1956 Chevrolet Bel-Air Restomod - Unique and just completed

This beautiful 1956 BelAir has two characteristics that make it stand head and shoulders above similar restomods. First, it was purchased two-years ago in Riverside, Ca with 40,000 miles on the odometer. The frame, floors, rocker boxes and all sheet steel was original and rust-free. Limited use and the dry California climate had preserved this car unbelievably well. Second, is the one-off billet wheels made for this car by Mike Curtis at EVOD Industries. Coupled with the complete replacement of every system in the vehicle during the build, this magnificent Tri-Five Chevy is very special, indeed.

Soon after acquiring the car I re-powered it with a new Chevrolet Performance 350ci crate motor. This engine produces 290hp @5100 rpm and 326 ft. lbs. of torque @ 3750 rpm, has 8.5:1 compression and runs on 87 octane fuel. It is "dressed" in retro 1956 Corvette style with chrome finned-aluminum Corvette valve covers and polished finned aluminum air cleaner and manifold-based oil filler neck from OTB Gear. With 2-piece rear seal and 4-bolt mains, it will provide long-term durability. A 168-tooth Power Master high-torque starter cranks the engine and a Mallory Unilite distributor with Mallory high-output chrome coil and Taylor 8mm ignition wires provide the spark.

The fuel system was completely replaced including a reproduction gas tank from Tanks, new support straps, filler neck, and sender. The fuel line was replaced with a 3/8-inch line run outboard of the passenger side frame rail to accommodate the dual exhaust system. Up front, an Edelbrock Performer 600 cfm AFB carburetor with electric choke is mounted on an Edelbrock Performer EnduroShine aluminum intake manifold and fed by an Edelbrock polished 6 psi mechanical fuel pump through Edelbrock chrome steel fuel line with polished filter.

The cooling system is comprised of a Griffen Exact-Fit high-efficiency aluminum radiator and cap mounted in the stock (engine-side) location; the stock 5-blade fan; a Stewart Stage 2 High-Flow polished aluminum water pump; and a Robert Shaw 160-degree thermostat.

The exhaust system uses full 2.5" Corvette "ram horn" manifolds connected to a 2.5" turbo aluminized dual-exhaust system with Flowmaster mufflers, an "H" pipe to balance the backflow in the system and MagnaFlow 3x18" polished end tips with rolled and angled ends.

The original PowerGlide transmission was replaced with a new TCI TH-350 "Sizzler" transmission and torque converter and new transmission cooling lines. Also, the following Lokar parts were installed; a remote neutral safety switch, polished braided stainless dipstick, and TH-350 transmission gear indicator and shift linkage so that the column shift looks original and works correctly.

At the same time as the drive-train swap, the front end was rebuilt and the front drum brakes replaced with disc brakes. The front end components were sourced from CPP and included a front end kit, new stock coil springs, and steering linkage kit.

ECI's Zero-Offset Front Disc Brake Conversion Kit was installed which utilizes the stock spindles, new aluminum hubs, 11" rotors, and big piston GM calipers and keeps the front wheels at their original width. A CPP chrome dual master cylinder with integral proportioning and residual valves was installed coupled to a chrome 8" booster and all the front brakes were plumbed with braided stainless-steel high-performance Teflon lines from Pure Choice. At the same time, I replaced and rerouted the rear brake hard line outboard of the driver side frame rail for a shorter run and to accommodate the dual exhaust system. The rear drum brake linings and wheel cylinders were replaced and self-adjusting brake kits were installed.

New Bilstein gas shocks were installed at all four corners.

The wheels were replaced with one-off polished aluminum wheels designed to look similar to 1956 BelAir hubcaps. The size is 15x7 with 4" backspacing to accommodate the Big GM Caliper front disc brakes with 11' rotors. The wheels were manufactured by Mike Curtis and Larry Dove at EVOD Industries in Escondido, CA. These beautiful wheels are wrapped in Diamondback 205/75R15 DBII tires with 2.25" whitewalls.

I rewired the entire car with stock harnesses upgraded with an American Auto Wire's ATO fuse panel and with provision for the new chrome PowerMaster internally regulated single wire alternator. At the same time, the OEM gauges were replaced with Classic Instruments 1956 Chevrolet 6-gauge cluster with integrated tachometer.

The OEM signal-seeking radio components have been replaced with a reproduction 1956 Chevrolet pushbutton signal-seeking AM/FM/Aux Radio with iPod connection and Excelon 300W 6"x9" Flush Mount rear speakers.

Next, the car was professionally repainted in stock Adobe Beige and Sierra Gold colors including the dash and garnish moldings and replacement of all weather-stripping, window channels, flipper mechanisms the windshield and rear glass. All side trim was polished and Danchuk reproduction taillights, stainless steel grille components and stock Chevrolet hood bird and emblems were installed. I did not repaint the firewall, radiator support or interior sheet metal to document the exceptional original condition of the car.

The interior was completely restored to original with all components coming from Ciadella interiors including new seat padding, padded kick panels and package shelf and headliner. The trunk received Ciadella Daytona carpeting and a padded rear panel to match the interior. Like the engine compartment, the interior of the trunk was not repainted to showcase its incredible original condition.

The final step was to install a new Borgeson power steering (Delphi gearbox) kit attached to a Flaming River tilt column and topped off with a 15-inch stock-style steering wheel. The fluid is driven by a Saginaw power steering pump with integrated reservoir located with a black powder-coated lower mount from Bill's Hot Rod Parts. The installation looks period correct with the column shift indicator in synch with the TH-350 transmission.

The car drives and handles extremely well.

Call 410-476-4624 for more information.

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This vehicle is being sold as is, where is, as equipped and with no warranty. I encourage an inspection prior to bidding. It is a ten-day listing in order to give all bidders the time to schedule and conduct an inspection. I live on Maryland's Eastern Shore and the vehicle is available anytime for an inspection. BWI, Reagan National and Dulles airports are the closest major airports. Please e-mail meto set up an appointment.

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