Mock up

The rear end needed to be mocked up so I could check fit of the longer sway bar end links.I also needed to see if the sway bar mounts would affect running the brake lines along the axle housing.  when the lines were run during the first restoration they were run along the drivers side frame rail and down to the brakes.  After getting things in place, everything looks good to run the rear lines along the axles housing.

SWAY BAR MOUNTED

LONGER END LINKS WORKING OUT

I also took the opportunity to get the brakes put back together, big difference

BEFORE

AFTER

Classic Performance Parts (CCP) has some real trick band clamp clips to secure the hard line to the flex hose connections for the rear calipers.  I will use the below to connect the axle lines to the calipers and another set to connect the rear line to the T connector, since the sway bar runs behind the factory T clip attached to the axle.

Drive Shaft

Continuing with the detailing process, i tackled the drive shaft. Being selective with the colors i change, will really bring out the character of the car. 

The material i have on now is a rust barrier, i am waiting on the KBS Black Top to arrive today. It acts as a cover, curing to a rock hard yet flexible finish.  I decided to go OEM satin black, as it would have been from the factory, so the gloss black parts will have that cool satin black look. 

I recommend this product to anyone who wants to create an impenetrable finish on parts.  This product covers well, a little goes a long way.  Since i will have left over material, i plan to coat the inside of mower decks to my push and riding lawnmower.

Caliper Color

When i had the brakes mocked up on the rear end, i began to think that coating the calipers would be a good look.  If i don't like the look once the wheels are on and the car is together, i can always change them back. 

You may notice some areas are not painted, this was the first coat and i needed to set the calipers down to dry. 

Rear end

I picked up the rear end and drive shaft, I had a local company Drive Line Services of Pittsburgh service it. Everything checked out fine, I had them replace the universal joints and they balanced the drive shaft. I found a product that is applied to frames that creates a rock hard yet flexible finish that is resistant to all fluids. KBS Black Top.

https://www.kbs-coatings.com/blacktop.html

I decided to use it to detail the rear end, carrier, and drive shaft. The carrier i did in Red Oxide, factory color.

I mocked up the the brakes to see how the color of the rotor and caliper looked. I am thinking I may coat the calipers the same red oxide as the rear end carrier.

I also decided to color fill the "HURST" on the shifter.

When the rear end was at the shop I had them tell me the gear ratio (3.70), so I could get the correct speedometer gear for the transmission. Using an online calculator, I was able to determine I need a 24 tooth gear. 

Calculator - http://www.5speeds.com/calculators/SpeedoCalc.html

I ordered the gear and a new speedometer cable bullet.

Details Details Details

I pulled the front rotors off the 55 so I could clean and detail them to match the calipers. Man o man did they come out great. With every item I check off the punch list, I get more and more excited.

Before:

After:

I took the rear end and drive shaft to Drive lines of Pittsburgh, to get a good once over. The differential came back with a clean bill of health. New Universal's and balancing took care of the driveshaft. 

I plan to coat all the components to add contrast, that will be another post.