TriChrome
03-06-2018, 11:59 PM
From: BOB FORD [BOB_FORD@compuserve.com]
Sent: Wednesday, January 03, 2001 8:06 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: mark monroe, INTERNET:mmonroe@preferred.com
Bob,
"Wild Bill" told me you might be able to give me some advice. I have a
freshly built 265/powerglide combonation in my "55" Bel-Air. Everything in
place, and I am trying to bolt the "Y" pipe to the exhaust manifolds. What,
if any, is the best way to do this without beating up my freshly painted
engine and undercarrage. I was just wondering if there was a "trick" or
must I drop the tie rods ect...?Any help would be MUCH welcome!
Thank you,
Mark
----------------------------------------------
To: [unknown], BOB_FORD
From: INTERNET:kyyx@voyager.net, INTERNET:kyyx@voyager.net
To Bob and the list members,
I have heard from some people that the 55 10-bolt rearend as being a
weak link in my 55's drivetrain. I'm going to use the car for an
occasional blast down the dragstrip and have a mildly modified 9:1
compression 350v8/400 turbo combination in front a stock axle (no/posi
at present) with 3.70 gears.
A local rearend shop said that they would cryogenically treat the gears,
axles, and parts on a stock reared and claim that the stock rear with a
posi will take up to 450+ horse. Any thoughts?
I also have an 8.5" 10 bolt rearend out of a 74 Trans-Am that is a
little long for my 55 Chevy at 61". I have considered having this
rearend shortened and rebuilt for my 55. What would be the shortest hub
to hub distance or ideal distance that any of you have used with
success. I would like to go as short as possible to allow a 10.5"
cross-sectional tire width between the fender well and brake hub. And
you 55 Chevy owners know this is a tight fit without airing down the
tire! Any suggestions?
Thanks in Advance...
Great list Bob!
Dwight Holien
--------------------------------------------
To: "'BOB_FORD'", BOB_FORD
From: "Doten, James HS", INTERNET:james.doten@hs.utc.com
Happy New Year to all and a sincere thanks to you Bob for all your efforts.
I am looking for a pair of factory A/C dash vents for a '55 (preferably) or
'56 in good to excellent condition. If anyone can help me please respond to
nomadman2001@netzero.net. Thanks, Jim.
-------------------------------------------------------
To: [unknown], BOB_FORD
From: "Gary Hurley", INTERNET:Gary_Hurley@firstclass1.csubak.edu
Happy New Year. I trust everyone got what they wanted from Santa. I did.
I wanted 3 days to pull my tired ole 265 and in it's place a fresh rebuilt
350.
Regarding the reader's poll on vehicles?? Mine is a 1956 210 2 door
modified.
70k original miles. 3 speed with OD, 3.55 rear, front disc brakes and AC
soon.
You can see my car at WWW.CSUB.EDU/~ghurley.
Gary Hurley
Bakersfield, CA.
-----------------------------------------------
To: [unknown], BOB_FORD
From: "B & R", INTERNET:ROYBOBROY@wesnet.com
Hi Bob,
It seems John Cain (and a few other list members) have some valid points
about "High" priced Classics.
One point that most forgot to mention was: There are people out there who
haven't been in this "Hobby" long and don't know how to evaluate their car?
What I mean is, they read somewhere that a 5 6 or 7 Chevy in Grade A
condition is worth X dollars. They start thinking their Classic is Grade A,
so, it's worth the BIG bucks.
True, a lot of people sink a LOT of money (me for one) into these cars. But
I've ALWAYS heard you don't count "Man Hours" when you want to sell. It was
always: Half your money, and nothing for your time (would this include the
labor paid at a Resto. Shop?).
If you DO count "Man Hours," I've got 30 years experience I want paid for.
Another good point is: Just cause you own a Convertible, Nomad, or Hardtop,
doesn't automatically mean $$$$$$. My 57 Sedan Delivery that is 1 of 92.
Which is more rare? Mine, or a Nomad which is 1 of a few thousand? If
numbers add to value, my Delivery is #57 of the 92.
One final point I'd like to add here is: I'm not in this for the bucks,
never have been. I'm in it for the:
Enjoyment - I love driving my 57's,
Pleasure - I love to polish the Chrome,
and OKay, the Attention. "Hey, he's got a 57 Chevy (or five)."
I for one always intented to be in this for the long haul. Like many other
owners, I've had more than one opportunity to sell.
Thanks. RJ
------------------------------------------------------------------
To: "BOB FORD", BOB_FORD
From: "Rick Beavington", INTERNET:rick.b@home.com
My Ragtop will be all original..engine, tranny, etc
The only thing I would change is the braking. I will have Disc Brakes and a
split system
Safety is more important than originality..(hard to stop a 2 X 4, 245 horse
with drums:-)
I am still considering a 700 tranny for fuel efficiency. Fuel is not
getting cheaper
Rick Beavington
57 Ragtop
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------
To: [unknown], BOB_FORD
From: INTERNET:Slgraves56@aol.com, INTERNET:Slgraves56@aol.com
Happy New Year,
My '56 2 door sedan is modified and getting to be more so every year. We
drive it to three to four car events each summer with new modifications
having been made during the spring.
