View Full Version : 59 Bel Air Build
NAPA 68
10-28-2010, 07:08 PM
Killer site! I've been lurking for a fair amount of time. I've gotten alot of great information for the 59 Bel Air I am in the process of building. The car started out as a 73,000 mile unrestored car with a 235 6 cyl. and Air Ride. I am in the process of fitting an LS1/4L60E into it along with a different items for ride, drive, and comfort improvemnets. I am going to leave the patina and drive the daylights out of it when I'm done. The only part of "G Machine" here would be gargantuous. Here is a few photos.
http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/b437/napa68/belair2.jpg
http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/b437/napa68/belair1.jpg
http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/b437/napa68/100_1690.jpg
http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/b437/napa68/100_1687.jpg
http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/b437/napa68/100_1710.jpg
I also fool around with a few other things (great wife)
http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/b437/napa68/1-6-2008-01.jpg
422 SBC w/ 499 RWHP
http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/b437/napa68/100_1498.jpg
http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/b437/napa68/100_1482.jpg
http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/b437/napa68/70%20LT-1/100_1623.jpg
I really enjoy the build threads. The quality of work is very humbling. Keep up the good work everyone!
Tim
Autokraft
10-28-2010, 07:25 PM
Hey Tim welcome aboard. Another "Wisconsinite" from Eau Claire here:D
Nice collection of cars!
Kurt
autokraft.org
Van B
10-28-2010, 08:28 PM
Looks like a cool group of cars. I still have a soft spot for the big boats even though I lost my butt on the 63 I had.
I am right down the road in Caledonia, just 15 minutes south of the airport.
Great cars, welcome aboard. :cheers:
tones2SS
10-29-2010, 07:45 AM
Welcome aboard Tim. Very nice cars indeed.
You are on the correct site for sure. Lots of knowledge and great people here. Any modifications to the 4th gen Camaro? Looks nice. :thumbsup: :cheers:
NAPA 68
10-29-2010, 08:44 AM
Welcome aboard Tim. Very nice cars indeed.
You are on the correct site for sure. Lots of knowledge and great people here. Any modifications to the 4th gen Camaro? Looks nice. :thumbsup: :cheers:
Well.......yes but no. It's a Berger Camaro Phase II (435hp) That one is for the wife. she can really row the gears:drive:
tones2SS
10-30-2010, 09:40 AM
Well.......yes but no. It's a Berger Camaro Phase II (435hp) That one is for the wife. she can really row the gears:drive:
WOW! Very nice.:thumbsup: (I didn't even see the HP rating on the hood.)
Not many of those around, especially in good condition. Hold on to that puppy for sure. Should bring some bucks later on down the road.
cmraman
10-30-2010, 12:32 PM
Welcome... Madison here.
NAPA 68
11-02-2010, 06:51 PM
I have been detailing the project over on Yenko.net. Here is the thread.
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=435179&page=1
Tim
nvr2fst
11-02-2010, 09:13 PM
Welcome... Delafield here.
Looks like the first couple of photos where taken at Frame Park? Nice collection of cars.
NAPA 68
11-03-2010, 05:05 AM
Welcome... Delafield here.
Looks like the first couple of photos where taken at Frame Park? Nice collection of cars.
Where you at? What ya got?
nvr2fst
11-05-2010, 07:40 PM
Small world!
Through a couple of PM's Tim and I realized we are basically blocks from each other... literally stones throw. Look forward to checking out the cars.
NAPA 68
11-07-2010, 12:57 PM
Updates!
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=435429&#Post435429
NAPA 68
11-09-2010, 05:08 PM
How does one move this into the build threads?
Thanks,
Tim
nvr2fst
11-09-2010, 08:15 PM
Just PM one of the moderators. They will do it for you.
I recieved your email BTW talk soon.
NAPA 68
11-14-2010, 02:29 PM
I was able to get some time in the shop yesterday. Cannot say I have a lot of pictures to post. Yesterdays work consisted of things like measuring to shorten the driveshaft, mock the wiring harness into the car for ECM placement, order parts, etc.
What I did accomplish (sort of) was to install the Air Ride Muscle Bars. I am about 75% done with the inital install. While the quality of the product seemed good, the overall fit and how complete the kit was (hardware and incorrect parts) left some to be desired. but, thats why the call it "custom" car building.
Once I get my ECM bracket from Ironworks, I can figure out for sure if I am going to stick the ECM under the fender
http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/b437/napa68/100_1802.jpg
Drive shaft is over 63" long
http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/b437/napa68/100_1792.jpg
Sway bars
http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/b437/napa68/100_1796.jpg
http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/b437/napa68/100_1799.jpg
Something is definitely not right
http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/b437/napa68/100_1800.jpg
Front came with wrong bushings. I should have the right ones this week.
http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/b437/napa68/100_1798.jpg
285/35R-22 VERY HEAVY
http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/b437/napa68/100_1797.jpg
I should have the brakes this week. I am going to install C5 Corvette rotors and calipers
kwhizz
11-15-2010, 07:50 PM
As you can see from the quality in Tim's Nova.....He "Get's" it.......
Ken
NAPA 68
11-18-2010, 06:53 AM
As I have posted in the driveline section, is a 57" driveshaft too long for a single driveshaft? This 2pc is just a little too small for my liking. While I am only going to be putting 300hp through it (for now?), I just am soliciting opinions.
