PDA

View Full Version : 07/24/2000



TriChrome
03-06-2018, 11:34 PM
From: BOB FORD [BOB_FORD@compuserve.com]
Sent: Monday, July 24, 2000 9:40 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: "'BOB_FORD@compuserve.com'", BOB_FORD
From: "lee@starbase7102.com", INTERNET:lee@starbase7102.com

I have a friend that just purchased a 55 minus 29 or a 1926 Chevrolet. He
is in need of parts and advice. Can anyone provide a contact for a club or

listserv that deals with this era of Chevrolet? Also, can anyone recommend

a good source for parts? His email address is bill@starbase7102.com.
Thanks
Lee
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------
From: Editor
Some interesting information from Trader Online. Cars for sale on July 23,
2000

1955 1956
1957

FORD 172 222
232

PLYMOUTH 8 8
5

CHEVY 380 247
541
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------
To: [unknown], BOB_FORD
From: INTERNET:Lovemy56@aol.com, INTERNET:Lovemy56@aol.com

<<
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 >>

Bob, what Sunday of each month is the Pomona Swap Meet? And what is their
Admission charge? Is it just ONE DAY (Sundays ONLY?) Curious, I may be
down
in So. Calif. in early Oct. & would like to attend it if possible.!!!
Thank
you, Richard

Editor's note. The swap meet is only on Sunday's. They are usually about
6 week apart so there should be one in Octorber. However I checked my
Automotive Calender of Events and I could not find one in October. Any list
member know if one is scheduled in October? There is one scheduled for
Oct 8,2000 at Long Beach.
BOB
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------
To: [unknown], BOB_FORD
From: INTERNET:Lovemy56@aol.com, INTERNET:Lovemy56@aol.com

<<
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 >>

Bob, I have done lots of checking around on purchasing a restored car vs.
restoring one yourself. There are so many determining factors that one
could
not really say for sure one way or the other. It depends on the car you
are
restoring, the cond. it's in when you buy it, the PRICE you pay for it, the

AMOUNT of restoring needed, ETC, ETC, ETC. On the other end, it depends on
the price you pay for a restored car, considering model, #of drs., how well

it's restored, ETC, ETC, ETC. From all that I have seen, I would say that
you are WELL OVER 50% correct !!!!! Richard
(On the 8th day, he created the 56 Bel Air 2 Dr.Hdtp.)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
-----------------------------
To: [unknown], BOB_FORD
From: INTERNET:Lovemy56@aol.com, INTERNET:Lovemy56@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. >>

I TOO, WOULD LIKE TO KNOW ABOUT THE TECK BOOK, AS I WAS THINKING ABOUT
PURCHASING ONE, BUT IF IT IS NOT WORTH THE INVESTMENT, I WOULD SURELY LIKE
TO KNOW ABOUT IT & I'M SURE MANY OTHERS WOULD ,ALSO!!!!!! RICHARD

Editor's note. I have a copy of the Teck Book. In my opinion, there is a
lot of good information in them if you plan to do a restoration or
modernization yourself.
BOB
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
-----------------------------
To: [unknown], Bob_Ford
From: Pam Stallard, INTERNET:keep4u@yahoo.com

I knew when I read my letter about all the fighting
between this list and CCI,( that it has to stop,)that
my last line didn't sound right. To Lenny Schaeffer at
Cyclone Car Club and any others that read it wrong,
I'm sorry. I know it sounded like I was saying all the
complaining was coming from people that don't even
own a classic Chevy. What I was trying to say was that
my letter of concern, was coming from someone that
doesn't own a Classic Chevy, ME!! My letter was trying
to get across the point that you who do have one of
these cars are lucky, and very lucky to have a forum
like Bob's to get help and information from. Just use
it for what it was created for. Now, I did own one 55
2-door post, when I was a senior in high school in
1965. It had a .60 over 327, big ol' AFB for gas, F.I.
cam and heads from a Vette and 4:11 gears with a 4
speed. I ran it at the strip in Kansas City almost
every night. Then I went to the Air Force, sold the
car, and my life has never been the same since!! If
anyone does know of a "Semi" basket case or better,
2door post within a couple hundred miles of K.C., and
it pretty cheap, let me know. I would really like to
make a nostalgia drag car. Anyway, sorry if my letter
came across wrong to anyone. Rick keep4u@yahoo.com
_____________________________________________
To: "55-56-57 chevy", BOB_FORD
From: "Bruce Matthews", INTERNET:bruce@stormnet.com

