Totally Floored
Eight months ago we introduced our Valiant project car. We tried to come up with a catchy name, like Cheap Thrills (too cheesy) or Valiant Attempt (did we fail?) In the end, we decided on Valiant Effort (even if we screwed up, it was a valiant effort). The premise behind this undertaking was to build an inexpensive, overlooked mode of transportation that even high-school students-or anybody on a limited budget with a willingness to do a little work-could accomplish alone. A lot of late nights were spent in the garage with the grinder and welder, making things fit, but it was an enjoyable task. There were times when the kids went to the garage with me, and I must admit that should happen more often.
Of course, we could have sent the Valiant to a competent body or restoration shop and built a fantastic ride. The problem, however, is that most people can't afford to take that route (I know I can't). With that in mind, we wanted to build a car the way everybody else does-with our own sweat and bloody knuckles. We initially wanted to keep the budget at $4,000 or less. Did we make it? Well, almost. Now we'll give you a breakdown of the parts we used and the cost of our work.
Engine Swapping 101
In August 2001 we let you know how to change your ride from a world-famous Slant Six engine to a V8. This swap took us a little over a week. Again, that included weekends as well as nights after work. The plus is that it can be accomplished in any home garage. Hey, we did it, so we know you can. Parts for this swap were the initial engine purchase, Schumacher Creative Services motor mounts, the U.S. Radiator, a used bellhousing and tranny, the Holley carb, headers, and a different driveshaft from a donor car.
In the July '01 issue, we...
In the July '01 issue, we gave you a look at how we replaced the rusted floors in the Valiant with the help of Year One. The time required for the job depends on the condition of the floors and how detailed you wish to be. It took us a week. As with you guys, that included nights after work and sometimes the weekend.
The finished floors took a...
The finished floors took a little work, but being able to keep our feet inside the car was worth it.
Floors (Year One)
$284.00
We gave you a glimpse of how...
We gave you a glimpse of how we installed our new floorpans.
After the bearings were inspected...
After the bearings were inspected on our junkyard engine and the freeze plugs pulled so the water passages could be flushed, we covered it in a fresh shade of orange paint. Next we installed the aluminum intake that came with the engine, as well as the new Holley carb.
Making an 8 3/4 a Perfect...
Making an 8 3/4 a Perfect 10
Building a rearend can get expensive if you have to buy a complete Sure Grip unit. In September 2002, we contacted National Drivetrain and got a Power-Trax unit and a set of 3.91 gears. We did the install ourselves (to save money) and showed you how to do it without specialized tools.
A Sure Grip is an expensive...
A Sure Grip is an expensive purchase. We had an open rear, and with the help of National Drivetrain, we built a "locker" style rearend.
This was an easy install,...
This was an easy install, and our open rear benefited from the Power-Trax unit. The 8 3/4 Rear (Buddy's Stash) came with the engine Power-Trax unit and gears (National Drivetrain) $510.00
The 8 3/4 is a beefier rearend,...
The 8 3/4 is a beefier rearend, capable of handling more than the 7 1/4 stocker.