Subject: 57-56-55 CHEVY LISTF
Date: Thu, 29 Apr 2004 14:24:47 -0700 (PDT)
From: BOB FORD <bob_ford@sbcglobal.net>
To: "BOB,FORD" <BOB_FORD@sbcglobal.net>

THIS IS THE 57-56-55 CHEVY LIST APRIL 29, 2004

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@SBCGLOBAL.NET

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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

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THANKS

BOB FORD

EDITOR

__________________________________________________ ____________________

From:"tony" <tonydoggydog@yahoo.com>

for sale:

1955 chevy 265 complete motor, except on head is from a 283, rest is

all there to my knowledge. motor has 70,000 miles on it, has been out

of car four about 5 years, most likely will need rebuilt. for info

please email tonydoggydog@yahoo.com and put in subject 55 motor

im asking 900.00 or best offer

tony d.

-----------------------

From:"Gary White" <gwhitrun@comcast.net>

Thanks for all the help on the gas sending unit. Now to another problem.
Short in stop light. Everything else works electrical except the stop
lights. Turn signals etc. Seems to be in the connector at the firewall
coming from the gen/headlights to the under dash but I cannot locate it. How
does that connect to the stop light switch wires and the tail lights?

The switch is ok.

Thanks for any help?

gwhitrun@comcast.net

--------------------------

To:bob_ford@sbcglobal.net

hi

get a gas sending unit from AC Delco. they still make the one for the 57
belair.

louis

--------------------------

From:lou1@westnet.com

hi

i went through the same conversion a while back.

What would be the advantage of a crate motor?

new and will last forever unless you really use the car alot. if you get a

rebuilt engine from a shop you dont know how well they rebuilt it. once you

turn the key and leave the shop that's it.

Which one would recommend ?

chevy makes a 350 crate motor. I got the least expensive one they make. it's

also the non-emission, early model. you can get another one that has some

emissions stuff but they are basically the same. you can also get a 307 or
305

I believe. so if you don’t want the larger 350 you can get the smallest one
they make.

i made my 350 look like a 283 by using the old valve covers and carb/air
filter.

you can use many parts from the 283 and bolt them right to the 350.

Can you buy a crate 283?

no but lots of places have them rebuilt. if you can find a good place that
you trust try to get or rebuild a 283 even if it's not a 57. they are all
the same and were made until the mid 60's i think.

How much does a crate motor cost?

call your local chevy dealer or get a hot rod magazine and see the ads. you
can

get one by mail order and they will ship it to the garage where they will
install it. shipping is not that much believe it or not.

Would it be any better than a rebuild of my current motor?

if you can rely on the mechanic/shop I would rather have a 283 because it's

quieter, for one thing. however the 350 is better acceleration for the
weight

and size of the 57 belair.

If I have my current motor rebuilt, what options should I get. Should I Have
hard exhaust valve seats put in?

If it's a rare 1957 283 then it's a desirable engine. compare the costs and
trouble of a new crate motor vs. rebuilding a 283. I would have them rebuild
it to stock and also get rid of that exhaust tube that leaks exhaust into
the engine compartment. perhaps it can be run to some other place.

Have the motor balanced?

I think that a custom shop can do almost anything with a motor. for myself,
if they will take an extra, say 100 to balance the motor then it may be a
good deal. however i think for average street use it's not necessary to
balance. that's more common with hot rodders.

For the tranny, would you recommend a 350 or a 700R4. What are the
advantages

and disadvantages of each? What should a rebuilt 350 and 700R4 cost?

I kept the 2 speed powerglide in my 57. less trouble than converting and
also

the mechanic better know what he is doing or your car will never steer or
drive

right and you'll have to tow it to some other shop(s). of course, if you
know a

place that does these conversions all day then maybe it's ok. but the
average

guy just reading the instructions may not do it right. many people,
including guys on this e-list, will jump up and down and foam at the mouth
about a new tranny. pay them no mind. there is NO advantage - the little bit
better gas mileage will be offset by the cost of parts, labor and

aggravation. the engine wont run any better, quieter or cooler, have less
wear and tear, especially on the highway, despite what the tranny 'experts'
will tell you. especially if you just use it on weekends or for pleasure
driving. the old powerglides were made to last almost forever. they are very
simple and reliable. if your original powerglide is not good enough try to
get one rebuilt.

also, in heavy traffic the tranny and engine will work harder with a 3 speed
as it must shift speeds more. you are giving the engine and tranny more work
to do to get it from 1st speed to 2nd then 3rd and then back to 2 and 1. it
'wants' to use those speeds. with a 2 speed the car will hang out more in
the lower speed until it really needs the next gear, so you'll have less
shifting and

less noise.

