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Drag Racing Discussions => Gassers => Topic started by: GlennLever on November 13, 2015, 09:24:49 PM

Title: 1949 Chevy Gasser Build
Post by: GlennLever on November 13, 2015, 09:24:49 PM
Well I have had this Gasser project floating around in the garage since 2011.

(http://www.lever-family-racing.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/49floating.jpg)

My wife and I have finally decided to make some progress on this project.

My son used it as his project when he attended the Hot Rod Institute.

He did quite a bit of chassis work which was impressive. This is the center section that has been dropped down into the original chassis.

(http://www.lever-family-racing.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/DSCN0422.jpg)

as seen here

(http://www.lever-family-racing.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/DSCN0396.jpg)

He also did a great deal of body fabrication to get the rear slicks to fit in the wheel well opening and look like that was the way it came from the factory. This entailed fabrication on the rear door as well.

(http://www.lever-family-racing.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/DSCN0690.jpg)

He got to this point.

(http://www.lever-family-racing.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/DSC_0681.jpg)

Once he returned from the Hot Rod Institute the Gasser sat (4 years) with no further progress.

This evening new progress was made. A gen V Chevy 454 was purchase to liven up the time line of the build of the Gasser.

It is currently sitting in the back of the pickup, and in the morning will be brought into the garage for transformation into a engine to sit in the gasser frame.


Title: Re: 1949 Chevy Gasser Build
Post by: ricardo1967 on November 14, 2015, 05:10:52 AM
A+ work, congrats to the whole team!
Title: Re: 1949 Chevy Gasser Build
Post by: GlennLever on November 16, 2015, 09:01:01 PM
We had six people show up which is a good turn out for a normal Cat Nuts Meeting.

My wife had cookies, coffee, and pop out for the guys.

The cookies disappeared.

Frank was drinking his usual cup of coffee, and we had the normal texters.

We got the engine out of the back of the truck and into the garage and on a stand.

We did minor surgery to see the condition of the inside of the engine.

We were very happy with what we found.

The engine is very clean, cam has very little wear (one lobe is worn all the way across).

The plan is to clean it up, paint it, powder coat the valve covers, timing chain cover, and oil pan.

Replace the timing gear set with metal gears.

Put it back together and put it in the gasser.

Instead of replacing the heads with performance heads, I might go the blower route and force the air into the peanut heads.

We have to do the conversion from the remote oil cooler, which I have read up and is not a big thing.

I’m very happy with this purchase.

It came complete top to bottom with carburetor, 427 aftermarket intake, new distributor, starter, etc.

This will go into the Gasser pretty much as a stock engine the first time around, we will see.......
Title: Re: 1949 Chevy Gasser Build
Post by: GlennLever on November 16, 2015, 09:14:05 PM
parts ordered, will try and get the block cleaned up and painted this week for a reassemble this weekend.

Timing Chain is in the works, no cam change.

I will update Car Nuts meeting on Saturday, Wednesday night depending on painting progress.

ARP-535-9501
Engine and Accessory Fasteners, Stainless Steel, 12-Point, Chevy, Big Block, Kit

SLP-260-1635
Gaskets, Full Set, Chevy, 7.4L/454, Set

TAY-73055
Spark Plug Wires, Spiro-Pro, 8mm, Black, Straight Boots, Universal, L8/V8, Set
Title: Re: 1949 Chevy Gasser Build
Post by: Paul New on November 17, 2015, 07:59:58 AM
Cool project Glenn but you say"no cam change" and you also say "one lobe is worn all the way across"
In my opinion especially with a BBC you need to do a cam change!
Title: Re: 1949 Chevy Gasser Build
Post by: GlennLever on November 17, 2015, 08:47:39 AM
Cool project Glenn but you say"no cam change" and you also say "one lobe is worn all the way across"
In my opinion especially with a BBC you need to do a cam change!

Yes one lode is worn all the way across.

I'm going to hold off on the cam change until I swap the peanut heads out for oval heads.

