1955 chevrolet bel-air 519
vehicle description and condition
presented for sale is a 1955 chevrolet bel ait two door hardtop. the car is an original arizona car, which was purchased from its second owner in nogales, az.
this vehicle has been completely restored, with many upgrades to the original factory options. the car has been stripped down to bear metal, and re-painted. the original factory colors cashmere blue and india ivory [paint code 682-ez1 and trim 519]. although there has been a complete and extensive restoration of this car, it is not a frame off restoration.
a very minor rust hole has been repaired in the passenger rear seat area, with a metal patch. below is a complete description of the restoration process for this vehicle.
motor and transmission
this 1955 bel air is powered by a 3520 cid chey crate motor which came with the vehicle at purchase. as stated by the prior owner, the engine has less than 1000 miles of use. when pulling the dip stick, the oil is clean [see photo of engine galley]. the engine starts and idles as you would expect a new engine to perform. the cam has been updated to a hi energy 268 sbc from jegs to give a more imposing engine rumble. the motor has been re-painted and a brand new edelbrock carburetor has been installed for better performance. the motor is supported with a new set of 1955 cjhevy motor mounts. the vehicle comes with a two speed 1955 power glide transmission, which has been removed and rebuilt. the transmission has an adapter plate that links the power glide transmission to the engine. the motor mounts are new from danchuck. at present the transmission has some leaks. these leaks are being addressed by the company that rebuilt the transmission.
body and paint
the vehcile body, undercarriage and engine compartment have been completely stripped to bear metal [see photo of the body]. it was noted the hood has no body filler before of after this re-painting process. the car was painted in accordance with the fender tag color codes.
body trim, moldings, grille and bumpers
the body trim and molding are all original, with the exception of a few of the windshield molding clips [i.e reproductions]. the moldings and trim have been removed from the vehicle and most if not all dents and dings were removed prior to buffing, polishing and re-painting the molding and trim. this, for those who have never done it, is a very expensive and time consuming process. the molding and trim are every bit as good if not better than the original factory look. the bumpers were re-chromes to achieve a factory look and the grille is new from danchuk.
several of the emblems have been replaced with new danchuk emblems on the front and rear of the car. the front parking light lenses are new, as are the lenses to display the license plate.
painless electrical wiring system
a new painless wiring system has been installed to eliminate old wiring that may prove unreliable over the long term. the new and modern wiring allows for addition of newr car options as the owner determines the need for new toys or options. in areas the wires are protected with painless "powerbraid."
windshield, windows and vacuum wiper motor
the front windshield has been replaced, along with a new windshield gasket. the rear window gasket has been replaced as well. both side vent windows and driver and passenger side windows have been replaced with new glass. the replacement process also includes the replacement of all window felt to give a crisp clean look.
the electric motor and cable system have been gone through with replacement of the cable units. the system was originally a vacuum wiper system but is now an electric motor system.
door, trunk and engine compartment seals and gaskets
the door, trunk, engine compartment seals and gaskets have all benn replace with new soft rubber seals. this provides protection to the metal to metal interfaces and eliminates paint chipping.
new wheels and tires
the wheels are polished aluminum 17 inch american racing torque thrust ii's. the eagle were selected to show off the 4 wheels disc brakes. there are two different sizes of new goodyear eagle tires on the vehicle. the front goodyear eagles are 225/50r-17 94w bsw's and the rear tires are 235/55r-17 99w bsw's. the tire selection allows for a bit taller tire in the back to give a more retro rod look.
front end alignment
the car's front end has been aligned after the disc brakes were added.
heater core
a new heater core was purchased from cars 1 and installed. this should ease the minds of those who may be concerned about leaks from an older unit.
new radio and speakers
a new 1955 chevy specific am / fm car radio with cd changer controller by classic sound radio with new speaker was installed. this radio replaces the old tube style radio that came with the original 1955 chevys.
msd distributor, msd super conductor wires, alternator and ignition switch
a new msd distributor, msd control box and msd super conductor wires have been installed in the vehicle to gain improved engine operation and performance. a re-built alternator has been installed to insure continue charging reliability. a new ignition switch with key was purchased from danchuk to avoid any problems from an older unit.
four wheel disc brakes
a set of jegs four wheel disc brakes part number 0884a129 w / pwr 55-58 have been installed in the 1955 chevy and are on display with the solid spoke wheels selected. this gives the car a retro look, but the classic features of the body lines and interior are maintained. for those who may wish to achieve the nostalgic look a set of original wheel and hub caps are available for purchase.
header, dual exhaust system, mufflers and exhaust tips
new hooker ceramic coated completion headers were installed to give the engine a more dynamic sound. the exhaust pipes match the 2 1/2 in headers to maintain low pressure of the exhaust discharge. the mufflers are new and have the same 2 1/2 inch diameter. the exhaust tips are new and were selected to match the rounded look of the 1955 chevy body lines.
interior upgrades
the 1955 chevy received new seat covers, pads, carpets, floor mats, headliner, visors, package tray, trunk divider, and kick panels from cars 1 and danchuk. the steering wheel has new horn ring installed. the directional signal lever and column shift lever and column shift lever were replaced with new danchuk levers. the center steering wheel emblem is also new from danchuk. the interior dash was painted at the same time the exterior was painted. the dome light lenses are new as well. some of the interior trim pieces were re-chromed.
cooling system and fan
a new aluminum radiator from "be cool" gives a retro accent to the engine compartment along with a front mount push style fan from ziorgo. the temperature sensor and wiring have been purchased from zirgo as well. the temperature setting for the engine can be set with a knob adjustment in the engine compartment near the "be cool" radiator.
undercarriage
the undercarriage has been undercoated as it was when the car was purchased from the prior owner. time has been taken to give the under side of the car a crisp look.
trunk
the trunk has been painted black with a new mate from danchuk installed. the jack and handle are included but no spare tire is included with the auction.
what's new in the vehicle
i wanted to list what items have been purchased for the car new. it will give you a better sense what has been done and receipts will be available for review and given to the new owner.
new interior items
at minimum seat covers, pads, carpet, headliner, floor mats, visors, package tray, trunk divider, kick panels, painless wiring system, painless powerbraid, shift lever, signal lever, speaker script, seat knob, coat hooks, heater seal kit, horn emblem, steering wheel horn kits, turn signal pawl kit, dome light lenses, glove box switch, door light switches, screw kits, vented window gaskets, steering wheel column seal, instrument cluster lenses, instrument cluster lenses, new guage set, heater control cable, new bulbs, armrest finger cup pair, front seat hold down straps and fire wall pad.
new exterior items
at minimum new tires and wheels, door handles, door shields, front hood emblem, trunk emblem, side badge emblems, side trim clips and fastners, windshield clips, antenna assembly, windshield gaskets, side window gaskets, windshield wiper escutheons, parking light lenses, rear tail light moldings and lenses, tail light bezels, numerous gasket kits, screw kits and rear window molding clips.
new engine compartment items
at minimum aluminum radiator, push style fan, msd distributor, msd control box, msd super conductor wires alternator, hood bumpers, hood side bumpers, engine coil resistor, motor mounts, air cleaner [base, top and filter], and transmission dip stick, the 350 chevy crate engine should be considered new as well. the engine has less than 1000 miles on it.
addition of general items
at minimum four wheel disc brakes, brake booster, trunk weather stripping, gas cap, door gaskets and trunk bumper kit have added.
vehicle located in tucson, az. ad id#37918
luxury features
non smoker, garaged, maintained regularly
safety features
abs brakes
audio/video features
am/fm
contact one stop motors at 1 877-566-6686 for more information.
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