Introduction. My 57 Bel Air Townsman wagon

[charliez57]

Hello to all in the Trifivechevys club! I bought my 1957 Chevy Bel Air 4 door wagon late December 2023, received it in late January this year. I had been searching for 6 months or so then found this for sale at Summers Classic Cars in Eugene Oregon. I live in MD, so had to have it shipped cross country. Here is a video from the dealership before I got it:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Whx5dWRK88s&list=LL&index=4&t=22s

My experience with Summers Classic Cars was good, but they had no information on the history of the car, which is a drag as I have some questions.
I have started to do a few things. Had to replace the fuel pump. Next will be the control arms with bushings, get the wheels balanced and see if that stops the excessive vibration at 60+ mph - too much shake rattle and roll! I could use some guidance on a few things:
1. Any idea on the complexity and cost of installing vintage AC?
2. Source to buy the roping that goes around the doors?
3. Any videos on how to improve the ease of cranking a hand crank window?
4. Cost range to install electric windows?
5. Best place to buy replacement carpet?
6. Mid Atlantic car shows and meet ups of the Trifivechevy club?

Thanks for any help you can provide!

[busterwivell]

Hi, Charlie! Welcome to the club!
I'll try to help you with your questions as best i can, but, compared to most of the others on here, I'm more like a Jiffy Lube trainee.
Vintage Air.......I didn't know anything about it until I did my first install. I've done a half dozen or so, and all I've done is ordered the kit, read the instructions several times to get familiar with it, and started installing by following the instructions step by step. I took my time, and was proud when I took it to a shop to have it charged up and it held vacuum, charged up, and it's still working 22 years later. You can do it too. To have a shop do it, I've heard tales of 1500-2500 and worse. Get together with people at car shows, join a local club, you will probably find people just like you who would be willing to help you out. Car people are just that way.
Roping.........I call it wind lace. I don't remember where I got it from, but I got it from the same company I got my headliner from.
Window cranking......If they are hard to crank up and down, they need greased. You'll have to remove the door panels top access the tracks and rollers (which may or may not need replaced). You'll have to run them up and down as you lube them and you'll feel them easing up as the grease works it's way in. 57 year old grease has a tendency to harden over time. You'll want to get as much of it out as you can, if it's even still there.
Power windows......I installed Specialty Power Windows, available from many suppliers. I just did the two doors on my 56, and I bought that kit many years ago, and, like everything else, I'm sure the prices have changed. Shop around at different vendors for pricing. (you may want to avoid Ecklers)
Carpet.........Many vendors sell carpet kits. I bought an ACC carpet kit for my 56 (again, many years ago) and after I laid it out in the sun for a couple of hours, it laid out on the floor almost perfectly and required almost no trimming. Easy stuff.
Mid-Atlantic car shows......can't help you there, I'm in Tucson, AZ
Hope this helps you some. Good Luck!
Bill

[Tabasco]

Love your Townsman. Wish mine looked that good.

Answers to your questions:
1. I installed AC on my wife's 56 myself. It wasn't too difficult. I don't know what it would cost to have it done.
2. ciadellainteriors.com will have what you need.
3. If it recently a got new window fur channel kit it may just be tight and may relax with time. Or you may have to remove the door panels and lubricate the mechanism.
4. Sorry I don't know.
5. I went to automotiveinteriors.com for carpet. Great price and great service. Carpet looked good and fit well. Even ordered extra by the yard for the trunk.
6. Sorry, wrong part of the country for me.

[567chevys]

Determine the type of A/C system you want to install: There are various types of A/C systems available for classic cars like the 1957 Chevy, including traditional belt-driven systems and modern electric systems. Make sure to choose the one that fits your needs and budget.

Purchase a complete A/C kit: You can buy a complete A/C kit specifically designed for a 1957 Chevy. These kits usually include all the necessary components, such as the compressor, condenser, evaporator, hoses, and fittings.

