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03-06-2018, 11:37 PM
From: BOB FORD [BOB_FORD@compuserve.com]
Sent: Thursday, August 17, 2000 6:47 AM
To: Blind.Copy.Receiver@compuserve.com
Subject: 57-56-55 CHEVY LISTL

THIS IS THE 57-56-55 CHEVY LIST

THIS LIST IS DESIGNED AS A MEANS FOR PEOPLE INTERESTED IN THE 1955, 1956,
AND 1957 CHEVROLETS TO COMMUNICATE WITH EACH OTHER. ALL OPINIONS
ARE WELCOME.

TO POST SOMETHING ON THIS LIST PLEASE E-MAIL YOUR POST TO
BOB_FORD@COMPUSERVE.COM

THERE IS NO COST TO BECOME A LIST MEMBER AND ONLY LIST MEMBERS ARE
ALLOWED TO POST SOMETHING ON THE LIST.

THIS 57-56-55 CHEVY LIST IS NOT SENT OUT ON ANY SET SCHEDULE SO IF YOU
WANT TO POST SOMETHING THAT CONTAINS A DATE, PLEASE SEND IT IN EARLY
SO I CAN GET IT OUT TO THE LIST MEMBERS BEFORE THE DATE OF THE EVENT.

PLEASE INCLUDE YOUR CITY AND STATE WITH YOUR POSTS. IF YOU ARE
POSTING SOMETHING FOR SALE PLEASE ALSO INCLUDE

1. YOUR PHONE NUMBER
2 THE PRICE
3. WHEN YOU WILL BE AT YOUR PHONE NUMBER AND YOUR TIME ZONE.

TAKE AS MUCH SPACE AS YOU WANT AND FULLY DESCRIBE WHAT YOU HAVE
FOR SALE OR WANT TO BUY.

YOUR COMMENTS ABOUT THIS LIST ARE WELCOME.

IF YOU WANT TO SEND ME E-MAIL THAT YOU DO NOT WANT ON THE LIST
PLEASE PUT "PRIVATE NOT FOR THE LIST' AS THE SUBJECT.

THE OPINIONS EXPRESSED IN THIS LIST ARE THE MEMBERS OPINIONS AND NOT
NECESSARILY MINE.

THANKS
BOB FORD
EDITOR
__________________________________________________ ____________________
To: [unknown], BOB_FORD
From: "Janet Hall", INTERNET:jkhall@midwest.net
Re: swap meet

sept 15-17 indy,In at marion county fairgrounds this is a good
meet

jkhall@midwest.net
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To: [unknown], BOB_FORD
From: "Ian James Buckingham", INTERNET:swinger1975@hotmail.com

Hello everyone I need little help. I bought my self a 57 chevy and would
like to know what all the numbers and codes work out be. I think i'm having

trouble finding out what all the numbers are because,like me the car was
MADE IN CANADA. So if one or more of my list friends out there could help
me
it would be greatly appreciated.

Serial=71037D660341
Eng=9263698

Style=1037D
Paint=1007
Trim=676
Body No=2279
B.S.O.=372
Thank You;
Ian Buckingham
Winnipeg,Manitoba,Canada
__________________________________________________ ______________________
To: [unknown], BOB_FORD
From: "shew", INTERNET:ethan@compunet.net

Hello Everyone,

I would like to throw this question out for some feedback. I would like
some advice on the rear end of my 57 sedan. I would like to have a rear end
strong enough to handle 450 horses. Should I keep the original (3:55) or
upgrade. I am considering moving my leaf springs under the frame to allow
for larger tires. What do you guys think.

Charlie Shew
ethan@compunet.net
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----------------- To: BOB FORD,
BOB_FORD
From: Wanda, INTERNET:eathen@somonet.net

Bob

When I read your response to Janice's letter, I knew at once what a kind
and compassionate person you are. I went through the exact same experience
Janice did about 5 years ago when I lost my husband.
I wanted to sell his car as I also needed the money. My friends knowing I
needed the money told me to put a high price on the car as it was in
perfect condition. Like Janice, I knew what it cost to restore the car and
I thought I should get about that amount for the car. It took me over a
year to sell it and when I finally did sell it I got less than 1/2 of my
first price.

