|
Welcome to the Australian Ford Forums forum. You are currently viewing our boards as a guest which gives you limited access to view most discussions and inserts advertising. By joining our free community you will have access to post topics, communicate privately with other members, respond to polls, upload content and access many other special features without post based advertising banners. Registration is simple and absolutely free so please, join our community today! If you have any problems with the registration process or your account login, please contact us. Please Note: All new registrations go through a manual approval queue to keep spammers out. This is checked twice each day so there will be a delay before your registration is activated. |
|
The Pub For General Automotive Related Talk |
|
Thread Tools | Display Modes |
18-03-2009, 12:59 PM | #1 | ||
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
Join Date: Jan 2005
Posts: 767
|
Hey guys,
Everyone loves a big Chevrolet, and I've been itching to find some thing decent as my first old 'bomb' restoration project. I say 'restoration', but thats a pretty loose term, I really mean getting something that doesn't need too much work, back to roadworthy, driving it a bit and then passing it on. I've come across a 64 Chev Belair with a 350 and 2speed auto for less than 5k, last rego'd 18mths ago. Haven't seen it yet, may be worse than it sounds, but only rust (i'll believe it when I see it) is in the boot and bonnet. Not sure on interior, supposedly mechanically its OK, but no doubt needs some work. Are these things too old and too difficult to get parts for? Any reason a newbie wouldn't fix something like this up instead of ax XC/XD (other than the fact its not a Ford!). Shame its so big though, I live up a right of way. Might be fun moving it around. Advice appreciated.
__________________
______________________________________ 2006 BF MKII Winter White Wagon |
||
18-03-2009, 01:06 PM | #2 | ||
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Rockingham WA
Posts: 1,234
|
Sounds good!
350 parts are cheap, not sure if the 2 speed is a powerglide, but if it is it should be easy to source parts if needed. Rust will always be needed to be looked at a vehicle almost 50 years old, but its always fixable, i have seen a few cars that a panelshop not far from me has brought back from near extinction. If the interior is complete, it should be all good. Might be things like chrome trims and glass might be the hardest thing to find. Best of luck!
__________________
A philosopher is a person who finds a problem for every solution . :Reverend: 95 EF XR8, Advance headers, Vortech V2 t trim blower, Ported Cobra Manifold, Capa Switch Chip Eliminator. 307 rwhp 395 ft/lb 13.2 @ 105mph Now NA- AFR 165 heads, 1.6RR, Ported Cobra 269rwhp 14.2 ... needs stall and 4.11's 1977 CL Chrysler Panel Van, 360, 727 torqueflite auto soon to be restored. |
||
18-03-2009, 01:09 PM | #3 | ||
335 - STILL THE BOSS ...
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Melb East
Posts: 11,421
|
I do know 2 shops that wont do old Chevs as they are very time consuming and expensive to repair rust wise. Panel fitment is shocking and a pian to get right BUT I am sure there are those out there that specialise in them
| [/url] |
__________________
'73 Landau - 10.82 @ 131mph '11 FG GT335 - 12.43 @ 116mph '95 XG ute - 3 minutes, 21.14 @ 64mph 101,436 MEMBERS ......... 101,436 OPINIONS ..... What could possibly go wrong! Clevo Mafia [SIGPIC][/SIGPIC] |
||
18-03-2009, 05:09 PM | #4 | ||
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
Join Date: Jan 2005
Posts: 767
|
Thanks guys.
Well, it sounds like its worth a closer look. Will let you know.
__________________
______________________________________ 2006 BF MKII Winter White Wagon |
||
18-03-2009, 05:36 PM | #5 | |||
Previously ScottishXC
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Sydney
Posts: 2,100
|
I believe that you can get every single part for the BelAir's from the US as they have all been remanufactured by various companies- just going on what I have been told by owners of these cars. If true, they would be the perfect machine to restore but as Auslandau said- rust and panel is very time consuming on these models...time = lots of $$$$
__________________
Great transactions with the following members: BJ Gilesie XAGTCoupe Pilch Aussie_afroman Donut King Bad Boy Benny BAWITHLOT Greenmachine Pinkbits CUZ351 OhioXB Falconunbelievable 4VXC Uncleraggy FG G6 Ego, tech pack, Tropic gold 1973 Landau, Cosmic blue 1975 P5 LTD....long term project Quote:
|
|||
18-03-2009, 08:09 PM | #6 | ||
Regular Member
Join Date: May 2005
Posts: 366
|
im not a newbie at car stuff but i brought this as my first american car project
can anyone tell me what it is |
||
18-03-2009, 08:40 PM | #7 | ||
TTG Owner
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Hobart
Posts: 673
|
Thunderbird?
