Bill Eaton's (427TJ's) Newest Ride!

[Xplantdad]

First of all...I would like to thank the two people who have volunteered to share their cars with us allow me to break policy here and allow this car to be the Members Ride of the week. I just wanted everyone to share in the fun that Bill Eaton is having right now.

The two fine folks who gave their okay will have their rides posted ON TIME by me (I have been lacking lately with this and I am sorry) in the following weeks....

Now, onto Bill's newest score *Which was just delivered on October 22nd* http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif




The Time Capsule.

I've wanted a '55 Chevy since I was a kid and this year I finally was in a position to began looking for one. My friend Brad has an incredible ex-gasser '55 Bel Air post coupe with a 600-horse Rat, auto, 4:88s, black interior, orange exterior, American 200S mags with radiused wheel arches to allow huge M/T street stickies, etc. I went nuts when I first laid eyes on Brad's car and he helped me locate my car. Brad and I searched classifieds, eBay, etc. for a good candidate. Plenty of cars with rust in the body supports, etc., and plenty of half-a$$ed cars out there but I held out for something special.

Having grown up in the Bay Area of California in the '60s and '70s I knew the instant I saw this car that it was the one. The car was built in Los Angeles (VB55L vin) and spent the first 23 years of its life in Long Beach. The car was street-rodded by a young owner in the early 1970s who sold it to the person I bought it from on 12/29/78. He then kept it just as you see it for almost 30 years, only taking it out for sunny-day cruises and local shows. The guy I bought it from grew up in Long Beach and bought the car just after Christmas of 1978 after seeing an ad in the paper for a "red 1955 Chevrolet." He moved to Michigan soon after where the car was garage-kept with several other collector cars. He is now retired and decided to sell the '55 and I saw it on eBay and took a chance. After talking on the phone with the seller I had a very good feeling about the car and I bid accordingly.

I sent the money, the transporter picked up the car, and after some difficulty with the shipping company the car finally arrived a few days ago while I was on a trip. My wife and a neighbor (who is able to drive a snarling old 4-speed street machine) took delivery and got the car put away in the garage.

I arrived home at 2:00 a.m., hit the door opener, and there it was. I was like a kid on Christmas morning. I quietly looked the car over inside and out and it occurred to me that the car was even better than the eBay ad and the seller had implied. I went to bed at 2:45 a.m. and awoke at 6:00 a.m. and went down to the garage to look at the car some more. The wife went to work, I took the kids to school, and then I came home and checked the car over thoroughly and fired it up.

I was not really ready for the killer idle of the 327. It has a Duntov 30-30 solid-lifter cam that exits through headers and Thrush HUSH turbos with turndowns and it lit-off and went "rump-rump-rump" just like the old days. I eased it out of the garage and took it for a short spin around the neighborhood and everybody stops what they are doing to watch this thumping red-orange beast go past. I still can't believe I have a '55 Chevy.

Engine: 327 with 10.5 pistons and 4-bolt mains (conversion). Holley Dominator intake and 650 carb. Duntov solid-lifter cam and roller rockers. MSD distributor and coil recently added to replace old Mallory dual-point setup. Milodon pan. Camel-hump heads but I have not yet determined if they are 2.02s or 1.94s. Moroso valve covers. Headers with Thrush turbos. M-21 trans with Mr. Gasket shifter. Clutch and p-plate have been in there for three decades and will soon be replaced. Original '55 differential with 4:11 Posi. Extra leaf in rear springs and slapper traction bars. Battery relocated to trunk. First-gen Camaro bucket seats with leather tuck and roll. Sun Super II tach and SW gauges. Grant wood wheel. US Indy slot mags with 78-series whitewalls (turned in) on the front and ancient Inglewood Pos-A-Traction Torque Twister tires on the rear. Front stabilizer bar added and new shocks all around. Car was originally Gypsy Red with an India Ivory roof panel and it is a 210 Delray Club Coupe, not a Bel Air. Interior was originally black with white trim. The seller dug up the black California plates that the car got in 1963 and they will be used for shows. Car is dry as a bone underneath and there is NO rust. Paint is old but very nice and will get minor touch-ups here and there. Doors, hood and trunk all close and windows roll up and down as if the car was brand-new.

