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

[napa68]

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...........

[napa68]

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









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

[napa68]

Original warranty book....................




The paperwork for the underdash A/C unit purchased from Montgomery Ward in 1963..........






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.





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

[napa68]

This thing is a pleasure to work on!

[napa68]

I'm giddy and impressed!











My LS3 480


Dakota Digital gauge set

[napa68]

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

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













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











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

[SS427]

Love it! Great craftsmanship.

[396L78canuck]

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

[KM265S]

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

[Xplantdad]

Cool stuff Tim!