I suspect that these heads will only be on to have a running Gasser, before it goes to the track I will swap heads, intake, carb,  and cam.
Title: Re: 1949 Chevy Gasser Build
Post by: JeffV8 on November 17, 2015, 11:27:06 AM
That new part of the frame is awesome. It's nice to have friends come over and help.  I do it solo lol. I got my small garage cleaned up and started working on my falcon more. I will post pics on my thread with more progress.
Title: Re: 1949 Chevy Gasser Build
Post by: GlennLever on November 17, 2015, 12:52:38 PM
Great, would like to see more action in this category.
Title: Re: 1949 Chevy Gasser Build
Post by: GlennLever on November 23, 2015, 01:46:53 PM
Spent some time in the garage today with son number one.

We unpacked the stuff that was in the 49

And moved it all to the shed out back.

Lifted the body off the frame

And the plan is to work on the transmission cross member while son number two is here for Thanksgiving.

Tomorrow morning I will send some time cleaning up the engine and getting some paint on it, then I will sand blast the valve covers, oil pan, timing chain cover and powder coat them
Title: Re: 1949 Chevy Gasser Build
Post by: Tim Jones on November 23, 2015, 03:55:53 PM
Very Cool project Glenn,,   Tim Jones
Title: Re: 1949 Chevy Gasser Build
Post by: GlennLever on November 28, 2015, 08:25:10 PM
Ok, between my wife and myself we have put up a new page on the web site for the most recent work on the 49.

We are still learning the new software (Microsoft does not support Front Page any more).

This is the link to the new page

http://www.lever-family-racing.com/lever-family-racing-home/family-vehicles/1949-chevrolet-gasser/1949-chevrolet-gasser-progress-2015-11-20-11-28

https://youtu.be/KCEeuIupoZw
Title: Re: 1949 Chevy Gasser Build
Post by: grapro on November 29, 2015, 07:47:19 AM
Pretty cool. I always like to start the engine as early as possible it gets the build going, more motivation  for me.
Title: Re: 1949 Chevy Gasser Build
Post by: GlennLever on November 29, 2015, 09:44:27 AM
Summit racing is having Cyber Savings Week November 23-30 (I also get the NHRA licensed driver discount (Pro Shop)). I do not think they combine the discounts, but my plan is to order a bunch of stuff (ignition (MSD 6al-2), fuel (tank, pump, filter, bypass regulator), Gauges, racers switches (5) with fuses and relays, harmonic balancer, electric water pump.
Title: Re: 1949 Chevy Gasser Build
Post by: GlennLever on December 06, 2015, 08:38:50 PM
There is a new web page out showing this weekend’s Car Nuts Progress on the Gasser.

 (http://www.lever-family-racing.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/DSC_9414.jpg)

We bolted on some new parts.

 (http://www.lever-family-racing.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/DSC_9412.jpg)

Removed some weight.

 (http://www.lever-family-racing.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/DSC_9362.jpg)

And got the body, engine, and chassis together again

 (http://www.lever-family-racing.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/DSC_9377.jpg)

We were happy with our progress

(http://www.lever-family-racing.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/DSC_9381.jpg)

You can caught up on the missed episodes on demand at this link

http://www.lever-family-racing.com/lever-family-racing-home/family-vehicles/1949-chevrolet-gasser/1949-chevrolet-gasser-progress-2015-12-05
Title: Re: 1949 Chevy Gasser Build
Post by: GlennLever on January 02, 2016, 04:31:05 PM
There is a new update on the Gasser out on our web site. The exhaust system, exhaust manifold to the tail pipe have been completed. It took a long time to complete, it fought us all the way, also remember this is a gen IV 454 going into a 1949 Chevy Fleetmaster Deluxe chassis.

(http://www.lever-family-racing.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/DSC_6323.jpg)

You can see the new page at this link.

http://www.lever-family-racing.com/lever-family-racing-home/family-vehicles/1949-chevrolet-gasser/1949-chevrolet-gasser-progress-2016-01-03


It was not without it's trails and tribulations.

(http://www.lever-family-racing.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/DSC_9520.jpg)

(http://www.lever-family-racing.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/DSC_9465.jpg)

Title: Re: 1949 Chevy Gasser Build
Post by: GlennLever on January 02, 2016, 08:40:00 PM
One of the things the Car Nuts did today was bolt on a few new parts.