Pat Chappell's 1977 book,<u> The Hot One, Chevrolet 1955-57</u>, leads off with the sentence, "Almost everyone had one once." I am delighted to finally be able to add myself to that group. I still can't believe I have a '55 Chevy.

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b156/lotsayenkopics/Members%20Rides/Bill%20Eaton/tn_55-1Crop.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b156/lotsayenkopics/Members%20Rides/Bill%20Eaton/tn_55-4Crop.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b156/lotsayenkopics/Members%20Rides/Bill%20Eaton/tn_55-2Crop.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b156/lotsayenkopics/Members%20Rides/Bill%20Eaton/tn_55-3Crop.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b156/lotsayenkopics/Members%20Rides/Bill%20Eaton/tn_55Stuff001.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b156/lotsayenkopics/Members%20Rides/Bill%20Eaton/tn_55-5Crop.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b156/lotsayenkopics/Members%20Rides/Bill%20Eaton/tn_55-6Crop.jpg



Bill was nice enough to send me a video, too!

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b156/lotsayenkopics/Members%20Rides/Bill%20Eaton/th_55Stuff005.jpg (http://s19.photobucket.com/albums/b156/lotsayenkopics/Members%20Rides/Bill%20Eaton/?action=view&amp;current=55Stuff005.flv)

[mockingbird812]

Cool ride Bill. Nice dream come true. Now go do lot's of this....

http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/3gears.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/3gears.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/3gears.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/3gears.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/3gears.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/3gears.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/3gears.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/3gears.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/3gears.gif

[Eddie M.]

It sure sounds good.......have fun with it http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

[47Hammer]

Bill,
Congratulations on your new toy , I have always loved '55's. Have a blast with it. Good luck! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

[Verne_Frantz]

Very COOL Bill... http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif I love the old school look, of course.. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/naughty.gif Very "period".
How about some more pics of the interior??

http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gifVerne

[1969l78]

Great Ride http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[olredalert]

------Very nice old-style ride. 55 "Delrays" had the absolutely coolest interiors not only of 55s but of all 50s Chevys, IMO. An original bench with a notch cut for the shifter would be totally bad!!!!.....Bill S

-----Had to edit a bit. I dont want to be that guy suggesting a change on a car you just got, and obviously like. ITS VERY COOL AS IS!

[kwhizz]

Somebody is getting close to the "Spoiled Brat" catagory http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/worship.gif...........Sounds "Great" Bill http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif......Enjoy

Ken http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/flag.gif

[budnate]

cool!! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/3gears.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[ORIGLS6]

"I was not really ready for the killer idle of the 327. It has a Duntov 30-30 solid-lifter cam that exits through headers and Thrush HUSH turbos with turndowns and it lit-off and went "rump-rump-rump" just like the old days.......................... I still can't believe I have a '55 Chevy."

Nothing beats the sound of the Duntov solid cam in a vintage 327. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/worship.gif

That's an absolute classic combo Bill. I am VERY JEALOUS! Congratulations. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

[x Baldwin Motion]

Bill, congrats on the new ride and good luck !!

oh yeah, http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/Can-I-Have-It.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/headbang.gif



"....327 with 10.5 pistons and 4-bolt mains (conversion)"
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/dunno.gif
help me out here, is that just drilling the block and using 4 bolt caps? is it that easy?

[427TJ]

Thanks guys for the compliments on the car. I am still in disbelief that it's actually in my garage and I keep going out there and looking at it and sitting in it. My buddy (with the Rat-powered '55 ex-gasser) came over on Saturday night and looked the car over and he kept seeing neat things about the car and just shaking his head at what a time capsule it is. (During the auction he told me that if I wasn't going to buy it then he would.) He also gave me a new/repop set of license plate frames that say "Lions Drag Strip." They will go well with the car since it is from Long Beach.

I have not confirmed that the mains are actually converted to 4-bolt but that's what the seller told me on the car's history write-up he sent to me. The engine was built by a speed shop in SoCal back in the '70s. A 4-bolt conversion involves new main caps and an align-bore to make sure everything is straight before the crank goes in and I think it was a pretty common modification to 283s and 327s back in the day. Maybe some of the "geezers" can elaborate on that?

I'm out on the road again this week for four days and I can't wait to get home and see the car again. It's like being a kid with his first car all over again.

