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TriChrome
03-07-2018, 12:13 AM
From: BOB FORD [BOB_FORD@compuserve.com]
Sent: Friday, February 09, 2001 6:37 PM
To: Blind.Copy.Receiver@compuserve.com
Subject: 57-56-55 CHEVY LISTL

THIS IS THE 57-56-55 CHEVY LIST

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

YOUR COMMENTS ABOUT THIS LIST ARE WELCOME.

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

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

THANKS
BOB FORD
EDITOR
__________________________________________________ ____________________
To: [unknown], BOB_FORD
From: INTERNET:Lovemy56@aol.com, INTERNET:Lovemy56@aol.com
<<
>>
Wyatt, I don't believe that transmissions were painted at all !!!!!!!!!!
You're right about not many people on this list knowing much about
ORIGINALITY !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I too, got not ONE response to my
question
about how & what the procedure was to install Original Power Brakes on a
56
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :-( :-( :-( Richard
------------------------------------------
To: [unknown], BOB_FORD
From: INTERNET:GremlinGTs@aol.com, INTERNET:GremlinGTs@aol.com

Actually, most of the bru-ha-ha came from long-time customers, who were

REALLY offended when they found out that their upscale Buick or Oldsmobile
had a mundane CHEVY motor in it! I don't remember the actual reason that GM

did it, other than maybe to save money from having to manufacture 3 or 4
different models of similar motor sizes, or offer a different size than
what
the Olds or Buick actually offered. One POSITIVE thing that came out of
this
applied to the race track, where due to homogulation rules, Chevys could
use
Buick or Olds motors, and vice versa, when the Buick motor was extremely
hot
on the race circuit, this turned out to be a great thing for GM in racing!
A
slippery Chevy body could use the hot Buick v-6 motor, and was burning up
the
tracks with them at the time. After awhile, the heat came off GM, and I
guess
everyone forgave them for cross-breeding their name brand cars with the
others
motors. Still, not everyone wants to buy a Caddy with a Chevette motor!
LOL.
AMC had perfected crossbreeding a long time ago, using a Buick v-6 in
the
jeeps in '70s, a Pontiac 4-cylinder, an Audi 4-cylinder in the Gremlin, and

finally a Chevy 4-cylinder in the later Concords. But they NEVER used Chevy

327's, those were their own manufactured motors. Alot of confusion exists
about AMC motors, since they didn't change the CC size to be different than

other company's motor sizes, hence their 360 ( non-Chrysler ), 390 (
non-Ford
), and the early 60's 327 in the Ramblers ( non-Chevy ) have ALL been
confused by people due to their ignorance of AMC's peculiar trend of
having
similar engine sizes with other makes. AMC even offered the GM
Turbohydramatic trans in their 4x4 Jeeps, so they used alot of other
companies parts, but ALL of their late-model v-8s were all-AMC made. Only
the
4's and the v-6 were of other companies. Well, not counting the Packard v-8

motors they used in '57-58 ! Anyway, there's my historic recollection of
engine/chassis crossbreeding.

Jerry Casper
--------------------------------------------------------------
To: [unknown], BOB_FORD
From: INTERNET:GremlinGTs@aol.com, INTERNET:GremlinGTs@aol.com

Well the 2001 list of models available came out , and it still lists
those two fiberglass Tri-chevy convertibles as being available. Guess I'll
have to write directly to them to see if they have any literature or a tape

on their products. Sure would like to see one in the "flesh" first, and
talk
to an owner who's had one awhile. maybe they can refer me to someone in my
area who has bought one, so I can see it. Not that I can afford even the
basic kit ( $7,000 ), but it'd be nice to see one just the same. Oh well,
back to cleaning out the garage....

Jerry Casper
Woodbridge, VA
'55 Chevy Suburban
'57 4-dr sedans
'79 Pacer wagon
'78 Gremlin GT
----------------------------
To: BOB FORD, BOB_FORD
From: INTERNET:roy.r.nagel@gm.com, INTERNET:roy.r.nagel@gm.com

I thought this was a site for '55-'57 Chevy enthusiasts, Bob - and here you
are
asking us about your mule!?

Seriously, a "Mule" is a term used to describe a vehicle constructed by (or
for)
a vehicle manufacturer well in advance of production to evaluate various
components. Typically, a mule is usually constructed from an existing
vehicle
body shell (which could be either from the same or a competitive
manufacturer),
with hand-built suspension and powertrain components cobbled-in for
evaluation.

