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TriChrome
03-06-2018, 11:34 PM
From: BOB FORD [BOB_FORD@compuserve.com]
Sent: Thursday, July 20, 2000 7:08 PM
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
__________________________________________________ ____________________
From: Editor

I know you can have a drive shaft shortened at a very reasonable price.
Can you also have a drive
shaft made longer?
BOB
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To: [unknown], BOB_FORD
From: "showtimechevys", INTERNET:showtimechevys@email.msn.com

This is a reply to your 1957 identification in the 7-16-2000 Chevy list for
Stan Turley@Steward-net.com

Vin # on drivers a pillar identifies vehicle A-150, B-210, C-Bel Air (6 cyl
cars) VA-150 VB-210, VC-Bel Air (8 cyl cars.) V-8 cars have V 8 hood and
Trunk w/Chevrolet script nestled above V, 6 cyl cars have larger script
only on hood - Chevy emblem on trunk. 150/210s have chrome trim & script,
silver aluminum grille mesh and no trim in front fender louvers. Bel Airs
have all of these items in gold anodized aluminum and gold louver inserts
in front fenders.

150 sedan's have side trim similar to 1955's NO s/s trim at belt line and
there is s/s trim around windshield and rear window. 210 sedans have
approx. 3/4" wide beltline trim & the side trim is identical to Bel-Airs
w/o inserts. Top crown molding at rear fins for 150/210's measures 13 +
inches.

Bel Air sedans have s/s belt line trim that wraps up over lower window
ledge and upper finishing trim below the drip rail. There is also a small
s/s finisher strip on 'A' pillar on back side of vertical windshield trim.
The crown moldings run full length close to rr window trim. The brushed
aluminum Bel Air inserts also grace the rear quarter panels.

Hope this educates you on exterior trim for 1957 sedans.

John Sarena
Showtimechevys@msn.com
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To: [unknown], BOB_FORD
From: "Marilyn", INTERNET:Marilyn@netins.net

Hi Bob, just a question for some of you guys out there. What year of
Chevelle, I think early 70s, can you use the power steering sector for a
conversion to a 605 for the tri fives? I used to have that info, but can
not locate it now. Also, front disc brakes, there was a article on using a
certain year of early chevelle for everything except for the brackets.
Would appreciate some help on this. Roger in IOWA.
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To: [unknown], Bob_Ford
From: INTERNET:NEIL_ANDERSON@udlp.com, INTERNET:NEIL_ANDERSON@udlp.com

Bob,
In response to the person trying to determine his axle ratio there is
another
way, look at the ident code stamped on the gear case. From 1955-1964 the
axle
ratios were identified by stamping an alpha code on the housing. This two
letter
alpha code can be found on the left side ( when facing the front of
housing) of
the gear case where it bolts to the axle housing (at approx. same height as
the
axle centerline).The two letter code not only identifies the ratio, but
also
indicates which plant manufactured the unit. Codes for the years 1955-1958
are:
Detroit, Mi Buffalo, NY.

3.55 ratio AB BB
3.70 ratio AA BA
4.11 ratio AC BC
3.36 positraction AM
3.55 positraction AK
4.11 positraction AL

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

I realized this with the onset of CCI criticism... I agree and therefore I

don't purchase my parts from CCI, I pretty much just get the publication.
But I think there is that streak in many of us. I mean I'm glad I don't
own
a 55 Nomad because I would have to give an arm and a leg for the front
trim!
Same for 2 door front seats and a lot of other parts. A few thousand for
trim
and a few hundred just for a bare seat frame is outrageous! Hopefully
someday soon the pieces will be reproduced so these prices get knocked
down.
In conclusion, I think there are many out there cashing in on this hobby.
When your aim is to get the maximum dollar for a part instead of helping
other Tri5 owners, or at least balancing your aims reasonably, then I
believe
you are no better off than CCI.

