Y'alls probably don't want to read through this, but... I promised an update, so here it is....

you might remember it started with the "mystery engine" followed by the transmission parts and rebuild, and other minor stuff... Car in question came into my life as an almost free (offered to me for free, I insisted the owner let me give him $100) '70 145 with worn engine, and auto box. 117k original miles with no rust or dents. "Jan" is her name...for a January 1970 build date.

The day after Thanksgiving, I started into it. Got the old engine/transmission out by noon, had the new "hot rod" mystery engine with M41 (and new reverse gear) roughly in my 4 that afternoon. A week or so thereafter I had a clutch pedal and cable hooked up. The Saturday after that, I tore into the rear end... which is to say, I swapped it for another I had which has limited slip. That all went fine, and I put the biggie driveshaft in.

Following that, it was a bunch of little stuff. Linkages, carb stuff, gear shift stuff, wiring (reverse lockout elimination) stuff. I don't like to "test" progress without the final bolt being turned... So, after I got the hood back on and the floormat back in place, I stuck a battery in 'er. Of course, I had the coil unplugged 'till I got oil pressure.

As soon as I knew i had oil pressure, I hooked up the coil, and tried to start it. Nothing. Would crank and crank, but no sign of burning gas. Plenty of gas and spark though. Timing. Couldn't figure it out, so I pulled the first spark plug to find TDC. Moved the plug wires around and twisted teh distributor. Got a git then. From there, it started right up. Problem then was that it would knock and ping just revving the motor. Scared me. But, some more timing issues and that was solved. On the road.

I've been driving the car exclusively now for a couple weeks, and although many things still need a good sorting, I have to say I'm quite pleased.

The mystery engine pulls the wagon as strongly if not stronger than does the B30 in my 164. This thing is quick indeed. Admittedly, it doesn't have the low end torque of the 6 banger, but from perhaps 2500rpm and up, it sings. And...I still havn't fine tuned the carbs, nor the ignition timing for that matter. That will be the next step. I've never been sold on headers, but today the fella at ipd said tehy only had one set left, so I had to buy it. I'll be upgrading to a 2" exhaust when I install the header....

The transmission I had apart is working great. Shifts perfectly, no abnormal noises of any kind. Overdrive still works great. Thanks again to y'alls for the help and ispiration with that part of the project.

The rear end is as good as I remember it. I did change the fluid in there and add some ltd slip additive. The wagon with bald rear tires goes right up icy hills that required chains with the 164 which has good snow tires. I'd say its OK.

All in all, I have a good feeling about this car. I've still got a vaccuum leak to find. and some new jets and float valves for the carbs. And the exhaust. Then it should run right. I've also got a set of IPD swaybars to be installed perhaps next week. And, for the rest of the winter, I've got a set of 5 new studded snow tires on order. Should be as good or better than 4wd when I get them on... For summer, I'll go with the set of 240 turbo wheels I've got.

As soon as its running and driving just right, I'll be taking her in for paint (original color of course. dark red). Which will probably not happen until spring or so...

Of course, it is a wagon...and I intend to us it as such. My brother's Model A Ford had its rear end lock up this past Monday night about 30 miles away. We put a board on the roof of my car, muscled a new model A rear up on that, and drove to the Ford and changed it on the spot. Pushed my roof in pretty good. Popped out almost entirely on its own, but not quite. Good thing the wagon came with a NOS roof rack to hide the very minor of dents. That'll be installed after paint.

Anyhow, thanks again to all who have helped with this project. I'll get some pics posted as soon as possible, and more after I get her painted. This is the car for which I've been accumulating parts for about 6 years. I knew right away when I saw this red wagon sitting under a pile of dust last fall that it was the body to use. Project 145 is finally coming together... If anyone has any specific questions or comments, feel free to drop me a line.

-Matt