Resurrecting My Dads 57 Chevy
My Dad bought this 57 Chevy Belair 2 door hardtop back in 1982. It was a nice driver quality car. He drove it and enjoyed for about ten years but he was never completely satisfied with the quality of the paint, interior, etc. He parked it in his barn around 1992. His plan was to restore it to like new when he retired. His finances didn't allow it. Finally in February 2023, he decided to give the car to me. I immediately went to work on it. My first goal was to get it mechanically sound so my Dad could drive it again.
Step 1
First step was getting some tires on it. I pulled it to my garage and gave it a good pressure washing before the tear down.
Step 2
After sitting for 30 years, I didn't know if the old 283 was salvageable. Turns out it wasn't stuck. It got cleaned, painted and all new gaskets and seals. Starter, alternator, fuel pump, water pump, carb and distributor were all replaced. Also the clutch, pressure plate and flywheel.
Step 3
This took some time but the results were well worth the effort!
Step 4
With the engine back in, I went to work on replacing all the fuel line and installed a new fuel tank and filler pipe. The old ones were pretty rusty!
Step 5
The old 3 speed got a good cleaning, new seals, gaskets and a fresh coat of paint. I may upgrade to a Tremec 5 speed later on.
Step 6
I installed new pinion seal, wheel bearings and seals and started on the brakes. In between all the mechanical work, I would buff the old paint on the body. It was starting to look a lot better!
Step 7
After 30 years of sitting in a barn, the interior was still in decent shape but very dirty. Cleaned out two rats nests under the back seat. The carpet got replaced. Everything else was scrubbed clean. Also installed kilmat for sound insulation.
Step 8
Of course the old exhaust and glass pack mufflers were bad rusty. Chipmunks had decided they were an excellent place to store their nuts too. I ran 2 1/2" stainless exhaust with flowmaster mufflers.
Step 9
After several months of work, the old 283 fired back to life!
Step 10
The picture says it all. You couldn't wipe the smile off his face!
Step 11
Since I got it running, I've continued replacing parts and making improvements. I've installed new suspension with tubular control arms, front and rear swaybars and shocks. A new reproduction gold grill and steering wheel. I also have all new weatherstripping. Once everything is fixed on the car, I plan to strip it back down and put a nice paint job on it.
