belair54
Forum Newbie
Posts: 14
Loc: Central Valley, CA
Reg: 04-13-12
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04-13-12 11:42 AM - Post#2214681
New member here guys. My father in law drove this car before he was married. He had a straight six in it with triple carbs. He said it would smoke any 327 around. Before he got married he pulled the motor and that was it. It sat for the next 30 years or so. After my wife and I got married we bought her grandma's place which is where the car sat. When I first saw the car it was completely covered by trees, and we had to crawl through them to get to the car. One tree had actually grown between the car and the front bumper. We live in Ca. and the car is in Ks., so some great people went out and cut the trees down for us. The next time we went out there I pulled the car into the garage, and that's where it sits now. The body is pretty straight, except for a couple bullet holes, but the windows are broken out and the interior is trashed. One day I told my wife that maybe he should just give me the car. She mentioned it to him, and after talking to the family he said yes! My wife's parent's 40th anniversary is in about five years. They would love to drive the car then. So the plan is to bring the car to Ca., build it and then take it back.I am looking forward to learning a lot from everyone here, as I'm sure I will have many questions. Pics coming soon...
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belair54
Forum Newbie
Posts: 14
Loc: Central Valley, CA
Reg: 04-13-12
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04-13-12 11:50 AM - Post#2214684
In response to belair54
   
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cederholm
Frequent Contributor
Posts: 1309
Age: 46
Loc: Brooklyn NY
Reg: 09-28-10
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04-13-12 12:10 PM - Post#2214691
In response to belair54
NICE! ...but you better get off the computer and get to work, you've only got five years and the clock is ticking! 
~ Carl
Carl E. Cederholm
Brooklyn NYC
'53 Deluxe MoreDoor, triPPPle Rochesters, Fenton exhaust, dual Porter mufflers, 3" drop, 12v, and Offenhauser shinny bits! |
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gjwach
Forum Newbie
Posts: 73
Age: 47
Loc: Central PA
Reg: 02-02-12
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04-13-12 12:26 PM - Post#2214696
In response to cederholm
Cederholm is so correct.
I had a fivr year plan to finish my 54 Hardtop that I aquired in 2004. Well it is 2012 now and I had a five to six year break in the middle due to my job so I am just a wee bit behind. Well way behind truth be told.
But you can do it with a plan, drive and motivation!
| Greg: 54 Red & White (well will be someday) Hardtop being done as original (except 12 volt and disc brakes) and loaded with options (i.e. original pwr steering, pwr seats, autronic eye, sunvisor, spot light, acc lighting and a continental kit) |
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dsacton
Contributor
Posts: 382
Loc: Boulder, CO
Reg: 11-01-11
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04-13-12 12:44 PM - Post#2214704
In response to gjwach
Maybe I'm just a weirdo, but I actually get excited where I see a car in that shape, especially a 54 Bel Air! I am near the mid-point of a similar project, except my car was in a fire: http://www.my54chevy.com
I found it really helpful to have the car in somewhat of a drivable shape (even w/o glass, etc.), just so you can move it around easier. So I'd try to get the engine in it sooner rather than later. But that's just my opinion.
Are you going to do a frame-off? Probably could get away without doing it, from the looks of the car. Good luck, enjoy yourself.
Scott A.
54 Bel Air
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cederholm
Frequent Contributor
Posts: 1309
Age: 46
Loc: Brooklyn NY
Reg: 09-28-10
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04-13-12 01:16 PM - Post#2214723
In response to dsacton
Maybe I'm just a weirdo, but I actually get excited where I see a car in that shape, especially a 54 Bel Air! I am near the mid-point of a similar project, except my car was in a fire: http://www.my54chevy.com
I found it really helpful to have the car in somewhat of a drivable shape (even w/o glass, etc.), just so you can move it around easier. So I'd try to get the engine in it sooner rather than later. But that's just my opinion.
Are you going to do a frame-off? Probably could get away without doing it, from the looks of the car. Good luck, enjoy yourself.
Scott A.
54 Bel Air
Scott - great documentation on your website! 
~ Carl
Carl E. Cederholm
Brooklyn NYC
'53 Deluxe MoreDoor, triPPPle Rochesters, Fenton exhaust, dual Porter mufflers, 3" drop, 12v, and Offenhauser shinny bits! |
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belair54
Forum Newbie
Posts: 14
Loc: Central Valley, CA
Reg: 04-13-12
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04-13-12 01:27 PM - Post#2214727
In response to cederholm
Thanks guys! I am on another forum for a couple old trucks that we tinker with. It's awesome and really motivating to come onto a forum like this and see that other people are just as excited as us to play with these old cars! I have never done a frame off before and always wanted to, so this seems like the perfect opportunity. Plans are to go pick up the car this summer. I have discussed in lenght with the father in law the plans for this car. The plan is to drop in a 327 (which is on the engine stand as we speak), saginaw 4 speed, do a complete frame off, and paint the original two tone color. Everything will be kept original other than the engine and tranny. Thanks again for the motivation!