The car drives much better with the mods we have made such as dropped
spindles, front disc brakes, 605 box, 350 c.i.. engine with Edelbrock,
Mallory, and Sanderson add-ons, and a Muncie 4-speed. Weld wheels and
larger
tires have helped somewhat.
The car is getting to be more like we want it each year. Someday it will be
closer to being finished but will never completely be done!
Steve in KC.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
To: BOB FORD, BOB_FORD
From: INTERNET:lsfork@bloomnet.com, INTERNET:lsfork@bloomnet.com
Well Bob here comes my two cents worth,regarding high priced tri-fives.I
have run my add for my 57 chevy belair 2 dr ht "for sale"at least twice
in your list.Now I don`t know for sure why but I have not received a
single email or phone call and I`m not asking all that much and yes it
needs total restoration.Its about 50% apart and 90% complete.So tell me
is , $5,700.00 with a 327 and PG trans or $5,000.00 with out engine and
trans to high ??At this price it seems as though you can put a
considerable amount of bucks in it and still have a lesser expensive car
than some are asking and have the satisfaction of doing it your way!!!
Thanks Bob for the GREAT service you provide for us.
I do hope every one had a safe holiday.
Sincerely Ernie @ the
LITTLE SOUTH FORK RANCH
87478 536th Ave.
Creighton,Ne.68729 3992
home 402 358 5473
fax 402 358 5374
email lsfork@bloomnet.com
or
http://www.tailfins4ever.com
------------------------------------------------------------
To: [unknown], BOB_FORD
From: INTERNET:HINOJOSA55@aol.com, INTERNET:HINOJOSA55@aol.com
Bob, High priced cars are OK with me. I can't afford one, but there are
alot
of people who make alot more money than I do! So let the high priced cars
roll! If you're in the Hobby to build a car and to recover all of your
money
by selling it later, good luck! It should be for the enjoyment of these
classics. Invest in the furure buy a
5-6-7 NOMAD, CAMEO CONVERTIBLE OR COUPE. Louie Hinojosa Bakersfield Ca.
-------------------
To: [unknown], BOB_FORD
From: INTERNET:Browser521@aol.com, INTERNET:Browser521@aol.com
I've bead blasted my hood hinges and want to repaint them. They looked
black,
but one source I found said they were cad plated. Which is correct? Thanks.
----------------------------------------
To: [unknown], BOB_FORD
From: "Rick Williams", INTERNET:rickerwill@worldnet.att.net
Happy New Year, Bob & all:
Special thanks to fellow list member, "Bowtieguy," Bob Yarnell, for his
terrific new Classic Chevy website, http://classicchevys.50g.com/. I
posted
a classified ad (free!), downloaded some bitchin' '57 Chevy wallpaper
(free!) and got a cool Classic Chevy screensaver (free!). Thanks for your
hard work in putting it all together for us fellow fanatics, Bowtieguy.
I'm
heading back over to check out the calendar (free!).
Reno Rick
--------------------------------------------------
To: [unknown], BOB_FORD
From: INTERNET:D56CHEVY@aol.com, INTERNET:D56CHEVY@aol.com
Hi All
Regarding my poll-its almost 50/50 from those who responded to me about
stock
Vs modified! Great response too!
My wife would like to make a collage wallpaper for the "list" to enjoy for
their computers so if anyone wants their car included, please feel free to
email me a picture in JPG format -ASAP
Dana (my wife) should be able to have the wallpaper done by next 'issue' of
the list.
HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU ALL
For those of you who are local, feel free to stop by the Boston World of
Wheels show Jan 5-7 2001 and say Hello-you cant miss my PURPLE with flames
56
Chevy Belair sedan!
Lenny Schaeffer
Malden MA
D56chevy@aol.com
http:/clubs.hemmings.com/bearingburners
-----------------------------------------
To: "BOB FORD", BOB_FORD
From: "Bill Kautz", INTERNET:kautz@home.com
Happy New Year Everybody!
First of all, I don't know what the controversy about car prices on this
list is all about. I've always followed the axiom that a car is only worth
what someone is willing to pay for it. As most of you know, an appraised
value, for insurance purposes, is the top of the value chain for a
particular car. In other words, if your car is lost for any reason, that's
what the insurance company will pay for you to replace it. That doesn't
mean that someone will pay the full appraised value for the car on any
given day. I'd vote to keep listing them and either the seller will lower
their price, someone will give them the asking price, or they'll end up
keeping the car. Buyer's choice!
One other thing I'd like to do is plug two of my favorite publications.
The first one is Hemmings Motor News. I've mentioned them on this site
before. If you are looking for parts or literature for any car, including
Tri-5s, the chances are excellent that you'll find it in Hemmings. I've
heard the expression "If it ain't in Hemmings, it probably ain't anywhere!"
www.hemmings.com will tell you where to buy a copy in your area. There's
nearly 10 pages of people selling Tri-5 parts in every issue.They also have
a teriffic web site.
The second publication is Auto Restorer Magazine. Every month they have
a featured car but they go way beyond that. The January 2001 issue has
articles on restoring interior trim, shot peening, door skin replacement
and using an English wheel. These articles are accompanied by step-by-step
photographs and drawings. They also have a tech section, "Mechanic On Duty"
that's second to none, and a lot more. Their web site has recently come
on-line. It's www.autorestorermagazine.com Just to let everyone know, no, I
don't work for either one! I just like to pass along things like this that
I find to be exceptional values.
