1956 Chevy Bel Air 4 door post -what do I need to know?

Eli

Super Moderator | Elite Member
Oct 9, 1999
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AT Garage, I come to thee. I haven't posted much at all lately - been insanely busy with the battery business. Which is going spectacularly - a nice segue to the purpose of this post.

Wow, lots of new names in here. Anyway, I am thinking about picking this car up for my Dad for his 70th birthday, coming up here in a couple of months. Going to look at it tomorrow.

According to the owner, it was restored about 15yrs ago. Original matching ser# I6, automatic. Rear drivers side window has a crack, and the bumpers have some minor pitting - says he mentioned it only in case I expect show quality.

I'm completely new to the world of classic cars. Besides a magnet, what should I bring? :D Obviously all the standard used car stuff.. but I am sure there are some big "gotchas" with a classic like this.

Like many seemingly great ideas, I have to wonder what I've gotten myself into with this one....

Oh, and of course, pics:

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JoLLyRoGer

Diamond Member
Aug 24, 2000
4,153
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Damn man, that thing looks pretty cherry to me..

I'd say if it doesn't smoke, and it doesn't knock then go for it! Check the floor pans, and under the trunk mat.

Look for little chrome trim pieces missing - you can spend a fortune on that stuff.

Crawl underneath it and look for evidence of moisture around anything that has seals.. Old pan, trans pan, diff cover, etc.

But, all the same, it's a 60 year old car. I'd say if the body is straight and not full of holes, the electrical doesn't look like a squirrel's wet dream, and it starts and runs good.. Game on dude!
 

SparkyJJO

Lifer
May 16, 2002
13,357
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Even if the electrical was messed up... come on, it's a 50s car, the electrical is going to be beyond basic and stupid simple :p
 

thedarkwolf

Diamond Member
Oct 13, 1999
9,005
111
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Straight 6 :)
With a 2 speed powerglide that thing will be extremely slow but I doubt you are buying that for the drag strip.
 

Eli

Super Moderator | Elite Member
Oct 9, 1999
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Yeah, not going to be burning up the strip. ;) I would(I mean, he would:D) rather have a manual, but I'm not going to be too picky about engine/transmission I guess. It's local, and the price seems right. Just want him to have a weekend/summer cruiser. He had a 2 door hard top sport coupe in red and white as a young adult, that he's always talking about.. but.. yeah, $$$$ these days. I figure this is pretty close. Plus, he's a bit more of a family man than a wild crazy teenager these days... lol.

I do see it as more of an investment than anything. Would be great to continue working on it for many years to come. It certainly isn't going to go down in value.

Not sure how I feel about the matching serial number engine. It's a nice thought, but I'm not sure how long it'll last if I do get it. :sneaky: Thoughts on that? Does it really add that much value? Seems the I6 option in any flavor is an automatic negative.
 
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Bartman39

Elite Member | For Sale/Trade
Jul 4, 2000
8,867
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Should be in inline 6 not a V6...? Also a numbers matching car is worth much more if you decide to sell it in the future... For a classic cruising car I would not even consider an engine change... Also that powerglide should be an iron case not alum and is becoming very rare... Just look it over in the area's that have been suggested and if possible get someone that knows about these cars in your area to look at it with you possibly...?

Looks sweet to me...:thumbsup:
 

Eli

Super Moderator | Elite Member
Oct 9, 1999
50,419
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Derp, yeah, I6. I didn't even catch it the first time. Fingers just on autopilot.

Good to know on the serial number thing. Not clear on whether the transmission is original. It only says the engine is specifically, so it may not be.

Supposedly starts right up and runs great. Prices on these things seem to vary widely, though this one definitely seems to be on the lowish end at 12k.

Most of the ones going for 20k+ have newer V8 engines and transmissions and probably other things like power steering and brakes. That's what gave me the impression that those upgrades are good and desirable, rather than just the lowly straight 6 and other period features.
 
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DietDrThunder

Platinum Member
Apr 6, 2001
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You need to signup for the TriFive forum http://www.trifive.com/forums/ . These guys will be able to tell you exactly what you need to look for before buying. You might even find someone who lives in your area from the forum who'd look at the car with you, but with a critical eye. The worst thing you can do is to not inspect it thoroughly and regret it later.
 

