1959 Bel Air Winter Project
 

As some of you have seen before, I had purchased a real nice and mostly unrestored 59 Bel Air this summer. The only items changed by the previous owner was the addition of Air Ride suspension and the wheels and tires. After much thought, my Wife and I decided to make the car a "long hauler" to attend some of the shows and meets that are of a fair distance. With that being said, this car is going to receive drivetrain, brake, suspension, and comfort upgrades.

Here is a few photos of the car before I started to dismantle it and a few progress photos from the start of the project this weekend.
http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...68/belair2.jpg
http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...68/belair1.jpg
http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...68/belair3.jpg
http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...68/belair4.jpg
http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...68/belair5.jpg
http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...8/100_1667.jpg
http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...8/100_1666.jpg

Also, new parts started to arrive. I had selected to use the Air Ride Technologies Muscle Bar sway bars. These things are HUGE!

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...8/100_1663.jpg
http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...8/100_1664.jpg

I should have my LS1 / 4L60E later this week. I'll post the progress pics. Anyone interested in some parts, let me know. The engine, trans (3 speed manual) control arms, brakes, etc. are going to get replaced. I'll make someone a hell of a deal on what they need!

Re: 1959 Bel Air Winter Project
 

7 months till Power Tour.....Forget about the LS1.....Go for the LS9, It's just $$$$$$$.......Charley has the fuel system all figured out so it will be a piece of cake......Keep the pic's coming.........

Ken

Re: 1959 Bel Air Winter Project
 

Also.....If you need any help or parts made, just let me know.....

Ken

Re: 1959 Bel Air Winter Project
 

This will be fun to watch as well!

Re: 1959 Bel Air Winter Project
 

Tim.................Lot's of LS swap info at the LS site.....check out the Conversion and Hybrid section.....

http://www.ls1tech.com/forums/index.php


Ken

Re: 1959 Bel Air Winter Project
 

Tim,

Love it! I`m getting my popcorn ready.

Dan

Re: 1959 Bel Air Winter Project
 

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: kwhizz</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> Tim.................Lot's of LS swap info at the LS site.....check out the Conversion and Hybrid section.....

http://www.ls1tech.com/forums/index.php


Ken </div></div>

Thanks for the tip. I had seen a thread on that site for cruise control. That was one of my questions. LOTS of good reading over there. I had also noticed quite a bit of good information on Lateral G .net. I am all ears for good suggestions and directions..


Thanks,

Tim

Re: 1959 Bel Air Winter Project
 

I am all ears for good suggestions and directions..


LS9........LS9.......LS9........LS9.......Power Tour.....Power Tour........Power Tour......

Re: 1959 Bel Air Winter Project
 

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: napa68</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I am all ears for good suggestions and directions..


Thanks,

Tim </div></div>

Oh, you gotta be careful making that statement here. [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/grin.gif[/img]

But since you <span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="font-style: italic">DID</span></span>, ......... that '59 is a Big Ol Car. And the LS9 has a Ton o Power [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/naughty.gif[/img] And since we're spending <span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="font-style: italic">YOUR</span></span> money, ...... [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/rolleyes.gif[/img] [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif[/img]

Gonna be a cool build. We'll be watching. [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif[/img] [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/youguysrock.gif[/img]

Re: 1959 Bel Air Winter Project
 

The engine came today. I had it shipped to work. Christmas in October! I'll take some more pics.

Re: 1959 Bel Air Winter Project
 

I managed to get a couple of hours in the shop tonight. With a little help to get the hood off, I am ready to pull the 235. While wating for my bride (and dinner), I snapped a couple of non-build photos and have a cold one [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/beers.gif[/img]

The other tool box
http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...8/100_1694.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...8/100_1686.jpg

Boat anchor anyone?
http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...8/100_1684.jpg

Just cleaned a little on the floor pan
http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...8/100_1687.jpg

Crayon marks still there
http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...8/100_1689.jpg

More parts came today
http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...8/100_1691.jpg

My buddy Hunter
http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...8/100_1698.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...8/100_1690.jpg

That's all for today!

Re: 1959 Bel Air Winter Project
 

Hunter, such a nice dog.

Dan

Re: 1959 Bel Air Winter Project
 

If you need your Harness modified (you carb guy's won't understand) I would highly recommend

http://speartech.com/

They are the best................He knows all about those LS9 set-ups

Ken

Re: 1959 Bel Air Winter Project
 

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: kwhizz</div><div class="ubbcode-body">If you need your Harness modified (you carb guy's won't understand) I would highly recommend

http://speartech.com/

They are the best................He knows all about those LS9 set-ups

Ken </div></div>

That's what I have read. Thanks for the heads up on the LS1 Tech website. I killed a whole night just on that.

Thanks Ken

Tim

Re: 1959 Bel Air Winter Project
 

I had a pretty productive night in the garage last night. A friend came over to help remove the hood. That led to pulling the motor and [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/beers.gif[/img]. I brought the LS1 home today and uncrated it. Took a good look and I am pretty happy so far. Due to fact the nature of the project is a first for me, I was hoping I could lean on some of you for a few simple answers to few questions.