Mules can be built for the evaluation of other components and systems, such
as
AC, just as well. A mule is normally the earliest in any given program.
They
will typically be followed by Alpha and Beta Prototypes, Pilot Line
vehicles,
and finally production units.
-----------------------------------
To: BOB FORD, BOB_FORD
CC: [unknown], INTERNET:wssmolick@aol.com
From: INTERNET:roy.r.nagel@gm.com, INTERNET:roy.r.nagel@gm.com

I note a second question from Wyatt Smolick regarding what color the
original
3-speed / overdrive transmissions were painted at the factory. He mentions
that
no one responded to his question.

I recall seeing his question, but didn't respond since I had never actually
looked underneath an original '55-'57 Chevy with the 3-speed and overdrive
combo
. Since Wyatt has had no input, though - I'll volunteer my two cents for
the
record. Thinking back to the time when I was in college ('62-'66), I worked
on a
number of '55-'57 Chevy's at various times. This is when they were just
everyday
transportation - and were not yet being "restored" (other than to "bondo"
repair
the magic circle of rust around the rear wheel wells on the '55, but that's
another story). Anyway, with possibly one exception, the cars I recall
working
on were 3-speed sticks - without overdrive. These were split about equally
between the six and the 265/283 engines. Anyway, I never recall seeing any
paint
on the transmissions. It appeared to be the bare cast-iron (subsequently
coated
with a liberal application of oil/grease from road grime, crankcase blowby,
etc.

It is possible that the trans may have been treated to a coat of cheap
paint
originally, and that this soon wore/burned off, but I doubt it. I suppose
it is
also possible that the three speed with the Borg Warner overdrives may have
been
painted, but again - I doubt it. This may not be exactly what you wanted to
hear, but that's my experience.

Also, I believe this to be typical US industry practice at the time. I,
today,
own a '53 Ford with a 3-speed trans. I'm the second owner of the car, it
has
less than 39,000 miles (of which I put on the last 3,000) and I can assure
you
the trans shows no evidence of ever being painted. There are still some
assembly
plant chalk marks on the original paint on the floor pan underneath the car
(no
undercoating), so I doubt that there was ever any original trans paint that
burned away.

Lastly, I owned a '54 Stude Commander V8 which was everyday transportation
back
in college. It had a 3-speed / overdrive trans. I did get to note the
condition
of this trans as I recall well replacing the underfloor brake master
cylinder
under less than ideal conditions (below zero degrees and snowing). There
was
some evidence of paint on the trans, but it was only a hint of overspray
(from
the glossy green engine paint used by Stude for a number of years).

I hope some of this is of interest. (At least you've now received a
response!)


Roy
---------------------------------
To: "BOB FORD", BOB_FORD
From: "Bill Kautz", INTERNET:kautz@home.com

Hi All,
For all the California readers of this list, be forewarned! The
California Air Resources Board, (CARB), is at it again! The I/M Review
Committee has issued a report recommending that 1966-1973 model vehicles be
emissions tested and eligible for scrappage. They have now targeted the
"Muscle Cars"! Remember that pre-'74 vehicles didn't have modern emissions
controls. That means most cars in that era will fail the proposed emissions
testing! For more information on this issue contact www.enjoytheride.com I
strongly urge all readers of this list to contact Brian Caudill at
brianc@sema.org He will add you or your club to the SEMA mailing list to
keep you abreast of all pending anti-old-car legislation. Believe me,
there's plenty of it happening around the country. We can't let a few
people legislate us out of our hobby! Keep up on all this news so you can
make your voice heard. SEMA will provide you with a list of legislators in
your area that you can contact to voice your disapproval of this type of
behind-your-back action by your governments. Again, many thanks to Bob for
this important forum. Wild Bill
-------------------------------------
To: "BOB FORD", BOB_FORD
From: "Bill Kautz", INTERNET:kautz@home.com

BlankHi Again, Bob,
Thought your list members would like to know what the competition is
doing as far as some Tri-5s are concerned. Gary Ruby, a fellow member of
Lost In The '50s Car Club Of Md., just returned from the CCI convention
near Orlando, Fla. His modified '55 BelAir 2 door hardtop received 990
points out of 1000 in the Modified class. A fantastic showing! However, his
990 was only good enough for 3rd place! The winner got 997 and second was
994. The top vehicle in the show was a '55 Pickup that garnered 999! I
guess there's really no such thing as a perfect car! Wild Bill
----------------------------------------
To: [unknown], BOB_FORD
From: Mark C Bach, INTERNET:m_bach@juno.com

Ref Mr. Archer's VIN on his 56 VIN#VC560034180

The V means it was a V-8
The C means it was a Bel Air
56 means it is a 1956 model
the next space should be O for Oakland not the number 0

the last VIN made in January, 1956 in Oakland was 29864
the last VIN made in February, 1956 in Oakland was 37080

Hence 034180 was made in the latter half of February, 1956. An exact
date is hard to ascertain but you can proportion out the actual
production over the actual number of work days in that month.