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belair54
Forum Newbie
Posts: 14
Loc: Central Valley, CA
Reg: 04-13-12
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04-13-12 01:31 PM - Post#2214728
In response to dsacton
Maybe I'm just a weirdo, but I actually get excited where I see a car in that shape, especially a 54 Bel Air! I am near the mid-point of a similar project, except my car was in a fire: http://www.my54chevy.com
I found it really helpful to have the car in somewhat of a drivable shape (even w/o glass, etc.), just so you can move it around easier. So I'd try to get the engine in it sooner rather than later. But that's just my opinion.
Are you going to do a frame-off? Probably could get away without doing it, from the looks of the car. Good luck, enjoy yourself.
Scott A.
54 Bel Air
Your not a weirdo at all Scott, unless we both are. I get the same feeling...haha
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belair54
Forum Newbie
Posts: 14
Loc: Central Valley, CA
Reg: 04-13-12
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04-13-12 01:51 PM - Post#2214737
In response to belair54
A few more pics.
   
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belair54
Forum Newbie
Posts: 14
Loc: Central Valley, CA
Reg: 04-13-12
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04-13-12 04:39 PM - Post#2214779
In response to belair54
And a few more recent ones from us moving it from the garage to the shed.
      
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inkedflesh
Contributor
Posts: 115
Age: 33
Loc: Nashua, NH
Reg: 04-07-12
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04-13-12 04:58 PM - Post#2214791
In response to belair54
Newbie Status as well here! wicked nice to meet you my friend. Shes a beaut good luck with her. The guys on here are very awesome people. They help ya with questions and will be extremely helpful very nice to meet you my friend My names Mark
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belair54
Forum Newbie
Posts: 14
Loc: Central Valley, CA
Reg: 04-13-12
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04-13-12 05:08 PM - Post#2214796
In response to inkedflesh
Great to meet you as well Mark. My name is Newt. That's a great looking car you got there!
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inkedflesh
Contributor
Posts: 115
Age: 33
Loc: Nashua, NH
Reg: 04-07-12
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04-13-12 05:53 PM - Post#2214818
In response to belair54
Thank you my friend! now if only my wife would always see it tha way! when I am covered in paint or grease and she pulls the ole "Christine" Bit with me
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belair54
Forum Newbie
Posts: 14
Loc: Central Valley, CA
Reg: 04-13-12
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04-13-12 05:56 PM - Post#2214821
In response to inkedflesh
Haha, well lucky for me, my wife loves our old cars. She's pushing me really hard to build a shop right now. She's a good kid...
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Happy Belair
Contributor
Posts: 859
Reg: 10-29-06
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04-13-12 07:26 PM - Post#2214874
In response to belair54
litttle bit of spit and polish, air in the tires, and maybe a new interior and oh gollie......... get some beer too.
54 Belair 1067DTX, Roman red 327 Turbo350
54 Belair Hardtop, just bod off frame,work in progress
54 210 Station wagon Father in laws pass me down |
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belair54
Forum Newbie
Posts: 14
Loc: Central Valley, CA
Reg: 04-13-12
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04-13-12 07:57 PM - Post#2214894
In response to Happy Belair
litttle bit of spit and polish, air in the tires, and maybe a new interior and oh gollie......... get some beer too.
Haha, definitely all of the above, especially the beer!
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 rrausch
"12th Year" Silver Supporting Member
Posts: 9697
Loc: L.A, Cal. & St. Louis...
Reg: 04-07-03
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04-13-12 09:17 PM - Post#2214906
In response to belair54
That's a nice looking car. The rockers don't look too bad on it.
1953 210 Convertible, 261 with dual Carter YF 966S carbs, P.S., Remote Bendix P.B. Booster... shade-tree restoration about done.
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belair54
Forum Newbie
Posts: 14
Loc: Central Valley, CA
Reg: 04-13-12
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04-13-12 10:14 PM - Post#2214919
In response to rrausch
That's a nice looking car. The rockers don't look too bad on it.
Thank you, it's been a while since I've seen the car, but the way I remember it is pretty rust free, other than surface rust. I believe the rockers were pretty decent, I can't wait to get it out here to Ca.!
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dsacton
Contributor
Posts: 382
Loc: Boulder, CO
Reg: 11-01-11
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04-15-12 09:12 AM - Post#2215324
In response to cederholm
Thanks Carl!