when putting a new crate motor in consider changing to an alternator. get
the

best one chevy makes, right from the dealer or ac/delco, not the corner
parts

place.

louis

----------------------------

From:"Bob Talley" <talley5@jps.net>

Bob,

I put a check for $5 in the mail as a pittance for everything

you do for the hobby. You have become a MAJOR PLAYER in the

Tri-Five hobby. Thank you!!! Can you please list:

FOR SALE:

55-57 2 dr sedan doors, left, bare $150

55, 57 210 Station wagon doors, compete $100/ea

55 hoods $200

55-57 deck lids $150

55-56 1 piece front/ rear bumpers $100-up

Selling from a 30 year collection. Lots of parts. Email with

needs - talley5@jps.net . Bob Talley, Yreka, CA

------------------------------

From:Jthotrod55@aol.com

My new 55 is killing me, can anyone help? It's got a polished

jag rear,polished brakes, polished Boyd wheels, polished

stainless tank, polished aluminum drive shaft, polished 700R

trans, fully polished LT1 with the exception of the block,

polished stainless exhaust including mufflers and brackets,

fully polished front end with, uppers and lowers as well as

the coil overs, polished radiator, polished dash inserts,

polished steering column, fully polished steering wheel, I

mean the entire friggin car is polished with the exception of

the body, which is medium garnett red paint, and that's waxed

including the frame and complete undercarriage, wheels wells ,

and engine compartment. Get the idea! an anyone tell me what

the best aluminum polish is and I've tried most so I'm really

looking for a miracle polish that will work with less effort

than I am doing now, because I'm flat out exhausted. nd that

doesn't even include the chrome and that’ everywhere,

including fully dressed accessorised bumpers and door

hinges, h my god it just never ends. Sorry I ever bought this

car, Barrett Jackson here I come!

jimmy

-----------------------------------

From:"William C Gentry" <gentry@okstate.edu>

Date:Thu, 22 Apr 2004 08:58:49 -0500

Bob,

I came across this little offering on the web and if I had

$12,950.00 I might take up golf. Hope this doesn't offend

those who complain about high priced classics. Check out this

web site.

http://www.sportys.com/acb/showdetl....roduct_ID=1658

Wm. C. Gentry, PhD., Coordinator

Employee Assistance Program

Oklahoma State University

1514 W. Hall of Fame

Stillwater, OK 74078-2026

Phone (405) 744-6415

FAX (405) 744-7670

-----------------------------

From: "Leo Klein", INTERNET:56driver@theriver.com

Hi Bob, want to know what parts I would need to put non power disc brakes on
my 56 chevy.

Leo Klein

56driver@theriver.com

--------------------------

From:Ilovemy56@aol.com

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

I have a question about a song for all on the list to help

me figureout the name and artist. It is about a little red

Rambler Nash, that is following a Cadillac. The Cadillac is

speeding up and the Nash is speeding up. This keeps going on

up to about 125 miles an hours and the Nash finally pulls up

and the driver asks the Cadillac driver," how do get this

out of second gear". Does anyone out there know the name and

the artist. I have a friend the has a Ramiler Nash and has

never heard the song. Help

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

BOB

The group who did this song is The Playmates on Roulette

Records & the title of the song is called: "Beep Beep" from

1958-59. Richard

---------------------------------------------

From:slgraves56@charter.net

Hi Bob,

We live at the Lake Of The Ozarks which is about 90 miles from Springfield
to the northeast. We

are going to KC on the 24th for a wedding and will return on the 25th. We
probably can't make it to the Springfield area on the 26th.

We have a car show at The Lake starting the 29th. The show is called the
Magic Dragon. I have my 1956 Chevy entered and have friends going with us
with a 1936 Plymouth street rod, a 1949 Ford street rod and a 1956
Thunderbird. Good company for my '56. They are expecting 500 to 700 cars for
this event.

We hope to see you on your next visit to the Ozarks.

Steve Graves

573-372-3939

------------------------

From:"Linda Carter" <plc55nomad@netzero.net>

>>>>>>>>>>>>>

I will be in the Springfield, Branson, Aurora Missouri

area April 23 through April 26th. If I have any list

members in that area, I invite you to give me a call on

my cell phone 714-679-2821. I would like to meet you and

see your car.

