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-   -   Some people ask..........what ya up to these days? (https://www.yenko.net/forum/showthread.php?t=146833)

napa68 01-28-2018 05:16 PM

Some people ask..........what ya up to these days?
 
I had a perfectly good driver hot rod..................right? What does one do? Take it apart!

Here is my latest endeavor, revisiting my 59 Bel Air.


I will keep the original paint, and the overall look of the car won't change much. I'll even see how much of the original interior I elect to maintain. That's where it stops. My goal is to improve the car in these areas.

-Handling. A nice stiff chassis to take the squeaks and rattles out of the car and maintain a great ride quality. Not that I plan to autocross this, there is definitely room for improvement. I am thinking a 12" wide rear tire which may require mini tubs. 10" wide rubber in the front.

-Braking. It stops well now, it can be better. An engineered chassis and brake system will improve overall braking and thus predictability. I'll be limited in brakes as I am going to maintain a 15" wheel so I have no issue with the hardcore 1964 and earlier events. (I'll just keep the hood closed)

-Comfort. Vintage Air HVAC as well as revisiting the seats. I am wanting to keep the bench seats and the overall feel of the interior. Modern foam in the seat so as I feel a bit more "planted" while in it. I suppose there may be some mods to the seat frame so I can get some lumbar support and perhaps a bit better ergonomics. We will see there. LOTS of sound deadener!

-Power. LS3 / 480hp with 4L70E Connect and Cruise

-Theme. The theme wont necessarily change much. I want a car that looks like it got parked in the mid 60's, and then recommissioned recently. My original vision was a car that could have been parked around Gasoline Alley in mid May of 63-65.


On the docket........................

1. Roadster Shop chassis
2. GM Connect & Cruise power
3. Refinish the underside and engine compartment to the standards of a modern build. I am drawn to an OE feel and sensibility.

Before disassembly...........

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...psq2o16s32.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...psifttp9a7.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...psffmmyp3s.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...psz0wur5na.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...pspc3daiww.jpg

napa68 01-28-2018 05:18 PM

What a treat to have floors like this! Almost a shame to cut them.

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...psyuaqwu8j.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...psw5d9mw0o.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...ps3qx7ylj2.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...psxxdjiwlo.jpg

This whole car comes apart with hand tools. Untouched from 59

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...psbu6dmr8k.jpg

napa68 01-28-2018 05:19 PM

Original warranty book....................
http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...psbodids4f.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...psyufz4h7v.jpg

The paperwork for the underdash A/C unit purchased from Montgomery Ward in 1963..........
http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...pscaicsgut.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...psxphykg14.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...ps4pnl4cuu.jpg

I am going to use the original shell of the A/C unit and use it as a plenum for the Vintage Air unit that will be installed.

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...psflhmnfba.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...psxxwjgdwb.jpg

Spare oil change door tag...............

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...psvufejfrp.jpg

napa68 01-28-2018 05:20 PM

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...psmjj7sspp.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...pstmcpwzj2.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...psfp3ieyzt.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...psof4ssscx.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...ps6offwluz.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...pskksoch8o.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...psypswfg35.jpg

This thing is a pleasure to work on!
http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...psnrjgajgt.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...psk9d0tqoc.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...pszkjlkwgb.jpg

napa68 01-28-2018 05:23 PM

I'm giddy and impressed!

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...psl2v4h2s7.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...pssskn5w4c.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...pscxccwunv.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...pshfuts5pl.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...pspw5c8cxa.jpg

My LS3 480
http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...pskgovowgt.jpg

Dakota Digital gauge set

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...psdrsyg83k.jpg

napa68 01-28-2018 05:25 PM

And now the fab work begins..............

The new hat channels for the additional body mounts and the floorpan mods to fit the new chassis.

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...pshkbgw1kl.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...psypes04do.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...psumzvqtxf.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...psqjx083ic.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...pspzfnluty.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...psdga1gxxc.jpg

The chassis fits like a glove! Plenty of room for rubber and what looks to be a killer ride height.

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...ps5ejxmriq.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...psbvpouhc7.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...pspjho0wvk.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...psaph2spj0.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...pszizu50re.jpg

So.................that's where all of my lunch money is going!

67 Nova Boy 01-28-2018 05:31 PM

Looks great work! Very nice to see rust free metal for a change...

Look forward to see it every step of the way.

Dave
67 Nova Boy

SS427 01-28-2018 06:00 PM

Love it! Great craftsmanship.

396L78canuck 01-28-2018 07:40 PM

That is one rust free 59..............love those bat wing 59.Trunk lid are very tough to find.Bob

KM265S 01-28-2018 11:48 PM

Sounds like a case of Kwhizz-itus to me. Very nice.


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