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...8/100_1702.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...8/100_1701.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...8/100_1704.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...8/100_1703.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...8/100_1705.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...8/100_1706.jpg

Is there a good way (without heavy acids or blasting) to clean up the aluminum to some degree? While I am not looking for a show finish, I would like to do what I can (within reason) to do a proper cleaning.
http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...8/100_1712.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...8/100_1713.jpg

Is anyone making flanges to connect to the stock manifolds. I had checked with the local muffler shop and wad advised to have a machine shop make some. Any ideas?
http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...8/100_1715.jpg

In advance, thanks guys!

Tim

Re: 1959 Bel Air Winter Project
 

Tape up the inlet with Duct Tape to seal it off and get some Purple Power cleaner and some brushes.......If the stock manifolds fit in the car without without any clearance issues, I'll come over measure and make the exhaust flanges for you......No Problem Mon!!!
Did you get the Engine assy from Cleveland-Pick-Apart???

Ken

Re: 1959 Bel Air Winter Project
 

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: kwhizz</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Tape up the inlet with Duct Tape to seal it off and get some Purple Power cleaner and some brushes.......If the stock manifolds fit in the car without without any clearance issues, I'll come over measure and make the exhaust flanges for you......No Problem Mon!!!
Did you get the Engine assy from Cleveland-Pick-Apart???

Ken </div></div>

Why yes I did!

Re: 1959 Bel Air Winter Project
 

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: napa68</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: kwhizz</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Tape up the inlet with Duct Tape to seal it off and get some Purple Power cleaner and some brushes.......If the stock manifolds fit in the car without without any clearance issues, I'll come over measure and make the exhaust flanges for you......No Problem Mon!!!
Did you get the Engine assy from Cleveland-Pick-Apart???

Ken </div></div>

Why yes I did! </div></div>


I thought those Yellow Tags looked familiar.......

Ken

Re: 1959 Bel Air Winter Project
 

That car is pretty clean - what are your plans for the engine compartment and chassis?

Looks like a great project. Looking forward to following it.

Jake

Re: 1959 Bel Air Winter Project
 

Cool project. Will be interesting to see how much cutting the Air Ride kit requires.

Re: 1959 Bel Air Winter Project
 

It is my plan as of now, to try and clean the engine compartment and chassis to leave the patina (matches the rest of the car). I am just going to try some discreet cleaning and detailing tricks. Coincidentally enough, the engine patina more or less matches.

Tim

Re: 1959 Bel Air Winter Project
 

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: scuncio</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Cool project. Will be interesting to see how much cutting the Air Ride kit requires. </div></div>

The Air Ride is in!. The tank and compressor are mounted underneath on each side of the fuel tank. This all was installed by the previous owner. He plumbed it with hydraulic hose rather than nylon for durability. I'll take some close up photos tonight or tomorrow.

Re: 1959 Bel Air Winter Project
 

I may have missed it in a previous post - but where is the car from that it stayed that clean?

To still have the chassis/frame inspection marks on a 50+ year old car is amazing.

Re: 1959 Bel Air Winter Project
 

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: kwhizz</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Tape up the inlet with Duct Tape to seal it off and get some Purple Power cleaner and some brushes.......</div></div>

And if that doesn't get it all try some Eagle One brand Chrome &amp; Wire Wheel Cleaner. Same deal; spray it on and scrub with some stiff bristle brushes, then rinse thoroughly with clear water.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: kwhizz</div><div class="ubbcode-body">If the stock manifolds fit in the car without without any clearance issues, I'll come over measure and make the exhaust flanges for you......No Problem Mon!!!
Ken </div></div>

Now why doesn't that surprise me? [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif[/img] [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/worship.gif[/img]

Re: 1959 Bel Air Winter Project
 

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: RPOLS3</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I may have missed it in a previous post - but where is the car from that it stayed that clean?

To still have the chassis/frame inspection marks on a 50+ year old car is amazing. </div></div>

It was a Texas car until 94/95? It then went to California. I am of the opinion the car must hav been garaged a fair amount The interior is original and is not baked out at all!

Re: 1959 Bel Air Winter Project
 

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ORIGLS6</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: kwhizz</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Tape up the inlet with Duct Tape to seal it off and get some Purple Power cleaner and some brushes.......</div></div>

And if that doesn't get it all try some Eagle One brand Chrome &amp; Wire Wheel Cleaner. Same deal; spray it on and scrub with some stiff bristle brushes, then rinse thoroughly with clear water.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: kwhizz</div><div class="ubbcode-body">If the stock manifolds fit in the car without without any clearance issues, I'll come over measure and make the exhaust flanges for you......No Problem Mon!!!
Ken </div></div>

Now why doesn't that surprise me? [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif[/img] [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/worship.gif[/img] </div></div>


You know why!

