hey guys, I was wonderin if I could maybe get some opinions on a possible new project. I found a 55 bel air with no motor or tranny for 700 bucks. It has some rust in rockers and head lights but I love to weld so maybe I could get some good practice in. It has a dent up front but otherwise straight. I know some of you might hate this but I was thinkin about welding and blending the back doors (its a more door) or else suiciding them. Stripping it, custom make a grill, lower it and give it a good lookin stance (thats what its all bout), and give it a flat balck paint job or dark blue suede. Let me know what you guys would do, or if you have any good ideas to share. thanks a lot, its appreciated. FlatBlack60 P.S. What tranny would yall recomend ( Im most likely goin with a SBC) Thanks again
Well, it sounds good to me if it sounds good to you....luckily cars come in all shapes and sizes...kinda like people. So, what I am saying is, whatever floats your boat.
The first thing to look at is the frame and body mounts. If those are sound grab it. Brake lines and floor pans are normaly in need of repair, if it sat for any length of time... but a rotten frame? I stay away from 'em. Just don't buy something you can't fix just because it's a '55 Chevy. Better to wait and spend a little more for a "good" car, than to waste any amount on something that's junk. JOE
Hey bro.....if you fill up to the task and want to build this 55 into a kool custom....go for it.....I've seen afew real sweet 4 door chevies....with the right stance, wheels & tires and paint they can be a bitchin ride!!.........good luck if you tackle this project!
<font color="green">I think you will probably regret filling the back doors. I have quite a few friends with more door rods and people give them crap til they want to go somewhere, then they head for the 4 doors first. Dk blue or dk green suede would be cool. </font>
If the car is complete besides the engine and trans I'd be real tempted to do a showroom-style resto but make it fast as hell with a beefed up suspension. As for the trans, I'd make it easy on myself and use whatever style formerly resided in the car. If it's an original three-speed car, I'd use a manual (possibly even a beefy 3-speed on the column) and if it's an original Powerglide car I'd be looking for a TH-350.
I know it would be a big job, but I think it would look alot better if you extended the length of the front door after welding the rear door seams. Too bad they didnt make a 4 door hardtop in 55, that'd look kinda cool made into a 2 door. Buuutt,, you did say you like welding sooo.....................? For the motor I think a hot 327 and maybe a 4 speed would be neat. But its all your choice so build what YOU want and youll be satisfied when you are done. A colored suede job with a flaked top would look pretty sweet too. What have you thought about all the stainless/chrome trim? Nose/deck it? Take it all off? Leave it all? Is the car a belair, 210, or 150? If someone has a pic of CLSSY56's car in its black suede it would help Flat Black 60 with his decision I think. Just my thoughts Briggs
[ QUOTE ] GASSER [/ QUOTE ] i was thinking the same thing. speedway sells straight axles for around 175 bucks i think.
Sure it is, with a front end like that WHO'S even going to notice the rear doors? If you go crazy with it and make it into a race car, you can even weld the rear doors shut and fill and smooth the door gaps. Besides, if you screw it up, it's only a 4-door!
Don't do anything to it unless it makes your dick hard. Because if not, you'll loose interest in it and have a pile of shit for sale, and then you'll by a Shit-Box Import car and become very lame.
Im still thinkin Gasser. Agreed a 4 door Gasse aint ideal. However, it would be a hell of alot of fun. Like Deyo said. Weld the doors shut and call it a day. If you build a Gasser in my town 2 door, 4 door or station wagon, it would be the only one around. What's it take to build a really good custom. Customs are all about quality. That means high dollar paint, wheels, interior, bags, AC, etc. What's it take to build a really good gasser? Pull the interior out, weld the doors shut, install an econoline axle. Huuuuge impact for next to nothing. A 4 door wouldn't be my first choice for a gasser, but it wouldnt be my first choice for a project in general. However, a 4 door is a great way to get invloved with hot rods affordably.
holy shit...........you guys really got me thinkin now..........I think Im going to build a fuckin gasser. I was gonna go custom but I cant pass this up, Im so excited its unbelievable. Now a few Q's: Can someone give me a rundown on how to plan one? thanks a lot, you guys are great
[ QUOTE ] ... Can someone give me a rundown on how to plan one? thanks a lot, you guys are great [/ QUOTE ] Start off with a rule book. You are going to actually race it aren't you? A 4dr is great for a gasser because it's got a bi more weight over the back wheels than a 2dr and you can move the drivers seat (rules permitting) to the back seat area and enter from a rear door.
yes, plan on racing. The tech where Im going to school has a strip. Im thinkin prolly weld up back doors, take out back seat, but Im not sure about axle, engine, tranny etc..... let em know what yall would do.......pics too plz thanks a lot
Yeah it might be cheap. A four door gasser... well no matter how you cut it looks like crap. Pinch in a few more bucks and buy this(shameless plug for a friend). Install motor and trans your off and running.
In some forms of racing it is not unusual to use 4 Doors. I have seen a really neat trick on one of those. They did not weld the back doors shut, but they used the doorskin only and stuck it on the car with Dzus fasteners. Light, cheap, simple and it does not look like you would rather have owned a 2 Door...( specially if the decklid and one piece front end are mounted the same way.) Check the Rulebook first.
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