[427TJ]

[ QUOTE ]
Somebody is getting close to the "Spoiled Brat" catagory

[/ QUOTE ]

I've said it before Ken: I just want to be like you when I grow up! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[Belair62]

Bill I love your car.55's are awsum.No other car looks as badass in gasser style besides maybe a Willys...I have never had one.Someday I will find the right one...Mark Johnson has a cool old gasser ....this one is better than Viagra

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v140/Belair62/rcshowsf04036MA8777459-0001.jpg

[markjohnson]

Now that is a good lookin' Double Nickel! Of course, I guess I am a little partial to these things. Gotta tell ya' I've had a lot of neat cars, Chevelles, Novas, Camaros, etc, but there's just something utterly cool about a bad ass '55 Chevy. Maybe it's the fact that it's the debut of the small block and the 12 volt electrical system or the fact that EVERYBODY has owned one or has great stories of riding in a friend's fast '55. Yep, the '55 Chevrolet is where it all began and signaled the start of Chevrolet's performance era. Here's a coupla' great photos of mine that somebody snapped at the last Supercar Reunion. Hope they don't mind me re-posting them. Thanks.

[markjohnson]

One more.

[Z-11 396]

+++ Bill +++ Fantastic car, sounded wonderful to these ole ears, My first car was a 55 red, and cream convt. never sounded as good as your's but alot more than that silly Vair I got now... http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/haha.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/haha.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/haha.gif. Congrats on a great new show, and go machine.....Kasey .. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

[427TJ]

[ QUOTE ]
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v140/Belair62/rcshowsf04036MA8777459-0001.jpg

[/ QUOTE ]

I love hardtops but there's just something about the B-pillar and roofline of a coupe. Maybe I'll get some red-tint plexiglas side windows??? Naah! I am going to add a few vintage speed decals to the rear side windows--nothing gaudy, just proper mid-60s stuff. 15-inch original 1960s TTs and fresh (belted) tires are on the way. It $ucks being gone all week on a trip! I brought several photos of the car with me to look at--kinda' like a kid with his first girlfriend...

Thanks again for the compliments guys!

[ORIGLS6]

[ QUOTE ]


I love hardtops but there's just something about the B-pillar and roofline of a coupe.

[/ QUOTE ]

http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

[ QUOTE ]
I am going to add a few vintage speed decals to the rear side windows--nothing gaudy, just proper mid-60s stuff. 15-inch original 1960s TTs and fresh (belted) tires are on the way.

[/ QUOTE ]

NOW WE'RE TALKIN!!!!!!! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/worship.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[Verne_Frantz]

I don't know Bill.......I kinda like the look of the old slots. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif You could try to polish them up and see if you like that look before changing them.. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/dunno.gif

http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gifVerne

[427TJ]

I hear you Verne--the slots will get polished up, maybe fully restored, and remain ready to bolt back on when I want a change of look and the old tires will stay on the slots. The restored 15x6 and x8.5 peaked-spoke Torq Thrusts I have will really look good on there. 6.40 (I think) Coker Firestone ribbed blackwalls in front on 15x6s with (probably) 9-inch Radir blackwall pie-crust cheaters on the 8.5s. I'll have to measure the rear clearances first but I think I can make Radir slicks work.

I'll post interior pics when I am home Thursday or Friday.

[Belair62]

Bill...you just rang the bell for me...I ave been wondering what to do with this 64...I settled for dog dish for nowI have these shtty old M/T wheels here that I want to put on the front...but I also have these 15X7 and X8.5 TT wheels...you got me thinking now...Mark...now you are gonna get Bill going in the right direction...I always thought the hardtop was cool on 55 GM with that chrome window trim that was hinged !!!

[Verne_Frantz]

I think it would be trick either way Bill, but I have a soft spot for that period rubber http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif It just makes it look like that's the way it's always been.........and I guess you know my thinking: if it was cool then - it's cool now!!

http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gifVerne

And Bags........Nobody in their right mind would put M/T Raders on a full size Chevy!!!! IF your '64 doesn't have painted wheels, it should only have chrome reverses all around! Get with the program Shorty! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/naughty.gif

[MosportGreen66]

awesome car Bill! Congrats on fulfilling a dream... http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

[427TJ]

[ QUOTE ]
it should only have chrome reverses all around!

[/ QUOTE ]

Yep, 15x4 or 5 in front and 7 in back, ribbed front tires and blackwall Hurst or Radir slicks in back. To die for.

