Some people ask..........what ya up to these days?
 

I had a perfectly good driver hot rod..................right? What does one do? Take it apart!

Here is my latest endeavor, revisiting my 59 Bel Air.


I will keep the original paint, and the overall look of the car won't change much. I'll even see how much of the original interior I elect to maintain. That's where it stops. My goal is to improve the car in these areas.

-Handling. A nice stiff chassis to take the squeaks and rattles out of the car and maintain a great ride quality. Not that I plan to autocross this, there is definitely room for improvement. I am thinking a 12" wide rear tire which may require mini tubs. 10" wide rubber in the front.

-Braking. It stops well now, it can be better. An engineered chassis and brake system will improve overall braking and thus predictability. I'll be limited in brakes as I am going to maintain a 15" wheel so I have no issue with the hardcore 1964 and earlier events. (I'll just keep the hood closed)

-Comfort. Vintage Air HVAC as well as revisiting the seats. I am wanting to keep the bench seats and the overall feel of the interior. Modern foam in the seat so as I feel a bit more "planted" while in it. I suppose there may be some mods to the seat frame so I can get some lumbar support and perhaps a bit better ergonomics. We will see there. LOTS of sound deadener!

-Power. LS3 / 480hp with 4L70E Connect and Cruise

-Theme. The theme wont necessarily change much. I want a car that looks like it got parked in the mid 60's, and then recommissioned recently. My original vision was a car that could have been parked around Gasoline Alley in mid May of 63-65.


On the docket........................

1. Roadster Shop chassis
2. GM Connect & Cruise power
3. Refinish the underside and engine compartment to the standards of a modern build. I am drawn to an OE feel and sensibility.

Before disassembly...........

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...psq2o16s32.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...psifttp9a7.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...psffmmyp3s.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...psz0wur5na.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...pspc3daiww.jpg

What a treat to have floors like this! Almost a shame to cut them.

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...psyuaqwu8j.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...psw5d9mw0o.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...ps3qx7ylj2.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...psxxdjiwlo.jpg

This whole car comes apart with hand tools. Untouched from 59

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...psbu6dmr8k.jpg

Original warranty book....................
http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...psbodids4f.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...psyufz4h7v.jpg

The paperwork for the underdash A/C unit purchased from Montgomery Ward in 1963..........
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http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...psxphykg14.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...ps4pnl4cuu.jpg

I am going to use the original shell of the A/C unit and use it as a plenum for the Vintage Air unit that will be installed.

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...psflhmnfba.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...psxxwjgdwb.jpg

Spare oil change door tag...............

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...psvufejfrp.jpg

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http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...pskksoch8o.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...psypswfg35.jpg

This thing is a pleasure to work on!
http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...psnrjgajgt.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...psk9d0tqoc.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...pszkjlkwgb.jpg

I'm giddy and impressed!

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...psl2v4h2s7.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...pssskn5w4c.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...pscxccwunv.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...pshfuts5pl.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...pspw5c8cxa.jpg

My LS3 480
http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...pskgovowgt.jpg

Dakota Digital gauge set

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...psdrsyg83k.jpg

And now the fab work begins..............

The new hat channels for the additional body mounts and the floorpan mods to fit the new chassis.

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...pshkbgw1kl.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...psypes04do.jpg

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http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...pspzfnluty.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...psdga1gxxc.jpg

The chassis fits like a glove! Plenty of room for rubber and what looks to be a killer ride height.

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...ps5ejxmriq.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...psbvpouhc7.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...pspjho0wvk.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...psaph2spj0.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...pszizu50re.jpg

So.................that's where all of my lunch money is going!

Looks great work! Very nice to see rust free metal for a change...

Look forward to see it every step of the way.

Dave
67 Nova Boy

Love it! Great craftsmanship.

That is one rust free 59..............love those bat wing 59.Trunk lid are very tough to find.Bob

Sounds like a case of Kwhizz-itus to me. Very nice.