I have a 1957 Chevy 210. Not the most desirable model; four doors, six cylinder, three-on-the-tree, no options. Actually, it has backup lights, which I believe were an option. But, this was my grandfather's car; I have the original sales receipt and I remember riding around in it when I was a child. The car was passed on to my father in 1975, at which point it had about 29,000 miles. It has about 59,000 miles when it was passed on to me in 1991. I've had it painted, but otherwise it's totally original and stock. My sons, ages 13 and 10, both love riding in it and are fighting over who will be its next owner. I'm not interested in making a bona fide hot rod out of it, but I'm thinking I'd like to make it into something of a sleeper. I'm looking into an Offenhauser manifold with either multiple carbs or one four-barrel, headers, and maybe a glasspack muffler. Maybe I'd get some different wheels for it. I also want to install a three-speed overdrive transmission, because it's geared quite low. I'm definitely going to install a dual-circuit brake system. But I only want to do bolt-on modifications; I want to be able to return it to stock if I want to. I hope my desire to keep the car relatively stock doesn't exclude me from posting. I'm hoping I can get some advice on the manifold, carb, header, muffler and other simple and reversible modifications for the 230 c.i. Chevy six. Thanks.
You have a great car, especially since it was your grandfather's car. The closest thing I have like that is my grandfather's 1952 Ford 8N tractor. My favorite car is the '57 Chevy, and I have two right now. For what you're wanting to do, modernize the hardware, you'll have no problem. Lots of people on the web sell all sorts of kits for brake upgrades, electric wipers, power steering, etc. Add a T5 transmission if you want to stay with a manual. Otherwise, you can pick up TH350 and 400s cheap. As for the engine, you can do a lot to hop up that 235. Check with Partick's in Arizona (http://www.patricksantiquecars.com/). Tell Danese that Richard from NAPA sent you. Feel free to PM me with any questions. I have owned a dozen or more 57 Chevies over the years (bought my first when I was 15).
Thanks, Rick. The T5 could be an option, but I'd have to cut a hole in the floor for a floor shifter, which I don't want to do. That's why I'm looking for 3-speed OD tranny for it. Thank you for your kind offer to PM you with questions. I'm pretty good with cars, but there are always those who know more.
Build What You Enjoy ! In Chicago I Saw My First Sleeper ! A All Black 63 Chevy Bel Air Two Door Sedan, Stripped ! Oh What's That A V With 409. That Six Cylinder??????????????????? Scorched The Earth !
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