Is a Chev Belair OK for a newbie to the car restoration scene?

falconboy · 18-03-2009, 01:59 PM

Hey guys,

Everyone loves a big Chevrolet, and I've been itching to find some thing decent as my first old 'bomb' restoration project.

I say 'restoration', but thats a pretty loose term, I really mean getting something that doesn't need too much work, back to roadworthy, driving it a bit and then passing it on.

I've come across a 64 Chev Belair with a 350 and 2speed auto for less than 5k, last rego'd 18mths ago. Haven't seen it yet, may be worse than it sounds, but only rust (i'll believe it when I see it) is in the boot and bonnet. Not sure on interior, supposedly mechanically its OK, but no doubt needs some work.

Are these things too old and too difficult to get parts for? Any reason a newbie wouldn't fix something like this up instead of ax XC/XD (other than the fact its not a Ford!).

Shame its so big though, I live up a right of way. Might be fun moving it around.

Advice appreciated.

schnoods · 18-03-2009, 02:06 PM

Sounds good!

350 parts are cheap, not sure if the 2 speed is a powerglide, but if it is it should be easy to source parts if needed.

Rust will always be needed to be looked at a vehicle almost 50 years old, but its always fixable, i have seen a few cars that a panelshop not far from me has brought back from near extinction.

If the interior is complete, it should be all good. Might be things like chrome trims and glass might be the hardest thing to find.

Best of luck!

Auslandau · 18-03-2009, 02:09 PM

I do know 2 shops that wont do old Chevs as they are very time consuming and expensive to repair rust wise. Panel fitment is shocking and a pian to get right BUT I am sure there are those out there that specialise in them

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falconboy · 18-03-2009, 06:09 PM

Thanks guys.

Well, it sounds like its worth a closer look.

Will let you know.

RAREV8 · 18-03-2009, 06:36 PM

I believe that you can get every single part for the BelAir's from the US as they have all been remanufactured by various companies- just going on what I have been told by owners of these cars. If true, they would be the perfect machine to restore but as Auslandau said- rust and panel is very time consuming on these models...time = lots of $$$$

brett4777 · 18-03-2009, 09:09 PM

im not a newbie at car stuff but i brought this as my first american car project
can anyone tell me what it is

Benny · 18-03-2009, 09:40 PM

Thunderbird?

PIG250 · 18-03-2009, 09:44 PM

chrysler? maybe buick

brett4777 · 18-03-2009, 10:11 PM

not any of those guesses

its from the GM family

Pedro · 18-03-2009, 10:51 PM

With those tail lights its a 1959 Oldsmobile Holiday or Dynamic 88

OzJavelin · 19-03-2009, 09:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pedro

With those tail lights its a 1959 Oldsmobile Holiday or Dynamic 88

Ditto ..

BTW: I'd have thought that a full-sized Chev would make a good project 'cos it's body-on-frame meaning there is very little that could be considered "structural" rust .. unlike unit-body cars like Falcons, etc. You can get anything for them, it's just the cost involved.

Personally I think that the local Dodge Phoenix is a great "Yank" car .. far cheaper than Chev/Ford and personally I think that they handle and drive nicer; i.e. not all over the place. I've got a '69 Phoenix hardtop sitting at home which I can't find time to finish, but can't bring myself to sell, 'cos I know I'll get basically nothing for it ..

The Yeti · 19-03-2009, 09:52 AM

A mate of mine is selling this if your interested

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI....m=110365553498

or if you were quicker I had a 60 Belair on the go a little while ago that went to $8500.00 with 11 months NSW rego

these old cruzers can be had for reasonable money, and as for shops not touching old Chev's all I can say is piffol absolute piffol, these are old Cars there all difficult to get bits for but if your chasing parts for 50's and 60's American Iron you will find it so much easyer to track down Chev poncho and even dodge stuff than you will the ford gear (aside form mustang)

I inspected a 58 Poncho for a guy in Sydney yesterday but that was upp arround the 20k mark

If your keen why not join up over at ozrodders and let it be known what your chasing and how much you want to spend, some one will have what your looking for (always a good idea to participate i nthe rest of the forum frist) Ozrodders is the forum part of an internet based hot rod & custom club Oz-e-rodders so it caters for rods right through to 1970 cars be it Austrailan or American check it out theres links in my signature

**Silver Ghia** · 19-03-2009, 07:24 PM

No rust in this baby if you have a spare $US135,000

See this website http://www.57classicchevy.com/789-chevy.html

The Yeti · 19-03-2009, 08:38 PM

the only thing I dont like is the wind screen but the idea reminds my of the Johny Cash cadalac song

brett4777 · 19-03-2009, 09:29 PM

Pedro you hit the nail right on the head

Nostalgia · 19-03-2009, 09:42 PM

The grille alone spells Oldsmobile.

Although it does look like a Caddy.

The 50's and 60's had many cars from different manufacturer's that shared styling cue's from their competitor's.

It's still happening !!

falconboy, go for it. There is plenty of help and advice from Members here and also other clubs.

All the best with it mate and let us know if you buy it and need assistance with anything.

