Calling it done - 1956 Chevy Delray Street Machine

[Exotics_Builder]

Still need to get rid of some the dust. WIth the weather improving, static will likely reduce.

Concept:

Build a 56 Chevy Delray as if it were made a budget street machine circa mid-1968. This entailed:

• Adding a 327 engine with hi-rise manifold and Holley double-pumper 750 CFM carburetor.
• Using Ram Horn exhausts instead of stock.
• Converting the Powerglide to a Turbohyramatic transmission.
• Adding Cragar mags with redline tires.
• Do a frame-on refreshing of the body and chassis.
• Keep the stock brakes.
• Keep the column transmission.
• Do a custom paint job.

Chassis/suspension:

• General detailing with the addition of a new chassis cross-member to support the Turbohydramatic.
• Used rust oxide primer as may have originally been used. Frame painted semi-gloss black.
• Simulated overspray of the body paint.
• Used Cragar mags on redline tires with tire valves added and centers touched with transparent blue.

Interior:

• Painted to match outside colors as was common in that era.
• Added mirror dice (Ken’s)
• Found 1968 car magazine covers and reduced to size and placed on seat.
• Used MCG photoetched car keys and fob and placed on seat.
• Scratched up some dice door lock knobs and added to front doors.

Exterior:

• Opened up front grill
• Modified grill top to add brace and hood catch.
• Painted Tamiya Pure White and Testor Evening Orchid Metallic with Testor Wet Look Clear. Polished and waxed.
• Bare Metal foiled trim, including adding Evergreen quarter round at base of side windows to simulate side trim for a 210/Delray.
• Modified the radio aerial by replacing with a pin.

Engine and engine bay:

• Added transmission oil cooler in front of radiator.
• Detailed engine with:
  • Replicas and Miniatures of Maryland (R&MofM) intake manifold, Holley carburetor, air cleaner, and Turbohydramatic transmission.
  • Model Car Garage (MCG) wire looms and carburetor linkages.
  • Morgan Automotive Detail distributor.
  • Engine is correctly wired
  • Added oil dip stick.
  • Added Detail Master Pulleys.
  • Added Alternator, valve covers and rams horn exhaust manifolds from parts box.
  • Added heater hose.
  • Added heat line from exhaust for automatic choke on carburetor.
  • Detailed the battery including cables and hold downs.
  • Added MCG PE radiator cap and added an overflow line to the radiator top.

To the album:

http://s150.photobucket.com/user/exotics_builder/library/1956%20Chevy%20Delray/Completed

[jeffs396]

Very cool Gerry, looks GREAT!

[bbowser]

Nice work. That engine bay looks great, I love the 2-tone colors.

[rmvw guy]

Are you sure you didn't take photos of a real engine? That looks fantastic! Love the Cragars and the valve stems and the red-lines. Nice attention to detail everywhere. Great job!

[cobraman]

I agree, nice job. It looks great !

[PappyD340]

Very NICE 56 Gerry!!

[Chris White]

very Nice Gerry

[realgone58]

Looks awesome! Colors are perfect on it, nice wheel and tire choice for late '60's too.

[slusher]

Very nice build...

[Ramfins59]

Excellent job Gerry.

[Lovefordgalaxie]

Oh man!! That's super cool!!

Really well done, and with great taste.

[Harry P.]

Very nice attention to detail!

BTW... Evening Orchid is one of my favorite car colors.