#51 IS MOVING ALONG

[darrin502]

I have been working on #51 and it is coming along nicely. I am hoping to have it finished for the next national convention. The paint looks kind of green but it is actually white. I think it is because of the paint booth and the florescent lights. Working on the frame now. This one will be a driver. Let me know what you think, I hope you all enjoy the pictures. I will post more as it comes together.
Get your cars to some of the local car shows, you have no idea how much fun it is and most of them the money goes to allot of worthy causes.
Lee
http://assets1.hubgarage.com/mygarage/darrin502/vehicles/88518

[pjkaiser]

Wow, the pictures are great.   The car looked a bit rough but most of it seemed to be there.  I noticed no windshield wipers.  Do you have them?  Can't wait to see more pictures.    The body looks great after painting.

I agree so much, just get the cars out there and let others see this wonderful looking car that amazes all who see it.

pj

[darrin502]

Thanks for replying, I have all the parts many at the chrome shop. As things progress i wiil post more pics

[darrin502]

I have added more pics on the restoration of #51 Hoping to have it done by the end of March.
http://assets2.hubgarage.com/mygarage/darrin502/vehicles/88518

[AZ_HJ]

Looking good Lee.

[pjkaiser]

I would like to see your cars the next time I am in Phoenix visiting my son and his family.
If that would be ok, my email is pjmiata@hotmail.com for your address.  I have Darrin # 81 and it's a driver.

[Logan]

Looking really good.  It's fun to see the restoration pictures.

[darrin502]

Things have slowed on the restoration I think another 6 months should do it. I hope. I will have my other 2 Darrins at the convention. Maybe # 3 next convention.

[pnw_oldmags]

Next Convention will be Puyallup Washington ... That would be fantastic!

[darrin502]

Since my last post I have been to the Convention in Shipshewana had a great time. I have posted a link to the pics I took there on the general thread under 2013 Shipshewana convention, check them out.
I have added a new link to the pics of Darrin 51, These pics show the installation of a 1954 Cadillac 331 V8 engine. It has proved to be a very difficult install trying to keep everything in its stock location. The steering box is the hardest thing to deal with. I have worked it out but it was not easy. Getting this engine in with a hydromatic transmission was also difficult. I tried to find any pictures of the Cadillac engine Dutch supposedly installed in Darrins but could not find any. I am beginning to think that the roomer of the Dutch Darrin Cadillac engine installs is a myth.
Be that as it may I will have one soon. Still a little ways off but it will happen. The new pics that I have uploaded are of the Cadillac 331 install.
Enjoy
I guess it will be modified but with the Dutch Darrin flavor.
What do you think???
http://www.hubgarage.com/mygarage/darrin502/vehicles/88518

[Gary C]

Lee, As I recall from years ago Fred Roth's Darrin had a Cad V8 engine.  I remember that Dutch said he would be happy to certify that it was one of his even though no one was sure if was.

[84RabbitGTI]

Looking great, Lee!

[darrin502]

Just an update on #51.
Hope to have it on the road by the end of February. Got the Cady engine running and the hydramatic trans ready. Getting ready to paint the engine the proper dark blue color and then back in the car.
This will be one I am going to drive, maybe not 1000 mi trips but many shorter trips. Not much room for luggage and they do tend to leak when it rains.

[darrin502]

Had the 1954 331 Cadillac motor running  it seamed a little tired so I did a comp test and a leak down test. I decided to rebuild the motor. Took it apart and am getting the machine work done now. Most of the wiring is done, converted to 12 volts everything works great. Lights, brake lights, turn sig, heater, wiper. Hydro transmission rebuilt, stock steering in and working, backyard alignment done. Hope to have motor and trans in by mid April.
Should be done by convention.

[darrin502]

Well it is mid April and I am still not finished😣
I have done most of the small things but I am still waiting on the machine shop to finish the motor. Should be next week. Getting close to the convention. I will make it may not be totally done but it will drive.