Projects My 1953 Chev Belair HT Import Project

G'Day Hambers,

After selling my Australian 65 falcon, which cleared an aweful lot of debt, i decided to hunt for my future wife.

Now that this gorgeous beast is mine(still somewhere in the atlantic) i thought i would create a thread for anyone interested to follow.

I really am a complete novice when it comes to the custom/hot rod scene. I am a freelance photographer whose life revolves around the scene and everything that goes along with it, especially music!

So a little information on the car. I was searching pretty extensively on craigslist, here on the HAMB and of course, eBay. One night i randomly came across this gorgeous 53, Sent the link off to most of my car buddies, and the verdict was....PUT A DEPOSIT ON IT. So after only a few emails, the deposit was paid.

As i said, i really am a novice here, However i been welcomed with open arms in a big way. After posting on here needing someone to look at the car for, "RamblinWagon" was near the area, checked it over, gave me the all clear, and firmly said "any excuse to check out a sweet car, i dont need fuel money". What an absolute champion, and without his sincere persona, i would have never gone ahead with the sale.

After many many many many drama's with wire transfer, the payment was paid in full, and AUS GLOBAL SHIPPING took over. If anyone is looking to import, please check these guys out.......i dont think i couldve followed the transaction through without the generous amount of help these guys gave.

i'll post a shitload of photos, and if anyone has any questions, or tips/advice/tech talk, please dont hesitate. This is a massive learning experience, EVERYTHING will be taken on board!

Cheers guys and gals. Enjoy my "chebby"


slinking in IL






Loaded and heading to Cali


Arrived safely in Santa Fe Cali


Owners Photo...


Ready to be boxed


Prep Work for container




Adios Sunlight


Snuggle buddy



ETA arrival in Melbourne is the 8th of December.....i am not holding my breath as anything could go wrong. If it arrives, what an amazing christsmas present...if it doesn't, Good things come to those who wait

 

good luck very nice ride

 

nice car, good luck!!!

 

thanks dude!

 

thanks mate! all fingers and toes are crossed!

 

wow..thats TTiigghht! you will be a pig in shit when you get the "Come and collect" phonecall....

 

hahahaha the most perfect way to put it!! thanks mate!

 

What a fine looking ride. Hope all goes well with the shipping. Keep us informed.
Later,
Dick

 

thanks mate!! really really happy with it thus far, but have yet to see it in person.....worried and axious!

 

Sweet ride! Good luck with it!!

 

Damn that's so scary to see it in a container like that! I'd request it be shipped with a load of bubble wrap or stuffed animals....something nice and cushiony!

 

Thanks mate, will need every bit of it haha

 

hahaha it was one of the best, and worst emails i have recieved to date. Seeing that 59 precariously floating above mine is terrifying!

 

And the boat has set sail!!! Eta time is 8th of december!! Holy smokes!

 

What a beauty! Interesting color scheme - I think I love it, but I am not quite sure yet!

 

Thanks man!! The unique color is what drew me to it initially. I was kind of 50/50 about it, but it has grown on me something fierce and i love it. Have had mixed opinions about it, However i do think it works with the car!

There was actually a custom 53 listed for sale on here a while ago. Exact same color scheme. Roof chop and 54 tailights.

 

I really like the color too. Something different, in a good way. Congratulations on your purchase. I hope you survive the wait without too many sleepless nights.

 

Thanks man! As i said before, there is a 53 custom floating around with the same color scheme, but so far in australia, i have only seen one thats similiar but no where near the same, and it wasnt a HT

haha, ive turned grey so far during this process! wire transfer had my head explode!

 

She lands tomorrow at the melbourne docks. Excited like a little kid on christmas

 

Beautiful car..it's got the look.
The extra expense, effort, and time you guys from Australia face in buying a collector car is a true testament to your commitment to the hobby.
Over here we take it for granted at times.
Congrats.

 

Great looking HT, I love these cars!

 

That is an amazing looking 53! That 59 floating above your held up with 2x4s is Nothing short of crazy. I would be fraking out. Probably something you could go without seeing. As long as it gets there safe. Congrats!

 

Hi nice ride. I Imported my 53 belair from California and restored it.
I have painted mine Sungold yellow. looks well.
Good luck with your chevy.

 

hey mate, ive never really thought of it like that before! in the grand scheme of things, it really wasnt to much effort. the biggest pain in the ass was wire transfering the money across, and i guess taking a massive risk......but if you pick the right egg, it shouldnt be a problem, and i hope to god mine still has a floor haha

 

haha trust me mate, when i got the email at 5am and saw those photos i woke up pretty quick smart with a "what the fucking hell"

pretty scary, and i try not to think to much about it as its out of my hands. strangely enough a mate of mine brought in a 59 about 5 years ago and it was on top swell.....photos of them removing it from the container were frightening

 

same color!!!!!!

 

Relax,your car's in safe hands with Wayne at AusGlobal,this is what he does and he does it like a true pro !

Gaz!

 

oh you know wayne????!!!!!

 

Updates???

 

Its a beauty! Is that undercoating on the frame original? My 54 has it but its flaking off in zome spots. I want to scrape it off and paint the frame while its on the car.