Each plant started with the #1.

Mark in AZ
---------------------------------------
To: [unknown], BOB_FORD
From: ken mueller ii, INTERNET:five7man@juno.com

Hello all, I have a question for the list. Does anyone know of a company
that sells personal checks with only pictures of Tri Five Chevy's on
them. I've been shopping different sites on the web and the only one that
comes close is the Styles Co. , they have a set called Antique road show ,
which features a fifties Caddy and Vette , a 57 chevy, and a Mustang
(guess which one doesn't belong). So if anyone knows where I can get
checks with pictures of my favorite cars on them please let me (and the
others ) know. In answer to Bob's question about a mule car, are you
referring to early research and development vehicles otherwise known as
test mules?

Ken Mueller II / five7man@juno.com
----------------------------------------
To: [unknown], BOB_FORD
From: INTERNET:WINDHAM3@aol.com, INTERNET:WINDHAM3@aol.com

Thanks BOB for all your hard work. I really enjoy reading your list. I am
Looking for the chrome "snout" that goes on the Vacuum Ashtray for a
reasonable amount. I have all the other pieces. Maybe someone has one in
the
garage. I have a few parts to trade or will offer George Bush $200.00
towards
purchase. LOL

John Windham
windham3@aol.com
57 Batwing Hardtop
------------------------------------
To: "BOB FORD", BOB_FORD
From: "John Cain", INTERNET:john.cain@hunterlink.net.au

MULE....I.E. TEST VEHICLE FOR A NEW MODEL. Vehicle with all the new ideas
incorporated into it
for a new model about to be launched onto the market or prototype pre
production model.
Regards..John..Aussiedownunder !!!!
------------------------
To: [unknown], BOB_FORD
From: INTERNET:Rebag9@aol.com, INTERNET:Rebag9@aol.com

Bob,

Anyone out there familiar with the 55-57 GM Fan Hub Locating Gauge #
J-5775?
I need to know the length measurement of the gauge. I had a problem
aligning
pulleys and would like to check this one last detail. The gauge fits
through
the casting mounting hole and measures the distance from the back of the
water pump housing to the top of the fan hub. Any information on this
would
be helpful. My shop shows the gauge, but gives no measurement. The
tolerance on this is +/- .005"

Thanks,
Eric
------------------------------------------------------
To: [unknown], BOB_FORD
From: INTERNET:InBOIL@aol.com, INTERNET:InBOIL@aol.com

hey bob looking for a tilt fiberglass front end for a 56. could you pass it

around? thanks
wolf
----------------------------------------
To: [unknown], BOB_FORD
From: "Michael Sims", INTERNET:msims@wilwood.com

Bob please post this on your list .

1957 Chevy conv.rolling chassis.
completely restored 283 with four barrel,correct power glide ,frame is
painted black ,all suspension is rebuilt to spec. factory conv. frame with
x-member. also included is allot of original restoration parts like gas
lines ,brake lines,emblems, etc. all in excellent condition.
this is just the frame ....no body. perfect for you to just lay you
conv.body or 2 dr. ht conversion right on.
$10,000
818-410-3030
Michael sims
-----------------------------------------
To: [unknown], BOB_FORD
From: "Marilyn Dorr", INTERNET:marilyn@netins.net

Good morning, Bob, Just enjoyed your new list this morning. Boy, that guy
that invested $80,000 in his chev really must have got taken. I thought I
was the only red neck that ever bought ( Blue Sky). I know it really costs
to do a classic anymore. My 57 hardtop is coming along pretty good now. We
all talk about costs and I know I will have close to $30,000 in my car when
it is done, Kinda tough when your retired, but I keep my wife working to
help support me. Just kidding!! That website where you can put different
wheels on your car and paint is pretty cool. Everybody should check it out.
The guy who wanted to know what color of paint the transmissions come from
the factory painted, I don't ever remember them having any paint on them. I
know my new 58 impala did not come painted. The reason for I tore the trans
up in about 30 days. My dad said I was hell on wheels!!. Any way, I have a
question for any 57 owner out there. What is the biggest tire you can cram
under the rear fender with out rubbing? I plan on running 16 in wheels, but
my past experience with like 215x60x15 tires was a bearcat to put under the
rear fender. Any Ideas anyone?? Roger In Iowa
---------------------------------------------------------
To: [unknown], BOB_FORD
From: INTERNET:lcowger@kgas.com, INTERNET:lcowger@kgas.com