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 usmile4
"6th Year Gold Supporting Member
Posts: 3079
Age: 66
Loc: Naperville, Illinois
Reg: 08-12-05
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04-15-12 06:23 PM - Post#2215515
In response to dsacton
The first thing I would do before you get too far is clean out as much of the dry stuff as you can. I'm sure with being outside and in a barn it was home to lots of mice and other critters. The more mice poop and smell you can attach now will help you in the future. Take some stiff wire and put a hook on it and push it into the frame ends to try to pull out any nests that may be there.
When I got my 51 it had sat outside for a while and it was pretty tight. The seats had decent covers on them so I plan on using them when I get the paint done. So recently I put the seat in to check for the floor alignment. In one end of the seat was what I thought was some extra padding. it turned out to be a giant mouse nest that had been made by the mice taking all of the padding from the underside of the seat and taking it to the one end!
Bill Gommel
49 chevy Styleline (Sold), 51 Styleline 2 dr Special, 235 (from a 61 truck) bored .060 over, Dual Carter/Webers, Fenton Headers, T5- 5 speed with a 56 rear end. |
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 Idaho
"4th Year" Silver Supporting Member
Posts: 221
Loc: Upstate New York
Reg: 03-02-07
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04-15-12 09:25 PM - Post#2215584
In response to belair54
belair54- as far as a frame off in 5 years, from what you're starting with, I think you can do it as long as you make the commitment to hang in there and stick with it. Appears your car is mostly all there, that's a total bonus, and what isn't there is readily available. Most of what you'll be doing is cleaning and painting what you've already got. Try to refurbish every part you can possibly save and don't get carried away buying chrome and stuff on fleabay, don't worry, you'll have plenty of chances to spend your money... As far as the interior being shot, no great loss, after 58 years it stinks and it's time to redo that anyway. Same with the glass, now you can put some nice tinted windows in it when the time comes{glass is last!}. In any case you'll want to start with the frame and "work your way up". If you've never re-built a car before, much less a frame up restoration, buy a book where someone that has done it can show you the way to get it done, in the proper sequence, with the proper tools and methods, start to finish. Get started by making room in your garage or shed where you can store parts and pieces as you take them off the car- items that will be worked on later, or now if your waiting for paint to dry or parts to arrive. Buy a few boxes of different size zip lock bags and a black magic marker and bag and tag every piece as you remove it from the car. It's a must! Also- **TAKE LOTS OF PICTURES!!!** You'll be glad you did when you start putting it back together again, trying to figure out where all those parts go- as well as having a wonderful album for all to look back on when she's all finished. Rebuild that front end, don't hope it's okay only to find out the first time you drive it that you should have rebuilt it when it was easily accessable. Money and time well spent. In my opinion, don't bother sandblasting the frame or rear and front suspension parts. A waste of time and money. Wire brush it all down real good and use something like POR-15 to seal it forever, it really works. And hey, use your imagination- paint the frame something other than black- it looks way prettier when you pop the hood, and it sure helps when it's all done and your underneath it trying to see where in the hell that oil leak is coming from! Absolutely get yourself an electric motor with a wire wheel on it, mount it on your bench or even better a roll around stand. You won't believe how much easier your life will be with this one item to clean all those rusty parts with.{that and a 5 gallon bucket of muriatic acid}. Your parts will look like they just came off the assembly line. Buy a grinding wheel and a buffing wheel and you ready for anything. I'd sooner own that one piece of equipment than any other including my welder! Make sure you have a safe and secure place to store the body, fenders and the hood- away from the kids and daily traffic- remember, it's going to be sitting there for several years! Bottom line, your main investment is going to be your time, and despite guaranteed moments of extreme frustration  and times of being totally pi$$ed off,  it will be one of the most satisfying and fun experiences you've ever had!!! 
| 1953 210 Chevy convertible, 1956 Gmc pickup, 1952 MGTD convertible, 1973 HD Superglide, 1972 HD Electraglide, 2002 HD Heritage Softail Springer. |
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gjwach
Forum Newbie
Posts: 73
Age: 47
Loc: Central PA
Reg: 02-02-12
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04-16-12 06:08 AM - Post#2215652
In response to Idaho
What Idaho Said! That is dead on!
| Greg: 54 Red & White (well will be someday) Hardtop being done as original (except 12 volt and disc brakes) and loaded with options (i.e. original pwr steering, pwr seats, autronic eye, sunvisor, spot light, acc lighting and a continental kit) |
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rrausch
"12th Year" Silver Supporting Member
Posts: 9697
Loc: L.A, Cal. & St. Louis...
