Odd Couple Organ Selection Makes For Unlikely Harmony

I'm well aware that an update of all that has evolved in the past month is overdue. My how time flies when you're having fun.

There is something so gratifying in generating and finessing steel forms that bring together the custom-built tube frame and the original Ford body proudly wearing all 50 years of its life and use evident in its curves. In amongst a ton of research and part-hunting, some exciting progress has happened with the body. Somewhat reluctantly, I've begun to cover up these carefully-selected components with sheet steel panels. Starting with the rear wheel tubs and moving to the fronts, I've curved and fit crisp new 16 gauge "cold rolled" steel into place.

Since I last wrote, we've sourced and acquired a truly unique (and international) drivetrain combination for this eager old soul. Purists, brace yourselves.

The border-disregarding assembly begins with a modern Volkswagen Turbo Diesel motor mated to a good-ole Toyota truck transmission via a CNC-machined (and beautifully simple) adaptor. This highly fuel-efficient, yet wonderfully torquey powerhouse of a motor will eventually connect to the ground via a custom driveshaft then to a Nissan 300ZX rear suspension subframe. All of this, carefully wedged into the charmingly stubby 60's Ford Econoline body, floating low on airbags.

In amongst a ton of research and part-hunting, some exciting progress has happened with the body. Somewhat reluctantly, I've begun to cover up these carefully-selected components with sheet steel panels. Starting with the rear wheel tubs and moving to the fronts, I've curved and fit crisp new 16 gauge "cold rolled" steel into place.

Heavily influenced by consideration for the final interior experience, the extra bay doors added to the left side of the body not only add light and air, and lovely symmetry to the interior, but also increased ease of fabrication.