[Belair62]

omma put some 22's on it and roll thru your hood Verne..

[Verne_Frantz]

OK...........this isn't between us wiseguy! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif Let's focus on Bill's new heartbeat. Bill, I still want to see more interior shots. Cobwebs &amp; all! IT's got to be period, so share it. What other mods were there? Where'd the buckets come from, etc? PLease share more of the car with us. Timeless design! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/worship.gif

http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gifVerne

[427TJ]

[ QUOTE ]
I still want to see more interior shots. Cobwebs &amp; all! IT's got to be period, so share it. What other mods were there? Where'd the buckets come from, etc? PLease share more of the car with us.

[/ QUOTE ]

I'll post interior shots Thursday night when I get home. Buckets seem to be first-gen Camaro since the seat backs match my '67s. Interior has thin-gauge aluminum panels along the door panel bottoms and kick panels as well as a neat triangular-shaped panel on the tranny hump up under the dash. The stock Delray white-painted panel in the dash has aluminum sheet cut to fit and the gauges are mounted in that part of the dash. You can see it if you look through the window in one of the above photos. Nice black carpet. Seats don't adjust and are bolted to (through) wood blocks on the floor! Very old school. No belts but I have a pair of Diest aircraft-style lap belts that I bought in 1990 and never used so they will go in once I fab some mounts for them. Stay tuned, photos in 24 hours.

[427TJ]

Door panel with aluminum lower portion.

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a234/BE427TJ/55%20Chevy/55Interior001.jpg

More aluminum paneling. Pretty sure the seats are Camaro.

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a234/BE427TJ/55%20Chevy/55Interior002.jpg

Dash with aluminum insert and gauges. This area was white in my car when new. Radio deleted by gauges, glove box cover is chrome. Note triangular aluminum panel on trans hump and fire extinguisher. Yes, it's charged.

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a234/BE427TJ/55%20Chevy/55Interior007.jpg

Aluminum strip on b-pillar and chrome window mouldings on rear windows.

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a234/BE427TJ/55%20Chevy/55Interior005.jpg

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a234/BE427TJ/55%20Chevy/55Interior004.jpg

Aluminum panel behind door.

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a234/BE427TJ/55%20Chevy/55Interior003.jpg

Tach and stock column shifter socket. Note Powerglide shift pattern. Car was originally a 265/PG.

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a234/BE427TJ/55%20Chevy/55Interior008.jpg

Mr. Gasket shifter. Perfectly located under right hand!

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a234/BE427TJ/55%20Chevy/55Interior009.jpg

Wood blocks for seat mounts!

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a234/BE427TJ/55%20Chevy/55Interior013.jpg

This was sprayed on the inside of the hood.

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a234/BE427TJ/55%20Chevy/55Interior026.jpg

[427TJ]

Air cleaner wingnut with "M W" logo. Anyone recongnize that brand?

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a234/BE427TJ/55%20Chevy/55Interior027.jpg

Carb. Supposed to be a 650?

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a234/BE427TJ/55%20Chevy/55Interior030.jpg

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a234/BE427TJ/55%20Chevy/55Interior029.jpg

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a234/BE427TJ/55%20Chevy/55Interior028.jpg

Can anyone decipher this for me?

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a234/BE427TJ/55%20Chevy/55Interior032.jpg

[427TJ]

Aluminum air deflectors added to each side behind grille.

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a234/BE427TJ/55%20Chevy/55Interior034.jpg


Thrush muffs--remember these?

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a234/BE427TJ/55%20Chevy/55Interior015.jpg

Twice pipes!

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a234/BE427TJ/55%20Chevy/55Interior021.jpg

Cowl tag. Anyone know what the Accessory Codes EZI stand for?

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a234/BE427TJ/55%20Chevy/55Interior035.jpg

[olredalert]

-----Guessing that the EZI is tinted glass, but thats just a guess..........Bill S

[Xplantdad]

Bill,

I'd like to thank you for submitting your new "find" for members rides. I must have included a reference to "55" in at least 55 of my posts...before the car arrived http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/naughty.gif

I can feel your excitment and enthusiasm right through the monitor.

