First time project builder looking for help and ideas - and lessons learned - 57 2 door hardtop belair - with LOTS of work left to do

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  • Iowa57
    Registered Member
    • Jun 2025
    • 8
    • 6261

    #1

    First time project builder looking for help and ideas - and lessons learned - 57 2 door hardtop belair - with LOTS of work left to do

    Hi guys! Thanks for hosting this forum - this looks like a fantastic resource. I'm building a 57 for the first time, and started with the idea that I'd do a minor refresh and drive it as it was, mostly... and the closer I looked, the more I realized it would never be a reliable safe car without going deeper...

    The end goal is a clean, great-driving hot rod, and I plan to drive the snot out of this thing (except winter salt season!) as a second vehicle semi-daily driver. So - functionality is important, reliability is critical. And coolness is a must.

    I need help with rebuilding the suspension, first - we've got the frame out, stripped, sandblasted, and epoxy primered - now it's time for a transmission crossmember, updated engine mounts, and rebuilding all the suspension - probably upgrading with better parts, because it seems like that makes more sense than rebuilding the OEM stuff, considering bang for the buck. Money is limited, but I will spend where necessary to get a good, fun to drive hot rod. There's no point in spending SOME money to hate driving this car, and wish I had gone a little slower and spent a few dollars more. But, no open checkbook stuff...

    Would LOVE to hear ideas and your experience - and I'll plan to go read and ask questions in the tech forums. Thanks again for putting this forum together!
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  • Belair-o
    Registered Member
    • Jun 2013
    • 716
    • 1723
    • Franktown, CO

    #2
    Hi Iowa57,
    Welcome to this site! Appreciate your pics, looks like a sound 57, and you are already making lots of progress. Appreciated the pic of you and your able crew, and you have a great shop and tools. Looking forward to your questions. My plan was similar and thought I would quickly be on the road, but seemed like every step I took to remove parts to correct an issue revealed other stuff that I thought I better do while the getting was good, though skipped some stuff, some of which I wish I had addressed. And work and life also (rightly) sucked up time for work on the project. My car isn't fancy, but a mild restomod. Wish it was better, but I like it. Mostly upgrades to mechanicals and/or restoration of old/tired/less safe parts. I chose to keep the original look as much as possible, since I think the original design pretty timeless.
    Thanks, Doug

    Comment

    • busterwivell
      Registered Member
      • Dec 2016
      • 826
      • 3249
      • Sahuarita (Tucson), AZ

      #3
      A little more information would help with our advice. Do you have an engine and transmission? Are you looking to upgrade, or go stock everything?
      Whereabouts in Iowa are you from?

      Comment

      • WagonCrazy
        Registered Member
        • Mar 2012
        • 1915
        • 530
        • Santa Clarita, CA

        #4
        2 inch drop spindles + Front disc brakes + dual master cylinder (disk/drum) + front swaybar will make a world of difference when driving (and stopping) your 57.
        1957 Nomad- LS1/T56 on C4 chassis
        1959 Fleetside Apache 1/2 ton, shortbed, big window, 327ci.

        Comment

        • Custer55
          Registered Member
          • Feb 2015
          • 736
          • 2442
          • Custer, WI

          #5
          Looks like you have a good start on your project. I hope you are planning on going to Back to the 50's in a couple of weeks. It's a great show with lots of vendors and tri-fives for both inspiration and ideas for your project!!
          Brian,

          Comment

          • 567chevys
            Administrator
            • Oct 2010
            • 2554
            • 3
            • Woodland Washington

            #6
            Hi Iowa57,

            Like your introduction, any ideas what the Motor is ? is it 4 speed ? what rear end does it have ?

            Then we can give you some more ideas .

            Thanks Sid
            sigpic
            1955 2 DR Post
            1937 Chevy Coupe
            2023 Ford Super Duty F350 TREMOR
            2019 Corvette Z06
            1955 Chevy Nomad
            1935 Ford 2dr Slant back I have 4

            Comment

            • louiekiser@gmail.com
              Registered Member
              • Apr 2025
              • 10
              • 6187

              #7
              looks like a good body to start with, Good luck keep plugging away, thank you for sharing

              Comment

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