Gather the necessary tools and equipment: You will need basic hand tools like wrenches, screwdrivers, and pliers to install the A/C system. You may also need a vacuum pump, A/C manifold gauge set, and other specialized tools.

Locate the appropriate mounting points: Determine where you will mount the components of the A/C system, such as the compressor, condenser, and evaporator. Make sure to choose locations that provide proper airflow and accessibility.

Install the compressor: Mount the compressor to the engine using the supplied brackets and ensure that it is properly aligned with the other components of the A/C system.

Install the condenser and evaporator: Mount the condenser in front of the radiator and the evaporator inside the cabin of the car. Connect the hoses between the compressor, condenser, and evaporator, ensuring they are securely fastened.

Vacuum and charge the system: Use a vacuum pump to remove any air and moisture from the A/C system. Once the system is properly vacuumed, charge it with refrigerant according to the manufacturer's specifications.

Test the A/C system: Turn on the A/C system and check for any leaks or abnormal noises. Make sure the system is blowing cold air and functioning properly before driving the car.

Enjoy your new A/C system: Once the A/C system is installed and working correctly, you can enjoy a comfortable ride in your 1957 Chevy, even in hot weather.

[charliez57]

1957 Chevy Bel Air 4 door wagon- updates

Thanks Bill, I am definitely at the Jiffy lube trainee level myself. I used to work on my first car, a 1960 Chevy Nomad, but that was a long time ago and once I got married, had a business and my wife and I proceeded to have 6 children, there was no time to do my own car work. Thanks so much for the guidance and tips. I get to Arizona periodically, but mostly just Phoenix for a hotel conference, and up to Sedona maybe sometime later this year to vacation and visit friends. If I get to Tuscon, I'll let you know! I'll also follow up on what I'm doing to my 57 Bel Air wagon. I called the 4 door a Nomad as well but I think Chevy called the 4 door the Townsman wagon? This one worked out perfectly for me because it was previously restored nicely, if somewhat basically, so it looks great and runs well mostly already, but I just have some improvements and updates to do on it.
All the best,
Charlie Fritsch

Hi, Charlie! Welcome to the club!
I'll try to help you with your questions as best i can, but, compared to most of the others on here, I'm more like a Jiffy Lube trainee.
Vintage Air.......I didn't know anything about it until I did my first install. I've done a half dozen or so, and all I've done is ordered the kit, read the instructions several times to get familiar with it, and started installing by following the instructions step by step. I took my time, and was proud when I took it to a shop to have it charged up and it held vacuum, charged up, and it's still working 22 years later. You can do it too. To have a shop do it, I've heard tales of 1500-2500 and worse. Get together with people at car shows, join a local club, you will probably find people just like you who would be willing to help you out. Car people are just that way.
Roping.........I call it wind lace. I don't remember where I got it from, but I got it from the same company I got my headliner from.
Window cranking......If they are hard to crank up and down, they need greased. You'll have to remove the door panels top access the tracks and rollers (which may or may not need replaced). You'll have to run them up and down as you lube them and you'll feel them easing up as the grease works it's way in. 57 year old grease has a tendency to harden over time. You'll want to get as much of it out as you can, if it's even still there.
Power windows......I installed Specialty Power Windows, available from many suppliers. I just did the two doors on my 56, and I bought that kit many years ago, and, like everything else, I'm sure the prices have changed. Shop around at different vendors for pricing. (you may want to avoid Ecklers)
Carpet.........Many vendors sell carpet kits. I bought an ACC carpet kit for my 56 (again, many years ago) and after I laid it out in the sun for a couple of hours, it laid out on the floor almost perfectly and required almost no trimming. Easy stuff.
Mid-Atlantic car shows......can't help you there, I'm in Tucson, AZ
Hope this helps you some. Good Luck!
Bill

[charliez57]

Thanks Tabasco! Didn't see another name for you? Thanks for those links. I will check them out for sure. My niece's husband works at a dealership and said he could help me install the AC if I want, so I might do that. I'll post more later on what I do. Thanks for the help!
All the best,
Charlie Fritsch