Wyatt Smolick
WSSmolick@aol.com
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To: [unknown], BOB_FORD
From: INTERNET:Tjjpgarrett@aol.com, INTERNET:Tjjpgarrett@aol.com

Does anyone have a bad impression of the Tech Books available from CCI?
They
sound impressive. To avoid being over run with reports of good
experiences,
I'd like to know if anyone has a bad experience with them.

By the way, in response to the crooked Nomad tail gate, there was an
article
in the Spring 1997 Super Chevy Chevy Classics magazine on how to straighten

the Nomad tailgate.

Thanks,

Tom Garrett
Wetumpkam AL
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To: [unknown], INTERNET:turley@steward-net.com
To: [unknown], BOB_FORD
From: INTERNET:WSSmolick@aol.com, INTERNET:WSSmolick@aol.com

<< turley@steward-net.com >>
To Stan about the differences in 57 150/210/BelAir trim..... The top of
fin
stainless moldings in no way signified the engine. BelAirs had the long
moldings and the 150s/210s had the shorter pieces. What did give clue to
the
engine size is the hood and trunk emblems; 6cylinder cars did not have the
V.
Belairs had gold toned hood and trunk emblems and 150s/210s had chrome.
True about the window moldings- all and only Belairs had the full
stainless
moldings around the side windows. 210s had the thin strip below the
windows
and 150s had none.

Wyatt Smolick
WSSmolick@aol.com
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To: [unknown], BOB_FORD
From: INTERNET:MIKEI16@aol.com, INTERNET:MIKEI16@aol.com

Hi Bob and list members! I would like to thanks everybody who has responded

to my questions (Rear end ratio and rear shock mounts) you all have been
very
BIG HELP,

Now I have more questions. My gas gauge. When I ground out my gas gauge
the
needle goes to empty (they normally go to the full side, right?) when I
hook
up the wire from the sending unit, the needle just comes off of the E going

toward the first bar, is my tank sending unit bad?
Thanks for any info.
Mike Innello
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To: [unknown], BOB_FORD
From: INTERNET:JP4894@aol.com, INTERNET:JP4894@aol.com

Hi Bob and list members, Does anyone know if they reproduce the short piece

if window track that is hidden in the door, It supports the window on the
lower rear. I have a 4dr sdn and I am in need of that piece for both the
drivers door and the right rear door. I hope somebody can help or may have
some good used ones, Thanks John (JP4894@aol.com)
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To: [unknown], BOB_FORD
From: INTERNET:ANelson43@aol.com, INTERNET:ANelson43@aol.com

I am modifying a '57 Cameo Truck and in doing so, I am going to change the
rear end. It will be a "driver" and I need it more reliable for any
distance
desired. Thus, does anyone have info regarding the "correct fit" of a
later
model rear end that would replace the original one with a minimum of work?
I
realize that many on this "channel" are diehard originals (of which I am
one
with a '56 DelRay original with 60K miles - original family owner), but
this
info would help me in this effort. The motor is a 350 with a 700R behind
it....so what ratio would be best?
Awaiting the info.....Andy
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--------------
To: BOB FORD, BOB_FORD
From: INTERNET:kfmartel@collins.rockwell.com,
INTERNET:kfmartel@collins.rockwell.com


Bob,

I need a little technical advice. Next Sunday (July 23) I will be
installing a newly rebuilt 1955 265 (now bored .040 over) V8 with
powerglide attached back into my '55 4 door BelAir. After it is installed
and bolted down I will need to reinstall the distributor, but am worried
about the alignment as this is my first engine installation. Can any list
members give me suggestion as to the best methods to align the distributor?

Thanks, Kim email: marty28447@aol.com

Editor's note. Kim, the 57 shop manual says you bring the number 1 piston
to top dead center
on the firing position. Point the rotor toward the front of the motor.
The rotor should be past the
number 2 plug wire and before the number 1 plug wire. Turn the rotor about
1/8 turn counterclockwise wise and push it down. I think the 55 V8 is the
same but I am not sure.
BOB
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To: "'BOB FORD'", BOB_FORD
From: "Francis, Roger D, SITS", INTERNET:rdfrancis@att.com

Bob.... I'm just full of questions for the list today....

