Little $250 69 Valiant

Well I have been able to drive the Valiant around off and on for about a week or so. I spent last sat. trying to get all of the little things buttoned up so I can go get the state inspection that is required here. The inspection consists of basic stuff like lights, brakes, exaust and what not. I had to put a new emergency brake cable in on the passenger side since the the 8 3/4 didnt have the appropriate one. That and the only thing holding me from going to get it inspected at this point is a functional horn. I have the cheapy grant steering wheel and have no horn contact plate for under the button. Well I went to see if it was in a new adapter kit that you can get at the local convienience/parts store and they feel it is worth 28.00 so that wasnt happening. Especially considering I have been keeping an eye out for an original wheel now.

The other thing I have managed to get done, was to install the new 1 1/8" front sway bar. Ill tell you what!!!!!!!! I have had some issues with my steering for quite some time, mainly having play at the wheel. Well after rebuilding the front end it helped a lot but still had some play. I chalked it up to being the box. Well I put that sway bar on, and nearly all of the play is gone. This will make sence to you if I had mentioned that I still have the slant 6 torsion bars under it. The old tired T-bars were acting to mushy and soaking up some of the steering! Aside from those benefits the thing turns a corner and stays flat, I have to say this was definately one of the best parts that I have added recently. I have a new 7/8" rear sway bar that I have yet to install.

Other wise between school full time and work full time, I havent been able to get much accomplished. Once I get it inspected I plan to replace the windshield so I can fix the leaks and then start on my interior. I am definately excited about the interior because I have a bunch of custom ideas and new parts to install.
After the interior or possibly before (since a good friend keeps hounding me) I will have it primed atleast. He keeps sayin I have to get it in one color.

However after the compliment I got this weekend I would drive it around like it is for another year. I went to a little "car gathering" near my house and a guy I had met there asked what I was driving, I said "that little plymouth over there" -------" Lets go talk about that car" he says. so the normal conversation followed as to whats in it and the future plans. Then he tells me "Well let me tell you, I seen you drive by and my first thought was, that car looks like it rolled off the drag strip a long time ago and just hit the street". I have to say I love Nostalgia, so he made my day with a comment like that!

Oh and a super crazy cool sidetopic/statement. A recently new friend went to the opening weekend of a new drag strip in Nags Heads N.C. Well I really wish I would have knownabout this event because "Big Daddy" Don Garlitz was present. Well my friend managed to get Him to sign the dash of his 1930 ford rat rod. How damn cool is that ?!!!!

Ill post a few pics of the sway bar install a bit later.