Now, get the pillow and blanket out of the garage and go back and sleep in your bed! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif

[Verne_Frantz]

Bill,
Thanks very much for posting those extra pics. That car is locked firmly into the early '70s http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif I like all the aluminum trim inside. Most owners would never go to that trouble to do it so completely.
Yes, EZI refers to full tint. I also looked up the paint code and found that the car was originally a two-tone, India Ivory over Gypsy Red, a real eye catcher when new http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gifVerne

[427TJ]

Glad you like it Verne! It really takes me back to my paperboy days in the early '70s when I would see the older guys' cars like this parked at houses along my route(s) and the neat cars looked like this inside and out. I got home from another 4-day trip yesterday afternoon and I went out to the garage about five times last night and just sat in the car. I rolled down the window, rested my arm on the sill and left hand on the wheel, my right hand on the t-handle and just sat there. Who says you can't go back in time?

I got the Colvin 55-59 BTN book for my birthday (two weeks after buying the '55) and ran the numbers. Yep, Gypsy Red overall with an India Ivory roof panel. (Just the roof panel, not the aft quarters, trunk, etc.) The 508 trim code indicates a black interior with white trim. I read Colvin's paragraph on why he didn't include the Accessory codes in the book and that you had helped him resolve that. It's too bad that he had to withold the codes due to all the fakery in the restoration business but...

Sun's out today and I think I'll take'er out for a good hot run. Weak clutch and pp so none of this: http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/3gears.gif

(My dear old mother checked my Amazon "wish list" and saw the '55-'59 Colvin book and thought I'd like it for my birthday. She had no idea I had bought the '55 when she clicked on the book. Cool lady huh!)

[ORIGLS6]

That thing just makes me grin. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif And I can picture you sittin in the garage just as you described. Why? Been there! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif

Is that a spread-bore Holley? Kinda looks like it from the side. I had poor luck with one of those on my '68 Corvette. After a short time I went back to the Q-Jet. Maybe it was just me, or that particular carb, but I never could get it to perform as well as the Q-J. I love Holleys in general, but that one came from the citrus family. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbsdown.gif

Hope you enjoy the day and keep us posted as she progresses! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/3gears.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/3gears.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[Verne_Frantz]

Yeah............she's cool Bill http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif Now make sure you take her for a ride in it! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

Curious, How's the rear coded? Front face of the 3rd member, driver's side will be the casting date and maybe a large "P" indicating Posi. Right side will be stamped with assy date and the original ratio code. Just curious....

I love the dash with the gauges............. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/drool.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/drool.gif That car is probably more "old days Period" than my car is...... It's like it was kept in a time capsule since '72.

We're going to have to start calling you "55HotRodKid".............. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

Verne http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

[427TJ]

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a234/BE427TJ/55%20Chevy/55GirlDecal.jpg

Put these on the vent windows today.

[x Baldwin Motion]

Wood blocks for seat mounts!

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a234/BE427TJ/55%20Chevy/55Interior013.jpg



[/ QUOTE ]

http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gifBill, this car is an exellent time machine, however I would seriously consider having a good look at the safety issue with these seats before you go pulling any 6grand hole-shots!!! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/eek.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/burnout.gif

[Dog427435]

Bill

What a fabulous piece of history - Best of Luck with it forever!
I had many '55's in the late sixties and early seventies and yours has bit of all of them in it. It's nice to see a car with so much detail from the day!
The Hush Thrush's we would paint hi-temp flat black, cause if a cop looked under your car and saw them or the round Thrush's it was an instant ticket!
The wooden seat mounting brackets were the norm, and yours are of higher quality - I've seen them made of multiple small wood blocks only under the front and back of the seat brackets!
Now you just need to pull off the front bumper and crank three or four of those aluminum spacers in the front springs........................

[Verne_Frantz]

Yep, I remember those twist-in aluminum spacers. I put 4 of them in each spring in the '62 (forgot to mention that) Rode like [censored].
The neatest thing about Bill's '55 is that it's STILL old school, rather than "recreated" old school. And the way it was done back then stood above the rest with that aluminum work everywhere! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif
It is a real time capsule!!! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif

Verne

[427TJ]

Yeah, those wood blocks cracked me up when I first saw them. I don't plan any 6-grand "Ronnie Sox" clutch side-step launches so the blocks will stay in there for the time being. This thing's strictly a cruiser, even though it idles like a P-47 Thunderbolt. I've had it out twice on local drives and it is a beast. The front brakes need an adjustment and I need to work-out the tune-up--advance curve and timing tweaks--but so far so good. A buddy (who is far smarter than I am) will help me get the tune-up dialed-in. Sure turns heads out on the street, especially when I idle up to a red light in neutral and it's going "WUMPITY-WUMPWUMPWUMP-WUMPA-WUMPWUMP" with the solids clattering away. It's just obnoxious.