Thanks again for this forum, Bob and Happy New Year to you and your
family. Wild Bill
Editor's note. I subscribe to both of these publications and I agree with
Bill. They are both very good.
BOB
---------------------------------------
To: [unknown], BOB_FORD
From: "Warren Kramer", INTERNET:wrkchevy@hotmail.com
Bob,
Put me down for 2 original '57's - (Belair and 210).
As so many have said - This continues to be a great site. Lots of fun to
read and a lot of good solid info.
Warren
------------------------
To: [unknown], BOB_FORD
From: INTERNET:JCoron1707@aol.com, INTERNET:JCoron1707@aol.com
I NEED A MASTER CILINDER FOR A 1957 CHEVY BEL AIR..
MY PHONE NUMBER IS 909 940 9374
IF U HAVE ONE, WOULD U GIVE ME A CALL PLEASE
I NEED IT...
-------------------------------------
To: "BOB FORD", BOB_FORD
From: "Oliver Giorgi", INTERNET:o.giorgi@worldnet.att.net
Hi Bob,
Happy New Year! The list is doing just great - and thank you for keeping
this "well oiled" forum going.
I noticed quite a bit of communications lately centered around the "value"
or selling price of some of these grand old cars.
What really stumps me is why do some people get "so upset" if the value of
the car is "out there"? No doubt there are a few chosen cars that
represent
the marque "extremely well" and these cars deserve to be priced
accordingly.
IF the car is a correct, numbers matching, flawless restoration - the
market
will bear high prices. IF the car is "thrown together" and the seller
"thinks" he will get the same money - that is a sad story.
Unfortuneatly, there are some people that may be burned by opportunists
taking advantage of them. It is my advice, that if someone is willing to
spend "large amounts of money" to buy the "perfect car" - better bring a
Model Expert along for an inspection. Otherwise, they risk learning a very
hard lesson - especially if they decide to "show" this vehicle in a
disciplined venue such as AACA, VCCA, CCI, or Late Great Chevy/Bowtie Chevy
sanctioned events.
I once inspected a "xx" Chevy. You should have seen the face of the
"seller"
when I started to measure the paint thickness with my $400.00 electronic
paint gauge. The seller - told me, I was intending on selling this car to
someone that had "psychological attachment" to it - not an expert such as
yourself. Needless to say, this "xx" Chevy was not a Corvette - but
contained enough plastic in the body work - that it might have just
qualified as one! I really feel for the "new owner" of this particular car,
since the pricing of this "xx" was "out there". This is just one of the
many sad stories you hear. Then again, I see countless restorations that
"make these old cars" MUCH better than GM ever did building them. Their
attention to detail is amazing - and yes, they deserve to be sold at
pricing
"higher" than some may feel is realistic.
I guess one could say, that at some point, all these old Chevys are "going
to be expensive" someday. So owners should enjoy them. Not everyone wants
a $40,000 '55 Bel Air coupe, but then, there are few who do. The $15,000
cars can be driven and enjoyed - that is great. The expensive versions
most
likely are not driven, they might be trailered - and I bet that those
owners
have "as much" fun as the others do.
The Future? No one can predict what is going to happen to the values of
these cars. Stock prices go up, car prices go down and sometimes vice
versa. Generations fade and the "meaning" of these old cars change. One
only has to look at the pricing of the cars of the 1920's to see what has
happened. Interest has wained, and the values have come down. At some
point, the trifives will not garner the respect and interest they have
attained. ( I know this is difficult to believe) Values will most likely
stabilize and trend downward. What will happen to the expensive cars? I
would hope that they are "survivors" - and will remain the true
representatives of an era when Chevrolet had market share equal to the
total
of all GM divisions today. (27% in case you are interested).
Bottom line, if you think the price of the car is too high - then look for
something that suits your fancy. I wouldn't condemn the pricing of the
car - if it is truly worth it. If that is done, then it comes down to the
old cliche of the "Fox and the Sour Grapes."
Oliver (aka bowtieollie)
Moderator for www.chevytalk.com
-----------------------------------------------------
To: [unknown], BOB_FORD
CC: [unknown], INTERNET:Misty82984@aol.com
From: INTERNET:OLDCARS55@aol.com, INTERNET:OLDCARS55@aol.com
Bob,
Happy New Year and best wishes to all along this great list.
Just thought I would contribute my two cents worth to this discussion of
outrageous prices vs. the true value of restored automobiles.
Recently, on eBay, I saw a 1955 Mercedes 300 SL gullwing for sale and it
was
totally cherry. Red with tan leather interior, all the matching fitted
luggage and all -- the bidding started at $340,000 and he seemed serious
about wanting to sell it. The trouble is, in the description of the car he
mentioned that this vehicle sold for "$13,000.00 -- roughly six times what
a
comparable 1955 Bel Air sold for in 1955." Perhaps he said this to in part
justify what he was asking for the car -- but it was an out and out lie.
