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If you are using a non stock carb, it is likely the vacuum port is not correctly placed below or above the throttle plate. The "snubber" in the early models places a brake on the point plate to retard timing, while the later carb uses the vacuum to operate the diaphragm that moves the plate,

Our shop is equipped with a device that tests the cylinder bores with ultrasound to determine the thickness between the cylinder bore and the surrounding water jacket, and any "sand" spots that may cause failure. It has saved us from spending time on blocks that are likely to fail.

Assuming you are seeking to raise cylinder pressure, the accepted method is to have the heads resurfaced a reasonable amount. Then, place modeling clay in the area above the valves, put on the head gasket, secure the head to the block and turn the engine over. Remove the head and determine if...

It is much easier to rewire a car using a new wire loom. Be sure that it comes with a circuit diagram, and wire color info. Many looms are made for several models, so look for details mentioning these variations. At our shop it is not unusual to do complete rewire jobs, and much time is saved...

Be aware that many senders require a ground connection, particularly those with pipe thread shanks. Using Teflon tape to seal the threads will often make the sender seem defective.

If you have the original piece, a good auto trim shop can duplicate it. When restoring any vehicle, always save anything you remove, even battered or torn ones for this reason.

Putting on a new top is a cross between art and science. The tension between the bows and the top material is critical, as well as the fastening to the rear of the top ahead of the trunk and to the header bow. This is why installing a new top is best left to the pros. You best bet is to have...

Restoring any convertible is a lengthy and costly project, requiring a great deal of patience. I spent in excess of $20K to restore my '47, not counting three years of my time. It was a whole lot better condition than the '52 in your photos. Unless you love the car, I would part it out and...

The best way to eliminate wiring problems is to install a new wiring harness. In most cases, older vehicles have deteriorated cloth wire covers, and brittle rubber insulation. We just completed rewiring a beautiful 1947 Chevy pickup at our shop with a new system. Be sure that the supplier...

Seeking parts for the top of an older convertible is a daunting task. There are few, if any, of the usual sources. I spent two years locating parts for my '47. Hydro-E-Lectric was a good start for the pump and other parts. We had to make many of the eccentric bolts, and design and build a...

Tampering with the grille, or other component of a collectible car will almost always drive (no pun) interest away from value.

My car insurance company, (Hagerty), issues a periodic valuation of the vehicles they cover. My '47 convertible value was adjusted recently. It is for sale, and provides an independent figure to allow a prospective buyer a reliable estimate of the asking price.

The usual problem with doors fitting in a convertible is the angle of the front clip (hood, dash, and fenders). I am not familiar with the '40 ragtops, but later models, such as my '47, have an adjustment between the clip and the frame to move the angle to allow the doors to fit. Trying to...

Try Bob's Speedometer, 1-800-592-9673. They have a large stock of speedometer and gauges. They are good to deal with, and have fair prices.

That looks a lot like water contamination. Actual fresh rebuilds should be clean inside. At our shop we run rebuilds on our test bed to check for any leaks, etc. This prevents having to remove an engine to fix a problem. Anyone looking for a rebuild should get reliable references. We have...

C&g (800) 266-0470

It is very likely that there is a crack in the block in the area in or near a valve pocket. We find them in our shop by Magnafluxing the blocks before a rebuild. If possible, we repair the cracks using threaded pins. An internal leak of coolant into the oil will lead to the destruction of the...

In our shop we use the Chevy valves in rebuilds to match the hardened seats we install.

The most difficult part of restoring a convertible top is finding the special bolts that join the sections. They are eccentric, and the top can't be adjusted to fit without them. When I restored my '47, we had to make them in a machine shop, no supplier had them using the diagrams in the...

Those shims are available from C&G (800)266-0479. Order B-4243, catalog says $1 each. They are used to correct the fit between the end of the axle, or a worn hub.