First, my apologies for this--I'm sure this has been discussed numerous times. I've spent the last several days searching the forum and reading everything I could find on the subject but still have some questions. I have a 53 Champion Coupe.
I stumbled across the drive train from a 64 GT Hawk (289, 3-spd O/D, 3.73 TT) for sale by a fellow member of the local chapter. I had the opportunity to drive the car for a long distance and am confident in the condition. I have purchased this and will pick it up this weekend.
My remaining questions:
1. What else do I need for the swap? I'm thinking V-8 radiator, front and rear springs. 12-volt conversion (unless I swap the flywheel to a 6-cylinder model?) Avanti motor mounts? Backdraft carb and manifold so it fits under the hood?
I have already done the turner disc brake swap in the front, and am in the process of completing the dual master cylinder conversion along with all new (hard and soft) brake lines.
2. Frame strengthening? Is finding and installing a batwing adequate? Anything else? My frame is in good condition, and I'm trying to avoid a frame-off situation as I don't have the space to do this comfortably. The 64 GT frame will be available if I absolutely need to/have to go that route.
And finally,
3. Should I do this? I'm somewhat torn--I had a very strong desire to do a restoration on this car because it is such a plain model (only options were hill holder and o/d -- no heat, no radio, no turn signals) and you just don't see those anymore. But some of the parts I'd need (rubber mats, original seat covers) are nearly impossible to obtain.
My next thought was to do the Cathcart-style dual carb/finned head/split exhaust upgrades. They're beautiful. But then I saw that video of Pat's 312 (thanks a LOT JDP!
) and have often seen Jack Vines' wise recommendation to go with the V8. . .and this entire set up was far, far less expensive than the hop-up parts.
This car will be a driver. And I'm committed to keeping it Stude-powered.
Thanks in advance for your advice.
I stumbled across the drive train from a 64 GT Hawk (289, 3-spd O/D, 3.73 TT) for sale by a fellow member of the local chapter. I had the opportunity to drive the car for a long distance and am confident in the condition. I have purchased this and will pick it up this weekend.
My remaining questions:
1. What else do I need for the swap? I'm thinking V-8 radiator, front and rear springs. 12-volt conversion (unless I swap the flywheel to a 6-cylinder model?) Avanti motor mounts? Backdraft carb and manifold so it fits under the hood?
I have already done the turner disc brake swap in the front, and am in the process of completing the dual master cylinder conversion along with all new (hard and soft) brake lines.
2. Frame strengthening? Is finding and installing a batwing adequate? Anything else? My frame is in good condition, and I'm trying to avoid a frame-off situation as I don't have the space to do this comfortably. The 64 GT frame will be available if I absolutely need to/have to go that route.
And finally,
3. Should I do this? I'm somewhat torn--I had a very strong desire to do a restoration on this car because it is such a plain model (only options were hill holder and o/d -- no heat, no radio, no turn signals) and you just don't see those anymore. But some of the parts I'd need (rubber mats, original seat covers) are nearly impossible to obtain.
My next thought was to do the Cathcart-style dual carb/finned head/split exhaust upgrades. They're beautiful. But then I saw that video of Pat's 312 (thanks a LOT JDP!

This car will be a driver. And I'm committed to keeping it Stude-powered.
Thanks in advance for your advice.
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