I have old Road & Track and Speed Age magazines which were published when
these vehicles came out and can tell you that a fully equipped Bel Air sold
for just over $2,200.00 and the 300 SL gullwing that same year could be
driven away from a dealer's showroom for $6,900.00. It is interesting to
note that during this same period, you could by a used Type 37 Bugatti for
around $1,900.00 or a brand new Ferrari Mondial for $8,000.00 -- in other
words, who would have thunk it???
I know it may not be terribly appropriate to mention this but recently I
sold
a motor home in an off line deal for a client which I had listed on eBay
with
a $42,000.00 . This was at the very top of the N.A.D.A. list for the
retail
price for a fully equipped 24' vehicle like the one I listed (it had all
the
bells and whistles and was quite nice and low mileage). My clients
compromised and closed the deal for $30,000.00. That was probably all they
could realistically get for this unit even though new it was priced in the
$80.000 range. This is the case for perhaps all used vehicles until
collectors deem that certain vehicles among them have some desirability
factor that in the minds of some may exceed good reason.
I know good and well that I will probably never get back anywhere near
what I have put into my 1955 210 four-door. It is a daily driver and is
never destined to become a "trailer tart." As anyone who drives one of
these
cars will tell you, maintenance costs on a vehicle this old are substantial
-- so much so that it makes it very difficult to do any major cosmetic
improvements on a limited budget. I do what I can, when I can and that is
about it. I have a crushed quarter panel, a dented front fender, the
passenger side wiper transmission still needs replaced and the temp gauge
does not work. I drive this car because I love driving it, I have the
technical ability to work on it (which saves money) and it serves my every
need.
My dream and goal is to eventually finish this car to about an eight point
restoration by the year 2,005 when it becomes 50 years old. The frame will
need to be stretched, dents taken out, floor pans filled in (the cabin
remains a bit drafty in cold weather), it needs painted and an all new
interior. I need to replace some windows and the windshield and there are
a
few pieces of interior chrome missing (mainly armrest stainless and the
vertical, inner wing window jam). I also still need a set of original
wheels
upon which to fit the new hub caps I recently purchased from a list member.
Most normal people (how is that defined these days?) would probably think
that I have rocks in my head for wanting to put this much money into a car
which will never sell for anything more than $10,000 in this economic
climate
-- four-doors are simply not that prized by serious collectors. Still, the
idea of driving one in similar condition to some of the publicity photos
which were released by GM in 1955 remains an appealing one. It remains a
matter of dismay to me that CARS does not do the pre-fab 210 interior in
the
tan vinyl and brown pattern cloth material like when it was new -- a custom
made interior for this rig will probably end up costing me over $1,800.00.
I am a classic auto enthusiast simply because it is a matter of personal
taste -- I do not go down to the Riverboat and gamble, do not drink or
smoke
cigarettes or have any other vices other than collecting license plates,
antiques and little metal toys.
But I can also tell you that the amount of pride and personal feeling of
well
being I get from people shooting me thumbs up, looking at my car's engine
and
casual remarks I get at filling stations is worth more than hitting the
biggest jackpot Casino Aztar ever paid out.
To all these guys and girls out there who ask $50,000.00 in Hemmings Motor
News for their restored black on black on red 1957 ragtops -- more power to
you too. But I will tool my little Stovebolt 6 around until it is
completely
run out at .080" over the original 235 cu. in. displacement. While they
are
passing me by on the Interstate, there will still be a big smile on my face
as I listen to the little valve train humming along with the Buena Vista
Social Club CD playing away on the stereo.
Regards to all,
David Scott Coker
http://members.aol.com/oldcars55/index.html
-------------------------------------------------
To: [unknown], BOB_FORD
From: INTERNET:@steward-net.com, INTERNET:@steward-net.com
HELLO BOB,
HAPPY NEW YEAR TO EVERYONE. I WAS WONDERING IF ANYONE
REMEMBERS THE 1957 CHEVY CAR THAT THE SONIC DRIVE IN HAD
AVAILABLE TO REGISTER TO WIN IN A SWEEPSTAKES AND WHEN YOU
ORDERED YOUR FOOD THEY WOULD GIVE YOU A CARD, AND ON THE
CARD, IF I REMEMBER RIGHT WAS A 1957 CHEVY BLACK AND HAD FLAMES
ON IT AND HAD SOMETHING TO DO WITH RINGO STARR. I BELIEVE THIS
WAS IN THE LATE 7O'S OR EARLY 80'S. I DID HAVE THAT CARD STUCK
BACK SOMEWHERE, BUT HAVE NOT LOCATED IT YET.
THANKS
STAN EMAIL-
turley@steward-net .com
---------------------------------
To: [unknown], BOB_FORD
From: INTERNET:Rebag9@aol.com, INTERNET:Rebag9@aol.com
Bob,
One more comment on the car pricing. I looked for almost three years
before
finding a solid Colorado car ( 56 Chevy 210 ) with 67,000 actual miles on
it.
I have been reworking all the systems on the car. I did not pay an
exhorbitant price for it either. I agree with the build your own
philosophy.
So far this has been a fun experience. You really have to watch out for
the
good ones. I saw a lot of junk over the three years I was looking.
One comment on RJ's email on Case's Chevy Parts. I buy almost all of my
parts from him and have had a very positive experience with Case's. He has
fair prices and usually has everything I need in stock. He is located in
Chesterfield ( near Anderson In ) Indiana. Great guy to do business with.
