1959 Bel Air Winter Project

[napa68]

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.








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




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!

[kwhizz]

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

[kwhizz]

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

Ken

[Xplantdad]

This will be fun to watch as well!

[kwhizz]

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

[napa68]

<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

[ORIGLS6]

<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]

[napa68]

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

[napa68]

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




Boat anchor anyone?


Just cleaned a little on the floor pan


Crayon marks still there


More parts came today


My buddy Hunter




That's all for today!

[napa68]

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.













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.




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?


In advance, thanks guys!

Tim