You could have told her the car was overpriced and to lower the price to a
realistic level. I can tell you from my experience that she would not have
believed you. Instead you told her what the price guide said her car was
worth and advised her to get it appraised. You explained some of the
things that go into pricing a car. I wish I had known you 5 years ago.
You could have saved me from a lot of worry.
I know my friends were trying to help me but the old saying "The Truth will
set you free" is correct.
My life would have much less stressful if I had known the truth about the
price of the car.

Wanda
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-------------------------------------- To: [unknown],
BOB_FORD
From: INTERNET:Lovemy56@aol.com, INTERNET:Lovemy56@aol.com

>>
To the lady trying to sell her 57 4 Dr. Hdtp.------------I have seen a
BEAUTIFUL 57 ALL ORIGINAL 4 dr. hdtp sell for l6,000 & most people thought
the guy paid too much, simply because it had two, too many DOORS !!!!!!!!

I had a 55 Dr. & it took me 8 months to sell it. It was all original & in
nice cond., but NOT show quality. I finally gave in & had to sacrifice it
for 1,500 $. MOST people who want classics Chevys WANT one with 2 doors,

but the ones who WILL accept a 4 dr. DO EXPECT to get them for a good
price!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It's really a shame that your husband put that
much
money into a 4 dr., but I'm sure he didn't do it with the intentions of
selling it. To be honest, a person could buy a pretty NICE CONVERTIBLE FOR
38,000 & they are BY FAR the most sought after models !!!!!!! I don't mean
to
be discouraging, but I'm just trying to inform you on what I know & have
seen
on sales of classic Chevys! Good luck in selling it.
Richard
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--------------------------
To: [unknown], BOB_FORD
From: INTERNET:Lovemy56@aol.com, INTERNET:Lovemy56@aol.com

<< o: BOB FORD, BOB_FORD
From: WOLFGANG KUPKA, INTERNET:wolfgangv@earthlink.net

I am looking for a rear seat for a 57 chevy convertible, does your hardtop
seat fit
----------------------------------------------------- >>
Hardtop Rear seats do NOT fit in Convertibles! These are very RARE seats,
so
be prepared to pay a PREMIUM price IF you DO find one! You might check in
Hemmings & Classic Chevy World Magazines!!!! Good Luck!!!!!! Richard
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To: "BOB FORD", BOB_FORD
From: "David Hecker", INTERNET:dhecker@presenter.com

A little Vintage Air bashing. I'll preface this by saying I'd probably
install another Vintage Air system if I had to install A/C again, but I
would sure check out the competition. I recently finished installing their
sure fit into my '57 handyman. The directions are vague, and simplistic.
Once you've done it they make perfect sense, but they were sadly lacking.
The firewall cover plate with pre-cut holes for the hoses did not match the
location of the tubes from the evaporator. One hole missed the pipe by
over
an inch. I opted to fabricate my own firewall cover since theirs also
looks
quite cheap. The hoses supplied were too long and a sloppy one size fits
anything type. Their support is difficult to reach. They have very
restrictive hours closing early on Friday, and no weekend support. This is
especially difficult since I am on the west coast and they are two hours
ahead. I also found they never responded to either a voice mail and an
email message sent to their support. They routinely have the 800 support
and info number busy for the last several hours of the day. They
accidentally hung up on me after I'd been put on hold waiting for a tech.
I
did find them to be reasonably helpful once I called them at what would be
the morning for them. The evaporator fit is exact, without an eighth of an
inch to spare to maneuver the unit in. The biggest issue or advice I can
give to someone installing Vintage Air's sure fit into a 57 is that the
entire hole in the firewall needs to be open and free of encumbrances.
The
evaporator unit fits under the dash with the inlet tubes facing down and is
then rotated with parts of the evaporator going through the hole in the
firewall. I had several other issues, but I expected to need to modify
them. Again, I might install one again because I know how it works, but
I'd
consider others too.

