When 409's count.

[desapience]

Well guys, the Classic Chevy International 2007 Winter Nationals was held this week, Feb 8-11th, in Kissimmee FL, Old Town.... and I entered my 409/446 '55' Chevy Belair...

My '55' is actually a "cruiser", first painted and completed 7 years ago, and has always been street-driven, especially so in the first 4-5 years I had it. It was driven almost dailey, no matter the rainy weather!

Then, I installed the 409/446 in August 2005.

Instead of entering it into the "cruiser" class, I entered it in the 1000-pt "Show & Shine", and went up against mostly trailered cars (all custom-class 1955's).

The competition was VERY DEEP, lots of high-dollar cars!!!

And, I peeved a dozen of them, in a BIG way...

I won 2nd Place!!! Going up against $100-K trailered 55's!
The God honest truth is that I was truly floored, and grateful!

The car scored a Silver Certificate with 946 points, and my '55' has not ever been trailered!

Had I the time to have installed the 482, with M/T x-ram (as orginally planned), and had the chance to detail the frame during that transistion.., I think I would have butted the guy out of first place!!! Needless to say, it was the "W" that helped push the '55' higher!

I want to thank my son for being there with me, helping greatly with the final detailing, for his unwavering moral support, and for just being my best buddy! :p

Here are as couple pictures -- one with us holding the certificate and plaque.

Denis

[fatride]

Ahhhh, validation. Congrat's on a fine car. Now you need to come to Norwalk or Clay City and run the wee out of it! :eek: Who knows, you may end up with the 60' trophy :dunno

[MRHP]

:clap Congrats on a job well done! I bet you had more fun than everyone put together.

[JimKwiatkowski]

Denis Good Job,Its always nice to see a Shoebox win an award :clap

[tripower]

Dennis, Great job...:clap :clap :clap Ahw..isn't funny how that "W" will draw a crowd.:clap :clap :clap :cheers

[Ronnie Russell]

Denis, Congratulations!!!!!!! We all know how much effort you have invested, especially in the last few weeks. Well deserved.... I do agree that the M/T cross-ram would have made it first place, but there is always the next show. The memories you have of the competition , with your son helping will always be worth more than the award. Great job...:beerbang :beerbang

[rstreet]

Denis: Good job...I was wondering when we would hear from you again. I forgot to tell you that there is a retired oral surgeon in the area who now specializes on rebuilding carbs and building flathead F##ds. I had him do an older Rochester 4bbl and he had it looking so good I didn;t want to use it and put it on the car and never touched an adjustment because it was perfect!! You oral surgeons do great work.

[jim_ss409]

Way to go Denis!:cheers

[skipxt4]

:clap :clap Denis, the guys with the trailer queens, think they're on a different level. But, it won't be long, they will be #2. Nice job.:clap Skip:)

[rwagon57]

denis,

Congrats and how special to have your son with you enjoying the experience.

[Astro409]

Everyone said what came to my mind. :clap :beerbang

[desapience]

Thank you all for the congrats...

Indeed, the last couple weeks and days leading up to the show were a very hectic time for me. Installing the 9", refining it's installation and getting the brakes up to snuff, especailly the emergency brakes, was far more difficult than one might imagine. But, it came out looking "factory", as I always goal-orient myself to do.

I agree, the trailer-queen crowd do themselves a great injustice to think themselves unbeatable by a "Cruiser-class car". Nice and clean as they may look, functionality and/or uniqueness is no longer always ignored by the Judges.

I was also a 3-member Judging team at this show, that was split-tasking with another 3-member Judging team on the same eight assigned '55' custom-cars. There were at least 25 nice high-dollar 1955 customs, and three '55' custom 6-member split-team Judges. . What I saw in Judging the trailer queens was eye-opening. Many of those queens had engineering spafoos that were simply poorly thought-out, and even dangerous. And, all of them had SBC's or BBC's, and many had the same-o, same-o box-cutter appeal to them (know what I mean)?

A "Best engine" award went to another '55' custom, with a BBC... ohhh, how I bit my lip for not having the 482 with the M/T cross-ram in my car!!

But, next BIG show things will be different...

The 446 comes out of my '55' this weekend, as do the core support, the inner fenders, grill and front filler panel. The frame front-clip will be stripped to metal, smoothed (like yours Jim), and completely detailed -- and painted in glossy black. New "virgin" inner fenders will be painted as will the front filler panel...

Before ANY reassembly, the 482 will be trial installed, with its Sanderson tube headers (the 446 has stock 65 hipo 409 headers that are jet-coated). Any needed clearance modifications for the steering shaft will be made before the paint and brakelines are re-installed.

