Monday July 13, 2026

Some of my new chrome items for my 55 wagon’s engine compartment have arrived and I’m anxious to get them installed. Nothing really earth shattering; in fact, no one will probably notice the change — except me, lol.

I’ve finally decided to replace the existing valve covers on my 350 SBC with chrome stamped steel Chevy units. They’re not super high dollar billet aluminum or anything super cool. The existing valve covers were the chromed stamped steel too — the ones that have a silver and red sticker on the valve cover denoting the engine displacement. Mine, of course, had “350” stockers.

The chrome was actually a little crusty on the firewall end of both valve covers. The ends people could see plainly actually cleaned up pretty well.

The second item no one will notice is my new 200-amp alternator. Its a hefty one, all chrome, much like the 110-amp unit it is replacing. I don’t have a huge demand for power, but on the chance that I MAY install a 12v AC compressor system, I will need to have the extra charging power of a 200-amp alternator.

The engine already has a nice chromed water neck, chrome power steering pump, and chromed power brake booster and accessories.

Right now the 55 is staying clean under my new car cover. This Friday is the Bloomfield Depot Street cruise, and I plan on going over. Its really one of my favorite car get-togethers.

55 WAGON TO-DO LIST.

I want to remove the 2-inch lower blocks to see if that can give the car a little more clearance. At this point, I’m willing to have the exhaust redone if someone could make sure the exhaust doesn’t drop below the frame.

I would like to paint the door panels flat black. I know I won’t have time to create door panels, but at least they’ll look uniform.

I need to reinstall the door window garnish molding, as well as the windshield garnish molding.

WILL WE REALLY GO TO THE TRI-FIVE NATIONALS?

As much as I hate to say it, I’m not exactly super-thrilled at the idea of going with my son. He’s a fine travel companion who will enjoy the trip I’m sure, but the honest truth is that I’ve kind of lost the fire-in-the-belly for the show without my wife. Its just not the same trip with your son .. besides, in the past, we’ve depended on him to be our rescue when we’ve had car issues, lol.

The damn golf cart people have already charged my account for the cart rental for 4 days. I doubt i could get a refund. I can cancel the hotel right up until the day before we are set to arrive. So I could just cancel the hotel and would only be out a few hundred dollars.

On the other hand, my son is 30 and this may be a chance for us to have our own roadtrip memories. Doesn’t sound bad at all. And I think the damn truth is we will have some great times on the road together. I think we could video the road trip.