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

We really enjoy your Chevy list. It`s very informative. We are not going to
be in that area, but wanted you to know that the Chevy Nomad Association is

having their national convention in St. Louis, Mo. the week of July 11,
2004. For more information, go to www.chevynomadclub.com and click on
convention. Paul &

Linda

------------------------------------

From:"Albert Sirk" <asirk@telus.net>

To Stan regarding the mystery heads:

Casting # 3836839 is a 1955 265 head, from my references. I'm sure there

are people looking for these, as 265 parts I would think are hard to

find. It would be a shame to use them for boat anchors only to find that

someone out there needs them.

Al Sirk

'57 2 dr HT

-undergoing restoration

-----------------------------------

From:"Craig & Jan Lollis" <jdl@trinex.net>

My 57 hardtop has a 283 engine with casting # 3789935 which could have had
more than one application. But on the machined pad on the front of the
engine is a series of numbers that

starts FI. Does this mean it was a fuel injected engine, can

anyone help?

Thanks

--------------------------

From:"Jim Oneal" <jimoneal@earthlink.net>

If you need to find one, try Roger @AMERICAN DISMANTLING in San

Fernando, Ca. his # is 818-365-3908. We call him "parts Roger"!

Jim Oneal wrote:

> You wrote:

> "I have a 57 Chevy and to date I have installed 4 gas tank sending

> units. They work a week or so then die. I have tested and checked all

> of the wiring and bench tested the unit. The last time and maybe them

> time before the float had gas in it but surely this had not happened

> each time. I am at a loss. Any ideas?"

>

> Well, I had this problem with a new '55 sender (needle on empty with a

> full tank) and it turned out that the float had a crack where it

> attaches to the arm and filled with gas. Seems a common flaw (weak

> point) in the repro senders. So I hunted down an original, used float

> and installed it. Instant success!

>

> Good luck, Jim Oneal

> LA Classic Chevy Club

>

>

---------------------------------------

From:"mr55chev" <mr55chev@comcast.net>

I think I have heard reference to an archive of these Chevy

Lists - I think I am missing a few recently. If so, can you send me the
archive address? It might be an item you might want to include in the
greeting or ending of the list. Just a thought.

Sandy Pierce

Salt Lake City, Utah

mr55chev@comcast.net

--------------------------------

From:Nagel101044@aol.com

Bob,

The lyrics to that old song. Beep Beep (about the Rambler & the Cadillac)
brings back a few memories. Ramblers were, of course, considered the
un-coolest of family cars by us

teenagers - except for the reclining front seats, of course (which made them
popular drive-in machines.

But in actuality, the 100" wheelbase Rambler Americans of the

late fifties and early sixties weren't all that slow in

certain configurations. It should be kept in mind that the

regular-size Fords and Chevys came standard with 226 and 235

cid sixes back then. At least on the East coast, a lot of them

were sold that way (and with two-speed Fordamatics and

Powerglides too boot). The Rambler American came standard with

a 196 cid flathead six. But, this was in a considerably

smaller and lighter car. If it was ordered with an automatic

trans, that trans was at least a three speed. And, a

redesigned version of that 196 cid engine with overhead valves

was available for only a few dollars as an option. When a car

with the OHV six was equipped with a 3-speed manual trans and

optional overdrive (which also came with about a 4.10 rear

axle), one of those little Rambler Americans would surprise a

lot of people.

The father of a friend of mine in HS had a father who owned a brown
two-door. It was actually our favorite car to use whenever we got a chance
to borrow it. It could surprise quite

a few people, the cops never gave us a second glance, it got close to 30 mpg
if we kept our foot out of the carb (which we seldom did for long), and was
relatively new - so dependable

as gravity.

Roy

-------------------------------------------------

From:"Mitchell F. Paine" <mitch_paine@compuserve.com>

Jim:

Last year I replaced my 283 and power glide with a GM Crate 350 HO motor
http://www.gmpartsdirect.com/results...umber=12496968 .
I paid $3,347. I also put in a used 700/4R (automatic) from a 1988 Pontiac
Firebird that was purchased from local salvage yard (around $360). My
mechanic installed a B&M Shift

Improver kit into the transmission.

We picked this combo for improved performance and the 4th gear that a 350
transmission wouldn't offer.

There are mounts that had to be installed for both the motor

and the transmission, although I think for a 350/350 swap you don't have to
install new mounts. I had some other work done, (headers, dual stainless
steel exhaust, rewiring, heater/fan

duct work). The total project cost me around $13,000.

