I got a call today from a friend who's into mid sixties muscle cars, usually 1st generation Camaros. So, when he told me that he had gotten a new car delivered, I almost didn't want to go over for a look see. But he said he needed an opinion on it. So when I get there, this is what he's got: 1955 Chevy Belair with just over 37,000 miles (documented). The 265 has been swapped out for a early 350. It has a powerglide tranny. Original interior and it got repainted in '96. He's the third owner. Needless to say, I left a spot of drool where I was standing. So, now that he's got it, he doesn't know what to do with it. He wants to keep it gennie looking, but maybe drop the spindles and up grade the interior to leather in the original style or just keep it as is and enjoy it for a while. The thing is, he's into early Camaros and may keep this for a month or two and maybe sell it. I wish I had his worries! So, hot rod it or keep it as is?
Seeing that it already has an automatic I wouldn't change much except the transmission,,maybe a 350 turbo,,,and the name on the title. HRP
dont mean to sound cliche but I'd like to see a gasser. and like this guys up here said, a 350 turbo. itd be shweet!
It's too low mileage to change too much. Cars like this are getting pretty rare, so change things like the trans (to a overdrive 200R4 or 700R4) or spindles/brakes that aren't irreversable changes. If anyone is into building a gasser or custom, start with a project or shell, there's plenty of them that need saving, before cutting this one up. Nice old car!! Tell him you want first dibbs on it!!
everything looks really original, It might be worth alot more with an original 265 in there. he should check into that.
If it were me, I'd shave the emblems and paint it black, add a custom tube grill, a McCulloch supercharger, some flamethrowers and skirts, and drive the piss out of it. Just like my old man did in 1955.
Tear the seat covers out and throw some serapes in there and glue some white fake fur or leopard skin on the headliner and paint it Flat Black with scalops and flames with a spiderweb grill and Red wheels... And six flame throwers! Gnarly Dude!!! And cut a hole in the hood and stick a huge skull air cleaner lid through it, with a coffin shaped scoop over that! That car should be physically removed from any idiot's possession who wants to do anything more than change the oil, put gas in it, and drive it on Sundays.
Cruise it as is, or if you must change anything, only subtle bolt-on changes that can easily be changed back to stock.
I'm sorry but why would you want to use the two of GM's worst trannies?? That's like saying hey I've got this wicked flathead...let's stick a 4L60E behind it....c'mon man.... And I guess since it's not really a 'rod' or a 'custom' it's just a nice cruiser the abhorred 350/350 combo is cool...A 4spd would be nice though, you could always fix the hole in the floor later. It's got a nice color scheme goin' on though. Hope he has fun with it. Maybe it will convert him over to the Dark Side...and then he can sell all of them junk Camaros to me.
It belongs to a friend of his: I got a call today from a friend who's into mid sixties muscle cars, usually 1st generation Camaros. So, when he told me that he had gotten a new car delivered, I almost didn't want to go over for a look see. But he said he needed an opinion on it. So when I get there, this is what he's got:
It's perfect just like it is. Not every '55 needs to be hot rodded, this one's clearly pristine and should stay that way.
I think small changes update the trans a bit. (why not the motor is already changed). Maybe a subtle dual exhaust.(if not already equipped). Lower it, but not a slam job. Swap hubcaps. get rid of the ugly radio for one of those aftermarket jobbers. Ya know just enough where I could fit in with a hotrod/custom crowd but if desired go back completely stock
Why not? Since it's already been changed over to a stock 350, so why not get better gas mileage and a quicker first gear, that's why. Either trans will be just fine behind a stock 350. Most of the ones that fried weren't adjusted properly, or pulled a trailer, etc. Nothing wrong with the Turbo 350 either, but if you can get another 20% more miles (smiles) on a $3.50+ a gallon gas, why not?
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