Freds hot rod shop #oldfartplaying

03/26/2026

Some thoughts on body work; while I was preparing Wades 55 street gasser for paint stress cracks in the old body repairs were evident. If you are new to the old car hobby and looking to buy a car already finished it pays to take someone with bodywork experience with you. I knew this car had a lot of Bondo in the quarter panels when I first saw it but hoped it would last for a little while -- it didn't! Whoever did the work put the plastic filler over rusty metal which I had to grind out and repair. For filler I used the Bondo with fiberglass mixed in for extra strength. If Wade keeps this car instead of selling/trading like he usually does I will eventually install new quarter panels and fix this mess permanently. We knew this car would need work but the price was too good to turn down even with the blemishes. It's getting better.

03/26/2026

Not white anymore !

03/26/2026

Finally getting some posting done. As you can see the 55 gasser isn't white anymore. We've been struggling somewhat with the new fuel injection setup getting the tuning done and I'm still not happy with it. The system itself is nice but the car has a fairly radical cam, is a 4 speed manual trans, and I'm not the most computer savy guy on the planet. I may end up putting the carburator back on until I get everything figured out that way Wade can put some miles on the car. Cowl hood is back on for now while I hammer and dolly the hundred or so high spots out of the stock hood. This car had a lot of poor bodywork hidden under the white paint and while not perfect it's much better than before.

01/24/2026

Did a little dressup on the 55 with gold Moroso valve covers, breathers, and fasteners. These things are getting hard to find in good condition and it took Wade and I some time tracking it down but worth it for the period effect. Got a surprise when changing the covers as we found the motor has a set of budget roller rockers! Battery about to head to the trunk next!

01/20/2026

Guick road test. This system self learns so the more you drive the better baseline it constructs. As I said before I installed this kit in the driveway and the most elaborate tools used were a voltage test light and a 3/8 drill. This does not include the bungalow welded into the exhaust for the o2 sensor but if you do not have a welder any muffler shop could weld it in with about 5 minutes work. Any questions send me a message and I will try to answer.

01/20/2026

Finally around to a little update. It's not easy being old and slow!

01/05/2026

Forgot to mention earlier that we also installed this great little fuel filter from Race Part Solutions just before the throttle body to go along with the filter at the fuel pump. While I'm at it let me say this kit from Aces Fuel Injection continues to surprise me with its high quality and attention to detail. The included wiring harness is clearly labeled as to where each wire goes and there are extra systems included for a wide range of options! The only problem i encountered was the fitting for the included temperature sensor was wrong but a quick call and they offered to send me a replacement. Me being impatient I declined and a quick trip to my local wrecking yard yielded the correct electrical plug. Test drive soon!

01/05/2026

Finally got around for an update on the 55 gasser. With the new fuel injection pump installed in the stock gas tank it was time to get rid of the old hard lines and go with modern braided. Once again Fragola stepped up with high quality components that will be working long after I'm gone. Here's some tips on installing the AN fittings. Make sure there are no frayed ends where you cut the hose and the tapered part goes into the hose much easier with a squirm of vb blaster. Try not to get any on the threads as they don't need to loosen later! Sometimes the hose will try to slip off the end shank of the fitting( first part you screw on the hose) so before assembling wrap a piece of tape around the hose where it meets the fitting; if there is a gap after assembly you know the hose slipped. Yall will figure it out! Finally, if like most home builders if you don't have AN wrenches wrap the fittings where wrenches will contact with a single layer of tape to keep from scratching the finish. Remove after installing. This is all common knowledge to racers and experienced car builders so is aimed mainly at the guys and gals just getting started.

12/10/2025

Started by draining the gas tank and once again I'm thankful it has a drain fitting on the bottom. The next picture shows the Holley in tank fuel pump plus a neat adapter fitting from Fragola to allow us to hook up the An fuel line. This pump has a built on return system for excess fuel so we blocked off the fitting on the throttle body that would normally carry this line. One less line to route and take up space. That new throttle body looks great on the motor but really shows we need to do some cleaning and polishing on the intake and elsewhere after we finish. One drawback is the air cleaner base won't fit and I will have to make a spacer. More coming including road test after I get back from Indiana.

12/10/2025

12/07/2025

A few more tips for you guys and gals just getting started. I have a lot of tools and equipment in my shop but you need to realize it has come from 50 plus years of collecting. We all started out with just a few hand tools and so when I show working on a project I try my best to use very basic tools and techniques when possible. Some of my machinery such as my metal brake, rollers, shop fan, air compressor, and floor Jack's came from Tractor Supply for half price or less! Check with the store manager if you have one of these close to you as things get dropped or damaged when unloading and they can't sell as new. Same goes for Lowes and Home Depot. Doesn't hurt to ask nicely and leave your name and number. Also, don't feel you have to run out and spend a fortune on name brand tools like all tha pros on TV and videos; their stuff is usually given to them for advertising. It is good to have good quality tools and I have boxes full of Craftsman, Snap On, etc but I go to Harbour Freight for screwdrivers as they are often also used as makeshift pry bars, scribes, and scrapers. Remember, money saved can buy important stuff like safety stands, face shields, and gloves! Stay safe and get to work!