[Vintage Iron]

Howdy all, I came into possession of this 1957 Chevy Bel Air, 2-door hardtop in Feb of 2019. I had ridden in it as a teenager and now I own it. It was driven in the garage and parked after a minor accident damaged the grille bar in 1985 and sat, untouched until I got it.

 

[Vintage Iron]

First bath and she didn't look too bad for her age...

 

[DHR Darren]

Wait a minute.....Bud Clary plate frame.
That wasn't in a garage over by Monticello area was it...???

 

[Vintage Iron]

She has her warts though, but I have seen worse.

 

[Gary’s-Classic-Chevys]

Nice, good luck bringing her back to life!👍

 

[Vintage Iron]

Engine looked pretty bad, but spun freely. As of now it runs and drives but needs some TLC.

 

[Vintage Iron]

And there was some of the expected rust.

 

[gotta56forme]

Cool lookin' project. Did it have any rodent activity or were you lucky in that regard?

 

[angs1957]

Another one saved, whats the plans?

 

[Vintage Iron]

Since most of the rust is/was above my pay grade, I had Toyland Auto Restorations in Longview, WA take care of it.

 

[Vintage Iron]

More rust...

 

[Vintage Iron]

And some more...

 

[Vintage Iron]

And, guess what? Some more rust!!

 

[Vintage Iron]

Have an extra, one piece frame that will be modified and updated to better suspension, brakes and overall handling improvement. Had a slight "WOW" and frame shops wanted $700.00 to $800.00 (in-person quotes) so I gave it shot and it turned out pretty good.

 

[Vintage Iron]

Needed a little repair in a few places.

 

[Vintage Iron]

Then off to the sandblast shop and back home with a fresh coat of epoxy primer.

 

[Vintage Iron]

Cool lookin' project. Did it have any rodent activity or were you lucky in that regard?

I did have at least 1 mouse in it that I got in a trap set in the trunk, but have not found any damage as of yet.

 

[Vintage Iron]

Another one saved, whats the plans?

Upgrade to suspension, engine and tranny by swapping another frame in with the modern components, a 350 V-8 and a Saginaw 4 speed. That way, I can keep what original parts are there and not have to modify them.

 

[carls 56 R.I.P 11/24/2021]

cool project, nice work, going to be a sweet ride. What you do after lunch?

 

[Vintage Iron]

Wait a minute.....Bud Clary plate frame.
That wasn't in a garage over by Monticello area was it...???

It was in Cowlitz Co. prior to me getting it.