'55 Chevy Bel Air Build Thread

[mustangmike6996]

You can never get that patina back once its sanded away. Id keep the body as-is, make the car as driveable as possible and maybe do the body down the road if you change your mind.

[jsxtreme]

You can never get that patina back once its sanded away. Id keep the body as-is, make the car as driveable as possible and maybe do the body down the road if you change your mind.

The passenger side is perfect, I'm leaving it. The issue is the driver side. There's all this wonderful patina and then the pinkish primer over it. So that's what Im trying to get off.

But, yeah. I agree.

[mustangmike6996]

It looks like it might be faded red oxide primer. Maybe try wiping it off with laquer thinner in a test spot.

[jsxtreme]

It looks like it might be faded red oxide primer. Maybe try wiping it off with laquer thinner in a test spot.

I'll try that, thanks. The problem is the paint under it is checked and falling off. Im afraid thats what's going to come with it. It is what it is.

Ive found some really great videos on how to accelerate patina. Good chance I strip it, paint it, and then re-patina is this winter.

[jsxtreme]

Trying to make a complete list of new parts I have in it:

'55 Chevy disc brake conversion Kit
New Aluminum Radiator
New Gas Tank
New Gas Tank Straps
Intake Gaskets
Holley Renew kit for the carb
Moroso Advance Curve Kit

Starter
Water pump
Fuel filler neck
Battery
Rear brake union
Rear brake drums kit, pads, brake cylinders
Package shelf tray
Hoses
Belt
Floor Pans
Sending unit
Hood latch repair kit
Factory Battery Hold Down
Rear leaf spring bushings
2" drop coil springs
Wheels / tires

[jsxtreme]

https://imgur.com/a/Jaywr0i

[jsxtreme]

[jsxtreme]

Next on the list:

- Drivability - Needs some tuning
- Electric Choke replacement
- Water temp gauge
- Lower 2" and replace bushings
- New Fuel pump
- Wiring clean up / replacement


And then, body work.

[jsxtreme]

[jsxtreme]

Ordered a glove box lock retainer, push button lock for the glove box, trunk lock kit, amber front parking lamp lenses , LED bulbs for the tail lights and front parking lights.

Working on sorting out some low RPM drivability stuff (carb issues mostly) and cleaning up the loose ends on the wiring. (there are many, and I hate wiring so a buddy is helping) I don't know if I'll scrap all the wiring and start over during the winter, it seems like if we clean it up and repair the bad stuff it should be solid. So thats the plan for now.