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Projects 1959 Bel Air

Discussion in 'Traditional Customs' started by 61art, Jun 9, 2017.

  1. 61art
    Joined: Jun 11, 2012
    Posts: 376

    61art
    Member

    I planned on selling this 59, but instead since I have a small block 350, turbo350, 10 bolt rear end, cruzzer skirts and some wide white Coker classics I've decide to put some work in on it. The owners befor me had installed a roll cage and switched the motor mounts. So I cut that stuff out and gonna do a traditional custom type build. So I started off by getting rid of the blue dash and painted it black. I cut motor mount out and ordered some weld in motor mounts with a poly trans mount. I will update pics as I go. Comments and ideas welcome.
     

    Attached Files:

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  2. Looks like a nice solid car. Cut outs at rear fenders and a two tone paint job.
    What was the previous owners going to do to it with a roll cage?
     
    els likes this.
  3. 61art
    Joined: Jun 11, 2012
    Posts: 376

    61art
    Member

    Race car.
     
    els likes this.
  4. RMONTY
    Joined: Jan 7, 2016
    Posts: 2,540

    RMONTY
    Member

    Sweet! Looks like fun....carry on please! I'll be watching this one for sure...
     
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  5. sedan with black body, white top made me think of a "continuation" of the 57 Black Widow--- Did they do that? Now I need to look that up
     
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  6. 61art
    Joined: Jun 11, 2012
    Posts: 376

    61art
    Member

    Yes they did the black and whit. I may do all black but just want to get the motor and trans mounted and go from there.
     
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  7. 61art
    Joined: Jun 11, 2012
    Posts: 376

    61art
    Member

    UPDATE: Got new motor mounts in. Did some patch work on floor. More patch work on core support.
     

    Attached Files:

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  8. BigDogSS
    Joined: Jan 8, 2009
    Posts: 979

    BigDogSS
    Member
    from SoCal

    Very Cool! I'm partial to ALL 1958-70 Chevrolet B-bodies.
     
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  9. southcross2631
    Joined: Jan 20, 2013
    Posts: 4,413

    southcross2631
    Member

    Looks like a good start to a nice cat eye Chevy
     
    els likes this.
  10. Love the winged ones!
     
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  11. One of my favorite cars too.
     
    els likes this.
  12. belair
    Joined: Jul 10, 2006
    Posts: 9,015

    belair
    Member

    Looking good. The factory two tone cars had little stainless dividers on top of the fins close to the door. They angled back toward the passenger window.
     
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  13. 61art
    Joined: Jun 11, 2012
    Posts: 376

    61art
    Member

    Got the motor in with alternator, power steering pump. New ceramic coated headers. Patched filler gas nozzle. And started 2 1/2 inch exhaust. Still lots of work to do. But here are some updated pics.
    P.S. I’ve never done exhaust system before so I just bought pipe kit online $149.
     

    Attached Files:

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  14. Squablow
    Joined: Apr 26, 2005
    Posts: 17,432

    Squablow
    Member

    Glad to see this one will return to the streets instead of being turned into a drag car. I like the idea of black with a white top and white trunklid/fin tops too.
     
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  15. belair
    Joined: Jul 10, 2006
    Posts: 9,015

    belair
    Member

    Forgot-I Looove your avatar.
     
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  16. 61art
    Joined: Jun 11, 2012
    Posts: 376

    61art
    Member

    That's my 61 bubble top impala. Great driver quality
     
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  17. BigDogSS
    Joined: Jan 8, 2009
    Posts: 979

    BigDogSS
    Member
    from SoCal

    Question: how is the access to the starter and oil filter with the exhaust running right below them. It is hard to tell from the angle of the picture.
    You might consider a factory GM permanent-magnet starter (aka "mini-stater") from a 1999 C1500 or 1996 Caprice, depending on the flex-plate tooth count.
     
    els likes this.
  18. Gahrajmahal
    Joined: Oct 14, 2008
    Posts: 495

    Gahrajmahal
    Member

    Any 59 customs as your inspiration?
     
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  19. 61art
    Joined: Jun 11, 2012
    Posts: 376

    61art
    Member

    This picture doesn’t do it any justice, but the 2 starter bolts are accessible. The oil filter has about 2 inches before it runs into the pipe. So plenty of space. Believe me I bolted and unbolted about 6 times just to make sure.
     

    Attached Files:

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  20. 61art
    Joined: Jun 11, 2012
    Posts: 376

    61art
    Member

    I don't like bluish purple, but this color on this car looks awesome. I like the way they customized the front grille, and left the cat eyes. You can't do much to those tail lights but just let them lay.
     

    Attached Files:

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  21. 61art
    Joined: Jun 11, 2012
    Posts: 376

    61art
    Member

    Another quick update:
    Exhaust is about halfway. Got glasspacks in and on a holding pattern.
    Decided to install windshield. I have done a few windshields, but haven’t done a 59. It was easier than I thought. I took about 45 minutes for the initial install. I still have to put the chrome back on. Here’s a befor and after.
     

    Attached Files:

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  22. Gman0046
    Joined: Jul 24, 2005
    Posts: 6,256

    Gman0046
    Member

    61art X2. The 59 fins and tailights have always gotten my attention. The one year body style is one of my favorites.
     
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  23. 61art
    Joined: Jun 11, 2012
    Posts: 376

    61art
    Member

    Decided to do all the bodywork. Wow what a chore. The guy who sold it to me said it was laser straight all ready and just needed some blocking and paint. 8 rust repairs later and here she is.
     

    Attached Files:

  24. RaginPin3Appl3
    Joined: Mar 31, 2016
    Posts: 1,172

    RaginPin3Appl3
    Member

    can you point me in the direction where i can get those alternator brackets you have? that's exactly what i've been looking for. short water pump right?
     
  25. rmorris
    Joined: Jun 3, 2017
    Posts: 102

    rmorris
    Member

     
  26. rmorris
    Joined: Jun 3, 2017
    Posts: 102

    rmorris
    Member

    I am enjoying your project Your 61 bubble top brings back memories of a sweet black over black with red vinyl interior, 283-4 speed bubble top that would pick my buddy and me up on our way hitchhiking to high school.
     
    61art likes this.
  27. Peanut 1959
    Joined: Oct 11, 2008
    Posts: 2,179

    Peanut 1959
    Member

  28. Deuces
    Joined: Nov 3, 2009
    Posts: 23,875

    Deuces

    Looks like the motor is tilted towards the passenger side a degree er so.....
    Must be my eyesight playin' tricks on this early in the a.m.,.....o_O:confused::(:rolleyes:
     
  29. 61art
    Joined: Jun 11, 2012
    Posts: 376

    61art
    Member

    78 Chevy pickup original 350 Jolopy Jungle
     

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