Chopperdoc
Contributor
Posts: 110
Age: 52
Loc: Huntsville, AL
Reg: 07-31-12
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08-08-12 08:24 AM - Post#2257077
After reading the last “new guy” posting I realized I have been rude. I never introduced myself.
My name is Vic Feldman; I go by Chopperdoc on many forums due to the fact that I spent 21 plus years on active duty as an Army helicopter mechanic. I started on Cobras and transitioned to Apaches. After retirement, I continued to work as a defense contractor turning wrenches on every helicopter in the Army inventory. I presently am still supporting the Warfighter while working in the Apache Program Manager’s office in Huntsville, Al.
I have had many older cars through the years. Had a 65 Mustang that I restored and a 69 Chevelle convertible as well. I always wanted a 54 Chevy but it wasn’t until last month that I found the one for me.
It’s an original 54 Belair. Found it through Craig’s list about 50 miles from my house. It needs just about everything but it is complete. The floor pans are swiss cheese as is the trunk floor. The body is straight, with very minimal rust. The dash is unmolested but the rest of the interior needs to be restored. It runs but the brakes need work to make it a driver.
The plan for now (it seems to change every time I Google something!) is to rebuild the carb and tune the engine up, fix up the interior just enough to be clean and comfy, rebuild the factory brakes and enjoy it while I collect parts for a complete drive line swap. Plans include a basic level GM crate motor, 700R4 tranny, rear end with 373 gears. I’m leaning toward the Fat man mustang II front end. I just bought a nice mig welder; I haven’t welded in 20 years. Luckily a close friend is a welder by trade so I will tackle the floor pans and leave the front end to him.
Thinking baby moons on steel wheels with a dark blue body and cream white top. Also would like to add A/C when everything else is done.
I’m sure glad I found this forum !!
Vic
1954 Belair 2 Door
“Some people wake up, stretch and enjoy Freedom, Some people wake up, stretch and defend it”
"For those who are willing to fight for it, freedom has a flavor the protected will never know"
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Edited by Chopperdoc on 08-08-12 08:35 AM. Reason for edit: No reason given.
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eplantage
Senior Member
Posts: 1648
Loc: Southern MN
Reg: 03-15-04
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08-08-12 08:27 AM - Post#2257079
In response to Chopperdoc
Welcome Vic. Lots of experience here so ask away. Thank you for your service.
Age: 59 at the moment
1950 Chevrolet Sedan Delivery
1953 BelAir Convertible Project
2002 Heritage Springer FLSTSI |
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Chopperdoc
Contributor
Posts: 110
Age: 52
Loc: Huntsville, AL
Reg: 07-31-12
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08-08-12 08:33 AM - Post#2257085
In response to eplantage
Thank you for your service.
It was my pleasure!
1954 Belair 2 Door
“Some people wake up, stretch and enjoy Freedom, Some people wake up, stretch and defend it”
"For those who are willing to fight for it, freedom has a flavor the protected will never know"
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 bobg1951chevy
"6th Year" Silver Supporting Member
Posts: 4914
Loc: Ellijay, GA
Reg: 02-18-08
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08-08-12 08:53 AM - Post#2257093
In response to Chopperdoc
Welcome Vic, you'll like CT for many reasons. Looks like you're directly west from me, not too far away. 
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cederholm
Frequent Contributor
Posts: 1310
Age: 46
Loc: Brooklyn NY
Reg: 09-28-10
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08-08-12 09:01 AM - Post#2257102
In response to bobg1951chevy
Welcome Vic. Thanks for your service! 
...now let's see some pics. 
~ 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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 swbatt
West Coast Show Support
Posts: 3543
Reg: 03-25-01
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08-08-12 10:14 AM - Post#2257133
In response to cederholm
Welcome to the CT Site Vic, it's good to have you here with us! I want to thank you for your service to our country too.
Junior
"Which do I prefer? Chess or sex? It depends on the position." - Spassky |
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Tony
Founder & Grand PoohBah
Posts: 15436
Loc: Orange County CA.
Reg: 03-15-99
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08-08-12 11:42 AM - Post#2257166
In response to Chopperdoc
Welcome Vic
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 53belair
"2nd Year" Silver Supporting Member
Posts: 831
Age: 57
Loc: Ellerslie, Georgia
Reg: 03-25-07
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08-08-12 01:44 PM - Post#2257201
In response to Chopperdoc
Welcome....and I guess I need to introduce myself too since I never did when I joined. At least my swiss cheese memory doesn't think I did.
I'm a old Alabama boy too. Born in Talledega and lived in several different cities/towns. Last in state stop was the Anniston/Jacksonville area for a long span. I almost went to work at Redstone in 1984 (actually had accepted the job) until I got a call from Sarasota, Fl. and I knew I was headed to the beach.
I've got a few odds and ends around that may/may not be useful to you and will try to keep a eye out for needs. I have a fatman frontend under my Belair (53) and used the tubular motor mounts. Good, well engineered stuff. Their staff are always very helpful as well.
Fatman frontend
Southern Air A/C
Billet Specialties Steering Column (traded a used lawn mover for it!! Best horse trade ever!!!)
350 bored .30 over
350 turbo trans from same donor
(I've always wanted to go to the 700r4 or 2004r)
70 TransAm rear axle
block hugger headers
100 amp alternator
short high volume water pump
U.S. radiator
Interior and paint yet to be determined and It is completely torn down right not for a "freshening".
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Bob_Hayden
"12th Year" Gold Supporting Member
Posts: 5745
Age: 66
Loc: Indianapolis, In. USA
Reg: 07-17-01
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 08-08-12 07:42 PM - Post#2257327
In response to 53belair
Welcome Chopperdoc!! I like your color combination!!! LOL
| Bob Hayden's 54 Chevy, 350 Engine with TH400 Tranny and 94 4X4 Blazer Rear End with 3:23 gears.(FINISHED PICS) </a> My 54 Albums |
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