57 Hardtop by HotRod Dynamics

[joeelutz]

Many of you have followed our recent 55 convertible build here.

Well we are just getting started on our latest project, a beautiful red 57 Chevy Hardtop belonging to Roy Adams, a fellow board member by the username ep35rja. Roy brought his car to us from Louisiana for a complete transformation. This car is a very nicely restored stock 57, but is lacking the character, performance, and creature comforts that make the modified cars so appealing. We will completely disassemble the car and start over from ground zero. Roys car will become a fully modernized resto-rod with such features as fuel injected LS6 power, big 6 piston Wilwood brakes, custom Budnik wheels, customized Fatman Fab chassis, polished stainless suspension, adjustable coilover shocks, Vintage Air, custom interior, and much much more.

It is not often, make that never, that we get to start with a car as nice as this one is. This car has previously undergone a complete very nicely done stock restoration. This car is as clean on the bottom as it is on the top.

I almost feel guilty for taking this car apart.... almost.

Here are a few pics of the car as it arrived at the shop.

[55]

Nice project! Actually we have a few things in common, as my car was in very similar restored original condition when I decided to tear into it this past fall and add modern suspension, drive train and a complete frame off performance restoration.

Can't wait to see this project of yours unfold.

[mickeywestsr]

Wow.....that 57 is beautiful.

[carls 56]

will be looking forward to the build. ................gotta say this. that 57 looks great just the way it is. would not tear it apart if it was mine. its all up to what will make the owner happy and i can respect that.

[r66ss]

I believe myself, I'd just drive and enjoy it the way she is now

[boz2318]

Well Joe we know it is in good hands and you will transform it into a real work of art. Look forward to your post.
Later
Kev

[vander55]

Hey Joe , it will be tough to top the last one , but lots of fun to watch it happen . Will you go through any metal replacement withdrawls??

Ken

[joeelutz]

Originally Posted by vander55

Will you go through any metal replacement withdrawls??

Ken

I don't think so!

One good thing about starting with a car this nice is we will be able to reuse many of the existing parts such as bumpers, stainless, glass, etc.. I had it up on the lift today and the underside is really clean and detailed. It appears to have had new floor pans and trunk pan installed at some time. Looks like they did a good job, but the seams are still very visible. When we get the body off the frame, we can make those seams disappear.

Joe

[557B210]

Of course its the owners decision....However, I don't think I'd be able to tear-up an original stocker that was that nice....I'd buy another one to start with....Just MHO.

[Mrfixit143]

Hi Guys,

I`m gonna watch this close. BTW...what`s gonna happen with his orignal stock motor ?? I`d be interested in it if it for sale ...Let me know please.


Thanks,
Jim