Classic Nation

That is the question. I keep telling my dad that he needs to customize the 50′ Fleetline with a good old’ chop and tub job. He isn’t so convinced. He likes the idea of keeping it more original, and making it a “rat rod” with flat black paint and red steel wheels.

Here is what we are working with. So as you can see, there are a lot of directions that this project can go; Hot rod, rat rod, custom, ect. My personal opinion for this rig, is to yank out the original engine and drop in a 350/turbo 350, put air bags on it, chop it, tub it, paint it flat black, throw on some custom wheels and call it good. Here is a nice start for a project similar. I really like the stance that this car has. The chop looks great on it too.

Here is the alternative: Keep the original engine in it, paint it flat black, put on the red steel wheels… This example doesn’t look bad either, but it is all a matter of opinion.

Here is my question for you. If you had this car, and money was no object (be reasonable), what direction would you take this car if you planned on keeping it and enjoying it as a weekend driver?

If you don’t have any plans this weekend, head down to Las Vegas to celebrate Carrol Shelby’s 85th birthday with him and his team. He has been such an influential person in the design and performance of some of the best classic cars ever.

Mustang Monthly had a nice little write-up on their website last week. “Team Shelby was founded to give everyone who loves the Cobra, Shelby GT, GLH and GT500, as well as Mustangs modified with genuine Shelby parts, new ways to enjoy their car,” said Robert Lane, co-founder of Team Shelby. “This birthday celebration will be our first major Team Shelby event and will demonstrate the ‘go fast, have fun’ attitude that runs through our group.” How much fun would it be to hang out with Carrol in Vegas? Maybe cruise the strip a few times in one of his rides. I can only imagine. You can learn more about some of the projects that Shelby and his guys have cooking up at his website here.

2007 was an amazing year for us here at ClassicNation.com. We were fortunate enough to hit up a bunch of car shows including the Car d’Lane, Spokane Goodguys, and the Queen City Car Cruise while taking as many pictures as our trigger fingers would handle. We also took at look at our all-time favorite wheel!

Nick started work on the fender of the 1965 Impala, and Dad picked up the new “old” Fleetline.

I examined the top classic car websites on the internet and made a few short video picture slide shows. We also met some new friends!

2008 will bring a bunch of changes to the website. You already know about the Global classic car calendar, but we will also be launching a completely new website design in the next few months. Stay tuned for some really exciting features coming soon on ClassicNation.com. As always - let us know what you think!

The Ford 351 Windsor engine is often confused with the 351 Cleveland. They are both Ford small blocks, but there are some differences that allow you to tell them apart and more importantly - decide which one is a better fit for your project.

The quickest and best way to tell the difference between the two engines is by locating on the 351C the integrated timing cover casting on the block located in the front which had a radiator hose fitting. Upon further inspection, one would notice that the connecting rods are also different length for both engines. The 351C was offered in both 2V and 4V styles (2 barrel and 4 barrel carbs), and was first introduced in 1969 and continued production until 1974. It was a higher performing engine and offered more horse power, but people began to convert their Windsor engines by changing the cooling system entry points from the block to the manifold.

Both the 351 Cleveland and the 351 Windsor engine were reliable and great performing engines. I have seen some great first-gen mustangs at car shows with these engines in them. Because they fit nicely in the the engine compartment with little modification, they are a great choice for any Ford small block application.

Know something else about either engine? Let us know!