ZZ-4 crate motor 355hp, aluminum heads, intake. I am going to paint it up cad blue, even over the heads ect. So at a quick glance it will look like a hot rodded cad motor, "oh boy I know some of you wont like that" But guess what guys I will be able to hop in this car and drive cross country with it more like a modern car, and if I break down be able to swing into most auto parts stores and get what I need and get back on the road. This is getting a rebuilt turbo 400. That I have all redone already.

It is pretty funny and amazing how much I have had to cut and modify to fit this motor. But I do love working through all of these problems and figuring it all out

 

[Rocky Fluegge]

to give me some room for the motor mounts I had to cut the factory extensions off, and I boxed and plated up the sides, looks like I will rebox and bring the pass side out alittle bit more. then be able to make those mounts.

Im going to build the trans cross member first, then set the front motor mounts. Had to cut some of the factory trans hump out to gain some more room.

 

[Rocky Fluegge]

thought it was kind of interesting at the coach builder choice of carpet behind the seat.

With the removal of carpet the floors are pretty clean, but do need to rebuild the drivers foor side it is pretty rotten.

 

[John Burchfield]

Rocky, this is so cool that you're restoring this car but with updated running gear! I'm looking forward to seeing it in Milwaukee.

 

[John ED Renstrom]

the difference in the eureka body and the MM is quite noticeable. Miller used the caddy floor back to the divider. Eureka made a doped floor behind the seat. but I see they still rusted threw starting in the same locations.

 

[Jeremy D. Ledford]

here is me showing my shear fits of strength "not" on my mock block set up that I have been using for fitting the new heart into the 58.

You've gotta bring this (mock block) to Milwaukee Rocky! So much fun could be had with that!

 

[Bill Leverett]

I'm always envious of anyone who has the talent to figure this out and do the work. Great work Rocky...always a pleasure to see the progress.

 

[Michael Mykulak]

Tires

I remember how much you liked the tires that came with the coach. What are your thoughts on running that much power through those old meats? I have two galvanized window wells that would weld up nice in the rear for some nice wide slicks out back. You can likely get those at most parts stores across the country.

 

[Matthew Taylor]

ZZ

That small block really doesn't have that much power in stock form. I would be more concerned about the load rating on the radials he bought from Coker.

 

[Rocky Fluegge]

not a progress shot but a fun garage shot. This is early in the week Darren stayed at the house, and we put his car in the garage.

they look great together, anytime you just want to leave your car there I would be ok with that

 

[Rocky Fluegge]

well im very happy to say that, this is the first weekend I was able to hit it hard and do some fab work back on my 58 since my crash and burn. I feel great doing it. Who would of thought I would be so happy to get all burnt up from welding and cutting.

I was working on modifying my front cross member to get my motor level, and lower into the cross member like it needs to be to keep the trans lined up to get the drive shaft correct through the X-frame.

Here are some pictures of me cutting the center out of it and lowering it about 2" down. Then I angle cut the sides to lower them down to the center, and rolled the back side of the cross member towards the front to gain some block and accessories room.

 

[Rocky Fluegge]

here is working the dr side, say thing had to cut the cross member up to arm tower and taper it down to the center. And also moved the back of it ahead on that side also.

 

[Rocky Fluegge]

Before my fall, and the international meet I built the trans cross member. That is the starting point to get the motor level. I stepped it down to keep the drive shaft in line with the x-frame

 

[Danny Ryder - Deceased - 1962 - 2021]

Nice work Rocky, you have a real talent there and looks like you are on the right track.

 

[Darren Bedford]

Way to go bro !

I know that fall slowed you down but lot for long. You will be cruising in that baby by the spring !

It will be quite a car when you are done.

Thanks for the photos and update,
Darren

 

[Herb John]

This is the best build going right now. That trans plate looks strong enough to hold the space shuttle. good work.

 

[Rocky Fluegge]

I got the driver side cross member all rebuilt, now had to cut down the mount for the core support now that the cross is not as tall. I have it all plated up now just have to weld it back in.

 

[Todd Merrifield]

Really wish I had the skills to burn metal like you do. So many ideas with no way to execute them...

 

[Danny Ryder - Deceased - 1962 - 2021]

Really wish I had the skills to burn metal like you do So many ideas with no way to execute them...

My thoughts exactly. Very talented guy with the tools to execute his most inner thoughts.

 

[Darren Bedford]

Me three Todd and Danny !

He has it all..... shop, tools, skill, imagination, experience, sweet & pretty wife, welders, fabrication knowledge, a small amount of play money, burn out pit, sweet collection of rides, accommodating wife, very good friends with other abilities that help each other when building cool cars, fantastic estate to hold car shows at, OUTSTANDING MAN CAVE, automotive art collection and a few dead cats !!!!!

:thumbsup:

Rocky is a DIEHARD CAR GUY and has engine oil running through his veins.
Not many of us can say we are into cars as much as Rocky is but we certainly do love our automobiles just the same !!!

May there always be a project on the go and the health there needed to keep on building until the last ride in one of your hearses. Build on Brother !!!

Darren