Thanks,
Dave
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--------------------
To: BOB FORD, BOB_FORD
From: INTERNET:kfmartel@collins.rockwell.com,
INTERNET:kfmartel@collins.rockwell.com

I have just learned from a club member that the Pertronix Ignator burned
out because he used his 1957 car's radio with the engine off and the car
ignition switch in the 'on' position. Has anyone heard of this happening
before?? Should the radio be wired directly to the fuse panel and not thru
the ignation switch??

Kim
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-----------------
To: [unknown], INTERNET:trmalas@uop.com
To: "BOB FORD", BOB_FORD
From: "Rick Oster", INTERNET:BelAir57@megsinet.net

Mine did that a few times and I finally lubed the metal sleeve that the
pedal rod goes into and then through the firewall with a delayed viscosity
grease like Wynn's Viscotene and it's been OK every since.
Rick Oster

>>
I would like to put a question on your list for anyone who can help me. I
have a 57 4 door Belair all original 283 with 2 speed power glide. Car has
only 28,000 miles on it. I finally got my dream car. My question is when I
push on the gas pedal once in awhile the pedal (throttle) will stick. I
would have to reach down and release it. I have checked the linkage and
lubed it all and all of it looks ok to me. How can I resolve this from
happening. Please send answers to trmalas@uop.com.
Thank you Tim

Editor's note. It might be a carb problem. There must be a story on a 57
with only 28,000 miles. Do you know the story?
BOB <<
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-------------------
To: BOB FORD, BOB_FORD
From: Sanford "Sandy" Pierce, INTERNET:mr55chev@webtv.net

Bob - You did a masterful and diplomatic job explaining to the widow
(Janice) about how collector cars are valued, and I can only hope she is
not too shocked when she finds out her $38,000 car is about $28,000
overpriced. Perhaps some of her friends who feel it is fairly priced at
$38,000 will step up to the pump - but I doubt it. It also provides an
answer to those who question whether it is more cost effective to buy a
restoration or finished car, or do it yourself. I have never bought a
completed car (except from the dealer when new!) as to me part of the
fun is doing the work.

On the 8th day HE created the 55 Chevrolet
(and GMC Suburban Pickups)
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---------------
To: "'BOB FORD'", BOB_FORD
From: "Francis, Roger D, SITS", INTERNET:rdfrancis@att.com

Bob... I want to commend you for the fine job you did for the widow selling
the 4-door hardtop. I am sure there are hundreds or even thousands of
people just like her out there who have no idea what their car is worth or
how to sell it when they need to. All they need is someone to be honest and
straight with a little bit of sensitivity and compassion thrown in. You did
all that in a very professional way without being judgmental. I doubt that
she found that until you came to her aid. Kudos to you Bob. You continue to
help others and will be rewarded for your kindness someday. I am sure this
woman thanked you as well. Nice job....

Roger Francis
http://community.webtv.net/mr55chev/555657CHEV
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---------------
To: [unknown], BOB_FORD
From: INTERNET:NomadMan55@aol.com, INTERNET:NomadMan55@aol.com

Bob,
I disagree with some of the information you gave the woman with the 57' 4dr

Hardtop. First, a modified car is worth less only in the case of a rare,
high
value car, such as a 57' convertible. With the more common models, like the

