This is Black Betty. She is a heavily modified wagon that was built almost 20 years ago. I helped my friend build this wagon and have recently picked it up and am going through the process of getting her back on the road. I found this forum while searching the net for information that would help me re-make the seat. Pads for the third row seat in this wagon. The short answer to what’s been done to the car is as follows: -One-off custom front end with shock tower eliminations, utilizing mustang II geometry -wilwood front brakes -sub frame connectors -rear four-link with “Y”-form upper arms -original 289 block -everything else is custom -air bag suspension -custom interior -17” centerlines 7” front 9” rear -Auburn posi rearend ...and a lot of other modifications the car came into my possession with a flat cam and a laundry list of other needs. let me know what you think!
Whoa Black Betty Bam A Lam! She sounds pretty radical! Oh yeah, Welcome to the forums! You should be able to get all the info. you need here , there are a lot of great people with immense knowledge lurking about! Again welcome and hope you enjoy your stay!....Longroofs Rule!
Thanks all! I have a new cam on its way, along with some other misc parts. Hope to have it ready for an around the block shake down by next weekend (pending all parts arrive on time) btw, I’m located in Bend Oregon. Say hello if you’re local!
I assume you know that modern motor oils are formulated for engines with roller cams. Flat tappet cams require a molybdenum sulfide additive because they have greater friction, especially if the engine has higher rate spring pressure. Also, most cam manufacturers recommend using only the outer or a weaker spring while breaking in the cam. STP contains the additive or you can buy it separately and it should be added with each oil change.
Great information to share! Yes, I am familiar with the changes in oil composition. I only run Lucas Oil’s Classic Hot Rod oil. It has been formulated with a very high level of zinc and out performs conventional motor oil of the time. in addition, it’s really important to install new cams with every manufacture-recommended items. In my case, the Comp Cams Cam Lube. I make sure to order it with the cam and document the installation process so if there are any failures that could relate to a manufactures defect, I have all my bases covered for a smooth replacement. I too, remove the inner damper springs for break-in and follow the instructions provided by the manufacture. if I’m not able to find the Lucas Oil I always use, I add zinc additive to the most conventional (non-synthetic) oil for break in and service oil.
https://lucasoil.com/products/hot-rods-classic-cars/hot-rod-classic-car-10w-30-motor-oil here’s a link to the Lucas oil I prefer, mentioned above, if anyone is not familiar with it. Great product!
Welcome aboard. Looks like a real unique wagon you have there. I'm looking forward to seeing more of it.
Thanks!! I received my cam today along with a few other misc parts. First step is to get her on the road this year. I have a list of things I’m going to change or do differently to make this wagon great again.
Welcome to the SWF! I was looking at your pics, and thought to myself, "That kinda looks like Oregon........ I was right! I'm just over the hill in Springfield....... Personally, I had a wagon up until October of last year. Sold it to 'Cool Classic Rides', the classic car/truck dealer you see on the west side of 97 just after leaving the north end of Redmond. Marshall
When my dad said don’t put a teardrop on a wagon I sent him an image of this exact car. Lol. So glad you’re getting her going again.