Hello from Northern California Bob, I have a question for the Group. Has
anyone used the Powder Coating system from Eastwood? I was thinking about
buying a kit, but I want some feedback on it first. The first Red Flag
alert is that the system is called Hot Coat and not Powder Coat. Bob with
all the helpful information going back and forth on your web site I though
someone might have used this system. Please post any information on the web
site so all can view the answers. Thanks again for a Super Chevy web site.
Bruce.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------
To: "BOB FORD", BOB_FORD
From: "Robert Crean", INTERNET:creanie@bellatlantic.net

hi bob
in response to your question as to wether or not to buy a restored car or
do
it yourself, i bought my 57 two door belair for $4,000 and after 4&1/2
years
of work and $15,000 in restoration work all done myself, i have one
beautiful car that has more blood sweat tears and most of all love.

i am not by any means a mechanic or body man but it sure was fun learning
and most guys with common sense and a little amount of tools can tackle
most
restoration projects, maybe not a show car but something nice that they can
be proud of and pass it down in the family as i will to my son.

as for just buying someone elses car it may be great to drive down the
street in it and show it off to friends but when you tell them you bought
it
that way as compared to all the stories & pictures of parts hanging all
over
the garage it just doesn't get the same response from the person you are
telling the stories to.

i am now doing a 63 corvair convertible (poor mans corvette) for my wife
and
i am still having plenty of scraped knuckles yelling out things like #*%#
but it sure is a lot of fun to boot

thanks
rob crean
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------
To: [unknown], bob_ford
From: INTERNET:drshock@insectria.net, INTERNET:drshock@insectria.net

I saw this item for sale at eBayMotors. It's obviously a 1959-1960
TurboGlide shift indicator lens. Don't know if you've heard of anyone
looking for one - but this is the first NOS one I've seen in the last nine
years!


Title of item: SHIFTER INDICATOR 59-60 CHEVY CAR NOS
Seller: c.a.obsoleteautoparts@gte.net
Starts: Jul-21-00 15:59:05 PDT
Ends: Jul-31-00 15:59:05 PDT
Price: Starts at $15.00
To bid on the item, go to:
http://cgi.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=388616704


Item Description:
SHIFTER INDICATOR 59-50 CHEVY CAR NOS Automotive Weather Strip
Experts
We handle only U.S made rubber for most makes and models.
See our website at:
www.caobsoleteautoparts.com
or email us at
c.a.obsoleteautoparts@gte.net Free Parts Locating Service
Specializing in:
Hard To Find Parts
For Vintage '37 - '64
Weather Stripping
Window Channel
For Most Makes & Models
Store Hrs 9:00-5:00 M-F
9:00-12:00 Sat.
13059 Rosecrans Ave.
Santa Fe Springs, CA 90670
Phone (562) 921-0666
Fax (562) 921-4063
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------
To: [unknown], BOB_FORD
From: "ron & monique verwey", INTERNET:belair@rockies.net

hi bob and list members. i am looking for a sunvisior for a 55 2dr hrtp
and the
little blue powerglide tag for my 57 powerglide . if any-one has these
parts please
e-mail me at belair@rockies.net
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
-----------------------------
To: [unknown], BOB_FORD
From: "shew", INTERNET:ethan@compunet.net

Hello Everyone,

This is a reply to Marc concerning the American Graffiti 55 Chevy. In the
"Chevy High Performance" magazine from October 1999 they had an article
about it and the 32 yellow Ford coupe. This is what they say. At one time a
man name Steve Fitch of Wichita, Kansas owned both cars but he also sold
them. He bought the 55 in 1978 and the 32 a few years later. They said he
sold both cars "a number of years ago" and it is rumored that the 55 is
somewhere in the Pacific Northwest. CHP magazine could not locate Steve
Fitch to ask him the same question. This does not answer any questions but
it sure helps to deepen the mystery.