-------------------------------
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
---------
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
Sent: Wednesday, January 03, 2001 8:06 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: mark monroe, INTERNET:mmonroe@preferred.com
Bob,
"Wild Bill" told me you might be able to give me some advice. I have a
freshly built 265/powerglide combonation in my "55" Bel-Air. Everything in
place, and I am trying to bolt the "Y" pipe to the exhaust manifolds. What,
if any, is the best way to do this without beating up my freshly painted
engine and undercarrage. I was just wondering if there was a "trick" or
must I drop the tie rods ect...?Any help would be MUCH welcome!
Thank you,
Mark
----------------------------------------------
To: [unknown], BOB_FORD
From: INTERNET:kyyx@voyager.net, INTERNET:kyyx@voyager.net
To Bob and the list members,
I have heard from some people that the 55 10-bolt rearend as being a
weak link in my 55's drivetrain. I'm going to use the car for an
occasional blast down the dragstrip and have a mildly modified 9:1
compression 350v8/400 turbo combination in front a stock axle (no/posi
at present) with 3.70 gears.
A local rearend shop said that they would cryogenically treat the gears,
axles, and parts on a stock reared and claim that the stock rear with a
posi will take up to 450+ horse. Any thoughts?
I also have an 8.5" 10 bolt rearend out of a 74 Trans-Am that is a
little long for my 55 Chevy at 61". I have considered having this
rearend shortened and rebuilt for my 55. What would be the shortest hub
to hub distance or ideal distance that any of you have used with
success. I would like to go as short as possible to allow a 10.5"
cross-sectional tire width between the fender well and brake hub. And
you 55 Chevy owners know this is a tight fit without airing down the
tire! Any suggestions?
Thanks in Advance...
Great list Bob!
Dwight Holien
--------------------------------------------
To: "'BOB_FORD'", BOB_FORD
From: "Doten, James HS", INTERNET:james.doten@hs.utc.com
Happy New Year to all and a sincere thanks to you Bob for all your efforts.
I am looking for a pair of factory A/C dash vents for a '55 (preferably) or
'56 in good to excellent condition. If anyone can help me please respond to
nomadman2001@netzero.net. Thanks, Jim.
-------------------------------------------------------
To: [unknown], BOB_FORD
From: "Gary Hurley", INTERNET:Gary_Hurley@firstclass1.csubak.edu
Happy New Year. I trust everyone got what they wanted from Santa. I did.
I wanted 3 days to pull my tired ole 265 and in it's place a fresh rebuilt
350.
Regarding the reader's poll on vehicles?? Mine is a 1956 210 2 door
modified.
70k original miles. 3 speed with OD, 3.55 rear, front disc brakes and AC
soon.
You can see my car at WWW.CSUB.EDU/~ghurley.
Gary Hurley
Bakersfield, CA.
-----------------------------------------------
To: [unknown], BOB_FORD
From: "B & R", INTERNET:ROYBOBROY@wesnet.com
Hi Bob,
It seems John Cain (and a few other list members) have some valid points
about "High" priced Classics.
One point that most forgot to mention was: There are people out there who
haven't been in this "Hobby" long and don't know how to evaluate their car?
What I mean is, they read somewhere that a 5 6 or 7 Chevy in Grade A
condition is worth X dollars. They start thinking their Classic is Grade A,
so, it's worth the BIG bucks.
True, a lot of people sink a LOT of money (me for one) into these cars. But
I've ALWAYS heard you don't count "Man Hours" when you want to sell. It was
always: Half your money, and nothing for your time (would this include the
labor paid at a Resto. Shop?).
If you DO count "Man Hours," I've got 30 years experience I want paid for.
Another good point is: Just cause you own a Convertible, Nomad, or Hardtop,
doesn't automatically mean $$$$$$. My 57 Sedan Delivery that is 1 of 92.
Which is more rare? Mine, or a Nomad which is 1 of a few thousand? If
numbers add to value, my Delivery is #57 of the 92.
One final point I'd like to add here is: I'm not in this for the bucks,
never have been. I'm in it for the:
Enjoyment - I love driving my 57's,
Pleasure - I love to polish the Chrome,
and OKay, the Attention. "Hey, he's got a 57 Chevy (or five)."
I for one always intented to be in this for the long haul. Like many other
owners, I've had more than one opportunity to sell.
Thanks. RJ
------------------------------------------------------------------
To: "BOB FORD", BOB_FORD
From: "Rick Beavington", INTERNET:rick.b@home.com
My Ragtop will be all original..engine, tranny, etc
The only thing I would change is the braking. I will have Disc Brakes and a
split system
Safety is more important than originality..(hard to stop a 2 X 4, 245 horse
with drums:-)
I am still considering a 700 tranny for fuel efficiency. Fuel is not
getting cheaper
Rick Beavington
57 Ragtop
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------
To: [unknown], BOB_FORD
From: INTERNET:Slgraves56@aol.com, INTERNET:Slgraves56@aol.com
Happy New Year,
My '56 2 door sedan is modified and getting to be more so every year. We
drive it to three to four car events each summer with new modifications
having been made during the spring.
