59 Bel Air Redux..........The Reacher
 

I'll see if there is some interest in my latest project. I purchased this 59 Bel Air about 9 years ago. It was an original Texas car with 80k on it. It is an original paint, interior and drivetrain car. I wanted to build a nice driver that I would not fuss over.

As of current, it has an LS1, 4L60E, Ford 9", Ridetech coil over suspension front and rear, and 4 wheel disc brakes. It's been a great car to bang around in. My wife and I have enjoyed the car immensely, but my tastes have changed a bit as well as my expectations from my cars. I am sick of 2pc driveshafts and a frame that has the rigidity of noodles. So...............having said that...........it's time to blow it apart for the next phase.

I will keep the original paint, and the overall look of the car won't change much. I'll even see how much of the original interior I elect to maintain. That's where it stops. My goal is to improve the car in these areas.

-Handling. A nice stiff chassis to take the squeaks and rattles out of the car and maintain a great ride quality. Not that I plan to autocross this, there is definitely room for improvement. I am thinking a 12" wide rear tire which may require mini tubs. 10" wide rubber in the front.

-Braking. It stops well now, it can be better. An engineered chassis and brake system will improve overall braking and thus predictability. I'll be limited in brakes as I am going to maintain a 15" wheel so I have no issue with the hardcore 1964 and earlier events. (I'll just keep the hood closed)

-Comfort. Vintage Air HVAC as well as revisiting the seats. I am wanting to keep the bench seats and the overall feel of the interior. Modern foam in the seat so as I feel a bit more "planted" while in it. I suppose there may be some mods to the seat frame so I can get some lumbar support and perhaps a bit better ergonomics. We will see there. LOTS of sound deadener!

-Power. Here is the subject I have been struggling with. My inner cheap speaks LS3 to me.............................my inner child screams LT4! The jury is still out but I am leaning to the LT4.

-Theme. The theme wont necessarily change much. I want a car that looks like it got parked in the mid 60's, and then recommissioned recently. My original vision was a car that could have been parked around Gasoline Alley in mid May of 63-65.


On the docket........................

1. Roadster Shop chassis
2. GM Connect & Cruise power
3. Refinish the underside and engine compartment to the standards of a modern build. I am drawn to the Stielow OE feel and sensibility (sorry if it sounds a bit creepy and stalker like Mark!)

What I started with years ago............

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...psococ6mfh.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...psykamgby4.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...pssccmi8ml.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...psemrmpxvg.jpg

As I write this before I start disassembly.....................

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...psq2o16s32.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...psifttp9a7.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...psffmmyp3s.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...psz0wur5na.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...pspc3daiww.jpg

Very cool car. I’ll be following along on this one since I have a 59 El Camino waiting for me to finish my 69 Camaro. Wish mine was as nice as yours.

Don

Sweet!! I will be watching this one too. Lots of pics please.

Cool plan.

I was beginning to think I was the only one on this site with a car that used an entire parking spot. I have a 1961 Impala 2 door hard top with LSX power. :D

Is it possible to install a Roadster Shop chassis on one of these cars without cutting most of the floor? It doesn't look that way to me.

To the best of my knowledge, the rear floor pans will need to be modified. We also may need to make a new trans and driveshaft tunnel. The driveshaft is going to have to be rather large to handle the power given the length of it. I certainly will post what is necessary.

The fabrication is going to be handled by Topline Design & Speed in North Prairie, WI.

Tim

Here y'all go.....

1) http://roadstershop.com/galleries/1959-chevy-impala/

2) http://roadstershop.com/galleries/tonys-1960-impala/

3) http://roadstershop.com/galleries/wiltons-60-biscayne/

They do beautiful work I love that black 59 .

Selling the old drivetrain by chance? Love the fact that your retaining the orig paint an interior btw

The engine and trans are sold. I will be selling the chassis and can give a detailed list of what it all has for parts. If that is of any interest to you. The frame is uber clean!

Thanks,

Tim

If he doesn’t want the chassis please send me a PM with the details and a price. Wisconsin is a little far for me but you never know.

Thanks,
Don

Thanks a lot. I've seen parts of those cars, but I hadn't see the full builds on them. There is also a 1961 wagon with one of their chassis, but I'm not sure the car was ever finished.

To me that is a pretty substantial amount of cutting for the guy who just installed new floors front to back one year ago (me). Problem number two... I might need a winning lottery ticket for the chassis... $20K is a bit more than I happen to have in my ashtray, chair cushions and change bottle. :G-Dub: :D

The weld in sub frame looks like it's more my speed and better fits my goals and budget for the vehicle.

The Black 59 is Harold Chapmans car ...........Seen it on the Goodguys Road Tour...........Freak'in Awsum........