[427TJ]

[ QUOTE ]
it's STILL old school, rather than "recreated" old school.

[/ QUOTE ]

Yeah Verne, and I really didn't get the full effect until I came home at 2 a.m. and saw it in the garage and got a look at it. I did change one thing on the car and that was the steering wheel. My buddy had an extra Superior "500" black plastic wheel so I swapped-out the wood wheel in about 10 minutes flat. I think the 500 looks a lot better on there. I was looking through my copy of "The Gasser Wars" and a lot of those cars have similar 500-type steering wheels.

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a234/BE427TJ/55%20Chevy/55SteeringWheel2.jpg

[Verne_Frantz]

A little hotter on the hands in the Summer, but it does blend in with the interior better. Good choice! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

Verne

[Dog427435]

Those wheels were the only way to go! Though most of the ones I saw never had a working horn.
The price list on these from 1970 shows a retail of $8.95-$12.95, but the wood ones were $24.95!

-
-
http://i158.photobucket.com/albums/t114/dog427435/Super%20Chevy/ss212.jpg
-

[ORIGLS6]

[ QUOTE ]
Sure turns heads out on the street, especially when I idle up to a red light in neutral and it's going "WUMPITY-WUMPWUMPWUMP-WUMPA-WUMPWUMP" with the solids clattering away. It's just obnoxious.

[/ QUOTE ]

Obnoxious? http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hmmm.gif Nah, COOL! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

And the wheel swap is a good thing. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[mmcporter]

WOW--NICE

[427TJ]

Had a smart car buddy over all day today to help me get the tune-up figured out (he did all the brain work). It was doggy before so we took off the cap and saw that the advance springs (old MSD electronic dist) were actually the heavy "shipping" springs used by the manufacturer for shipping the new distributor and meant to be replaced with lighter springs during initial install and tune. No wonder the damn thing wasn't advancing properly. SO, over to the nearby speed shop for the correct lighter MSD springs. My buddy put in one silver and one blue spring and now it advances nicely and is all in by 2400 rpm with 38 degrees total. Tweaked the timing slightly also. Now it happily pulls past 5500 wihtout hesitation and no ping. It's like a whole new car. My buddy said it reminds him of his old '69 Z/28 the way it quickly and happily revs past five grand on banzai throttle bursts. Pow, pow, pow on the shifter and we're bombing down the street at 60 (in a 35) in seconds flat. Nice to have the tune-up figured out. Now I await a new/rebuilt 3310 Holley from Eric "vintagemusclecar" to replace the aging spread-bore unit.

[Xplantdad]

Video please http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/naughty.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/headbang.gif

[427TJ]

[ QUOTE ]
Video please http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/naughty.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/headbang.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

You insitgator. I'll shoot some next weekend, weather permitting!

[47Hammer]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
Video please http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/naughty.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/headbang.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

You insitgator. I'll shoot some next weekend, weather permitting!

[/ QUOTE ]


Bill, I got all excited http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/drool.gif when you slipped in the video of your car ( sounds great ) http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/headbang.gif so when I talked with Bruce he kinda told me how , so I slipped one in on mine. Check it out. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

[Xplantdad]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
Video please http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/naughty.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/headbang.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

You insitgator. I'll shoot some next weekend, weather permitting!

[/ QUOTE ]


Bill, I got all excited http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/drool.gif when you slipped in the video of your car ( sounds great ) http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/headbang.gif so when I talked with Bruce he kinda told me how , so I slipped one in on mine. Check it out. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

Yea..just call me the instigator. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Bart...I have to check yours out, too! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[MosportGreen66]

Bill -- You need a vintage Sun SST 8 grand tach on on that car... http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[427TJ]

Got one? (For a price less than my first-born male child? http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif)

[MosportGreen66]

HA! Bill, I do not have one right now. All I have are NOS in the box units. Since the car has just the right amount of vintage patina on it, I would look at some slightly used tachs on ebay. I have used Gary the Tach Man for restoration along with Williamson's Tach Repair. Both produced excellent results.