The car drives much better with the mods we have made such as dropped
spindles, front disc brakes, 605 box, 350 c.i.. engine with Edelbrock,
Mallory, and Sanderson add-ons, and a Muncie 4-speed. Weld wheels and
larger
tires have helped somewhat.
The car is getting to be more like we want it each year. Someday it will be
closer to being finished but will never completely be done!
Steve in KC.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
To: BOB FORD, BOB_FORD
From: INTERNET:lsfork@bloomnet.com, INTERNET:lsfork@bloomnet.com
Well Bob here comes my two cents worth,regarding high priced tri-fives.I
have run my add for my 57 chevy belair 2 dr ht "for sale"at least twice
in your list.Now I don`t know for sure why but I have not received a
single email or phone call and I`m not asking all that much and yes it
needs total restoration.Its about 50% apart and 90% complete.So tell me
is , $5,700.00 with a 327 and PG trans or $5,000.00 with out engine and
trans to high ??At this price it seems as though you can put a
considerable amount of bucks in it and still have a lesser expensive car
than some are asking and have the satisfaction of doing it your way!!!
Thanks Bob for the GREAT service you provide for us.
I do hope every one had a safe holiday.
Sincerely Ernie @ the
LITTLE SOUTH FORK RANCH
87478 536th Ave.
Creighton,Ne.68729 3992
home 402 358 5473
fax 402 358 5374
email lsfork@bloomnet.com
or
http://www.tailfins4ever.com
------------------------------------------------------------
To: [unknown], BOB_FORD
From: INTERNET:HINOJOSA55@aol.com, INTERNET:HINOJOSA55@aol.com
Bob, High priced cars are OK with me. I can't afford one, but there are
alot
of people who make alot more money than I do! So let the high priced cars
roll! If you're in the Hobby to build a car and to recover all of your
money
by selling it later, good luck! It should be for the enjoyment of these
classics. Invest in the furure buy a
5-6-7 NOMAD, CAMEO CONVERTIBLE OR COUPE. Louie Hinojosa Bakersfield Ca.
-------------------
To: [unknown], BOB_FORD
From: INTERNET:Browser521@aol.com, INTERNET:Browser521@aol.com
I've bead blasted my hood hinges and want to repaint them. They looked
black,
but one source I found said they were cad plated. Which is correct? Thanks.
----------------------------------------
To: [unknown], BOB_FORD
From: "Rick Williams", INTERNET:rickerwill@worldnet.att.net
Happy New Year, Bob & all:
Special thanks to fellow list member, "Bowtieguy," Bob Yarnell, for his
terrific new Classic Chevy website, http://classicchevys.50g.com/. I
posted
a classified ad (free!), downloaded some bitchin' '57 Chevy wallpaper
(free!) and got a cool Classic Chevy screensaver (free!). Thanks for your
hard work in putting it all together for us fellow fanatics, Bowtieguy.
I'm
heading back over to check out the calendar (free!).
Reno Rick
--------------------------------------------------
To: [unknown], BOB_FORD
From: INTERNET:D56CHEVY@aol.com, INTERNET:D56CHEVY@aol.com
Hi All
Regarding my poll-its almost 50/50 from those who responded to me about
stock
Vs modified! Great response too!
My wife would like to make a collage wallpaper for the "list" to enjoy for
their computers so if anyone wants their car included, please feel free to
email me a picture in JPG format -ASAP
Dana (my wife) should be able to have the wallpaper done by next 'issue' of
the list.
HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU ALL
For those of you who are local, feel free to stop by the Boston World of
Wheels show Jan 5-7 2001 and say Hello-you cant miss my PURPLE with flames
56
Chevy Belair sedan!
Lenny Schaeffer
Malden MA
D56chevy@aol.com
http:/clubs.hemmings.com/bearingburners
-----------------------------------------
To: "BOB FORD", BOB_FORD
From: "Bill Kautz", INTERNET:kautz@home.com
Happy New Year Everybody!
First of all, I don't know what the controversy about car prices on this
list is all about. I've always followed the axiom that a car is only worth
what someone is willing to pay for it. As most of you know, an appraised
value, for insurance purposes, is the top of the value chain for a
particular car. In other words, if your car is lost for any reason, that's
what the insurance company will pay for you to replace it. That doesn't
mean that someone will pay the full appraised value for the car on any
given day. I'd vote to keep listing them and either the seller will lower
their price, someone will give them the asking price, or they'll end up
keeping the car. Buyer's choice!
One other thing I'd like to do is plug two of my favorite publications.
The first one is Hemmings Motor News. I've mentioned them on this site
before. If you are looking for parts or literature for any car, including
Tri-5s, the chances are excellent that you'll find it in Hemmings. I've
heard the expression "If it ain't in Hemmings, it probably ain't anywhere!"
www.hemmings.com will tell you where to buy a copy in your area. There's
nearly 10 pages of people selling Tri-5 parts in every issue.They also have
a teriffic web site.
The second publication is Auto Restorer Magazine. Every month they have
a featured car but they go way beyond that. The January 2001 issue has
articles on restoring interior trim, shot peening, door skin replacement
and using an English wheel. These articles are accompanied by step-by-step
photographs and drawings. They also have a tech section, "Mechanic On Duty"
that's second to none, and a lot more. Their web site has recently come
on-line. It's www.autorestorermagazine.com Just to let everyone know, no, I
don't work for either one! I just like to pass along things like this that
I find to be exceptional values.