I opted to do this as opposed to a rebuild because I wanted better highway
performance and dependability since I use the car as a driver. Hope this
helps

Mitch

------------------------

From:Cbb9090@aol.com

Prior to this list - you had an inquiry for a chevy station

wagon. Can you send me the contact. Thanks

Butler

--------------------------------------------

From:PUMPY2NC@aol.com

bob

can someone tell me what dual master cylinder I can use on my 55 chevy with
standard drum brake i forget what year gm dual master cylinder it was

thanks nick

pumpy2nc@aol.com

-----------------------------

From:"Jim/Carolyn Wheeler" <56chevys@cox.net>

To:"BOB FORD" <bob_ford@sbcglobal.net>

Subject:1/18 models of the '56 Chevy, 4-door hardtop

Date:Tue, 20 Apr 2004 08:11:10 -0700



For those interested in 1/18 models of the '56 Chevy, 4-door

hardtop, go to website, http://www.motorcityusa.com.

Price will be $59.00, each, and initial colors will be a) Dusk

Plum & Ivory and b) Sierra Gold & Adobe Beige. The models

should be available in August, 2004.

Among other features, the models will have white wall tires,

fender skirts, and continental kits. Models will also have

opening hoods and trunks, as well as ALL FOUR DOORS.

Regards, Jim Wheeler, Tucson, Arizona, 56Chevys@cox.net



----------------------------------------

From:NYMETeddy@aol.com

Bob,

In response to the Playboy car, yes it was built in Buffalo, but more
correctly in Lancaster New York in a small building complex on the south
east corner of Genesee St. (RT33) and

Harris Hill Road, which is now a used car lot. The creator of the Playboy
car has passed on but it is believed that his daughter still owns 4 new and
never driven Playboy cars.

Mike Geary in NY

-----------------------------

From:"Sam Woodard" <swoodard4@cox.net>

Bob Sam Woodard here in okla city area. I have 6 front fenders and 2 hoods
one regular hood and one with the nose peaked and very good condition for
sale as well as core

supports inner fenders nice and several other 55 parts email

me if interested at swoodard4@cox.net

--------------- -----

From:"carol woodhead" <carnevil@bigpond.com>

Hi Bob great list. I look forward to it every month, can you place the
following question on the list for me please. I need to transport 4 - 57
Chevrolets (2 driveable and 2 not)

from Minnesota to Savannah G.A in late June i have tried a couple of places
but their prices seem a little on the rich side. Can anyone recommend a good
reliable operator ?? (These are not

show cars) Thanks Bob and keep up the great job you are doing.

Regards Neville

--------------------------------

From: INTERNET:DKINGUSGS@aol.com, INTERNET:DKINGUSGS@aol.com

Bob---------------Does any company make those "false whitewalls" that were

around in the 1950's?

Thanks--------Don

--------------------

From:"black57" <fa874881@skynet.be>

Hi , my name is Paul and I am from Belgium.

I am the proud owner of a 1957 belair 4door sports sedan, but I have some
difficulties to find that part showing on the picture above. The left and
right Windshield Wiper transmission.

If somebody can make or send me just the steel cables I would be very Happy.
Or maybe tell me where I can find those. If this isn’t possible, maybe a
compleet set of 2(left and right side) second hand.

At Danchuk are after markets for sale but a little to expensive to send them
over to Belgium.

Is there anybody who can and will help me????

Greetings from (it’s raining) Belgium

----------------------

From: Editor

I got a rental car in Springfield Missouri on my recent trip. The car was a
new Chevy Classic.

I have always heard that the best motor for a car is "Old Iron". That is if
you want the best motor, you will get an old motor and have it rebuilt. I am
told that old iron has all of the stress relieved and will not warp. Anyone
know if that is true or just an urban myth.

When I was in Springfield, a friend offered to take me to see a most unusual
car. It was called the MOHS. I didn’t get to go as there was heavy rain and
tornado warning the day I spent in Springfield. The MOHS was built in
Middleton Wisconsin (I think). It had one door in the rear. Has anyone ever
heard of seen a MOHS?

Anyone with electronics knowledge that can help me with a problem? I have a
lap top computer with a DVD drive. When I play a DVD, the sound volume is
fine. When I plug in head phones in the laptop the sound is very weak. Is
there a battery amplifier that I can use with the head phones or is there
some other solution.

BOB

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

end of 57-56-55 CHEVY LIST

BOB FORD

18091 MARK CIRCLE

VILLA PARK, CALIFORNIA 92861-2648

BOB_FORD@SBCGLOBAL.NET

VOICE 714-637-8877

FAX 714-637-2955

Editor of the 57-56-55 CHEVY LIST and TURBOGLIDE REGISTRY

I plan