Ken

You could opt for the Spec chassis series and save a few thousand dollars...

My chassis will have the REVO front end on it. I did not go crazy checking off boxes, and my chassis came in at about 16k. The SPEC chassis is only offered for 61-64.

While 16k is not cheap, it's a ton of bang for the buck in these cars that desperately need rigidity.

Tim

I flat out LOVE this project and look forward to following it.

Email sent Don.

Thanks,

Tim

Hi Tim. No PM or email.

Thanks,
Don

Don,

I used the email supplied by the site. Is there a different one to use? I tried to PM but it appears that is not working today.

Thanks,

Tim

Email should be correct. I sent you a PM.

Thanks,
Don

Tim, it's going to be a sweet ride with that frame under it. Great project.

What a treat to have floors like this! Almost a shame to cut them.

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...psyuaqwu8j.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...psw5d9mw0o.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...ps3qx7ylj2.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...psxxdjiwlo.jpg

As they say, you gotta give a little to get a little. Give up the floors for better handling. It'll be a good sacrifice.

Nice to see a build start with solid floors. The floors on my 61 Impala were holy... not in the religious sense.

I'm excited to see this project take off.

So, in other words, you mean "holey" then and not "holy." :sarcasm_smiley: :lmao: :lmao:

Yes, that one. Apparently I can't take you anywhere. Hahaha!

For visual reference, this is what my floors looked like before I replaced them. One good look and you will see why I'm so happy NAPA 68 doesn't have to endure what I went "through..." :lol: :rolleyes:

http://downivlife.com/pics/1961Impala/passfloor.jpg


NAPA 68, do you have your chassis yet?

I'm told the beginning of December!

I am digging the seats in your car!:idea:

Had a chance to get into the shop for a day yesterday. Getting ready for lift off. Lot's of holes to smooth out!

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...psfvqfcybf.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...psjwwl4msz.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...psvfeai0vw.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...pseux1cphg.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...psb5o64dmz.jpg

I also got the dash stripped out along with all of the old firewall insulation

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...pshybsykkl.jpg

This whole car comes apart with hand tools. Untouched from 59

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...psbu6dmr8k.jpg

While I'm waiting for parts, I thought I'd share a couple of cool items about the 59.

Original warranty book....................
http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...psbodids4f.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...psyufz4h7v.jpg

The paperwork for the underdash A/C unit purchased from Montgomery Ward in 1963..........
http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...pscaicsgut.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...psxphykg14.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...ps4pnl4cuu.jpg

I am going to use the original shell of the A/C unit and use it as a plenum for the Vintage Air unit that will be installed.

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...psflhmnfba.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...psxxwjgdwb.jpg

Spare oil change door tag...............

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...psvufejfrp.jpg

That is such a cool car. And will be even cooler when you are done.

Don

Making progress..................

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...psmjj7sspp.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...pstmcpwzj2.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...psfp3ieyzt.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...psof4ssscx.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...ps6offwluz.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...pskksoch8o.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...psypswfg35.jpg

This thing is a pleasure to work on!
http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...psnrjgajgt.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...psk9d0tqoc.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...pszkjlkwgb.jpg

Tomorrow...................off to the Roadster Shop!

I'm giddy and impressed!

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...psl2v4h2s7.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...pssskn5w4c.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...pscxccwunv.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...pshfuts5pl.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...pspw5c8cxa.jpg

That looks terrible! Just drop it off at my house and I'll make sure you don't have to look at the ugliness. :disgusted:

Seriously, very nice. You should have a lot of fun with that chassis. I almost wouldn't want to leave it under the car! :D :D :D

Meh...it's alright, I guess, if you're into this sort of stuff.:sarcasm_smiley: Absolutely stunning!!

I'm giddy and happy and it's not even mine !!! SWEET!

The credit card it taking a licking!

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...pskgovowgt.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...psdrsyg83k.jpg

Just use Tracy's card..............Simple !!!!

The original chassis is posted for sale in the classifieds........

https://lateral-g.net/forums/showthread.php4?t=56066

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...psh6cxozaw.jpg

The fabrication has begun. The new hat channels for the additional body mounts and the floorpan mods to fit the new chassis.

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...pshkbgw1kl.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...psypes04do.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...psumzvqtxf.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...psqjx083ic.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...pspzfnluty.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...psdga1gxxc.jpg

The chassis fits like a glove! Plenty of room for rubber and what looks to be a killer ride height.

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...ps5ejxmriq.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...psbvpouhc7.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...pspjho0wvk.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...psaph2spj0.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...pszizu50re.jpg

The trans tunnel will be VERY cozy. Probably going to have to cut it along with the driveshaft tunnel....................

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/...psxuljrsb7.jpg

It sits on it like it was from the factory like that, nice.