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

[Iowa57]

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!

[Belair-o]

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

[busterwivell]

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?

[WagonCrazy]

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.

[Custer55]

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!!

[567chevys]

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

[louiekiser@gmail.com]

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

[Lost&Found55]

I just finished a year long project on my 55 where I replaced all of the suspension, new wiring, all new fuel/brake lines, and more. I had the same wish list as you, to make the car more pleasurable to drive. I used all CPP tubular front suspension. The local alignment shop said it fell right into specs, and it handles great.