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.
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?
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
61art X2. The 59 fins and tailights have always gotten my attention. The one year body style is one of my favorites.
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.
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?
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.
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.,.....