08/17/2000

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  • TriChrome
    Ghost in the Machine
    • Apr 2016
    • 393

    08/17/2000

    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
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    ------------------------------------
    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
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    ----------------- 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
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    -------------------------------------- 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
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    --------------------------
    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
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    -------------------

    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
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    --------------------
    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
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    -----------------
    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 <<
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    -------------------
    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)
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    ---------------
    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

    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    ---------------
    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
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    ------------------------

    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
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    --------
    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
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    ----------
    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
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    ----------------------
    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.
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    --------------------
    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
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    -----------
    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
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    ---------------------
    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
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    -------------------
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    ---------
    end of 57-56-55 CHEVY LIST
    BOB FORD
    18091 MARK CIRCLE
    VILLA PARK, CALIFORNIA 92861-2648
    BOB_FORD@COMPUSERVE.COM


    VOICE 714-637-8877
    FAX 714-637-2955
    Editor of the 57-56-55 CHEVY LIST and TURBOGLIDE REGISTRY
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