__________________
2006 SY Territory Turbo Ghia - Icon Blue - CAI - Sat Nav - Roof Mount DVD |
||
18-03-2009, 08:44 PM | #8 | ||
Regular Member
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Adelaide
Posts: 107
|
chrysler? maybe buick
|
||
18-03-2009, 09:11 PM | #9 | ||
Regular Member
Join Date: May 2005
Posts: 366
|
not any of those guesses
its from the GM family |
||
18-03-2009, 09:51 PM | #10 | ||
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Hervey Bay
Posts: 4,198
|
With those tail lights its a 1959 Oldsmobile Holiday or Dynamic 88
Last edited by Pedro; 18-03-2009 at 09:56 PM. |
||
19-03-2009, 08:17 AM | #11 | |||
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
Join Date: Jun 2005
Posts: 3,633
|
Quote:
BTW: I'd have thought that a full-sized Chev would make a good project 'cos it's body-on-frame meaning there is very little that could be considered "structural" rust .. unlike unit-body cars like Falcons, etc. You can get anything for them, it's just the cost involved. Personally I think that the local Dodge Phoenix is a great "Yank" car .. far cheaper than Chev/Ford and personally I think that they handle and drive nicer; i.e. not all over the place. I've got a '69 Phoenix hardtop sitting at home which I can't find time to finish, but can't bring myself to sell, 'cos I know I'll get basically nothing for it .. |
|||
19-03-2009, 08:52 AM | #12 | ||
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
Join Date: May 2006
Location: In my happy place
Posts: 5,432
|
A mate of mine is selling this if your interested
http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI....m=110365553498 or if you were quicker I had a 60 Belair on the go a little while ago that went to $8500.00 with 11 months NSW rego these old cruzers can be had for reasonable money, and as for shops not touching old Chev's all I can say is piffol absolute piffol, these are old Cars there all difficult to get bits for but if your chasing parts for 50's and 60's American Iron you will find it so much easyer to track down Chev poncho and even dodge stuff than you will the ford gear (aside form mustang) I inspected a 58 Poncho for a guy in Sydney yesterday but that was upp arround the 20k mark If your keen why not join up over at ozrodders and let it be known what your chasing and how much you want to spend, some one will have what your looking for (always a good idea to participate i nthe rest of the forum frist) Ozrodders is the forum part of an internet based hot rod & custom club Oz-e-rodders so it caters for rods right through to 1970 cars be it Austrailan or American check it out theres links in my signature
__________________
Pariahs C.C. What could possibly go wrong I post images with postimg.cc (so I don’t forget) Last edited by The Yeti; 19-03-2009 at 09:05 AM. |
||
19-03-2009, 06:24 PM | #13 | ||
Moderator
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Foothills of the Macedon Ranges
Posts: 18,605
|
No rust in this baby if you have a spare $US135,000
See this website http://www.57classicchevy.com/789-chevy.html |
||
19-03-2009, 07:38 PM | #14 | ||
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
Join Date: May 2006
Location: In my happy place
Posts: 5,432
|
the only thing I dont like is the wind screen but the idea reminds my of the Johny Cash cadalac song
__________________
Pariahs C.C. What could possibly go wrong I post images with postimg.cc (so I don’t forget) |
||
19-03-2009, 08:29 PM | #15 | ||
Regular Member
Join Date: May 2005
Posts: 366
|
Pedro you hit the nail right on the head
|
||
19-03-2009, 08:42 PM | #16 | ||
LOW AND SLOW
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Geelong.
Posts: 2,644
|
The grille alone spells Oldsmobile.
