Paint Prep Work

1st Primer Coat and Some Block Sanding

We're getting close to paint.

New Floor

Installing the new floor and floor supports.

Rust

The body rust is extensive. Especially the floors and floor supports.

Chevy Engine and Transmission Removal

This is the beginning of the restoration of my 1955 Chevy Belair. We removed the engine and transmission and sent the engine to a new home.

First we removed the grill, the battery and battery holder.

Next we removed the air conditioning compressor and condenser and all hoses and wiring. We also removed the radiator cooling fan and the hood. The rear transmission mounts and the drive shaft were also disconnected and removed. The center and front engine mount bolts were loosened.

We attached the engine hoist and lifted the engine off the loosened mounts. The mounts were removed and the engine/transmission assembly was pulled forward and up.

The engine and transmission are now free from the car's engine compartment.

We separated the transmission from the engine.

The good running used 350 was loaded onto Matt's truck to be installed in Charles' Chevy truck.

The TH 400 3 speed transmission was set aside to be sold.

One 55 Chevy less an engine and transmission.

Thanks Matt!

Cragar SS Wheels

Over 35 years ago the Cragar SS 5 spoke wheels were the perfect match for the 55 Chevy body style. In my opinion they still are today. The BF Goodrich Radial T/A Tires were the choice of the avid 55 through 57 Chevy owner for their street rod. This combination works well and looks great on my 52 year old project car.

You can also see the additional trim pieces I added to the front fenders. The stainless steel "spear" molding from the headlights to the middle of the doors were not on the car when I got it. Now the body trim is complete and definitely restores that classic look.

Racing on the California Speedway.

How fast? Don't know, there's no speedometer and they don't clock you. They say you can go about 140 mph in these cars. It felt like it.
How long? I'm not sure but I think it was 12 laps total. We were on the track about 20 minutes. It certainly wasn't long enough. I could have easily gone another 30 minutes.
How much fun? More then I could ever express. Its like everything a Nascar fan can imagine and then more. I really drove a race car, well over 120 miles per hour, on a super speedway!
I was in complete control of the car with only the race coordinator giving me directions in my ear over a radio.
I was 1 of 7 cars in this session. I was started at the back of the field and I think I finished first. I know I passed a lot of cars and I never was passed. They don't really keep track of who finishes where.
Kids, this was the best gift I've ever received since God and your mother gave me you.
Thanks

My 1955 Chevrolet Belair 2 Door Hardtop

My 1955 Chevrolet Belair 2 door hardtop.

I've starting working on the restore of this classic. The picture here shows how it looks now. Although it looks pretty good in the picture it is a long way from what it will look like when its done. My plan is to get it road worthy and drive it for a couple of years working on the little things my car repair knowledge allows. Then, I will tear it down to the frame, have the body gone through bumper to bumper, and put it all back together with a new engine and complete interior.
It came to me with a lot of things needing repair. So far I've upgraded the brake system to power front disk brakes. I've rewired most of the car. Intalled a new electrical windshield wiper system. Put on a new front bumper and have all but 1 part of the rear bumper ready to be installed. I've put in a new dual exhaust system. A new 650 cfm Edelbroch carburetor. I put in new turn signal switch controls and horn contacts in the steering column along with a new replica steering wheel. I had the rear differential rebuilt and new rear wheel bearings installed. Replaced the driver side window and installed new door, trunk, glove box and ignition switch locks.