Charlie Shew
ethan@compunet.net

Editor's note. I checked www.switchboard.com and there is a Steve Fitch in
Wichita, Kansas with a listed phone number if anyone cares to contact him.
BOB
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
To: "BOB FORD", BOB_FORD
From: "Rick Oster", INTERNET:BelAir57@megsinet.net

It is by far cheaper to buy one already restored.

Rick Oster
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------
To: "BOB FORD", BOB_FORD
From: "Rick Oster", INTERNET:BelAir57@megsinet.net

Why would you want to convert to 134a when you have an R12 system and can
still buy R12. Works better too!

Rick Oster
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------
To: "BOB FORD", BOB_FORD
From: "Rick Oster", INTERNET:BelAir57@megsinet.net

I believe you have a bad tank unit and they can still be purchased at your
chevy dealer.

Normally if you ground it , the gauge will go past empty and unhooked will
go past full.

Rick Oster
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------
To: "BOB FORD", BOB_FORD
From: "Rick Oster", INTERNET:BelAir57@megsinet.net

Unfortunately, their $60 Tech book was the start of my problems, I wanted
to
install rocker moldings on my 57 Hardtop and my friend had a set of NOS
still in the GM wrappers and I bought them.

The Tech article explained how GM had put the wrong clip retainers in with
the moldings for years if you were adding them to your car and they were
right, the article also says that they were producing the correct clips,
which I ordered. Not to exaggerate but I screwed with their parts idiots
for
six months trying to get the correct clips (the set they sent were exactly
like the GM set ). Finally later down the road I received a refund of over
$500 in screw ups and those were just the ones they would issue call tags
on
or would agree to settle. I placed many orders with CCI and spent a great
deal of money, yet they treat people like crap and tell you you're wrong
and
they are right. I never received one order that was complete or correct and
the local 55 56 57 chevy club didn't either and has gone as far as to not
even list the club in the magazine anymore.

That's why I honestly don't understand anybody getting good service from
them because it wasn't an isolated case.

Most guys in Ohio buy from C&P , Old 55, C.A.R.S. , I also like Ralph
Roberts service and prices.

P.S. I still have a NOS set of 57 rocker moldings in my garage.

Trust me if you are new to the hobby call C&P at 1-800-BELAIR5
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------
To: [unknown], BOB_FORD
From: INTERNET:CHEVYLANE@aol.com, INTERNET:CHEVYLANE@aol.com

Bob,
Regarding building or buying a restored car. I can tell you unless you do
virtually all the work yourself it is cheaper to buy a restored car than it

is to build one. And even if you do the work yourself it is only cheaper if

you assume your labor has no value in the price of the restoration.

One word of caution. If you do it yourself you know what you have. If you
buy
you can not be sure of the quality of the restoration. Many parts and
pieces
are hidden, it is impossible to determine the condition of major items such

as the engine rebuild, the tranny, brakes, power options, and on and on. My

advice is.....if you can do the work, go for it, if not buy one. But when
you
make sure you do a through inspection of the car , if you don't have the
knowledge get help form others who do. And always ask for the receipts for
the parts etc the owner says he purchased for the car. This can help give
you
a clue as to what was really done. And most people will save them, even
brag
about how much was spent to restore the car. If receipts are available you
can
get some good clues about what was done. Otherwise it is strictly the word
of
the seller you are depending on.
I have seen some real nice looking classic chevys for sale that were
"restored". When you look close many times it is just a cosmetic
restoration.....body and paint.
So, buying is cheaper but buyer beware.
Ron Thomas
Chevylane@aol.com
Bowtie Chevy Shop
Raleigh, N.C.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------
To: BOB FORD, BOB_FORD
From: INTERNET:classicchevy@bigfoot.com, INTERNET:classicchevy@bigfoot.com

Bob and fellow classic Chevy owners; if you need
special parts for our classic chevy's; Ralph is very
reasonable; and he has almost anything you would need;
I've rebuilt my 56 Chevy and most parts came from his
locale. If interested here's his url:
http://www.56chevy.com/engine.htm. A complete listing
of parts and prices are reflected; he owns 4 56 Chevy
himself; 2 convert's 1 coupe and 1 4 door; very nice
cars.