Thanks again for this forum, Bob and Happy New Year to you and your
family. Wild Bill
Editor's note. I subscribe to both of these publications and I agree with
Bill. They are both very good.
BOB
---------------------------------------
To: [unknown], BOB_FORD
From: "Warren Kramer", INTERNET:wrkchevy@hotmail.com
Bob,
Put me down for 2 original '57's - (Belair and 210).
As so many have said - This continues to be a great site. Lots of fun to
read and a lot of good solid info.
Warren
------------------------
To: [unknown], BOB_FORD
From: INTERNET:JCoron1707@aol.com, INTERNET:JCoron1707@aol.com
I NEED A MASTER CILINDER FOR A 1957 CHEVY BEL AIR..
MY PHONE NUMBER IS 909 940 9374
IF U HAVE ONE, WOULD U GIVE ME A CALL PLEASE
I NEED IT...
-------------------------------------
To: "BOB FORD", BOB_FORD
From: "Oliver Giorgi", INTERNET:o.giorgi@worldnet.att.net
Hi Bob,
Happy New Year! The list is doing just great - and thank you for keeping
this "well oiled" forum going.
I noticed quite a bit of communications lately centered around the "value"
or selling price of some of these grand old cars.
What really stumps me is why do some people get "so upset" if the value of
the car is "out there"? No doubt there are a few chosen cars that
represent
the marque "extremely well" and these cars deserve to be priced
accordingly.
IF the car is a correct, numbers matching, flawless restoration - the
market
will bear high prices. IF the car is "thrown together" and the seller
"thinks" he will get the same money - that is a sad story.
Unfortuneatly, there are some people that may be burned by opportunists
taking advantage of them. It is my advice, that if someone is willing to
spend "large amounts of money" to buy the "perfect car" - better bring a
Model Expert along for an inspection. Otherwise, they risk learning a very
hard lesson - especially if they decide to "show" this vehicle in a
disciplined venue such as AACA, VCCA, CCI, or Late Great Chevy/Bowtie Chevy
sanctioned events.
I once inspected a "xx" Chevy. You should have seen the face of the
"seller"
when I started to measure the paint thickness with my $400.00 electronic
paint gauge. The seller - told me, I was intending on selling this car to
someone that had "psychological attachment" to it - not an expert such as
yourself. Needless to say, this "xx" Chevy was not a Corvette - but
contained enough plastic in the body work - that it might have just
qualified as one! I really feel for the "new owner" of this particular car,
since the pricing of this "xx" was "out there". This is just one of the
many sad stories you hear. Then again, I see countless restorations that
"make these old cars" MUCH better than GM ever did building them. Their
attention to detail is amazing - and yes, they deserve to be sold at
pricing
"higher" than some may feel is realistic.
I guess one could say, that at some point, all these old Chevys are "going
to be expensive" someday. So owners should enjoy them. Not everyone wants
a $40,000 '55 Bel Air coupe, but then, there are few who do. The $15,000
cars can be driven and enjoyed - that is great. The expensive versions
most
likely are not driven, they might be trailered - and I bet that those
owners
have "as much" fun as the others do.
The Future? No one can predict what is going to happen to the values of
these cars. Stock prices go up, car prices go down and sometimes vice
versa. Generations fade and the "meaning" of these old cars change. One
only has to look at the pricing of the cars of the 1920's to see what has
happened. Interest has wained, and the values have come down. At some
point, the trifives will not garner the respect and interest they have
attained. ( I know this is difficult to believe) Values will most likely
stabilize and trend downward. What will happen to the expensive cars? I
would hope that they are "survivors" - and will remain the true
representatives of an era when Chevrolet had market share equal to the
total
of all GM divisions today. (27% in case you are interested).
Bottom line, if you think the price of the car is too high - then look for
something that suits your fancy. I wouldn't condemn the pricing of the
car - if it is truly worth it. If that is done, then it comes down to the
old cliche of the "Fox and the Sour Grapes."
Oliver (aka bowtieollie)
Moderator for www.chevytalk.com
-----------------------------------------------------
To: [unknown], BOB_FORD
CC: [unknown], INTERNET:Misty82984@aol.com
From: INTERNET:OLDCARS55@aol.com, INTERNET:OLDCARS55@aol.com
Bob,
Happy New Year and best wishes to all along this great list.
Just thought I would contribute my two cents worth to this discussion of
outrageous prices vs. the true value of restored automobiles.
Recently, on eBay, I saw a 1955 Mercedes 300 SL gullwing for sale and it
was
totally cherry. Red with tan leather interior, all the matching fitted
luggage and all -- the bidding started at $340,000 and he seemed serious
about wanting to sell it. The trouble is, in the description of the car he
mentioned that this vehicle sold for "$13,000.00 -- roughly six times what
a
comparable 1955 Bel Air sold for in 1955." Perhaps he said this to in part
justify what he was asking for the car -- but it was an out and out lie.
I have old Road & Track and Speed Age magazines which were published when
these vehicles came out and can tell you that a fully equipped Bel Air sold
for just over $2,200.00 and the 300 SL gullwing that same year could be
driven away from a dealer's showroom for $6,900.00. It is interesting to
note that during this same period, you could by a used Type 37 Bugatti for
around $1,900.00 or a brand new Ferrari Mondial for $8,000.00 -- in other
words, who would have thunk it???
