Body Off Built Bel Air Dart 383 V8 TH400 3 Speed Automatic Ford 9" 3.70 PS A/C

SUMMARY

Over the past few years, many of the world's finest tri-fives have graced our RK Motors Charlotte showroom. According to sales, Bel Air resto-mods are often considered our best offerings. And it's certainly easy to understand why when cars like this slick '56 sedan, which centers a hot Dart stroker motor in a carefully planned restoration, start casting glares in our photo booth. It's pretty evident that the goal of this Chevy's build was to create one of the coolest cruisers the hobby has ever seen. And, judging by initial reaction, that mission was certainly accomplished! If you're searching for a sizzling custom that mixes fully sorted mechanicals with great aesthetics, you've found your next classic.

BODYWORK/TRIM

The essential part of building a jaw dropping cruiser is knowing exactly when to hold back. And, with an icon like the '56 Chevy, even the most subtle touches go a long way. While Friendsville, Tennessee's Automotive Sandblasting & Restoration gave this sedan's body plenty of attention, that work was specifically aimed at creating the most perfect surface possible. And the result is panels that are amazingly flat, displaying nary a ripple or wave anywhere. As expected, that stripped and straightened profile ensures fit and finish that's significantly above '50s factory fodder. Knoxville, Tennessee's Rick Lay sprayed a glossy combination of metallic burgundy and pearl white 2-stage, which lends the car a reserved and sophisticated demeanor. And naturally, that rich pigment reflects a spectacular shine that'll equal any first-rate classic at any local show.

Not surprisingly, this Chevy's sophisticated pigment creates a fabulous foundation for a select array of mirrored bolt-ons. At the front of the car, a guarded bumper traces a polished grille, pristine parking lamps and chrome-trimmed halogen headlights. At the top of that grille, a sculpted hood centers a polished 'jetbird' in front of lightly tinted glass that's seated in polished frames and electric RainGear wipers. At the base of that glass, factory door handles and small mirrors reflect ornate 'speed spears'. And at the back of the car, bullet-style tail lamps illuminate a second guarded bumper.

ENGINE

By now it's probably pretty obvious this Bel Air was built to be seen. But, thanks to the 383 cubic inch Dart stroker motor under its hood, that might be easier said than done! The car's stunning amalgamation of polished and Chevy Orange power revs under a coated Holley carburetor that's sandwiched between a finned air cleaner, polished fuel lines and Lokar linkage hardware. Beneath that carb, a polished intake centers a chrome thermostat housing between ornate breathers, finned valve covers and a quality MQQN Equipment temperature gauge. At the sides of those covers, polished looms string black Taylor Pro wires in front of a chrome Pertronix Flame-Thrower coil and matching Pertronix Flame-Thrower distributor. Below those wires, ceramic-coated Hedman Hedders take care of spent gases while an Eddie Motorsports serpentine drive spins a polished Edelbrock water pump between a polished Powermaster alternator and polished AC compressor. And in front of that compressor, a polished PRC radiator circulates clean coolant around large puller fans via chrome, corrugated hoses. Despite being a thoroughly modern piece, the hot small block looks right at home in this Chevy's clean engine compartment. And details like trick dipsticks, braided fluid lines, a coated fuel pump, a polished CPP brake booster and polished Eddie Motorsports hood supports create a nice, finished appearance.

DRIVETRAIN/SUSPENSION

Behind the stroker, a proven Turbo-Hydramatic 400 3-speed funnels torque from a 2,300 RPM stall converter to a tough Ford 9-inch that's finished with 3.70 gears, 31-spline axles and an Eaton posi-traction differential. That third member rides 2-inch drop springs and adjustable coil-over-shocks. At the front of that awesome drivetrain, a power-assisted CPP steering box floats between a thick sway bar, CPP control arms, 2-inch drop spindles and 1-inch drop springs. At the corners of the car, color-keyed calipers squeeze drilled and slotted rotors. At the center of the floor, aluminized exhaust pipes follow electric cut-outs with baritone turbo mufflers. And all this mechanical goodness rolls on chrome Coys wheels, which spin 225/45R18 Nankang Noble Sports in front of 245/40ZR20 Nankang Noble Sports. Designed to display, this Chevy's clean floors and powdercoated chassis have been stripped and restored to perfectly match its super slick body. And everything, from the car's polished fluid pans to its stainless fuel tank, unites to create one sharp and dependable cruiser.

INTERIOR

Peer through the tinted windows and you'll find a custom interior that was installed by Alexander's Upholstery of Maryville, Tennessee. Broad bench seats don soft ultraleather hides that are seamed into comfortable pleats. In front of those seats, a body-matched dash hangs polished billet trim over American Autowire wiring, Dakota Digital VHX telemetry and controls for Old Air Products air conditioning. At the sides of that dash, custom door panels anchor sculpted armrests between color-keyed frames and an array of polished handles. At the floor, premium carpet floats Chevrolet-themed mats under billet Lokar pedals and a booted Lokar shifter. In front of the driver, a polished steering wheel spins a leather rim around a tilting Ididit column. And behind the passengers, a custom-upholstered trunk provides plenty of storage space.

OUR SALE INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTATION

Wrapped in a detailed, frame-off restoration that would probably take a second mortgage to duplicate, this Chevy rolls on the right side of impressive. It's a highly desirable tri-five that's been carefully fitted with all the right stuff to be one seriously cool cruiser. If you're dreaming of the perfect blend of lavish '50s style and modern, reliable performance, you've found the ultimate classic!