From: BOB FORD <BOB_FORD@compuserve.com>
To: <Blind.Copy.Receiver@compuserve.com>
Subject: 57-56-55 CHEVY LISTL
Date: Thursday, January 02, 2003 7:43 AM

THIS IS THE 57-56-55 CHEVY LIST FOR
JAN 1, 2003

IF THIS E-MAIL HAS AN ATTACHMENT, IMMEDIATELY DELETE THIS E-MAIL.

THIS LIST IS DESIGNED AS A MEANS FOR PEOPLE INTERESTED IN THE 1955, 1956,
AND 1957 CHEVROLETS TO COMMUNICATE WITH EACH OTHER AND HAVE A
LITTLE FUN IN THE PROCESS. 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. I RESERVE THE RIGHT TO EDIT OUT ANY MATERIAL NOT
APPROPRIATE FOR THIS LIST.

PLEASE INCLUDE YOUR NAME AS THE LAST THING ON YOUR E-MAIL.

IF YOU BUY SOMETHING FROM A LIST MEMBER, PLEASE BE AWARE THAT I HAVE
NO WAY OF KNOWING THE QUALITY OF THE PRODUCT OR THE HONESTY OF THE
SELLER. BUYER BEWARE.

BECAUSE OF THE DANGER OF A VIRUS, PLEASE DO NOT SEND ATTACHMENTS
WITH YOUR E-MAIL. E-MAIL WITH ATTACHMENTS WILL NOT BE READ.

THANKS
BOB FORD
EDITOR
__________________________________________________ ____________________
To: [unknown], BOB_FORD
From: INTERNET:SidChev5567@aol.com, INTERNET:SidChev5567@aol.com

from: Sid Jackson
Willow Grove, Penna.
e-mail: Sidchev5567@aol.com
I have a question for members of this list.
Does anyone have a suggestion or a method they use to change valve springs,

with the cylinder heads still on the block without using an air hose to
hold
the valves up?
Thanks. Please send response back to 'Sidchev5567@aol.com'
-----------------------------------
To: [unknown], Bob_Ford
From: Mark C Bach, INTERNET:m_bach@juno.com

I recall an earlier post that mentioned a car owner who put his modern
day radio (head unit) under the front dash speaker cover and it popped up
when needed. If anybody has more details on this install please contact
me at m_bach@juno.com
------------------------------
To: [unknown], BOB_FORD
From: INTERNET:McGillis@aol.com, INTERNET:McGillis@aol.com

Is the rear end "pumpkin" from a 1955 car directly interchangeable with
that
in a 1955 1/2 ton truck? Thanks for any info.

Dennis McGillis
Vintage Chevrolet Club of America
Orange County Region
949-551-4821 phone
949-551-1162 fax
949-533-7211 cellular
------------
To: Bob Ford, BOB_FORD
From: "Dale D.", INTERNET:canyonrose@yahoo.com

Bob, please add this post to the list. Thanks, -D.

I can haul a vehicle anywhere between AZ and FL
(either way) in early February. You can email me:
canyonrose@yahoo.com or phone 505-533-6966. Thanks,
-Delivery Dale
-----------------
To: [unknown], BOB_FORD
From: "April Q. Grammont", INTERNET:aprilg57@juno.com

Bob,

I got a little smarter since I sent this message an hour ago.

In doing some research I found out that a PCV system was an option on the
55-57 Chevy six cylinder engine. I wouldn't be surprised to find it may
even have been standard in California although have seen nothing to
indicate such was the case. I don't remember ever seeing such a system on
a 55-57 but the service manual says they were optional. In the 1955
service manual there is a writeup about the reasons for the system. They
include: 1)Prevent dust or dirt from entering the crankcase on vehicles
operated in dusty areas; 2)To provide adequate crankcase ventilation on
vehicles operated at slow speeds where the road draft tube would not be
effective(such as door to door delivery-milk trucks of the 50's come to
mind); 3)Remove harmful vapors to keep from contaminating the oil; and
4)to prevent the formation of sludge and corrosion in the crankcase.

They discuss the leaner fuel mixture that may result and suggest that the
main jet in the carb could be changed to compensate for that-if need be.
They recommend not to make this change unless necessary though.

Don't know if this answers your question or not. The way I see it, there
isn't much change to the way the engine runs other than the fuel mixture
issue. However, the engine in cars operated slowly(and many of our cars
used only in parades, etc may fall into that category) should last
longer.