I am building a 55-57 chevy website an need some 55-57 Chevy clip art.
Things like bowties, cars, etc... I don't want to just take someone else's
(although people tell me to....). I would be willing to pay if I could find
it.... I know there are a lot of clip-art sites out there... but trying to
find classic Chevy specific stuff is hard. Thanks,

Roger Francis
56 Beauville
56 Nomad
56 Suburban
59 Suburban (everyday car....)
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To: "'BOB FORD'", BOB_FORD
From: "Francis, Roger D, SITS", INTERNET:rdfrancis@att.com

Bob...

Does anyone on the list know of someone who can rebuild an original factory
56 Air compressor and Dryer and them compatible with the R134 freon? I
hear there isa place in Tampa Florida that specializes in classic AC but
cannot find an ad for them. A couple places have suggested converting to a
newer Sanden-type compressor and an aftermarket dryer... but I am trying to
keep my 56 Nomad as original as possible.

Thanks,
Roger Francis
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-----------------------
To: "'BOB FORD'", BOB_FORD
From: "Francis, Roger D, SITS", INTERNET:rdfrancis@att.com

Bob....

I enjoy looking at your "cars for Sale" e-mail as well as the info-email.
It
is nice to see that there are still 55-57 cars for sale that are less than
$5000. Sure they need more work... but it allows the new-comers (and the
young folk....) a chance to get into the hobby without mortgaging their
lives away. Keep them coming Bob...

Roger Francis

Editor's note. I have heard for many years that it is cheaper to buy a
restored car than to restore one.
List members, what is your experience with this. Is it cheaper to buy or
restore a car?
BOB
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To: BOB FORD, BOB_FORD
From: INTERNET:KMarang@mmcable.com, INTERNET:KMarang@mmcable.com

Bob,

Fred Vail asked if there was a central location to find upcoming car
shows. I try to post every show I hear about in the "Coming Events"
section of our website. It has quite an extensive list of shows, but if
anyone knows of others please contact me.

I still need to add the Pensacola CC Club's show to the list. It will be
the weekend of Halloween. BOO!
--
Keith Marang
COCCC Webmaster (Central Oklahoma Classic Chevy Club)

Visit our website ...
http://www.55-57chevys.com
http://www.classicchevyclub.com
http://www.okchevys.com

Editor's note. Thanks for all of your efforts?
BOB
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To: [unknown], BOB_FORD
From: INTERNET:@steward-net.com, INTERNET:@steward-net.com
Date: 7/18/2000, 7:38 AM

Hello Bob,

I want to thank the man that sent me a message on the
chrome question I had about the Belair and the 210 57 Chevy. I want to know
if the 605 power steering box is something you have to special order or can
you get it off a older car to work on the 55-56-57 Chevy? Someone was
telling
me 605 will be stamped on the top of the box, just curious and about how
much
is it?

Thanks Alot

Stan email turley@steward-net.com
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To: [unknown], BOB_FORD
From: "Michael Purton", INTERNET:MBP1@prodigy.net

Please put the following in your newsletter:

For Sale. Bra for 57 Chevy. Brand new, used once only. $75.00
Mike. 248-644-5286 or mbp1@prodigy.net.
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To: [unknown], BOB_FORD
From: INTERNET:D56CHEVY@aol.com, INTERNET:D56CHEVY@aol.com

<< All this is coming from someone that
doesn't even own one of these CLASSICS!!!! Rick Keep4u@yahoo.com >>
Hi Rick

I know I was unhappy about the CCI bashing too but I OWN a 56 Chevy Belair
and have for almost 20 years.....and IM only 37- I just agree that they
should know that people (customers) are NOT happy lately-

Now I am working on a 53 Chevy shortbed truck-wow - its a BIG difference
from
a 55-57!

