Custom '55 Chevy Bel Air by EVS
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 943
Likes: 0
From: NV
WOW!!! That is one clean car. Aren't Bel-Airs the most sought after car to restore and what-not? I read that somewhere.
Hopefully in a year or so I'll be posting pics of my 69 chevelle project that just has started.
Hopefully in a year or so I'll be posting pics of my 69 chevelle project that just has started.
Out of Warranty
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 14,925
Likes: 13
From: Houston, Republic of Texas
Very nice interpretation of the '55 Bel Air - as it might be built up today. Here's an original restoration for comparison:
Photo courtesy Street Rod Photo Gallery
I'm with bit, those wheels while nice on a show car, are too far out of character for the '55, but the wide whitewalls and "coolie hat" hubcaps of the original REALLY scream for an update. There might be a solution somewhere in the middle ground . . . A lot of '55-'57' street rods were built up back in the day with aftermarket "Cragar mags" - most of which had a chromed steel rim with black or dark grey aluminum spokes that would look more appropriate on this vintage. Here's a little more modern interpretation of the original Cragar:
Photo courtesy Northwest Classic Chevy Club
I'm not a real fan of the digital instruments either - they are horribly impractical and look like something out of the late '70's - again out of character with the car. There are plenty of EL panel instruments that could be modded to fit that original bezel. That particular panel is an off-the-shelf model that looks pretty cheap on such a beautiful car. I really like the steering wheel, console and seats where the builder did a nice job of modernizing the original interior.
Hmmm . . . maybe I oughta go by EVS' shop and have a look for myself . . . Nah, I'll just drool too much . . .
Photo courtesy Street Rod Photo Gallery
I'm with bit, those wheels while nice on a show car, are too far out of character for the '55, but the wide whitewalls and "coolie hat" hubcaps of the original REALLY scream for an update. There might be a solution somewhere in the middle ground . . . A lot of '55-'57' street rods were built up back in the day with aftermarket "Cragar mags" - most of which had a chromed steel rim with black or dark grey aluminum spokes that would look more appropriate on this vintage. Here's a little more modern interpretation of the original Cragar:
Photo courtesy Northwest Classic Chevy Club
I'm not a real fan of the digital instruments either - they are horribly impractical and look like something out of the late '70's - again out of character with the car. There are plenty of EL panel instruments that could be modded to fit that original bezel. That particular panel is an off-the-shelf model that looks pretty cheap on such a beautiful car. I really like the steering wheel, console and seats where the builder did a nice job of modernizing the original interior.
Hmmm . . . maybe I oughta go by EVS' shop and have a look for myself . . . Nah, I'll just drool too much . . .
Last edited by Lil4X; May 5, 2007 at 11:11 AM.
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