4dr hardtop, a well built modified car is worth as much or more than an
original.
Second, you mention that a 4dr hardtop has a reputation of leaking around

the windows, which lowers the value of the car. Nomads also have a big
reputation for water leaks around the liftgate, but I doubt it affects the
price of every Nomad for sale. Also, if you are going to have a 4dr, there
isn't a better model to have than a 57' 4dr Hardtop.
As far as the turboglide trans, I would bet that she is referring to a
turbo 350 or 400. Since he did change the engine to a 350, I doubt he kept
the turboglide. I would double check that with her.
And with the wheels, I found that offensive(just kidding!!). I have
always
had chrome or alloy wheels on my cars, and I never beat on them. Most
people
who build modified cars are going to put custom wheels on it. And the
majority of people looking for a modified car are going to want custom
wheels.
I do however agree that the car, at $38,000 is way overpriced for that
model. Her friends are definitely misinforming her. It's the old story,
it's
always worth more to the person who's not looking to buy it.I would say,
from the description, that it is worth somewhere between $12 & 20,000. It's

hard to say, without actually seeing the car. That's why, the best advice
you
gave her was to get an appraisal from a professional.


As the list members have discussed the last few days, it is
nearly impossible to get back what you put into a restoration, especially
if
you have someone do the work for you.
Well, despite your bad advice here Bob( again, just kidding!),
you're doing a great job with the list. Thank, Warren


Editor's note. Warren, I am glad to hear from you and to publish your
letter. I think this shows that
people can value a car differently depending on their point of view. I
know a lot of "numbers match" people and they view a modified car as having
a lower value. I do not know what percent of car buyers that this group
is. I have often heard people say they would pay a premium for an
"unmolested car".

I have no problem with modified cars. Many modifications improve the car
and make it better and safer to drive. I know some people like them and
some people don't. It all depends on your point of view whether
modifications add value to a car.

I agree that custom wheels make a car look better. I also know some
people view custom wheels as a sign the car has been raced or driven fast
and they will pay less for the car because of that. I
checked the Old Cars price guide and a number 1 condition Belair 2 dr hard
top is $29,000. A number 1 condition 4 door hard top's price is $14,000.
A number 1 condition Nomad is $23,000.

It was not my intent to try to put a value on any 1 car. I was trying to
give factors some people consider when they go to buy a car. I recommend
that if you want to know the value of a car you get it appraised.

I invite list members to tell me if a modified cars has more, less, or the
same value as an unmodified one

BOB
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To: [unknown], BOB_FORD
From: INTERNET:Conoso@aol.com, INTERNET:Conoso@aol.com

In response to tim``s problem with the sticking gas pedal, on occasion a
bad motor mount will let the engine move far enough to bind the linkage. It

is easy to check by putting it in gear and hold the brake ( firmly ) and
give
it some gas. If the mount or mounts are bad , you will be able to see the
motor move up and over toward the passenger side. Use a little common sense

and don`t floor it unless you have plenty of room. Ha Ha Give it a try,

Bob in Texas
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------------------------

To: [unknown], BOB_FORD
From: INTERNET:Conoso@aol.com, INTERNET:Conoso@aol.com

In reply to the Pacer main difference. The passenger door was longer
than
the drivers side, so to have easier access to the back seat. Long live
Wayne`s World.

Bob in Texas
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--------
To: "'BOB_FORD@COMPUSERVE.COM'", BOB_FORD
From: "Waldie, Matt", INTERNET:matt.waldie@attws.com

I would like to post the following:

I have recently moved from Los Angeles, CA to Dallas, TX and I am having
trouble finding local car shows, cruise nights, etc. I would be most
interested in tri-five clubs or pure Chevy clubs, but I will take what I
can
get at this point. If any body knows of any of these types of events,
please email me at matt.waldie@attws.com.

Thanks.
Matt
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----------
To: Chevy List, BOB_FORD
From: phillip l brown, INTERNET:lybc@earthlink.net
Re: Janice's '57 Sport Sedan


Bob your comments were right on. Her dilemma goes right along with the
"buy it done" or "restore yourself" discussion of recent lists. It is
cheaper to buy a restored car because, except in rare cars, the restorer
won't get out of the car, the money put into it. An analogy would be
in home remodeling. Some projects done on a home will return the
amount spent but most don't. There are guides for home owners that
list percentages you can receive back for various projects. Same thing
applies to cars. A new paint job will not raise the value of the car
to equal the cost of the paint job. On some cars, if you bought a set
of new tires, you wouldn't be able to sell it for the price of the tires
vs the price without new tires. She needs to understand that, for
most of us, this is a hobby for enjoyment and personal satisfaction,
instead of for profit or "break even".

