Aaron's 1976 Dolly 1850HL Custom.

[DOLLY76]

I actually like to tackle the run that branches off of the highway by "Eagle on the Hill" I know it's a public road but god is it fun!

And the fact that the speed limit is 60....well I don't really have the cahones to go any faster haha!

Cheers for the PM Stu, Newport Motors is actually closed until Wednesday but I left them a message on their answering service so I may yet source a replacement chassis rail....but we'll see how things play out.

[straylight]

someone (autonet7 ?) build a chassis rail up from scratch. Superb fabrication. Well worth a crack at it if you have skills in that area aaron. The measuring was critical (obviously) but you'll need to be as careful with the measurement if you go down the replacement route anyway.

stu

[DOLLY76]

Bugger it then, It'll be much easier to re-shape it under the blowtorch....... Bush Mechanics eat you heart out!

[DOLLY76]

Update time once again.

Stu, big thanks go out to you mate! Newport Motors is a goldmine of spares! I'm looking at about $270 for the replacement boot floor and a complete parcel shelf! holy fudge!

I was also quoted $15 each for the plastic "C" pillar finishers in the best condition he could offer, so I'm considerring buying a set and keeping them in the club for sale at a good price if I do not use them, and I was also quoted $20 for the chrome end pieces that fit the rear window sail chrome package.

Great prices it has to be said!

So I will be orderring these parts tomorrow as my supplier for the air filters still hasn't called me... it's been two weeks and I'm getting antsy!

Dolly is on her way to the road quite quickly! Hooray!

[DOLLY76]

Hey guys time for another update!

My pannels are ready and the replacement kick-down cable and air filters are ready to be picked up when I return to Adelaide. I have also fitted a Bosch GT 40 Coil kit, and a modified push button starter kit with a red light that comes on (Metallica fans will know exactly what i'm on about ).

I Haven't had her started as yet due to the fact that I still need to weld up the holes in the boot floor and re-fit the petrol tank which needs a good flushing out, and the starter motor has only just been removed from my old 2500S and has been re-built and starts the engine first time every time.

I've also finished restoring my steel wheels to a beautiful Chevrolet 350 Bright Red that apparently can handle high temperatures. I got my tyre guy to fit my BST tubeless radials as they came off of the sprint rims which I am now restoring to original condition. Pictures below.

[DOLLY76]

Hey guys, time for another update.

Heaps of progress on interior and body work since I last took photos. I've managed to test fit the bonnet once again, and have fitted the front spoiler.

The interior is looking great, I have run my RCA leads for the stereo, which are neatly tucked under the carpet, and I managed to find an indicator switch on my 2500 in good nick so I'll likely be using it. Check out the wrapped steering wheel! I love it!

[DOLLY76]

Hey guys, new pics are up!

Shown here is the hood, now wedged 3/4 of an inch obove the body line with washer jets still clearing fine. The gap is made up by a 1x1.5" spring that rests underneath the hood on the latch pins, which aids it when opening the hood. I still need to spin up some spring seats on the lathe for them but otherwise progressing nicely.

I also thought I'd show off the hood bulge a bit more, and some progress has been made re-fitting the interior. Bare in mind this interior has not been re-uholsterred or re-done at all, it is all bone stock and in excellent condition

Stay tuned for more pics

[DOLLY76]

Hey guys, another quick update, and this time mainly Car Audio related.

I've just bought some component speaker boxes for the front doors, and once vinyl died in black they will look amazing. I also have my hand made spacers being test fitted on the parcel shelf, with which i will have to glue black carpet to to fool the roadworthy testers a little bit I may even glue the parcel shelf down a tad to deter them from removing it for inspection. Nosy little buggers they are

I also fitted a modern fuel cap, now there was no reason for this until recently, when on close inspection of the original fuel cap I discoverred the key had broken off in it a long time ago....... oh joy.

30 dollars later, and with downpipe modifications to come, I have a new filler cap that looks just amazing!

[straylight]

those speaker boxes for the front doors look good aaron, I'm a bit ignorant of the stuff that is out there and never knew these kinds of things existed. Where did they come from ?

the bonnet bulge looks okay, but I gotta ask why you have left the trailing edge of the bonnet lifted by a few inches. It just looks like the bonnet isn't down and I don't think suits it. Is it just a cooling issue ? I don't think you'll have any problems with cooling anyway.

Impressed with the work and enthusiasm you have. The speaker mounts for the rear shelf look like a good idea too.

stu

[DOLLY76]

the bonnet bulge looks okay, but I gotta ask why you have left the trailing edge of the bonnet lifted by a few inches.

Basically stu, I wanted this car to be everything I've ever wanted in a car. It has a 50's charm with 70's race style hood wedging and such, I love it!

It does look a little high, but it still needs adjusting, which i will do when i get back from uni with all the necessary parts. By the time I'm done it will be barely noticable
Cheers for the comments.

[Purplebargeken]

Hi Aaron,

Taking shape mate. I recall seeing a Dolly bonnet with louvres in which also looked quite cool No pun intended.

Ken

[DOLLY76]

In other words, nice giant louvre? hahaha!

The reason for the bulge was that after the crash we just could not get the hood to look right, even after jumping on it like a trampoline so dad said we'd put the reverse flow air scoop in.

[DOLLY76]

Hey guys, just thought I'd show you the photoshop picture I did of my FINAL paint job idea that actually bought me to tears.

I fianlly got the period boy racer look down, and I must say, I am absolutely stoked. (Note: Bumper overriders will also be fitted)

Hope you like the new look guys! More to come once I get more parts over the next few days.

[Purplebargeken]

Hiya Aaron, I really like the look of the car in that get up, subtle yet tough looking. Those red wheels don't do it justice though. Some period Wolfies would look the dogs perhaps.

Love that licence plate++++++++

Ken

[DOLLY76]

Lol forgive my ignorance... but what are wolfies???

Cheers Ken