April
----------------------------
To: [unknown], BOB_FORD
From: "April Q. Grammont", INTERNET:aprilg57@juno.com

Bob,

I'm not an expert on the subject but my impression is that positive
crankcase ventilation came about in order to remove fumes and
contaminating vapors(resulting from leakage past the piston rings during
combustion) from the atmosphere in order to make the world a better place
for people. In our cars(55-57) these were sucked out of the engine via
the down draft tube and thus into the air. With the positive crankcase
ventilation system these gases are put back into the combustion chamber
and burned. I find no reference to an increase in power or fuel mileage
as a result. However, I do find references to a reduction in fuel economy
when the pcv valve becomes clogged. In "Fix Your Chevrolet" (1964) there
is a test to check for a clogged PCV valve followed by a statement that
gas mileage will drop considerably when the valve becomes clogged. The
same book talks to the fact that additional air is permitted to enter the
intake manifold when positive crankcase ventilation is used but that the
carburetor is calibrated to compensate for this additional air. One could
ask the question then "What happens when a PCV system is installed on one
of our cars and the carburetor is not changed to one that compensates for
this additional air?" I'm not sure that is possible on a V-8 as the input
is directly into the carburetor base but I think it is on a six where the
hose may go directly into the manifold below the carb. One might expect a
slight increase in gas mileage as a result of a leaner mixture but at the
cost of a reduction in power.

It'll be interesting to see what the experts have to say.

April
------------
To: "BOB FORD", BOB_FORD
From: "Wade Watts", INTERNET:watereemechser@mindspring.com

Bob, the positive crankcase ventilation valve is very important. It will
not make an engine run any better but if it gets stopped up the blow by
from
the rings and rotation of the crank will make the engine leak oil at either
the valve covers, front crank seal or the rear main bearing seal, usually
it
is always at the rear main seal. The old down draft tubes did the same
thing, it allowed the pressure from the engine to escape. Hopes this helps.
I hope you live forever,
Wade
--------------------
To: "BOB FORD", BOB_FORD
From: "Bill Wilson", INTERNET:william22@coxnet.com

BOB

I am not an expert on crankcase ventilation but it I think a PCV valve is a
bad thing to have on
your motor. I don't think it does your motor any good to take the products
of combustion back
into the motor. The carburetor mixture will change for sure and not for
the better. The only thing I want going into my combustion chamber is
clean gas and air. I agree that there needs to be ventilation but it seems
to me a fan at the end of the draft tube would be the way to go.

I hope someone will tell me if I am wrong.
------------------------------
To: [unknown], BOB_FORD
From: "Ballestrin, Anthony", INTERNET:ABallestrin@sbpd.com


Hi Bob,

I spoke to a rep for the company in Canada who makes these bodies as
well as a bunch of others like Auburn speedsters, Duisenberg's and MG
TDs. They have been making them since 1991. He says that they have even
made a few hardtops. He also said they are aware of the Chevy List and
will probably put something out on their own. But for now here is the
contact information if anyone is interested in the cars.

Prototype Research and Development Ltd.
230 Albert Ln,
Campbellford, Ontario K0L 1L0
Phone 705-653-4525
Tony Ballestrin
---------------
To: "All-Our-Friends@LACCC.com", INTERNET:All-Our-Friends@LACCC.net
CC: "Robert T Welther", INTERNET:rwelther@kingnutronics.com
From: "Jerry & Janet Mull", INTERNET:jmull@sprintmail.com


Hi friends-
A longtime friend of the family, Robert Welther, called us today. His wife
Leslie is a Hollywood screenwriter and is putting together a 17 minute
short film set in the 1950's. The filming will be done on the Universal
Studios Lot, using the "Bates Motel" and "Psycho House" as two of the
backdrops. The cars will either be parked OR driven by their owners. No
stunts or special camera rigs are necessary. This is a low budget film so
only food will be provided and a DVD copy of the finished film for all who
bring out their car. The film has insurance, so the cars will be covered
during filming.

The date is bad for some of us, as it's the same day as our L.A. Classic
Chevy Club meeting: Sunday, January 12th. But perhaps you can spread the
word to your friends & Club members.

They need a Nash Metropolitan and a big '30's Cadillac type car from 7 am
till 6 pm.

They need a minimum of four other cars from noon till 6 pm. They can be any
make or model, but must be stock looking and 1959 or earlier.

Thus far I've connected Robert with Jim Scarbourough for the Metropolitan
(he has 3 or 4 of them) and Joe Pirrone for his '32 Cadillac 4-door Sedan
(Joe bought that Caddy from Robert's father's estate many years ago).

I've also asked Robert to call Bob Barnes, Roger Nevrel and John Borden
(Ford Retractable Club).

Any other ideas? Can you bring out your car? If so, please contact Robert
directly via his email or these phone numbers:
Home: 818-887-0112.
Work: 818-887-5460.

This might be a fun "event" for our sister Club in the San Fernando Valley
(Classic Chevys Of Southern California)!