Cheers, Adam.

Nostalgia · 19-03-2009, 10:05 PM

She only has a 283 in her but something let's go in a big way. Listen closely. > http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ymu_SN4cXr4

Or if you want to go for a shotgun ride in a hemi powered RatRod, and please do turn your sound up as loud as you can. It's sensational. Click here > http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Omj6zxtIB0

Cheers, Adam.

**Silver Ghia** · 19-03-2009, 10:17 PM

Back to original subject....

Chev Belair = big car = big project = lots of work required especially if it needs extensive rust repairs.

But if you're the sort of person that gets things done, then go for it.

The Yeti · 20-03-2009, 06:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Silver Ghia

Back to original subject....

Chev Belair = big car = big project = lots of work required especially if it needs extensive rust repairs.

But if you're the sort of person that gets things done, then go for it.

Whats the difference if your rust repair pannel is 200mm X 200mm or 400 X 400m? A 4/5 of bugger all if its an old yank tank your after go for it dont let the thought of its bigger so more work hold you back other wise while your repairning the rust on your escort you chose becasue its small you will still be wanting the orginal yank barge

I have to say all the negativs listed for an old Chev above are pretty week, try harder guys or just admit there not your bag dont offer your opinions if you dont know

**Silver Ghia** · 20-03-2009, 08:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Yeti

...dont offer your opinions if you dont know

I do know when it comes to shaping and welding in sections, and metal finishing every square inch of panel and not bogging it. And I have trophies resulting from my efforts.
But yes, get the Chev if that really fancies you.

The Yeti · 21-03-2009, 07:31 AM

So youve done both big and little cars?

All the way I'm talking hammers, dollys, slappers, heat shrinks lead and files?

If so I takes my hat of too you but I dont agree with you as Ive also doen cars from cortina's to Gal's and I dont think in ters of pannel reapairs thats that much difference in work in volved as fot colour sanding well give me a smart car over a 50's Caddy any day

**Silver Ghia** · 21-03-2009, 11:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Yeti

So youve done both big and little cars?

All the way I'm talking hammers, dollys, slappers, heat shrinks lead and files?

If so I takes my hat of too you but I dont agree with you as Ive also doen cars from cortina's to Gal's and I dont think in ters of pannel reapairs thats that much difference in work in volved as fot colour sanding well give me a smart car over a 50's Caddy any day

Did a hobby panel beating course for a couple of years many years ago to get started, when I learnt all that stuff you mentioned. Certainly recommend such courses for anyone contemplating car restoration as a hobby.
When paint stripping or removing surface rust, a panel thats twice the outside dimensions means four times the time to do (an area thing). But actual repair, preparation painting etc not so much, which I think is where you're getting at.
But the larger panels also can be more difficult to handle by yourself, when repairing, fitting etc.

The Yeti · 21-03-2009, 02:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Silver Ghia

Did a hobby panel beating course for a couple of years many years ago to get started, when I learnt all that stuff you mentioned. Certainly recommend such courses for anyone contemplating car restoration as a hobby.
When paint stripping or removing surface rust, a panel thats twice the outside dimensions means four times the time to do (an area thing). But actual repair, preparation painting etc not so much, which I think is where you're getting at.
But the larger panels also can be more difficult to handle by yourself, when repairing, fitting etc.

before I continue I'm not trying to argue Ghia, theres no argument on surface area. my point is that if its the car you want the size is irelivant, lets face it I would rather spend my time workign I a car I want than one thats easyer and I would be more inclined to stay focused on sadi car if it was one I wanted not one that was easyer, this all boils down to the big chev beign easyer to finish than the small what ever

**Silver Ghia** · 21-03-2009, 03:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Yeti

before I continue I'm not trying to argue Ghia, theres no argument on surface area. my point is that if its the car you want the size is irelivant, lets face it I would rather spend my time workign I a car I want than one thats easyer and I would be more inclined to stay focused on sadi car if it was one I wanted not one that was easyer, this all boils down to the big chev beign easyer to finish than the small what ever

Yes, I fully agree that you really need to work on a car that you really love, and wish to be driving when finished. That gives you the required incentive to work through the more frustrating, difficult and tedious tasks that you come across during a car restoration. But the tedious bits are generally just a bit more tedious with a larger car. But if its genuinely his cup of tea, then he should go for it regardless.

I was going by the initial post where falconboy was asking whether the Belair was a reasonable project, and that it sounded like he came across one rather than looking for that particular model (I could be wrong there). He seemed to have some doubts about such a big car. But really, a lot depends on the condition of the car he buys, and what is required to get it to the condition that he desires. Perhaps it wont need any body repairs, but just a respray.

falconboy · 21-03-2009, 06:22 PM

Wow, been away for a day or 2 and the threads gone nuts.

Anyway, I saw sense and decided not to go for it afterall. Too many things on the go (I was hoping to finish restoring my boat before summer ends!) and not enough room to store everything.

It ended up going for $4500 or so too, so add a couple of grand minimum to get it back on the road, and for that I could probably get a decent cruiser with rego already on the road. Maybe next time.