Valhalla Restorations

I just received word from the machinist, the 307 is a good serviceable block! This is excellent news as our biggest concern was if it could be used to build the power goal. More updates to come!

Wilford is loosing a bit of weight under the ratchet and socket work.

Began work today on clearing out various hoses, clips, AC lines, power steering pump, and wiring harness from Wilford. Clearing the canvas as it were.
This process is where choices are made in regards to final vehicle options, form, and style as the engine bay is as important as the paint job in regards to overall look. A thorough cleaning repair and fresh paint will do wonders.

The block was dropped off today at B&G Machine for the magna-flux and hot soak. I am also having them bore check the block to verify condition and alignment of them. The health report of the block could be available as soon as this Friday, schedule permitting.
I also wanted to take a moment to explain a couple things. I am absolutely thrilled to able to do this build for Jordan. I am fully aware of what this truck means and I am truly honored to be able to finish Sapo's last hot rod. With that being said, I want to be able to address any questions any of you have in regards to this build. Feel free to ask anything at anytime!
On top of friends and family of Jordan's, I also have friends and some family that are watching this page to see the kind of thing I was born to do. This is my passion. This is also my first chance to truly apply all of my knowledge and skill into an important project.
I would like to address a point brought up by one of my buddies on yesterdays post.
"Why waste time on a 307?"
True, the staple of any small block build for Chevrolet has always been a 350. I could easily get more power out of a 350 than I would out of the 307. There is no replacement for displacement applies here. However, this was the engine that his grandfather had in it. He chose it for some reason. While I may not know the specific reason behind it, I wanted to keep true to what he had planned and expand on it wherever I can. I will honor his memory as best I can by using this engine (condition permitting).
Also, by reusing and reconditioning as many of the present and available parts I am able to keep overall cost down. I am looking to possibly further this concept into an official business model down the road if I am able to turn Valhalla Restorations into an official thing. Providing customers with affordable turn-key daily driving muscle cars and trucks.
This '74 C-10 'Wilford" serves two purposes. First, to give Jordan something that he can always remember his grandfather by. This is as important to me as it is to him. Secondly, to serve as the #1 build and 'flagship' for V.R.
My goal is to not build cars that are trailer queens. They are made to be driven. Pure and simple. Every car I intend to build will be built around this mentality. Drive them to the car shows, show them off, then drive them home. Or just drive them for the sake of driving them. Sucking gas and hauling ass! Not to leave them to rot in a field or get covered in dust in some collectors garage somewhere.
This is what it means to me to have one of these cars or to build one for someone else.
Cheers!
~Jessee

Block completely disassembled. Ready for the trip to B&G Machine in Alvin to hot soak the block and magna-flux the block to check for cracks. Moment of truth for this block to verify if it can indeed be used to build the prescribed power.