As mentioned before, we had discussed updating the car many times. It started with updating the stance and tires and wheels, then if we were going to do that, why not the suspension and brakes, what about the engine and transmission?
We finally found a shop about 20 miles from where my wife grew up that really impressed us with thier work. Bright Built Hotrods was commissioned to renew the old '57 and make it into my dad's dream car with a touch of technology and a ZR1 corvette thrown in...
We discussed several engine combos and ran all of them by my dad. He has had lots of experience with big and small blocks but not so much with LS engines. So we sat down and went through them all from LS1-9. After some discussion it was narrowed down to an LS7, LS9 or one of Mast Motorsports monsters. He finally decided on the LS9.
Keith Bright at Bright Built called Street & Performance for the engine and T56Magnum.
We looked at several chassis from AME, Progressive, Roadstershop and settled on the Roadster Shop for a C6 style front, 9" rear chassis to handle the big motor. Big wilwood brakes will slow the shoebox down.
They already have the Vintage air and Dakota Digital's new VHX Gauges waiting.
Bright Built will be smoothing the firewall. Brake and clutch boosters mounted under the dash. They will be refinishing all the stainless to keep a stock-ish outside appearence. The back end will be mini tubbed to handle a little bigger tire.
Wheels will be 20x12 and 18x8 Billet Specialties Magnitude or Heritage.
Interior will also be sent to a higher profile upholstry shop to match the updated powertrain.
We can't wait to get this car completed. My dad told me that this is the first time in 22 years of owning the '57 that he is truly excited about driving this car.
Thanks for listening to my story!! I'll update with progress pictures as I get them from the builder. Here are some pictures taken right before Bright's picked it up.