Interior-wise, the entire dashboard will be gutted of trim and gauges, stripped to metal and also repainted... all new repo speedo and speaker bezels will be installed, and the Streetrod Old tyme black Autometer gauges will be replaced with the WHITE Streedrod Old Tyme gauges (to brighten-up the dash-look).

The new BIG Griffen downflow performed nicely this past weekend, but, I am still going to rethink the fan-cooling system and design. I want to go to a engine driven fan, with a back-up electric (also hooked up as an 'on-demand' A/C unit.).

A completely new 2/1/2" exhaust system (Edlebrock now sells a complete tri-5 kit, except for the header pipes)... will be installed as well.

Every single interior 'gig' will also be corrected..., then. we'll see just how the trailer queens compete against my '55' again.... :brow

Denis

[JimKwiatkowski]

The new BIG Griffen downflow performed nicely this past weekend, but, I am still going to rethink the fan-cooling system and design. I want to go to a engine driven fan, with a back-up electric (also hooked up as an 'on-demand' A/C unit.).

Denis

Denis,I thought you were going to send the new bigger downflow back to Griffin,and use your new Crossflow :dunno Or are you going to use the Crossflow with your 482 :dunno

[desapience]

Denis,I thought you were going to send the new bigger downflow back to Griffin,and use your new Crossflow :dunno Or are you going to use the Crossflow with your 482 :dunno

Jim,

No, it was the crossflow that I sent back -- it did not have that classic look to it at all, which the BIg downflow does have. Also, remember, the BIG downflow I have, is a one-off. I designed the bottom tank to clear the front filler panel correctly, and still have the petcock protrude from the factory hole in the panel. To clear correctly (the condensor), I also had to fabricate a new hood-latch catch. Unlike the 56-57's the 55 has very limited clearance ahead of the core support.

Denis

[1958 delivery]

Yes, 55's have very limited space when you have your radiator in the 6 cyl position and have an A/C condeser. You can cut the rearward 1/2" edge off of the factory steel latch and also trim 1/2" from the vertical latch support to gain the need clearance. This is why I produce a billet hood latch and billet vertical support for 55's, to gain the needed clearance.

[desapience]

Yes, 55's have very limited space when you have your radiator in the 6 cyl position and have an A/C condeser. You can cut the rearward 1/2" edge off of the factory steel latch and also trim 1/2" from the vertical latch support to gain the need clearance. This is why I produce a billet hood latch and billet vertical support for 55's, to gain the needed clearance.

Indeed, I did cut the rearward portion off a factory latch, but, fabricated a very simple (but strong) steel verticle support which was welded to it. Then, the entire assembly was smotthed, and jet-coated silver/chrome. You see, my radiator is a double 1 1/2" row unit, which is a full 1/2" thicker than even a HP-Griffen tri-5 downflow. Your set-up would not likely provide me the necessary clearance.

Send me a picture of what you have though, complete with exact length of the latch--catch. ChevyStreetRod55@aol.com

Thanks,
Denis

[1958 delivery]

It's 1/2" shorter than the factory.
The alum radiators I build are 3" thick. 2-1" tubes. It's my understanding that anything larger than 2-1" tubes will actually run hotter, restrictive air flow through the core thickness. Have you already run that radiator? I'd be interested in hearing how it performs. Who built it?
I would never recommend a Griffin if they're still using those epoxy cores.

[desapience]

It's 1/2" shorter than the factory.
The alum radiators I build are 3" thick. 2-1" tubes. It's my understanding that anything larger than 2-1" tubes will actually run hotter, restrictive air flow through the core thickness. Have you already run that radiator? I'd be interested in hearing how it performs. Who built it?
I would never recommend a Griffin if they're still using those epoxy cores.

My BIG downflow was custom built per my specifications by Griffen. I has TWO 1 1/2" tubes, and it very definitely cools MUCH BETTER! Yes, I have run the radiator, both in bumper-to-bumper traffic, and on the open road. I'm using only a 16" electric fan "pulling" at the mouth of the shroud, which is NOT the most efficient design. I'm also using a 1" restrictor plate, not a thermostat.

On the open road, on a hot day, the temps stay below 200 degrees. On the open road, temps stay in the 165-180 degree range.

I plan on going over to an engine-driven fan, with a backup electric, providing mainly for "on demand" A/C use, and/or addend airflow if temps ever run too high. I will try to run a 180 degree therostat with the engine driven fan

Denis

[JimKwiatkowski]

It's 1/2" shorter than the factory.
The alum radiators I build are 3" thick. 2-1" tubes. It's my understanding that anything larger than 2-1" tubes will actually run hotter, restrictive air flow through the core thickness. Have you already run that radiator? I'd be interested in hearing how it performs. Who built it?
I would never recommend a Griffin if they're still using those epoxy cores.

