'57 BEL AIR Street Machine

[Zippi]

I opened the box on this 57 Hardtop about a week ago and right off the bat the deck lid was warped in the middle and the chassis was twisted.  I got the chassis straightened out but the deck lid was a little more of an issue.  I put the deck lid on a flat surface and pushed down in the middle then hit it with my heat gun.  To much heat as you can see from the pic.  I thought it was history but I worked with it and putty and sanded a lot and I think I can still use it.  The 396 BB is just about completed.    

 

Edited May 27, 2024 by Zippi

[FoMoCo66]

Cool project! I watched the Luca Cee review of this, didn't realize how cool this kit was. Are you going to use those wierd corvette wheels (on a 57 chevy) or something else?

[Zippi]

6 minutes ago, FoMoCo66 said:

Cool project! I watched the Luca Cee review of this, didn't realize how cool this kit was. Are you going to use those wierd corvette wheels (on a 57 chevy) or something else?

I pulled these out of the parts box.  They need to be painted Rubber Black and detailed.  The ole boy that's running this 57 puts his slicks on and heads out on Saturday nights looking for a couple races to make a few bucks.  

[espo]

Look forward to seeing you put your touch in this. 

[SpikeSchumacher]

Nice work on the engine!

[Zippi]

2 hours ago, espo said:

Look forward to seeing you put your touch in this. 

Thank's David.

2 hours ago, SpikeSchumacher said:

Nice work on the engine!

Much obliged there Spike.

[Zippi]

The weather took a turn for the better this afternoon so I took advantage of it and got after the primer.  This is the paint I'll be using.  First time using Splash Paints.  There website say 20-25 psi and most of the videos I've watched say anywhere from 12-18 psi.  Looks like I need to get out the spoons and do some testing.

[dietgilroy]

glad that more people are building this kit.

[Tim W. SoCal]

Please let us know how your spoon tests turn out. Your choice of wheels and tires, IMNSHO, is MUCH better than those supplied in the kit, but then again, that was the 90s!... I bought this kit when it was originally release about 30 years ago and don't think I've ever peeled the plastic wrap from the box. It is packed up in storage with the rest of my long term stash. You're making me want to go dig it out and see what I can do with it, especially with the HUGE selection of aftermarket wheels and tires to choose from. Thank you for the inspiration!...

[Zippi]

2 hours ago, Tim W. SoCal said:

Please let us know how your spoon tests turn out. Your choice of wheels and tires, IMNSHO, is MUCH better than those supplied in the kit, but then again, that was the 90s!... I bought this kit when it was originally release about 30 years ago and don't think I've ever peeled the plastic wrap from the box. It is packed up in storage with the rest of my long term stash. You're making me want to go dig it out and see what I can do with it, especially with the HUGE selection of aftermarket wheels and tires to choose from. Thank you for the inspiration!...

I will post pics of the results of the spoon test.  Well, it's about time to drag that kit out and start on it don't ya think?  

[deuces wild]

Very cool start.. Think I have 3 of those kits...

[Zippi]

3 hours ago, deuces wild said:

Very cool start.. Think I have 3 of those kits...

Thanks man.  I kinda stumbled on the start with a few issues but I'm on cruise control now.

[deuces wild]

Cool!.... Can't wait to see it painted.... I love bright red paint....❤️??

[ksnow]

Looking forward to this project. Great choice on wheels and tires. 

[Zippi]

20 minutes ago, deuces wild said:

Cool!.... Can't wait to see it painted.... I love bright red paint....❤️??

Thank's.  Yes Sir, my 49 Chevy pickup Restomod is a GM Bright Red.  

17 minutes ago, ksnow said:

Looking forward to this project. Great choice on wheels and tires. 

Thank's man.  Yeah, those wheels & tires just were not going to get it.

[deuces wild]

My Ford....

[FoMoCo66]

My dad's ford (it's actually dodge viper red)...

that will look really cool on your 57

[Zippi]

3 minutes ago, deuces wild said:

My Ford....

Nice

[Zippi]

Just now, FoMoCo66 said:

My dad's ford (it's actually dodge viper red)...

that will look really cool on your 57

Really kewl looking.

[deuces wild]

1 hour ago, FoMoCo66 said:

My dad's ford (it's actually dodge viper red)...

that will look really cool on your 57

Love them Magnum 500 wheels!!!!...?

[deuces wild]

1 hour ago, Zippi said:

Nice

Tanks!....??

[Zippi]

The results are in.  I did some paint test on some spoons first.  I tried light, med, and heavy coats.  Didn't seem to make any difference.  Very, very nice paint to spray.  I had my compressor set at 20 psi so the working psi was about 17-18 psi.  I let it flash for about 5 min between coats and I gave it 3 coats.  Kinda has the egg shell look to it.  Can't wait to get some clear on this.  Looks like it works pretty good with the Tamiya White Surface Primer.  I used about 3/4 of the bottle.  I'm a happy camper so far.  

[ksnow]

That looks really, really nice. Might have to try out those paints.

[jjsipes]

Looking great! That is an awesome kit. Wish they would bring it back out. Nothing like a bright Red 57 Bel Air. The one I built using the stock kit based off similar tooling as the street machine

[Kenmojr]

Zippi, love the red. I'm kind of partial to red. My 60 Vette is red and so is my daily driver, 2016 Toyota Corolla S....