hello my name is james and im.... oh sorry wrong place. i have been into muscle cars and drag racing since i was about 8 years old. always went to carshows with my dad and couldnt get enough of the mild and full customs throwing flames. couldnt ever stand a t-bucket or and kind of coupe. wire wheels? wood wheels? forget it.... when i was able to scrape up the cash i bought my first old car a 69 dart all original with a slant under the hood. i upgraded everything big block, dana... everything but the body is done and i kind of wanted something a little different... here i am today still have the dart, no plans on selling and i own a 1931 essex rumbleseat coupe mostly original, a repaint and new interior in the 70s and got parked till i picked it up. i bought it not running i was looking for something that was halfway decnt looking which i wouldnt have to do body work to, maybe upgrade the suspension and drivetrain and have a blast with it. well i got it all running and drove it all summer in stock configuration. now im having a hard time thinking about pulling it apart. all i had in mind was a nailhead and a stick. now i dont want to chop it up so i have narrowed my choices down to a rover v-8 with 2x2s, t5 tranny and an 8 3/4 rear. im not looking to cut up my firewall. if i do it will really have to be worth it. i might do it fora hudson twin H 308 or maybe an early hemi. who knows... i do havea few big block mopars that every now and then i start looking at them and thinking, why not...
new guy from NJ
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24dodge
One of the Dodge brothers
welcome aboard James , like to see some pics of your Essex , maybe a nice 390 AMC engine would work , eventually Hudson became part of AMC , that would be different.....`24
Bonehead
Skull Master
My Brother built an Essex hot rod years and years ago, ( thats along time).
Cool car.
Welcome to the site
Cool car.
Welcome to the site
freakdude
Well-known member
Theres a guy around the corner from me with an original Essex. He put a Datsun pick up motor in it with a 5 speed. Hes running the mechanical brakes and wooden spokes. He says it cruises at 65-70 no problem. OK so its not an original Essex.
FlatBroke
Hostage Negotiator
Welcome aboard....
ive had it up to about 60 mph but it just revs too high on the highway with the 5.40 gears. motor is burning a bit of oil and it will cost too much to wind up with the wopping 60 hp. i hate the mechanical brakes and id like some steel wheels with a set of firestones. well see, maybe ill just sell it and buy something less complete. its tuff to tear up such a complete, nice, driveable car.
BinderRod
Well-known member
Sounds like you have a plan, Welcome aboard!!