Here is what I found... they're on ebay all day long. Chrome cups are easily found too.

-Dan

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/SUN-SUPER...sspagenameZWDVW (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/SUN-SUPER-TACH-MODEL-SST-802-F-8-000-RPM-BLUE-LINE_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ80739QQihZ002QQite mZ120188645851QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW)

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/SUN-SUPER...sspagenameZWDVW (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/SUN-SUPER-TACH-MODEL-SST-802-8-000-RPM-BLUE-LINE_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ80739QQihZ002QQite mZ120188652032QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW)

and one a little more complete...

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Vintage-8...sspagenameZWDVW (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Vintage-8K-Sun-Super-Tach-Chevy-Pontiac-Nickey-Yenko_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ33679QQihZ001QQit emZ110199395269QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW)

[427TJ]

Thanks Dan, I will observe the eBay scene and see if there's something more appropriate than the Super II that's in the car now.

[MosportGreen66]

No Problem Bill. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

-Dan

[427TJ]

Put on the 3310 that Eric Jackson (vintagemusclecar) put together for me. Fired right up and only the idle mixture screws needed the normal adjusting. Throttle snaps nicely off-idle and car goes like a raped ape.

Thanks again Eric! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a234/BE427TJ/55%20Chevy/3310.jpg

Supposed to be sunny and "55" in Seattle tomorrow so a few more test runs are in order!

[Xplantdad]

[ QUOTE ]
Put on the 3310 that Eric Jackson (vintagemusclecar) put together for me. Fired right up and only the idle mixture screws needed the normal adjusting. Throttle snaps nicely off-idle and car goes like a raped ape.

Thanks again Eric! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

Supposed to be sunny and "55" in Seattle tomorrow so a few more test runs are in order!

[/ QUOTE ]

So...that means some VIDEO is in order??? http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/burnout.gif


Carb looks awesome!

[427TJ]

[ QUOTE ]
So...that means some VIDEO is in order???

[/ QUOTE ]


MMMMMM, could beeeee! No burnouts tho, I don't wanna' grenade the clutch/pp/diff, they are all OLD.

[VintageMusclecar]

Thank you Bill, you've been a pleasure to work with as well. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

Eric

[427TJ]

Memorial Day with the flag flying out front.

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a234/BE427TJ/55%20Chevy/MemorialDay3a.jpg

[427TJ]

Removed the surfer's crosses and the slanted-H Hurst decals and replaced them with older c65 vertical-H Hursts and original Indianapolis '69 decals.

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a234/BE427TJ/55%20Chevy/JuneMisc1012.jpg

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a234/BE427TJ/55%20Chevy/JuneMisc1013.jpg

Then I found this cool photo from Indy '69 posted on HAMB:

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a234/BE427TJ/55%20Chevy/Indy6955Chev.jpg

[kwhizz]

This is the "Ultimate" 55 Shot............Doesn't get any Better...............

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a234/BE427TJ/55%20Chevy/MemorialDay3a.jpg

[/ QUOTE ]

Ken http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/flag.gif

[427TJ]

Thanks Ken! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

Maybe one of these days we can work a trade with that alloy-head Nova of yours.......

[Draginwagon]

Nice "55" Bill,
Good luck with it. I love the Orange color, ie: red/orange
Beautiful. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/flag.gif

[427TJ]

Thanks Richard, it looks a little more "orangy" in the photo above--the actual color is called Flame Red. That paint hs been on the car since at least the 1970s.

[47Hammer]

Is it just me or has anyone else noticed the nice job done on the wheelwells here, what a difference! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/3gears.gif
Before..

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b156/lotsayenkopics/Members%20Rides/Bill%20Eaton/tn_55-2Crop.jpg

After..

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a234/BE427TJ/55%20Chevy/MemorialDay3a.jpg

[/ QUOTE ]

Add the change of wheel and tire combination, Bill, this car is just killer!
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/drool.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/drool.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/drool.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/drool.gif
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/drool.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/drool.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/drool.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/drool.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/Can-I-Have-It.gif

[427TJ]

Bart, are you trying to give me a case of "cutter's remorse" or what??? It sure looked neat with the slots but I had to have a gasser-look '55 just once in my life. Had it out today for a quick blast around town and had the 327 up around 4500 a few times working through the gears. A 4.88 Dana 60 is coming soon... http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/naughty.gif

[Xplantdad]

Bart was talking about your 55 on Saturday...needless to say...he loves it! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/headbang.gif

As do I! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[Xplantdad]

Congrats to Bill!