1958,why does a 1 inch tube run cooler than a larger tube,and have you tested the 1 inch compared to a larger tube ?Why would you never recommend a Griffin Radiator,because they use epoxy cores ?I have run Griffin Radiators for over 20 years,and IMO I like there product,they must be doing something right they sell alot of Radiators :dunno

[1958 delivery]

Tests have been performed within the industry, anything wider than 1" ran hotter. I believe it was found that the air flow was impeded with the thicker core. Most manufactuers, other than Griffen scraped there old 1.25" core building machines some time ago. I use to sell Griffin and had many problems with bad epoxy "welds". So have many others in the industry.
If you're happy with them that's a good thing, I suppose.

[tripower]

Tests have been performed within the industry, anything wider than 1" ran hotter. I believe it was found that the air flow was impeded with the thicker core. Most manufactuers, other than Griffen scraped there old 1.25" core building machines some time ago. I use to sell Griffin and had many problems with bad epoxy "welds". So have many others in the industry.
If you're happy with them that's a good thing, I suppose.

Iv'e never used the Griffen. I have allways been happy with a local guy here that will build just what you want. A lot of my buddies have used the Griffen products and then been sorry.:dunno

[1958 delivery]

The Griffin product line is OK. A Lot has to do with my personal taste. I don't care for press formed tanks. I like hand welded Tig tanks custom built for the application. But then over the years I've strayed away from "stock" and like my stuff to look "hot"! Street rod style.

[desapience]

1958,why does a 1 inch tube run cooler than a larger tube,and have you tested the 1 inch compared to a larger tube ?Why would you never recommend a Griffin Radiator,because they use epoxy cores ?I have run Griffin Radiators for over 20 years,and IMO I like there product,they must be doing something right they sell alot of Radiators :dunno

I've had three Griffen radiators since 1999..., a 1" tubed, a 1/1/4" tubed, and this last one, the custom made 1 1/2" tubed version.

The 1 1/4" and 1 1/2" were both used on the same engine -- my 409/446, usng the exact same electric fan and shroud (and with the exact same settings on the Dakota Digital fan controller), and same 1" restrictor plate. Outside temperatures were also in the same ranges.

Without question, the 1 1/2" tubed radiator cooled SIGNIFICANTLY better, by far!

Keep in mind, this comparison was direct in comparing only the two radiators against each other -- nothing else was changed.

I'm sure that I'll get further improved temerature control with a engine-driven fan and a thermostat to keep the temerature steady.

Denis

[our1962]

Congratulations, the picture s of your son and you are awsome!

I'm back in town and hope to start the install of the 409/409 in the 62 shortly. I believe a guy out of New Orleans is going to buy the 48 plymouth coupe we've been going back and forth.

Hope to see you soon!

Ted

[Tom Kochtanek]

Denis:

Allow me to join in a bit late in congratulating your on your effort and on the results :). Great shot of you and the son, that's what it's all about.

Good luck in the next one!

Best,
TomK

[Grant Glascock]

Congratulations! If they have to be trailered, sell them to somebody who isn't in to cars. If they can't be driven what fun are they? The best part of this is the fact that your son was part of the fun. Keep him in there with you. Grant.

[desapience]

Congratulations, the picture s of your son and you are awsome!

I'm back in town and hope to start the install of the 409/409 in the 62 shortly. I believe a guy out of New Orleans is going to buy the 48 plymouth coupe we've been going back and forth.

Hope to see you soon!

Ted

Hey Ted!

My '55' is pretty much all apart (again). I'll try to get down to BK next Saturday evening, and I'll update you on everything. I'll be doing some lead soldering on the new inner fenders (closing holes, etc), so, you may want to drop by the house to see how it's done. Talk to you on Saturday.

To everyone one else, thanks again for your positive comments. I plan on making my next SHOW debut, again, with a stroker 409 -- I want to keep pushing the envelope with the "W's" on the tri-5 SHOW circuit,because it does get attention where a SBC or BBc never would.

And, I've got to tell you -- my 11 year old son already has the "W-bug", and it was a really a treat for me to see him enjoying the CCI a few weeks back. HE followed my every move when I was part of the judging team. My little boy knows what bad metal work looks like, poor detailing, and of course, he was very quick to point out a 58, a 59, and a 61 Chevy -- all loaded up with W's!!!

He was also my one-man fan-club -- that boy kept insisting that our '55' would win something, when I myself was not so sure in that "tailered class"... and he was the 1st to tell me, "I told you so, dad!"...

I can't wait to finish this latest upgrade, and to fire her up -- with my son turning the key.

Denis