Re: 1959 Bel Air Winter Project
 

I like it! The 59's were cool. [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/smile.gif[/img]

Re: 1959 Bel Air Winter Project
 

check on ls1tech in the classified section. Someone probably has a stock set of cats and y pipe they may cut the flanges off and sell for next to nothing.

Why not toss on a set of headers?
The throttle body should be easy to clean up. A lot of LS guys get them powder coated along with the brackets etc.

Re: 1959 Bel Air Winter Project
 

btw, nice Intro wheels. I love the 59 and those cat eyes.

Re: 1959 Bel Air Winter Project
 

I talked to a guy today. He has several exhaust parts around with those flanges. He said he would sell them cheap if you need some. He said they are different on some years and would need to know the year and car your engine came out of.

Re: 1959 Bel Air Winter Project
 

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v6...n2010/76-2.jpg

You give it an LS9 and it will FLY!

Dan

Re: 1959 Bel Air Winter Project
 

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: JK98SS</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I talked to a guy today. He has several exhaust parts around with those flanges. He said he would sell them cheap if you need some. He said they are different on some years and would need to know the year and car your engine came out of. </div></div>

Hey, I appreciate the lead! I had gotten quite a bit cleaned up today in the engine compartment, installed the new trans crossmember, the new engine stands (frame to mount),removed the wiring harness,and installed the conversion mounts of the LS1. With some luck, perhaps I will have a chance to do the first trial of setting the engine in this week. I've got another slug of pictures for you guys that I will try to get posted tomorrow.

Tim

Re: 1959 Bel Air Winter Project
 

Do you have the ECM and the trans computer??

Ken

Re: 1959 Bel Air Winter Project
 

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: kwhizz</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> Do you have the ECM and the trans computer??

Ken </div></div>

Yes I do. At this point (driven by many suggestions) I am not sure if I should use that or just purchase an entire aftermarket harness and computer. Suggestions anyone?

Re: 1959 Bel Air Winter Project
 

Call John at Speartech............The guys here only know about Points and Carbs........

Oxygen Sensor Guy......

Re: 1959 Bel Air Winter Project
 

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: napa68</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: scuncio</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Cool project. Will be interesting to see how much cutting the Air Ride kit requires. </div></div>

The Air Ride is in!. The tank and compressor are mounted underneath on each side of the fuel tank. This all was installed by the previous owner. He plumbed it with hydraulic hose rather than nylon for durability. I'll take some close up photos tonight or tomorrow. </div></div>

Here are the photos as promised on the Air Ride components.
http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...8/100_1719.jpg
http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...8/100_1720.jpg

I posted a couple of pictures of the engine compartment. Would you guys leave it or refinish it? My buddy from Rad Rides was all over me to refinish it. Of course in the next breath he mentions an Art Morrison chassis to me! [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/sick.gif[/img] Hopefully tomorrow or Tuesday, I am going to set the engine and trans in to see how this all will work with the accessories, manifolds, ECM etc. I can make some decisions from there.

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...8/100_1717.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...100_1716-1.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...8/100_1718.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...8/100_1722.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...8/100_1723.jpg

Re: 1959 Bel Air Winter Project
 

I like the idea of a modern driveline and 50-year patina everywhere else. Put the LS in and then later if you decide to refinish the engine compartment you can.

Re: 1959 Bel Air Winter Project
 

Man .......That car has lived a very protected life........As rust free as they come.......Now!!........Pack all those wires hanging from the hoist and ship them to Speartech.....If you need any help with anything, just let me know....

Sensor Guy

Re: 1959 Bel Air Winter Project
 

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 427TJ</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I like the idea of a modern driveline and 50-year patina everywhere else. Put the LS in and then later if you decide to refinish the engine compartment you can. </div></div>


yeah, I'm on this page too. It's only original once AND it looks too good to mess with. [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/headbang.gif[/img]

Re: 1959 Bel Air Winter Project
 

For tonight's work, I dropped the motor in to see how everything fits. While you would think it should be a slam dunk, I did run into a few items that can be taken care of.
http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...8/100_1737.jpg
http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...8/100_1734.jpg
The right side manifold is a litte tight, but will work
http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...8/100_1739.jpg
The left side though, the O2 interferes with the frame and the casting is real close to the mount for the lower control arm. I should be able to use the manifold, I will just have to move the O2 into the pipe.
http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...8/100_1742.jpg
The oil pan hit just a little on the left side right on top of the crossmember. The spacing behind the crossmember is pretty much spot on.
http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...8/100_1732.jpg
http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...8/100_1746.jpg
Nice amount of room behind the engine although the brake booster is going to be a little tight.
http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...8/100_1733.jpg
The spacing for both the engine mounts and the trans crossmember were spot on!
http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...8/100_1745.jpg
Looks like I will have to use an aftermarket accessory drive. I am doubtful how much O.E. accessory equipment I can use. I do like how compact the units from Vintage Air and Billet Specialties are packaged. Just a little more than I wanted to spend.

Thats all for tonight!
Tim