Reg: 04-07-03
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04-16-12 07:08 AM - Post#2215667
In response to gjwach
Ditto Idaho! Also remember you WILL get discouraged from time to time. Whenever that happened to me, I'd find one smallish part that needed to be restored, and I'd wire-brush it, or de-rust it, and then prime and paint it. Seeing one more piece restored always gave me a jump-start and got me rolling on the project again.
1953 210 Convertible, 261 with dual Carter YF 966S carbs, P.S., Remote Bendix P.B. Booster... shade-tree restoration about done.
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usmile4
"6th Year Gold Supporting Member
Posts: 3079
Age: 66
Loc: Naperville, Illinois
Reg: 08-12-05
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04-16-12 07:30 AM - Post#2215676
In response to rrausch
What Rausch said and when those times come, I usually ask a question here and after everyone chimes in I am reinvigorated to start working again.
Also a tip I heard of when taking things apart, set up a video camera and as you take parts off, explain what you are doing and show the parts to the camera.
One of the most helpful things I have used was by CT member ken sluys. He drew diagrams of the parts he was removing, showing the parts, the order that parts were joined, the size of screws, washers, etc. I only wish I had been as thorough with my rebuilds.
The next one I attempt, I will draw a diagram, make up a part number for any piece removed, bag the part and put the number on the bag, and get a box to put the parts in some sort of filing system (front end, windows, doors, etc) I am amazed at how many things I have "lost" as I'm putting the car back together only to find it weeks later-usually after I have made or bought replacements !
Bill Gommel
49 chevy Styleline (Sold), 51 Styleline 2 dr Special, 235 (from a 61 truck) bored .060 over, Dual Carter/Webers, Fenton Headers, T5- 5 speed with a 56 rear end. |
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Idaho
"4th Year" Silver Supporting Member
Posts: 221
Loc: Upstate New York
Reg: 03-02-07
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04-16-12 09:28 AM - Post#2215731
In response to usmile4
Yup, diagrams are good, but unfortaunately I'm not a good artist, and also unfortunately me or the kids would knock the video camera over at least several times a day, so that's a no go for me- so what I do is lay the unit on my bench, take it apart, lay it out in the order it came apart, take a photo. Super easy. Dedicate a separate camera or a separate photo memory card to your Chevy project, and don't use it for family photos or taking pics of the dog or the deer you shot last season. I download the pics as I take them to my picture file on my computer, and I have a folder for each area of the car- motor, front suspension, rear end, and so on. You don't need to get that detailed if you don't want. I also download the pics onto my external hard drive, they are cheep. I believe in backup to my backup... When the snow flies and you can't work on yer rig, or you get discouraged, you can sit back, crack open a beer and look at your pics and see how far you've come! One other thing I do when I'm surfing the net, anytime I come across a picture of a part, an assembly, a diagram or especially someone else's novel work on their car that I can use as a reference later on, I save it to my picture file. All it takes is a couple of clicks. I've learned a ton by ASKING QUESTIONS and from observing the ingenuity of other peoples minds and ideas, 99% of it from the folks right here on Chevy Talk! 
| 1953 210 Chevy convertible, 1956 Gmc pickup, 1952 MGTD convertible, 1973 HD Superglide, 1972 HD Electraglide, 2002 HD Heritage Softail Springer. |
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Bel_AirAmerica
Senior Member
Posts: 651
Age: 56
Loc: Evansville,Ind.U.S.A.
Reg: 05-09-02
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04-16-12 01:39 PM - Post#2215804
In response to Idaho
 Always remember there are probably 50 or 60 others just like you out here,doing the same thing.Having access to ChevyTalk is your number one tool.
Rick
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belair54
Forum Newbie
Posts: 14
Loc: Central Valley, CA
Reg: 04-13-12
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04-16-12 06:59 PM - Post#2215933
In response to Bel_AirAmerica
Man, you guys are awesome! I know from the forum for my trucks how valuable the support and advice can be. I searched for a long time for the right forum, and I have no doubt that I found the right place! You guys have exceeded my expectations! Thank you all so much for making me feel welcome and for all the amazing advice! Just so you all know my name is Newt. Are there by any chance any people on here from California, central valley? There are cruise nights starting up all over the valley already for this summer.
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Dean50
"6th Year" Gold Supporting Member
Posts: 678
Loc: Michigan
Reg: 01-02-07
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04-17-12 04:03 PM - Post#2216263
In response to belair54
Good luck! And it wouldn't hurt to look for a parts car since you have the room.
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belair54
Forum Newbie
Posts: 14
Loc: Central Valley, CA
Reg: 04-13-12
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04-22-12 05:02 PM - Post#2218007
In response to Dean50
That would be nice.
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