Take care;
Gary - Washington State
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------
To: BOB FORD, BOB_FORD
From: Pete LeMmon, INTERNET:pete.lemmon@usa.net

HI BOB. JUST WONDERING, WHY DO SOME LISTINGS SHOW 3 OR 4 TIMES IN A ROW?
ARE THE SELLERS JUST TRYING TO MAKE SURE THEY'RE SEEN?
PETE

Editor's note. Some are because of a price change.
BOB
____________________________________
To: [unknown], BOB_FORD
From: "David Simms Sr", INTERNET:bigdave@tcp1.com

Hey everybody,
Thanks Bob for this post.
This email is the highlite of my day it gives a lot good advice.
I'm looking for a posi rear (hogshead) for my 55 I would like to have 3.56
or 370 gears I'm afraid 4.11 is a little too much for a car I plan to
drive. The car will have a 700R4 Tranny and 15" tires any experience and
advice would be helpful.
Also I need a front seat that I can afford.Please email if you have any of
these parts.
Thanks to bob and all who participate.

David Simms Sr
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
-----------------------------------
To: BOB FORD, BOB_FORD
From: Sanford "Sandy" Pierce, INTERNET:mr55chev@webtv.net

Bob - several items.
605 steering boxes were used on some 78 and later Malibus. They can be
identified by a round access cover held by a snap ring rather than a
bolt down cover. The conversion uses a stock classic steering assembly
for its sector shaft, housing and steering column. I do not know of any
Chevelle parts that would work. Anyone wanting further information or
data, ping me off list.

There is an excellent article on distributor installation in the latest
"Chevy High Performance magazine just hitting the newsstands.
For those unfamiliar with him, John Serena was highly involved with CCCI
in the 70"s and 80"s that I know of, possibly later. He was a show
judge with impressive knowledge and very high standards, and should be a
welcome addition to the list.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
---------------------
To: [unknown], BOB_FORD
From: "Marilyn", INTERNET:Marilyn@netins.net

Hi Bob, just a quick note about your comment on buying a restored classic
or building it yourself. I really believe you can almost do it cheaper by
buying one 95% done. My problem is I always want one a little different,
such as paint or color of inside. I try do lot of the work, but like most
guys, I have to hire a body shop, machine shop and other. After 30 years of
doing this, I belive the average person would save time and maybe a few
bucks by buying one done. Just my opinion and experience. For Tom Garrett,
My tech books from CCI are great. Im sure there is more tech books
available, but have not had any bad experience from CCI. As I said before,
I think they have a bunch of great guys there and prices comparably with
the other companys. Roger in IOWA
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------
To: "BOB FORD", BOB_FORD
From: "ROGER L. COTTEN", INTERNET:R.COTTEN@worldnet.att.net

Ref. question about which is cheaper, a restored car or a builder. I
think it all depends on how much work a person is willing to do himself and
how much you have to have done by other people. My family just finished a 4
1/2 year project rebuilding a '55 2 dr sedan. We did all the body work,
rebuilt the engine, painted it and did the interior. A great family
project,
very affordable (cheap), and quite a thrill to see pictures of where we
started to what it looks like today. The comments from people who have
driven by over the years and seen it are nice to hear also. On the other
hand, if our labor was worth $5.00 an hour, this car would be worth a small
fortune. But the learning experience for my children and the satisfaction
after the job is done is priceless. So which is cheaper is just a matter of
point of view.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------
To: "BOB FORD", BOB_FORD
From: "Oliver Giorgi", INTERNET:o.giorgi@worldnet.att.net

Hi Bob,

Yes, the driveshaft can be made "longer". The vendor (of your choice)
would
install the old driveshaft in a lathe and remove "both front and rear"
yokes.