I NEED A DECENT SET OF THE 3-PIECE ALUMINUM DASH TRIM FOR A 55 CHEVY. ALSO
NEED RUST- FREE CHROME PARKING LIGHT BACKING PLATES. THANKS! LARRY COWGER,
LCOWGER@KGAS.COM OR (785)431-4025
-----------------------------------------
To: [unknown], INTERNET:WSSmolick@aol.com
To: [unknown], BOB_FORD
From: INTERNET:McGillis@aol.com, INTERNET:McGillis@aol.com

Wyatt, the OD Trans in my '55 Cameo (restored) is clean bare metal. I also

have a spare which I was told came from an original car many (20+) years
ago
and it is not painted. The third member in the rear end is painted red. I

have no way to know whether this is the way they came from the factory. I
suspect that is why you have not received an answer, most folks do not
know.

Dennis McGillis
'55 Cameo
949-551-4821 phone
949-551-1162 fax
mcgillis@aol.com
------------------------------------------------
To: "bob_ford@compuserve.com", bob_ford
From: Steve Pratt, INTERNET:authauto@airmail.net

> Does anyone on this list know the procedure for converting standard
brakes
> to > Original Power Brakes on a 56???????? I have all the parts needed,
except
> for a GOOD vacuum can. Mine does not have any attaching prongs or ends
on
> it
> !!!!!! Would appreciate any help I can get on this job. Thanks in
advance!
>

Richard,

I have several new repro vac canisters, they are an exact copy of the
original. They retail for almost $100 most places, but I will sell them
for $75 each if you are interested. Good luck with your 56.

Steve Pratt
Authentic Automot
----------------------
To: [unknown], INTERNET:hogan@cjnetworks.com
CC: "bob_ford@compuserve.com", bob_ford
From: Steve Pratt, INTERNET:authauto@airmail.net

> I am converting a 58 Impala over to 605 power steering and I need a p.s.
> pump pulley that is about 4 to 4.5 in diameter or smaller. The pump
> supplied with the kit is a pre 1980 GM pump that has a key way on the
> shaft.
> I have located pulleys for the later model press on pumps but I cant find
> one for the bolt on with a keyway. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
> Thanx in advance
> Curt Hogan
>
Curt,

I have the earlier style pump pulleys with the keyway and nut on the
shaft. These are about 5 5/8 inches in diameter. This is a new
reproduction of the GM # 3770509 pulley, used for all engine
applications from 1960 to 1969 and beyond. Price is $55.95 + s/h/i.

I am not aware of any early style pulley as small as 4 inches.

Good luck,

Steve Pratt
Authentic Automotive
-----------------------
To: BOB FORD, BOB_FORD
From: INTERNET:lsfork@bloomnet.com, INTERNET:lsfork@bloomnet.com


To Bill Kautz If you donut believe that 1/2 3/4 or one ton pickups
donut have any difference in hauling capacity Please think again , I`m a
Farmer/Rancher in Nebraska and don't even get near a 1/2 ton pickup .
There is absolutely no comparison . If you are going to pull a trailer
or put a 325 gallon water tank on board to water the cow herd , A 1/2
ton DON'T cut the mustard . Sincerely Ernie @ the LITTLE SOUTH FORK
RANCH 87478/536th Ave. Creighton,Nebraska.68729/3992 Great job on list
Bob , I enjoy each and every one !!!!!
-------------------------------
To: [unknown], BOB_FORD
From: INTERNET:NomadMan55@aol.com, INTERNET:NomadMan55@aol.com

<< Bob, here is a reply to NomanMan's post about gas boycotting. He quoted
">***** PLEASE HOLD OUT UNTIL THEY LOWER THEIR PRICES TO $1.28 -- $1.29
AND
KEEP THEM DOWN. THIS CAN REALLY WORK.<"

Move to Oklahoma... the prices already ARE at 1.29! LOL!!!