Thanks,
Tim
cantcatchmitch
11-18-2010, 08:53 AM
not a driveline expert, but i have a 54" aluminum driveshaft in my 67 impala (see the pendejo thread) and it works good for me. the tube is monsterous 4 inch which gets tight in the tunnel but it doesnt vibrate and ive thrown alot at it so far and hasnt given up.
youthpastor
11-18-2010, 09:39 AM
Computer and harness are set! Welcome aboard- Killer collection- Love the Nova- Chris:D
DIGI-TAILS
11-19-2010, 07:06 AM
Awesome collection!!! :bow:
street3285
11-19-2010, 09:11 AM
I am not a driveline expert either, but I do know my Duramax has a long driveshaft (crewcab shortbed) and maybe 4-5" in diameter. I think a longer drive shaft is fine, considering it is quality and balanced correctly.
NAPA 68
11-19-2010, 06:42 PM
UPS dropped off a bunch of goodies the last couple of days. I had gotten my ECM bracket (thanks Ironworks) front brakes (rears should be in next week), steering column, and radiator. I also had ordered a product called Boshield as suggested by Kwizz. I have been on the fence as to whether or not blow the engine compartment apart to paint and detail it, or just detail it and try to preserve the patina. After foolin around with the Boshield, I am leaning towards the patina. The pictures do not do it justice. But with that being said, here's some photos..............
http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/b437/napa68/100_1806.jpg
http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/b437/napa68/100_1805.jpg
http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/b437/napa68/100_1807.jpg
http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/b437/napa68/100_1808.jpg
http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/b437/napa68/100_1809.jpg
http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/b437/napa68/100_1810.jpg
http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/b437/napa68/100_1811.jpg
This is from Alumitech. All properly set for an LS1
http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/b437/napa68/100_1812.jpg
http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/b437/napa68/100_1813.jpg
http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/b437/napa68/100_1814.jpg
http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/b437/napa68/100_1815.jpg
http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/b437/napa68/100_1817.jpg
You can see where I missed as I was just foolin around with the engine compartment.
http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/b437/napa68/100_1818.jpg
http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/b437/napa68/100_1819.jpg
http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/b437/napa68/100_1820.jpg
Off to Chicago!
NAPA 68
12-11-2010, 06:38 PM
updated
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=434577&page=6
waynieZ
12-11-2010, 08:29 PM
I went over and checked it out nice progress. Its looking good.
RECOVERY ROOM
12-11-2010, 10:29 PM
These are cool cars:thumbsup:
61ragtop
12-29-2010, 02:30 PM
What suspension and steering parts are you using on it? Great ride!! Keep the update coming!!!!
NAPA 68
12-30-2010, 08:02 AM
I am using CPP upeer control arms (caster) and stock lowers with the Ridetech. Steering is a CPP 500 power box. I'll try to get some pictures up for ya.
NAPA 68
06-12-2011, 11:28 AM
It's been a while since I updated. Been busy with work and just fitting in the car when I can. I finally have been wiring the car, built the fuel system, installed the accessory drive,installed the Dynamat, and started to work on the A/C. Here are some pics...
http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/b437/napa68/100_2051.jpg
http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/b437/napa68/100_2052-Copy.jpg
http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/b437/napa68/100_2053.jpg
http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/b437/napa68/100_2066.jpg
I painted the Dynamat that will be installed on the door skins
http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/b437/napa68/100_2065.jpg
Nice virgin floor pans
http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/b437/napa68/100_2059.jpg
http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/b437/napa68/100_2067.jpg
NAPA 68
06-12-2011, 11:38 AM
I have some other items ready for when the time comes.
Detailed the radiator
http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/b437/napa68/100_1833.jpg
Pic of the steering box as promised
http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/b437/napa68/100_1838.jpg
Sent the speedo out to Classic Insturments for conversion to electronic
http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/b437/napa68/100_1994.jpg
C5 Corvette brakes as installed
http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/b437/napa68/100_1992.jpg
http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/b437/napa68/100_1991.jpg
Ricks Tank before install (nice!)
http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/b437/napa68/100_1989.jpg
That's all for now!
Tim
waynieZ
06-12-2011, 05:53 PM
It looks good, nice progress.
coolwelder62
06-12-2011, 06:06 PM
I am sorry that I have missed this Cool build.Man I love this ride.Way Cool.Buy the look's of all your nice ride's you must stay really busy.:thumbsup: Scott M.
64impala
06-13-2011, 12:00 PM
BEAUTIFUL BELAIR!!!!! I BUILDING A 64 IMPALA MYSELF. BEST DRIVIN CARS!:thumbsup: I WILL SEND YOU SOME OF MY BUILD PICS WHEN I GET OFF WORK.:thumbsup:
NAPA 68
08-25-2011, 04:15 PM
Finally.................................! Updates
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=458673&#Post458673
Tim
RECOVERY ROOM
08-25-2011, 07:45 PM
Where did you get the brake kit from, I bought a 61 Buick bubbletop that had the same setup already one it when I bought it. It stops great. I like the big cruisers like these, Great family haulers.
NAPA 68
08-26-2011, 03:20 AM
That came from CPP.
Tim
NAPA 68
10-29-2011, 03:00 PM
Sorry for the long delay. No pics to post......................but it's running!
Here is a couple of pics of my recent distractions
http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/b437/napa68/100_2178.jpg
http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/b437/napa68/100_2175.jpg
Fbodyboy
10-29-2011, 05:03 PM
What did it cost to get the Speedometer converted to electronic?
NAPA 68
10-29-2011, 06:15 PM
All said and done, about 1600.
Tim
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