They included hooking up the MSD 6AL-2 Ignition box to the MSD distributor, and MSD Blaster 2 coil

Connected up the Summit electric fuel pump so no more mouth siphoning is needed to prime the new larger carburetor.

There were a number of loose connections on the carburetor, and the gaskets on the feeds needed to be replaced.

The accelerator pump on the front bowl is still dripping, we will have to pull the carburetor to check the gasket, or maybe the mounting screws are just loose.

An oil pressure gauge was connected for this test run and at idle reads 80 PSI.

There will be another page update to the web site as there was other work that was done and that will be detailed in that page update.

Until then the sound of HP will have to do.

Click the link for the You Tube that Tom produced.

Oh yes this is with the complete exhaust system.



https://youtu.be/q7VlbjWTlP4
 
    
                
            Glenn Motor II
   
                  
            View on youtu.be
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Title: Re: 1949 Chevy Gasser Build
Post by: GlennLever on January 05, 2016, 01:38:08 PM
We have reunited the Car Nuts Gang and once again after a two week vacation for Christmas. The third meeting of the Car Nuts on 01/02/2016

Another page has been added to the web site detailing the progress and can be seen here.

http://www.lever-family-racing.com/lever-family-racing-home/family-vehicles/1949-chevrolet-gasser/1949-chevrolet-gasser-progress-2016-01-02
 

We got a number of items completed. One of the things we got done is firing it up for the second time. 80 PSI on the oil at idle and it sounded nice through the short “Exhaust System",

Played with the rear axle

(http://www.lever-family-racing.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/DSC_6355.jpg)

Installed some missing body to chassis brackets

(http://www.lever-family-racing.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/DSC_6290.jpg)
Title: Re: 1949 Chevy Gasser Build
Post by: GlennLever on January 18, 2016, 11:55:33 AM
New Car Nuts update on the gasser is available at this link if you cannot see it below, larger pictures on the web site by clicking the picture

http://www.lever-family-racing.com/lever-family-racing-home/family-vehicles/1949-chevrolet-gasser/1949-chevrolet-gasser-progress-2016-01-16

New transmission mount

(http://www.lever-family-racing.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/DSC_6424.jpg)

Looking good

(http://www.lever-family-racing.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/20160116_115645.jpg)

Spring perches relocated

(http://www.lever-family-racing.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/DSC_6441.jpg)

Water pump bypass completed

(http://www.lever-family-racing.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/DSC_6407.jpg)
Title: Re: 1949 Chevy Gasser Build
Post by: ricardo1967 on January 18, 2016, 03:21:22 PM

Looking good


X2!
Title: Re: 1949 Chevy Gasser Build
Post by: JeffV8 on January 19, 2016, 05:10:06 AM
👍👍👍👍👍
Title: Re: 1949 Chevy Gasser Build
Post by: GlennLever on April 05, 2016, 08:57:17 PM
Tomorrow I will be installing the core support and new radiator on the gasser (see the attached).
 
I should be working on this most of the day starting after 9:30 AM. If you want to stop by feel free.
 
I will bolt the front panels on the car and bolt the body to the chassis.
 
This is just for moving it around, not a permeate install.
 
This will most likely be the last project on the gasser for a while as it is time to get the dragster ready for spring racing.
 
Weather always seems to be a factor when we do the swap both fall and spring on the dragster.
 
Saturday I would like to get the gasser into the trailer and the dragster out of the other trailer and into the garage.
 
I need about 6 people to make this task due able.
 
If you can make it Saturday around 9:00 would you let me know so I can make planes to get the trailers here.
Title: Re: 1949 Chevy Gasser Build
Post by: GlennLever on October 25, 2016, 08:24:42 PM
I'm about three weeks away from starting to work on this again.
Title: Re: 1949 Chevy Gasser Build
Post by: GlennLever on October 31, 2016, 09:22:11 PM
The 49's new transmission was picked up in Bowling Green.

It made it from the trailer to the garage this morning.

It was prepared by non other than Dan Dishon with a reverse valve body and Pro Trans Brake.

It will be going into the Gasser this winter along with the a new drive shaft and third member, fuel system, and electrical system.

Glenn