Sorry, couldn't resist.

Keith Marang
Webmaster,
Central Oklahoma Classic Chevy Club.
>>
Ya have to rub it in, right Keith!!! (LOL)
- Warren
-------------------------------------
To: [unknown], BOB_FORD
From: "Bowtieguy", INTERNET:bowtieguy@bigfoot.com

I believe a "mule" was a car that Chevrolet engineering disguised to keep
folks from seeing what the new model would look like while they tested it.
The '56 that they used in the Pike's Peak Hill Climb was a "mule" '56

Bowtieguy
---------------------------------------------------
To: "BOB FORD", BOB_FORD
From: "David Houghton", INTERNET:dtkjhoug@earthlink.net

Bob,since we sometimes depart from the tri 5's could someone give me
suggestions on how to deal with my neighbors barking dogs?Every time we go
out to work on our project 55 we have to listen to that barking and it
drives us nuts,any tips would be greatly appreciated,Thanks,Dave

Editor's note. Where I live, a dog barking all the time and disturbing
people can be reported to animal control. They can handle the problem.
Good Luck.
BOB
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------
To: Chevy List, BOB_FORD
From: phillip l brown, INTERNET:lybc@earthlink.net

I think you'd be better off replacing rusty sheet metal on the
convertible than trying to convert a sport sedan (hardtop) to a
convertible. The windshild frame is completely different, the doors
would have to be modified or you'd have to use the convertible doors
which, apparently, you'd have to repair, you'd have to modify the area
where the top goes, add the metal piece behind the seat, + other little
items too numerous to mention or that I don't even know about. A guy
in the NW, years ago, tried to sell a '55 conv that was so rusted out,
it bent in the middle if you leaned on it. He replaced sheet metal and
ended up with a pretty nice car and this was before 90% of the
replacement sheet metal panels were available. That's my thoughts.

Phillip '55's
------------------------------------------------------
To: "BOB FORD", BOB_FORD
From: "Kenneth L Ogle", INTERNET:kenneth.ogle@gte.net

Bob, I have a friend that has a 3.56 posi rearend chunk for sale that he
says will fit 55-64 Chevys. He said it has the 'P' stamped case. He is
asking $600 for it and he said it came out of a car with 34,000 miles on.
He said it looks new. I also have the following parts for sale:

56 4-barrell Carter carb and intake - $250.
57 4-barrell intake - $100
5 BF Goodrich Silvertown WWW tires, 750x14 one new 4 like new, $250 for all
five

Cleveland, TN 423-479-6317

Thanks Bob, keep up the good work, and as always remember that 'GOD is
Love', Ken
--------------------------------------
To: [unknown], BOB_FORD
From: INTERNET:SKECPE@cs.com, INTERNET:SKECPE@cs.com

BOB, COULD YOU PLEASE TELL ME WHAT A STYLELINE DLX BELAIR IS. I HAVE BEEN
PLAYING WITH THESE CARS FOR YEARS AND HAVE NEVER SEEN OR HEARD OF THIS.

DANIEL

Editor's note. That had me stumped for a long time. Several cars for sale
were listed as Styleline Dlx -----. I was looking at Autotrader Online
day and Styleline DLX is the default model when you enter a Chevy for sale.
My guess is some people don't know their model and just take the default.
BOB
----------------------------------------------------------------
To: [unknown], BOB_FORD
From: "Brandon F", INTERNET:bdf19@hotmail.com


Dear Bob, I am looking for a 1957 Chevy BelAir 2dr. Hard top, preferably
running, with OK ext./int. Some where around the price range of $3000 or
less.

I am located in: Pomona, CA
Only contact me by e-mail at: bdf19@hotmail.com
time-zone: pacific coast

Thanks a lot,

bdf
--------------------------------------------------
To: [unknown], BOB_FORD
From: "Steven Russert", INTERNET:russerts@hotmail.com


Bob,
I'm glad to announce results - the car is now sold. It will be going to a

"good home" and looks to have a good future in caring hands. Thanks
Steve Russert
russerts@hotmail.com
(ad copy below so you can recognize it)

> Bend, WA $2,500.00
> 1956 Chevrolet 210, 2-door post - 60's drag racer. Fiberglass tilt front

>end, 396, roll cage, powerglide, 3.13 Olds rear end w/ ladder bar coil
>spring suspension, nitrous, line lok, centerelines - tranny broken, 'used
>to run 5 years ago' (425) 888-3080
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
---------
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