I know it may not be terribly appropriate to mention this but recently I
sold
a motor home in an off line deal for a client which I had listed on eBay
with
a $42,000.00 . This was at the very top of the N.A.D.A. list for the
retail
price for a fully equipped 24' vehicle like the one I listed (it had all
the
bells and whistles and was quite nice and low mileage). My clients
compromised and closed the deal for $30,000.00. That was probably all they
could realistically get for this unit even though new it was priced in the
$80.000 range. This is the case for perhaps all used vehicles until
collectors deem that certain vehicles among them have some desirability
factor that in the minds of some may exceed good reason.
I know good and well that I will probably never get back anywhere near
what I have put into my 1955 210 four-door. It is a daily driver and is
never destined to become a "trailer tart." As anyone who drives one of
these
cars will tell you, maintenance costs on a vehicle this old are substantial
-- so much so that it makes it very difficult to do any major cosmetic
improvements on a limited budget. I do what I can, when I can and that is
about it. I have a crushed quarter panel, a dented front fender, the
passenger side wiper transmission still needs replaced and the temp gauge
does not work. I drive this car because I love driving it, I have the
technical ability to work on it (which saves money) and it serves my every
need.
My dream and goal is to eventually finish this car to about an eight point
restoration by the year 2,005 when it becomes 50 years old. The frame will
need to be stretched, dents taken out, floor pans filled in (the cabin
remains a bit drafty in cold weather), it needs painted and an all new
interior. I need to replace some windows and the windshield and there are
a
few pieces of interior chrome missing (mainly armrest stainless and the
vertical, inner wing window jam). I also still need a set of original
wheels
upon which to fit the new hub caps I recently purchased from a list member.
Most normal people (how is that defined these days?) would probably think
that I have rocks in my head for wanting to put this much money into a car
which will never sell for anything more than $10,000 in this economic
climate
-- four-doors are simply not that prized by serious collectors. Still, the
idea of driving one in similar condition to some of the publicity photos
which were released by GM in 1955 remains an appealing one. It remains a
matter of dismay to me that CARS does not do the pre-fab 210 interior in
the
tan vinyl and brown pattern cloth material like when it was new -- a custom
made interior for this rig will probably end up costing me over $1,800.00.
I am a classic auto enthusiast simply because it is a matter of personal
taste -- I do not go down to the Riverboat and gamble, do not drink or
smoke
cigarettes or have any other vices other than collecting license plates,
antiques and little metal toys.
But I can also tell you that the amount of pride and personal feeling of
well
being I get from people shooting me thumbs up, looking at my car's engine
and
casual remarks I get at filling stations is worth more than hitting the
biggest jackpot Casino Aztar ever paid out.
To all these guys and girls out there who ask $50,000.00 in Hemmings Motor
News for their restored black on black on red 1957 ragtops -- more power to
you too. But I will tool my little Stovebolt 6 around until it is
completely
run out at .080" over the original 235 cu. in. displacement. While they
are
passing me by on the Interstate, there will still be a big smile on my face
as I listen to the little valve train humming along with the Buena Vista
Social Club CD playing away on the stereo.
Regards to all,
David Scott Coker
http://members.aol.com/oldcars55/index.html
-------------------------------------------------
To: [unknown], BOB_FORD
From: INTERNET:@steward-net.com, INTERNET:@steward-net.com
HELLO BOB,
HAPPY NEW YEAR TO EVERYONE. I WAS WONDERING IF ANYONE
REMEMBERS THE 1957 CHEVY CAR THAT THE SONIC DRIVE IN HAD
AVAILABLE TO REGISTER TO WIN IN A SWEEPSTAKES AND WHEN YOU
ORDERED YOUR FOOD THEY WOULD GIVE YOU A CARD, AND ON THE
CARD, IF I REMEMBER RIGHT WAS A 1957 CHEVY BLACK AND HAD FLAMES
ON IT AND HAD SOMETHING TO DO WITH RINGO STARR. I BELIEVE THIS
WAS IN THE LATE 7O'S OR EARLY 80'S. I DID HAVE THAT CARD STUCK
BACK SOMEWHERE, BUT HAVE NOT LOCATED IT YET.
THANKS
STAN EMAIL-
turley@steward-net .com
---------------------------------
To: [unknown], BOB_FORD
From: INTERNET:Rebag9@aol.com, INTERNET:Rebag9@aol.com
Bob,
One more comment on the car pricing. I looked for almost three years
before
finding a solid Colorado car ( 56 Chevy 210 ) with 67,000 actual miles on
it.
I have been reworking all the systems on the car. I did not pay an
exhorbitant price for it either. I agree with the build your own
philosophy.
So far this has been a fun experience. You really have to watch out for
the
good ones. I saw a lot of junk over the three years I was looking.
One comment on RJ's email on Case's Chevy Parts. I buy almost all of my
parts from him and have had a very positive experience with Case's. He has
fair prices and usually has everything I need in stock. He is located in
Chesterfield ( near Anderson In ) Indiana. Great guy to do business with.
-------------------------------
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
---------
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