Lenny Schaeffer
event coordinator
Cyclone Car Club
Malden MA
781-397-1322
<A HREF="http://clubs.hemmings.com/cyclonecarclub/">Cyclone Car Club web
site<
/A>
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To: [unknown], BOB_FORD
From: "Warren Kramer", INTERNET:wrkchevy@hotmail.com

In response to how to contact Bow Ties:
Phone 800-631-1961
Fax 407-886-7571
Email info@lategreatchevy.com

How to find a grill bar for a '57 - Many sources for new one; a good place
to find a used one - usually has some pits, but good as a driver - go to
swap meets - one can find almost anything at these events; may have to be
patient.

Bob, keep up the good work - and I agree with another writer. Your
resignation will never be accepted.
Warren

Editor's note. I was at the Pomona Swap meet Sunday. If you can not find
it at that swap meet, it probably does not exist. If you want to buy a
car, there were a lot for sale there. All the way from number 1 condition
to number 11 condition. You can imagine what a number 11 condition car was
on the 1 to 6 scale.

BOB
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To: BOB FORD, BOB_FORD
From: INTERNET:roy.r.nagel@gm.com, INTERNET:roy.r.nagel@gm.com

Someone inquired a while back about a recommended source for repairs on the
electric clock in their tri-five.

Jim/Carolyn Wheeler subsequently advised that they believed Jerry Magayne
in
Eagle River, WI was likely a good bet. For your info, I had Jerry repair
the
electric clock on my '53 Ford (OK, I'm an equal-opportunity collector!) for
$39.95 plus shipping about two years ago. I was returned within a couple
weeks
and has been working great ever since.
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To: [unknown], BOB_FORD
From: INTERNET:Chevy156@aol.com, INTERNET:Chevy156@aol.com

<<
To: BOB FORD, BOB_FORD
CC: [unknown], INTERNET:WSSmolick@aol.com
From: INTERNET:roy.r.nagel@gm.com, INTERNET:roy.r.nagel@gm.com

Re the question about installing 4:11 gears in a '55-'57 axle housing from
a
6-cyl / 3-speed car that originally had a 3.73 gear-set (list from
07-01-2000):

My experience is that the gears will fit w/o any problems whatever. >>

Ok this is an interesting answer which is only partly correct. There are
some differences in the carriers. There is a 3-Series & a 4 Series Rear End

Housing for 55 to 7 all the way thru 64. The 4 series rear end housings
carried 3.70 to 4.11 & higher ratios were cast with narrower bearing webs
to
clear the Heavier 4-series Ring Gears. The 3-Series Housings Carried 3.55
to
3.27 had wider bearing webs & had extra reinforcement cast inside the
housing. If you had a 3-series rear housing & planned to use a 3.70 & up
gear
Modifications will have to be made to the inside of the housing to clear
the
ring gear. So be careful which rear housing you plan to use.

James ..... Chevy156@aol.com
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To: [unknown], BOB_FORD
From: INTERNET:Chevy156@aol.com, INTERNET:Chevy156@aol.com

<<
To: [unknown], BOB_FORD
From: INTERNET:Bobbie.Butler@kyagr.com, INTERNET:Bobbie.Butler@kyagr.com

Thanks, Bobbie in Kentucky

Editor's note. I think someone mentioned it before but I think the springs
in a six were stronger than the ones in an 8 as the six weighed more. That
would mean that your front end may be slightly higher with an 8. Can
anyone confirm this.
BOB >>

Hi Bob, Yes the 6 cylinder blocks were heavier than the V8 Blocks so the
front end will sit a little higher

James ..... Chevy156@aol.com
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To: [unknown], BOB_FORD
From: INTERNET:Chevy156@aol.com, INTERNET:Chevy156@aol.com

The 07-12-2000 distribution includes a question from "Mike I" asking about
how to determine the rear axle ratio in his car. >>

The best way to actually determine the correct ratio of the rear
(providing
the ring & pinion gears were never changed) is to take a wire brush to the
passengers side of the Rear Ends Carrier & look for the 2 letters stamped
INTO the rear end housing.
The Differential Ratio Identification codes are as follows,