Thanks everyone! -Jerry:>)

Jerry and Janet Mull
L.A. Classic Chevy Club
Post Office Box 45-1955
Los Angeles, CA 90045-1955

http://www.laccc.com
----------------------------
To: "'BOB_FORD@compuserve.com'", BOB_FORD
From: "Wallace, Corey", INTERNET:wallacec@emwd.org

Bob-

I really enjoy your list. Please place the following item for sale:

3 speed OD manual transmission (including bell housing, clutch plate,
flywheel, and shifter). Was in good working order when it was recently
removed from my 56 sedan. $150 or best (+ shipping from CA).

Corey Wallace
coreyw66@aol.com
--------------------
To: "BOB FORD", BOB_FORD
From: "Wayne Hartwig", INTERNET:hartwig@cts.com

This information is in response to the questions from Volkan OLTU From
TURKEY. I also have a 1958 Chevrolet Belair with a Turbo-Glide
transmission. I had similar problems with leaks and decided to rebuild the
transmission. Less than a year ago, I was able to get all of the parts I
needed from:

Mc Re Transmission Parts (John Mc Re)
379 North Johnson Avenue
El Cajon, CA 92920
Phone: (619) 588-8423

John is one of the few people I found that was knowledgeable about
Turbo-Glide transmissions. He was able to get me the overhaul kit, neutral
friction plates, bushing set and a modulator for under $200. The hardest
part to find was the bushing that goes in the lid portion of the converter
assembly. Complete instructions with pictures on how to disassemble and
reassemble the transmission can be found in the 1958 Chevrolet passenger
Car
Shop Manual, Chapter 13. I hope this information is useful to you. Good
luck!

Wayne Hartwig
Classic Chevys of San Diego
Heartbeat Classic Chevys
----------------------------
To: [unknown], BOB_FORD
From: INTERNET:Nagel101044@aol.com, INTERNET:Nagel101044@aol.com

Regarding the question posed recently about steering column mounted versus
floor-mounted headlamp beam switches:

As a now-retired engineer who worked for many years in the GM organization
that dealt with Federal Motor Vehicle Safet Standards, I can definitely say

that there was no US Federal or State requirement that caused a change from

floor to steering column mounting for the beam-changing switches.

In actuality, steering column mounted switches were quite widely used on
European and Japanese cars by the mid 1960s. And, this really made a lot of

sense since these cars were largely manual transmission equipped (thus the
need to use left foot for the clutch). GM pretty much started the ball
rolling over in the US when they "Federalized" an existing Opel design (the

Kadett) and created the Chevy Chevette for 1976. Others followed.

It was really something that was driven by marketing forces - not
regulations.

Roy
-----------------
To: "BOB FORD", BOB_FORD
From: "Michael Delisle", INTERNET:56belair@cox.net

Hi Bob A pcv (positive crankcase ventilation) system allows the
engine to breath which is an absolute necessity for the engine to run
properly. The older engines like those in the 55-57 breath through the oil
filler tube and crank vent pipe at the right rear of the engine.
The pcv system vents the crankcase back into the combustion
chambers to burn it off instead of venting it into the air or all over the
bottom of your car if you have a tired motor with alot of blowby.
Thank you and keep up the good work.
Mike D.
------------------
To: "BOB FORD", BOB_FORD
From: INTERNET:alamo@netins.net, INTERNET:alamo@netins.net

BOB, I'D SAY A PVC SYSTEM IS BENEFICIAL FOR ENGINE PERFORMANCE. WHEN I
IMAGINE A COMPLETELY SEALED CRANKCASE, I CAN ONLY SEE THE OIL PAN, VALVE
COVER, ETC. GASKETS BEING BLOWN OUT DUE TO WHATEVER BLOWBY IS PRODUCED. TO
ME, THIS MEANS THERE IS A SMALL AMOUNT OF HORSEPOWER LOST DUE THE PISTON
HAVING TO OVERCOME THE PRESSURIZED CRANKCASE ON THE DOWNWARD STROKE. THE
OLD "ROAD TUBE" SYSTEM WAS BETTER THAN NOTHING, BUT A VACUUM SEEMS EVEN
BETTER. I BELIEVE I'VE EVEN SEEN A VACUUM PUMP DESIGNED TO EMPTY THE
CRANKCASE. DRAG RACERS HAVE USED EVACUATION SYSTEMS TO ACHIEVE THE SAME
EFFECT. I USE ONE ON MY STREET 1957 CHEVY WHERE I CONNECTED A HOSE FROM
EACH VALVE COVER TO THE TOP OF EACH COLLECTOR. THERE'S A ONE WAY VALVE TO
PREVENT EXHAUST FROM GOING BACK INTO ENGINE. ONCE THE RPM's PICK UP,
THERE'S
A VACUUM CREATED BY THE EXHAUST PASSING THROUGH THE HEADERS, THEREBY
EMPTYING THE CRANKCASE.

