Projects a kid and his car (project 56 chevy)build

You have a good son, my first car was a off white over copper 56 wagon.

 

I would try and talk him out of painting the trim as I think he will regret that later but it’s his car, so?? Good luck with it

 

I think the only reason he thought about that on the trim was because the grill and front stuff might not clean up as nice as the trim down the sides.
It would probably flake off eventually down the road.

 

Thank you, he definitely does try.
Any pics. Of that 56 wagon.

 

Some where, era before digital. I bought the car in 1972 for $150 out of San Leandro Ca. 265 3 on the tree

 

That chrome would clean up with some brass wool, it may look good.

Just noticed the headlight eyebrows are solid, better shoot something up in there to preserve them.

 

That is a good idea, the car is pretty solid. Had a little rust at the bottom of the passenger fender a dent and little rust spots in front of passenger rocker.
Was gonna pull the dent until we seen the rust so he just cut it out and we bent up some 18 gauge to replace it. A little spot low under the tail lights. But they ( some one) had already done the floor. Trunk pan is in awesome shape.
There was sand packed up in every nuak and cranny. He definitely worked awhile trying to get all that out. I think the worst spots was the back door jams right in the bottom back curves. So we tackled them first.
At first I think he was sceptical about using the 18 gauge flat steel. But it worked out and it's what I had left over from my 26 T coupe floor build.
Now it just making sure it straight.

 

Where did those prices go? Coarse money was probably tight then to.

 

1.75 hr pumping gas

 

That is SO cool to see your boy getting into the hobby and with a "hands on" approach. I really wish my son had gotten the bug. I don't even think he is interested in inheriting one of my '31 DB coupes.

 

My son just read through the all the post. Smiles.
Thanks again for the kind words and knowledge put out on this forum. He can't wait to get going on it. Even though he's not much on sanding.

 

Hopefully he'll come around.
Or maybe grand kids? The passing down of cars like these would be overwhelming and the knowledge that it would be appreciated and a tradition carried on would be awesome.

 

Instead of jack stands I keep a bunch of 2x6 2x8 pieces around and stack them under the frame. Never worry when beating and jerking anything. Stay safe.

 

Who is, (sanding)

 

Love this car! Looking for one for the right price for me and my wife to keep as our family car!


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Looks like no Grand kids, so I guess my daughter will get one and the other will go away.

 

I would think she'll be appreciative and honored to get one.
I can only speak for my self, but if my dad left a car or any thing to me, it would be held on to until I could do the same.

 

My daughter will really appreciate one of them.

 

Call me "subscribed"! nice project !

 

In the pics. He is sanding, and he does a good job.
But if you ask him he would rather do the mechanical type work. He's all about motors and what's going on inside.

 

Waiting on the weather!!!
Can't wait for this colder winter weather to head into spring and summer.
Not having a shop Sucks but I guess on the positive side we have plenty of time for planning and saving for the next step in the project.
So hopefully more pics. To come.

 

The stainless parts, (side trim, and the trim around the windows), should clean up well, with either really fine brass or steel wool. The chromed parts might clean up this way, too....Depending on how rusty, and pitted they are.

If the chromed parts, (grille, bumpers, etc.), don't clean up very well, try sanding them down....Painting them with silver, and then clear coat them. That's what I did with my 55, when I was in high school, (1978 - 1981). This gave a look similar to the plastic grilles from the 1970's. Couldn't afford new chrome at that time.

 

That's good advice.
Most of the trim is clean but the grill looks alittle pitted the bumpers need a good cleaning.
As he is 16 and not a lot of money flow, these are good ideas for us to try.
He mainly wants a good driver quality car when done. Good thing is he's not afraid of hard work.
That's a nice looking 55 you have.
He does read this thread often to see what's new and get the advice and knowledge posted.
Once the weather's better hopefully he will continue with his progress and pics.
Thanks

 

X’s 2 on the 2x6/2x8’s. Keep them close. My ‘57 fell off my jack stands. Will make your heart skip a beat ..........not to mention, pucker your butt.

 

Congratulations on having a great son who wants to work on old cars, and kudos to you in supporting him. Enjoy this time with him as it goes all too quickly. Maybe this will help motivate him, my sons car he bought just out of high school and a year later (also a 4 door).

 

I've had my '56 for 29 years this month. One cool thing is, they reproduce glass, bumpers, grilles, fender extensions, hood bars, etc. Shiny parts are not a problem. Just start saving up to get them one at a time! Very cool father/son project and the time together will be remembered from here on out!

 

Thanks for the kind words.
Your sons car is awesome,you guys have done s great job on it. I will show mine the pics. And I am sure it will motivate.
I shall congratulate you and your son as well. As we all have been bitten by the hot rod bug.
Thanks again.

 

He says he is gonna hold on to it, and I hope he does. He will definitely be going through the catalogs for part. There is a old salvage yard with several tri 5's he loves to go to, he spent all day there for his birthday. That's all he wanted and talked about. He's definitely gonna need some glass. And interior stuff.
29 years is a good stretch, and the pic. You have as your avatar looks to be a nice one. Have any pics. He would definitely like seeing them.

 

I bought a 55 Bel-Air 4 door in 1970 when I was 19. I worked in an auto parts store and saw it on the street while making a delivery. Went by after work to check it out. It had a worn out 62 283 and a rigged up 3 speed conversion with a cheap floor shift. The guy wanted $150.00 but said it had to go as he had gotten his greetings letter and had to leave in a few days. He said give me $50.00 and bring a battery and it is yours. I went and got a buddy and a battery and drove it home, the body was pretty solid but the drive train was shitty, the 283 smoked, the clutch slipped and it got caught between gears almost every time I went for second gear. I found a guy that had a totaled 64 Impala with a 327 and 4 speed and traded him a shot gun for it. I put every thing off the 64 in the old 55 and was starting to get it pretty well fixed up when I got my own invite to work for Mr. Nixon for a couple years. I had no place to put the 55 while I was gone and in those days you didn't know if you would be back home anyway, scary times for a kid! I sold the 55 for $400.00 to another guy with big dreams and a high number in the draft lottery. I still have a soft spot for 55,6,and 7 Chevys but they are way out of my price range these days. Your son was lucky enough to find one he could afford and it looks like he is on the right track and is going to see it on the road. I am proud that there are still some young men to keep our old cars on the move

 

I have a 56 more door in my hoard. it was originally blue and white like your sons. The grill and chrome bright work on mine like his is pretty marginal. My fenders are rusted at the bottom rear and above the headlights. I just put a 55 front cap on it. mine is a 6 cyl stick. If I don't sell it a 2 dr conversion and a V8 might happen. A tri five is a good choice. parts are available and they will hold their value. Its great that your son is interested and you encourage him. Our grandsons are already interested time will tell if they turn out to be real gear heads.