His car made it into a magazine as well! "Rod and Kulture" magazine has some "ink" on Bill's cool ride!

Check it out! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b156/lotsayenkopics/gloo/tn_bill1.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b156/lotsayenkopics/gloo/tn_bill2.jpg

[scuncio]

Nice work Bill....

[Dog427435]

Congratulations Bill!! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

You know your car is one of my favorites!! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[Seattle Sam]

Rod and Kulture - I had no idea!

Way to go, Bill! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

[mockingbird812]

She sits just right! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif Congrats Bill!! If that ain't credibility... http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/naughty.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[MosportGreen66]

congrats Bill! Don't change a thing!

[JJEH]

cool.... congrats too http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

[427TJ]

Gotta' be every car guy's dream to have his car in a magazine. Thanks for the kudos guys and thanks for posting that Bruce!

[ORIGLS6]

http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif Bill. I grab that magazine fairly often myself. I'll have to go lookin' this afternoon.

[427TJ]

At the Hotrod-A-Rama show I parked next to the Bill Marshall '32 Ford roadster, under new ownership up here in the PacNW. I felt that it was fitting that my CA black-plate "60s street machine" '55 was next to the time-capsule CA black plate Marshall '32. The new owner of the '32 gave my '55 a good going over an is a car guy who "gets it."

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a234/BE427TJ/Hotrod-A-Rama%2008/Post22.jpg

These two photos were displayed along the left running board:

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a234/BE427TJ/Hotrod-A-Rama%2008/Post23.jpg

Actually the above photo is probably '63-'64 (not '60) since the black license plates are '63-issue.

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a234/BE427TJ/Hotrod-A-Rama%2008/Post24.jpg

Great then-and-now photos huh! Same parking location too. I think that was in Vacaville, between the Bay Area and Sacramento. Bill Marshall fell ill a few years ago and the '32 showed up on eBay and then made its way up to Washington.

Here's a pic I took of the two cars parked together:

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a234/BE427TJ/Hotrod-A-Rama%2008/Post26.jpg

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a234/BE427TJ/Hotrod-A-Rama%2008/Post15.jpg

Now this is a chrome reversed wheel:

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a234/BE427TJ/Hotrod-A-Rama%2008/Post47.jpg

[mockingbird812]

Very http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif !! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[Xplantdad]

I concur! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif

[427TJ]

Removed the rear wheels and tires and replaced them with new Radir cheaters and original/restored American TT 15x8's. Now it has real TTs all around. I love the sidewall bulge of the Radirs and the mags have a deeper look to their dish even though they are the same backspace as the Appliance TT copies that were on there. The Radirs are an all-new tire, not a recap like the Hursts, and thus are a lot lighter. Thinner base of the wheel, the mounting flange, required new open-end lug nuts which make it more &quot;drag-racy.&quot;

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a234/BE427TJ/My%2055%20Chevy/Radirs1.jpg

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a234/BE427TJ/My%2055%20Chevy/Radirs2.jpg

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a234/BE427TJ/My%2055%20Chevy/Radirs3.jpg

Here it is the next day at Tacoma's wonderful &quot;Hotrod-A-Rama&quot; show. Yes, the ONE rainy day of the whole G-D summer. Yes, it was fun driving home on wet pavement...

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a234/BE427TJ/My%2055%20Chevy/HAMBerphotoHRaR2010edit1a.jpg

Oh, and I had the original '63 black plates restored and I put the rear plate on the car with original 1964 and '65 reg stickers (eBay). The Enoch frame came from a Y-net member whose name escapes me at the moment. My '55 came from Long Beach (built at LOS) and got the plates in '63. Now if there was just a place where American Graffitti was still happening.

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a234/BE427TJ/My%2055%20Chevy/OrignalPlate.jpg

[mockingbird812]

Oh BABY! Very Sweet. <span style="color: #FF6600"><span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="font-size: 17pt">Looks, oh so RIGHT!!!</span></span> </span><<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/headbang.gif