55 Chevy Bel Air Hardtop (Photos Restored)

[David G.]

I think this car was one of the most troublesome kits I've built yet. Many of the gory details are in the "WIP: Model Cars" thread I posted. Though I finally did get an engine into the dang thing, I'm not completely happy with the way I had to shoe-horn it in. There were a few other fit issues that may have been due to modifications I made, but It's as done as I care to get it right now. I'll look at again in a few weeks and see how I feel about it then.

Though it's just barely noticeable here, I went through the trouble of opening the grille by filing the back off it.

 

The license plate in the rear window looks like it has been stamped from aluminum. I glued a piece of foil to the back and embossed the plate number on it with a small tool.

 

A bit rusty, but restorable.

 

And that's why the plate is in the rear window.

 

 

As always, please feel free to share your comments, critiques and suggestions.

Thanks for taking the time to look.

Regards,

David G.

 

Edited September 23, 2021 by David G.
Photos Restored

[DRG]

One of the few cars that actually look good in pink.

I like it, heck I would buy it and I'm already in Ohio.

Good job.

[crazyjim]

Nice job on it.

[Jon Cole]

Hey... I like it! Just the right amount of weathering. You did it right by opening that grille.

[rustybill1960]

SWEET BUILD DUDE!

really like the way you handled it! Awesome Man!

It's "cherry" just the way it sets!

Great weathering too, just enough without going over!

GREAT!

Thank You for sharing!

Later

Russ

[sobpinstriping]

Looks great!

cheers

mat

[Jantrix]

GREAT BUILD! Super realistic. Great weathering. Love it!

[outlaw035]

david you did an awesome job on the 55...the weathering is spot on...and the little touches are really neat...

[brett]

I must admit I'm not the biggest fan of pink cars...... But I really like what you've done here. Its easy to get carried away with weathering but you've restrained yourself and come up with a most beleiveable replica/miniature model (whichever term you'ld like to use). Congrats on that.

[John Teresi]

I luv it.......I think she came out great...........look`s so real........you should be proud.

[tuffone20]

David, you did an awesome job on that '55, the open grill looks a lot better then doing a wash on it. And the weathering is a very nice touch.

[Railfreak78]

I've been waithing to see this one done and it looks perfect! Like mentioned you did not go over board on weathing and rust so it looks right. I'm glad you did not give up on it with the issues as this car is a beauty. I hope you bring this to DSC next year.

[W-409]

This looks awesome! That weathering looks very autentic and that building style is good. I never would make weathering for that nice paintjob, you did and it looks amazing! I like this, pictures from the engine...? Great work!

[Tijuanataxi]

Talk about a withering beauty

The weathering is very realistic and spot on. As so many guys stated allready, just the right amount of weathering. I just love the stance, and its true, this car does actually look good in pink.

Great job

[David G.]

Thanks for all the kind words, guys. I'll see if I can get some engine pics posted soon.

In the meantime, here's a photo of all the vintage early Eighties interior junk

 

 

And a shot of the custom mufflers and modified rear shocks.

 

 

Again, thanks guys!

David G.

Edited September 23, 2021 by David G.
Photos Restored

[Badluck 13]

....Even the detail of the phone number !!!! 762 is a Akron,Ohio phone exchange!!!!

[Greg Cullinan]

Weathering is convincing,details are great.

[Harold]

I'll trade even up for my Sprite. . Nice work .

[Chuck Most]

The end result is worth the misery though, isn't it? Very cool model... and I'm not even a Tri-5 Chevy fan!

[MADmodelDOCTOR]

Nice job. Very realistic appearance. Looks great!

later

[Brutalform]

If you fix the license plate mount, and give the interior a good cleaning, and vacuum....I'll take it!!!! Beautiful detail, and weathering. I had to double take, as I thought I was looking at the chassis of a 55 year old Chevy!!!Rusty Cherry Bombs and all. Very nice!!

[David G.]

On 9/30/2010 at 6:53 AM, Badluck 13 said:

....Even the detail of the phone number !!!! 762 is a Akron,Ohio phone exchange!!!!

You're right! As near as I can remember, that's my old phone number form when I lived there more than 20 years ago- back when the area code there was still 216. The plates should say Cuyahoga Co. instead of Mahoning Co, though. I just figure that the owner moved there from Y-town.

For those who want to know, this is the kit I used. A birthday gift from my wife!

 

I'll try to get some engine pics posted soon.

I guess it was worth all the aggravation after all. Sometimes it's difficult to see what it really looks like while you're working on it.

Thanks for all the positive feedback, you guys are awesome!

Regards,

David G.

Edited September 23, 2021 by David G.
Photos Restored

[camaroman]

Nice(?) car! You did that kit justice... just right!!

[Harry P.]

Where did you get the cool interior junk?

[Lownslow]

nice build