Although it does look like a Caddy. The 50's and 60's had many cars from different manufacturer's that shared styling cue's from their competitor's. It's still happening !! falconboy, go for it. There is plenty of help and advice from Members here and also other clubs. All the best with it mate and let us know if you buy it and need assistance with anything. Cheers, Adam.
__________________
"Any Color You Like As Long As It's Black, Matt Black, With Flames, And A Bit Of Pinstriping". Last edited by Nostalgia; 19-03-2009 at 08:51 PM. |
||
19-03-2009, 09:05 PM | #17 | ||
LOW AND SLOW
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Geelong.
Posts: 2,644
|
She only has a 283 in her but something let's go in a big way. Listen closely. > http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ymu_SN4cXr4
Or if you want to go for a shotgun ride in a hemi powered RatRod, and please do turn your sound up as loud as you can. It's sensational. Click here > http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Omj6zxtIB0 Cheers, Adam.
__________________
"Any Color You Like As Long As It's Black, Matt Black, With Flames, And A Bit Of Pinstriping". Last edited by Nostalgia; 19-03-2009 at 09:11 PM. |
||
19-03-2009, 09:17 PM | #18 | ||
Moderator
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Foothills of the Macedon Ranges
Posts: 18,605
|
Back to original subject....
Chev Belair = big car = big project = lots of work required especially if it needs extensive rust repairs. But if you're the sort of person that gets things done, then go for it. |
||
20-03-2009, 05:50 AM | #19 | |||
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
Join Date: May 2006
Location: In my happy place
Posts: 5,432
|
Quote:
I have to say all the negativs listed for an old Chev above are pretty week, try harder guys or just admit there not your bag dont offer your opinions if you dont know
__________________
Pariahs C.C. What could possibly go wrong I post images with postimg.cc (so I don’t forget) |
|||
20-03-2009, 07:13 AM | #20 | |||
Moderator
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Foothills of the Macedon Ranges
Posts: 18,605
|
Quote:
But yes, get the Chev if that really fancies you. |
|||
21-03-2009, 06:31 AM | #21 | ||
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
Join Date: May 2006
Location: In my happy place
Posts: 5,432
|
So youve done both big and little cars?
All the way I'm talking hammers, dollys, slappers, heat shrinks lead and files? If so I takes my hat of too you but I dont agree with you as Ive also doen cars from cortina's to Gal's and I dont think in ters of pannel reapairs thats that much difference in work in volved as fot colour sanding well give me a smart car over a 50's Caddy any day
__________________
Pariahs C.C. What could possibly go wrong I post images with postimg.cc (so I don’t forget) |
||
21-03-2009, 10:50 AM | #22 | |||
Moderator
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Foothills of the Macedon Ranges
Posts: 18,605
|
Quote:
When paint stripping or removing surface rust, a panel thats twice the outside dimensions means four times the time to do (an area thing). But actual repair, preparation painting etc not so much, which I think is where you're getting at. But the larger panels also can be more difficult to handle by yourself, when repairing, fitting etc. |
|||
21-03-2009, 01:09 PM | #23 | |||
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
Join Date: May 2006
Location: In my happy place
Posts: 5,432
|
Quote:
__________________
Pariahs C.C. What could possibly go wrong I post images with postimg.cc (so I don’t forget) |
|||
21-03-2009, 02:13 PM | #24 | |||
Moderator
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Foothills of the Macedon Ranges
Posts: 18,605
|
Quote:
I was going by the initial post where falconboy was asking whether the Belair was a reasonable project, and that it sounded like he came across one rather than looking for that particular model (I could be wrong there). He seemed to have some doubts about such a big car. But really, a lot depends on the condition of the car he buys, and what is required to get it to the condition that he desires. Perhaps it wont need any body repairs, but just a respray. |
|||
21-03-2009, 05:22 PM | #25 | ||
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
Join Date: Jan 2005
Posts: 767
|
Wow, been away for a day or 2 and the threads gone nuts.
Anyway, I saw sense and decided not to go for it afterall. Too many things on the go (I was hoping to finish restoring my boat before summer ends!) and not enough room to store everything. It ended up going for $4500 or so too, so add a couple of grand minimum to get it back on the road, and for that I could probably get a decent cruiser with rego already on the road. Maybe next time.
__________________
______________________________________ 2006 BF MKII Winter White Wagon |
||