Phillip
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----------------------
To: [unknown], BOB_FORD
From: INTERNET:HINOJOSA55@aol.com, INTERNET:HINOJOSA55@aol.com

Bob. Please post this on your great list , The article on the fast
traveling
NOMAD, (that's why we modify) I have a 1955 CAMEO Custom big block
454/th400 on a later model chassis power disc/brakes,p/steering, tilt
column,
BABY BLUE , 16" ralleys, that I would like to trade for a 1957 CAMEo or 55
NOMAD. MY CAMEO would have caught that NOMAD! 1-661-834-9505 E-mail
(LouieLouie567@aol.com) Bakersfield CA.
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--------------------
To: "'BOB FORD'", BOB_FORD
From: "McNulty, Bob", INTERNET:BMCNULTY@csuchico.edu

Since I keep telling my son that the only dumb question is one that is not
asked...........

I have a 56 with a 235 and power glide that I picked up for a song and a
dance. It runs. I started it up and let it get good and warm
Didn't drive it around at all The tranny then proceeded to leak out about 2
to 3 quarts of fluid (guessing
based on the size of the puddle)

I have heard of the "burping" scenario but this seems like a major
belch!!!!!

The car had sat for who knows how long prior to my purchase.

I have a chance to pick up at turbo 350 for free (which I will do
regardless) and was wondering if It would bolt up to my 235. If so, what
goodies would I need besides some sort of cross member mount and a new
kickdown linkage?

I am used to working on standard tranny's and clutch assemblies but these
new fangled automatics leave me clueless. (Any suggestions for reading
material would be appreciated)

Thanks

Bob in Chico
56 suburban
55 2nd 3200
56 belair

Editor's note. Bob send me your address and I will send you a video on how
to rebuild the 350.
BOB
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To: [unknown], BOB_FORD
From: INTERNET:SMK4949@aol.com, INTERNET:SMK4949@aol.com

Anthony got it right! The trivia question regarding the passenger door
being
longer than the drivers on a Pacer (AMC.) Not many people knew that. Even
few
of the people that drove them ever knew..........
On Tim's question on the sticking gas petal ... check the back of the
pedal
and see if it's not worn there. (a very common problem in the tri-fives).
If
it is worn that bad I would second guess that mileage too.
Hey James, great to hear that 700r4 did you good and had a wonderful
time.
You knew that 56 was just itching to hit the highway after that extended
rest....... Good to hear from you James!

Smokey,
Moderator,
ChevyTalk.com
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---------------------
To: Bob Ford, BOB_FORD
From: "Dale D.", INTERNET:canyonrose@yahoo.com

Bob and List Members,
I don't think I can add much to the discussion on
Wagon Deliveries that hasn't already been said, but I
might encourage those of you so inclined to dig into
your old pile of Classic Chevy World magazines and
find the November 1989 issue. The cover car is a '57
Wagon Delivery, with a small article inside. Also,
don't forget to view Alfred Hitchcock's "North by
Northwest" to see a '56 and a blooper! -Delivery Dale
__________________________________________________
To: "BOB FORD", BOB_FORD
From: "Clint Goulet", INTERNET:cgishere2@home.com

Bob I'm looking to buy a "bench" front seat for my 57 2 dr Wagon anyone
have
an idea of a "fair" price?? Also if a seat from anything else other than a
wagon will fit. Thanks from Michigan. Clint
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end of 57-56-55 CHEVY LIST
BOB FORD
18091 MARK CIRCLE
VILLA PARK, CALIFORNIA 92861-2648
BOB_FORD@COMPUSERVE.COM
http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/BOB_FORD/
http://members.home.net:80/rick.b/Bobford.htm
VOICE 714-637-8877
FAX 714-637-2955
Editor of the 57-56-55 CHEVY LIST and TURBOGLIDE REGISTRY