The new driveshaft tube would be cut (to the required length) and the old
yokes pressed in place and welded. Make sure the new shaft is balanced.
Many companies will not balance it - unless specified.

Best regards,
Oliver
www.chevytalk.com
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
-----------------------
To: [unknown], BOB_FORD
From: INTERNET:McGillis@aol.com, INTERNET:McGillis@aol.com

<< Editor's note. I was at the Pomona Swap meet Sunday. If you cannot
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, I was there, too. What an event! I spent three hours just walking
the
cars. There were more for sale and more transactions than I have ever
seen.
I am looking for a 1956 Cameo and was disappointed to find no 55/56 Cameos.

Maybe in August. I saw a couple of those #11 cars on trailers. You could
see through the fenders!

Come to the 3rd annual
Orange County Vintage Chevrolet Club of America
ALL CHEVROLET CAR SHOW
All years up to 1973
October 7, 9:00 to 3:00
Guaranty Chevrolet
17th at I-5 in Santa Ana, CA.
230 cars, and we do sell out.
Call 949-551-4821 for info.


Dennis McGillis
OCVCCA Director
949-551-4821

Editor's note. I go to this show every year. Great show and great people
at the show. If you are in the area don't miss it.
BOB
-------------------------------------------------------------------
To: [unknown], BOB_FORD
From: INTERNET:McGillis@aol.com, INTERNET:McGillis@aol.com

<< I know you can have a drive shaft shortened at a very reasonable price.
Can you also have a drive shaft made longer?
BOB >>

Yes. Also at a reasonable price.
Try
Drivelines Unlimited, 6-M McLaren, Irvine, CA 92618, 949-951-9673
or Anaheim Gear, Anaheim, CA 714-778-1103

Dennis McGillis
949-551-4004 phone
949-551-2886 fax
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------
To: BOB FORD, BOB_FORD
From: Donna, INTERNET:Fiftiesforever@webtv.net

Bob,
We get many customers inquiring about replacing the gauges in their dash
for their 55-57's. Most always assume that they are not working
correctly when most of the time it is either the sender in the tank
rather than the gas gauge, bad temp sender in manifold, rather than the
temp gauge, faulty original wiring, or just a bad ground.

Many people do not know how to correctly test a dash gauge, thus
assuming it doesn't work.

Here is an easy way to test the gauges: Take the wire from the sender
side (right side looking at face of gauge) and ground it. Then turn the
key on to get power to the gauge, The gauge should read at the lower
mark. Remove the sender wire and the gauge should peg to the top.

Hope this helps and saves a lot of good original gauges. Donna

Fifties Forever
206 Division Ave.
Garfield, NJ 07026
973-478-1306
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------
To: [unknown], BOB_FORD
From: "Kris Clover", INTERNET:krisc@the-bridge.net

Bob, You do a tremendous job on your list. Thanks for all your work!
Could anyone help with the most efficient and easy way to install front
coil springs on my 55 Nomad restoration?? Thanks.
Bob Clover
clover@the-bridge.net
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------
To: [unknown], BOB_FORD
From: CANNON, INTERNET:ccnn@fontana.com

This is over 1 year late but better late than never. I thought you might
like to know what happened to the video you sent me. Although you called
it development of the 1955 Chevy video, that was just a part of it. It
was really a video about the 50s and it was great. I am the Scoutmaster of
in the Boy Scouts. At one of the meetings, I showed the first hour of the
video that was about developing the 1955 Chevy. The scouts loved it. They
wanted t
o see the rest of the tape. So we set aside the last hour of each meetings
to view the tape. The scouts told their dads about the tape and at the
second meeting the dads came with their sons to watch the tape. Word
spread and at the 3rd meeting, almost all of the dads were there and many
mothers. We had to set up a check out system where a family would take the
tape home with them and return it at the next scout meeting to give to the
next family that wanted it.

Every family that took the video home to watch expressed their thanks to
you for an outstanding job of showing exactly what the 50s were like.

JOE CANNON
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
---------
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