Year / Ratio - Detroit, MI =(A) - & - Buffalo, NY =(B) Gear & Axle
Stamping
1955 - 1958
3.55 Ratio - AB - BB
3.70 Ratio - AA - BA
4.11 Ratio - AC - BC
3.36 Ratio Posi Traction - AM
3.55 Ratio Posi Traction - AK
4.11 Ratio Posi Traction - AL

1959

3.08 Ratio AW - BW
3.55 Ratio AB - BB
3.70 Ratio - AA & FE - BA & BE
4.11 Ratio - AC - BC
3.08 Ratio Posi Traction AX - BX
3.36 Ratio Posi Traction - AM - BM
3.70 Ratio Posi Traction - FH - BH
4.11 Ratio Posi Traction - AL - BL

1960

3.08 Ratio AZ & AX - BZ & BX
3.36 Ratio AB & AD - BB & BD
3.55 Ratio AA & AG - BA & BG
3.70 Ratio FE - BE
4.11 Ratio - AC - BC
3.36 Ratio Posi Traction - AM - BM
3.55 Ratio Posi Traction - AK - BK
3.70 Ratio Posi Traction - FH - BH

1961
3.08 Ratio AZ - BZ
3.36 Ratio AB & AD - BB & BD
3.55 Ratio AA - BA
3.70 Ratio FE - BE
3.08 Ratio Posi Traction - AX - BX
3.36 Ratio Posi Traction - AM - BM
3.55 Ratio Posi Traction - AK - BK
3.70 Ratio Posi Traction - FH - BH

1962
3.08 Ratio AW & AJ - BW
3.36 Ratio AB & AG - BB
3.55 Ratio AA, AD & AE - BA & BD
3.70 Ratio AC - BC
3.08 Ratio Posi Traction - AX & AR - BX
3.36 Ratio Posi Traction - AM & AQ - BM
3.55 Ratio Posi Traction - AK & AN - BK
3.70 Ratio Posi Traction - AH & AP- BH
4.11 Ratio Posi Traction - AL & AT
4.56 Ratio Posi Traction - AS & AU

1963
3.08 Ratio AW & AJ - BW
3.36 Ratio AB,AD & AG - BB & BD
3.55 Ratio AA, & AE - BA
3.70 Ratio AC &AF - BC
3.08 Ratio Posi Traction - AX & AR - BX
3.36 Ratio Posi Traction - AM & AQ - BM
3.55 Ratio Posi Traction - AK & AN - BK
3.70 Ratio Posi Traction - AH & AP- BH
4.11 Ratio Posi Traction - AL & AT
4.11 R.P.O. Z11 - JA
4.56 Ratio Posi Traction - AS & AU

1964
3.08 Ratio AW & AJ - BW
3.36 Ratio AB,AD & AG - BB & BD
3.55 Ratio AA, & AE - BA
3.70 Ratio AC & AF - BC
3.08 Ratio Posi Traction - AX & AR - BX
3.36 Ratio Posi Traction - AM & AQ - BM
3.55 Ratio Posi Traction - AK & AN - BK
3.70 Ratio Posi Traction - AH & AP- BH
4.11 Ratio Posi Traction - AL & AT
4.56 Ratio Posi Traction - AS & AU

I HOPE THIS CLEARS UP A LOT OF THIS WHAT'S MY GEAR RATIO FOR 55 TO 64
CHEVY
OWNERS OUT THERE !

By the way there is tons of answers to this type of technical stuff in the

archives in www.chevytalk.com In most cases if you don't see it or just
can't
find answer to a question you may have you can just post your question &
someone will answer it with in a day.

I hope this helps, James ..... Chevy156@aol.com
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To: [unknown], BOB_FORD
From: INTERNET:claudde@aol.com, INTERNET:claudde@aol.com

Bob
Was a 3rd horn an option on the 57. My 57 has a very long horn near the
radiator. It has a different sound than the other 2. Is this original?

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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