What did happen on the weekend was a download of possibility after reconsidering my friend's suggestion to build a TR3 rat rod. I got looking at the '57 tub (that I prepped and mostly painted last fall) that is sitting beside my driveway plus the fact I have "paintable" panels (with the exception of the two rear fenders-one of which would require major work) it started to make sense to combine the parts, hand paint them and reassemble the car. All the panels would be flawed but I think all the pieces would come together in a compelling way. The paint color is a kind of a dove gray. I could brush and roller it and then wet sand the finish...
I would reinstall the worn clutch assembly onto the extra engine, button up the transmission and utilize the 59 frame which I would clean up and paint. I have all the other parts I would need with the exception of the windshield and one door. I started to do the math and determined I would gain tremendously by combining the parts vrs trying to sell the car as a basket case or parting it out...plus I would get driving sooner. It all started to make sense. I wouldn't sell the car until the completed the '59 and I could use the rat rod to check out the engine, transmission and rear end "health" and pick the best components for the '59 build.
I have estimated the parts I would need to consume (hydraulics, etc etc) that I had earmarked for the '59 would probably cost about $1500 to replace all in. My head started to spin so I had to back away from further contemplation but I am pretty certain I am going to reassemble the '57 using the already assembled 59 frame, utilizing the rack and pinion and doing it all as cheaply as I can...true rat rod methodology...of course the purists are not going to be happy-but oh well...it's all about the fun.......
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