AMOS.
--------------------------
To: [unknown], BOB_FORD
From: INTERNET:TOTALFLOOR@aol.com, INTERNET:TOTALFLOOR@aol.com

Boy, can I relate to Mr. Coker's dilemma regarding the horn situation on
'55s. I've tried everything, too. I am also driving without a horn. My wife

almost killed me when she was using our '55 as her daily driver and the
horn
went off and blared while she dropped my daughter off at school! I've toyed

with this thing so long, disconnecting was by far the easiest solution, but
I
sure wish I had a horn at times! There must be a solution out there.
Ed Malinski
'55 210 Delray
---------------------
To: "BOB FORD", BOB_FORD
From: "MrNomad57", INTERNET:MrNomad57@earthlink.net

>>>>>>
You asked:
Can someone let me know if a positive crankcase ventilation (PVC) is a good
thing for a motor?Does it make the motor run better, worse, or has no
effect?
BOB
<<<<<<<<

YES! It removes harmful gases that would otherwise eat away at the
internals
of the motor. It also is a good thing for the environment because it burns
most of those gases rather than expel them into the atmosphere.

Barry DiSimone
Tucson

HOT TIP FOR YOUR READERS:

I recently bought a 57 Chev temperature sensor which goes into the head on
a
350 motor. As soon as the engine got warm due to the 160 degree thermostat,
the temp gauge pegged to the rite. The radiator was relatively cool so I
knew the motor wasn't overheating. I swapped the temperature sensor with
the
unit in another 57 which was working fine. The gauge read correctly with
the
donor sensor installed. The problem was caused by the "new" temp sensor.

Using an inexpensive Radio Shack ohm meter, the answer became evident. The
new temp sensor read 160 ohms of resistance when warm whereas the unit from
the donor car read 270 ohms! The higher resistance of the donor kept the
gauge where it belonged.

By simply installing a 100 ohm resistor (found at any Radio Shack) in
series
with the negative lead, the "new" sensor now works properly. It's likely
the entire batch of new sensors suffers from this same problem.
-------------------------
From: Little South Fork Ranch, INTERNET:lsfork@bloomnet.com

>>>>>>>>>
Can someone let me know if a positive crankcase ventilation (PVC) is a
good thing for a motor? Does it make the motor run better, worse, or has no
effect? Bob
<<<<<<<

One
great thing about PVC venting is the smell at idle . The early cars of
yesterday had a road draft tube and as long as you are moving it works
but at idle , not so good . I don't think an engine runs better with or
with out . PCV reburns the fumes . Thanks for the great service . HAPPY
NEW YEAR EVERY ONE Ernie
--------------------------
To: [unknown], BOB_FORD
From: INTERNET:OLDCARS55@aol.com, INTERNET:OLDCARS55@aol.com

Bob,

I wrote directly to the previous inquiry but actually, PC-7 Epoxy putty is
the best substance to use to repair steering wheel cracks. JB Weld will no

doubt work but I find PC-7 a little easier to work with.

I just got a Dremell Moto tool for Christmas. Might come in handy for
grinding out the inside of the cracks in the steering wheel joints if I
ever
need to do this again.

David Scott Coker
-------------
To: [unknown], BOB_FORD
From: "Dale D.", INTERNET:canyonrose@yahoo.com

Hi Bob and List Members,
To CJ Wilson who asked about the existence of '56
Wagon Deliveries: While I am more familiar with the
'57s, from every thing I have found they were made all
3 of the Tri-Five years. They were generally ordered
for the US Forest Service or the USDA. I owned a '57
that was used by the Texas Dept. of Agriculture.
If you wish to see a '56, rent Alfred Hitchcock's
movie "North by Northwest." Best wishes, -Delivery
Dale
------------------
To: "BOB FORD", BOB_FORD
From: "Gary Howard", INTERNET:garysgearbox@dragonbbs.com



Bob; For antique transmission parts new/used and automatic and standard,
try
Northwest Transmission Parts in Winchester Ohio.
Gary Howard


----------------------
To: "BOB FORD", BOB_FORD
From: "Gary Howard", INTERNET:garysgearbox@dragonbbs.com

Bob: A friend told me about a program called "Zone Alarm" that promises to
reduce your spam messages substantially. They have a 30 day trial the you
can
down load for free. I tried it and it seemed to be working great but I
developed an unrelated problem with my computer and In the process of
fixing
it the program along with others got accidentally resolved. But I am going
to
reinstall it shortly. Took a look at it.

Gary Howard.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
-----------
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/
VOICE 714-637-8877
FAX 714-637-2955
Editor of the 57-56-55 CHEVY LIST and TURBOGLIDE REGISTRY
I plan to live forever, so far so good

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