Eli

Super Moderator | Elite Member
Oct 9, 1999
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Thanks for the forum link.

Went and checked it out, took it for a short test drive. I like it! It's pretty clean overall. The car barely had any rust before restoration, and hasn't been driven in the rain since. They had a pile of pics of the restoration, was definitely a clean specimen.

Original engine and transmission showing 82k miles. Nice redone interior.

It's certainly not perfect. Some orange peel in the paint, particularly on the curved areas - but nothing some wetsanding couldn't fix. Chrome is fair, some pieces definitely need some attention. Just gives me inspiration to continue the restoration.

Went ahead and placed a deposit on her. Will be picking it up in June or July - Can't wait to surprise my Dad. I'll post more pics when I can.
 
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skipsneeky2

Diamond Member
May 21, 2011
5,035
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At least it is restored with the original motor,far to many classics having their motors swapped out for the 350,sold off a 51 desoto 4 door about 3 years ago and well the motor was swapped for you guess it,a 350.

Beautiful car,that car alongside the 57 corvette and the 70 challenger rt are on my top 3 as far as a car i would love to own,you can keep your 2013 challenger,give me the real cars.
 

AMCRambler

Diamond Member
Jan 23, 2001
7,706
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I saw something on a restoration show about late 50's having frame rust issues where the fire wall comes down and meets the frame rail. So look at that spot in particular from underneath. Frame rust, floor plans and trunk pan would be the big items to look out for. Leaking fluids on the motor, transmission and the wheel backing plates.
 

JulesMaximus

No Lifer
Jul 3, 2003
74,534
911
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Thanks for the forum link.

Went and checked it out, took it for a short test drive. I like it! It's pretty clean overall. The car barely had any rust before restoration, and hasn't been driven in the rain since. They had a pile of pics of the restoration, was definitely a clean specimen.

Original engine and transmission showing 82k miles. Nice redone interior.

It's certainly not perfect. Some orange peel in the paint, particularly on the curved areas - but nothing some wetsanding couldn't fix. Chrome is fair, some pieces definitely need some attention. Just gives me inspiration to continue the restoration.

Went ahead and placed a deposit on her. Will be picking it up in June or July - Can't wait to surprise my Dad. I'll post more pics when I can.

That's awesome! :thumbsup:

Your Dad will be stoked!
 

Raduque

Lifer
Aug 22, 2004
13,140
138
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Nice car, very clean.

I've got a '54 4dr that needs restored I wish I could get rid of, but nobody's buyin'.
 

Zivic

Diamond Member
Nov 25, 2002
3,505
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Supposedly starts right up and runs great. Prices on these things seem to vary widely, though this one definitely seems to be on the lowish end at 12k.
fwiw, my neighbor had a 56 in comparable condition with the exception of the motor. his had a newer 350 in it. I offered him 8k for it and he declined my offer.... he took it to auction and after fees took home 7600. This was just last year.

That looks like a nice car, but I would not pay more than 10k for it.
 

Eli

Super Moderator | Elite Member
Oct 9, 1999
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fwiw, my neighbor had a 56 in comparable condition with the exception of the motor. his had a newer 350 in it. I offered him 8k for it and he declined my offer.... he took it to auction and after fees took home 7600. This was just last year.

That looks like a nice car, but I would not pay more than 10k for it.

Thanks for the heads up. From my admittedly fairly brief research, the price didn't seem too bad, but I'll look around some more now.

I'm not too worried about it though really. Like I said, it's local.. don't need to have it shipped in, or fly out to look at it, etc.. less hassle. Not that I necessarily want to over pay, but I'm not looking to resell it or anything so as long as the price is in the realm of reasonable and he's happy, I'll be happy.
 

Zivic

Diamond Member
Nov 25, 2002
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Thanks for the heads up. From my admittedly fairly brief research, the price didn't seem too bad, but I'll look around some more now.

I'm not too worried about it though really. Like I said, it's local.. don't need to have it shipped in, or fly out to look at it, etc.. less hassle. Not that I necessarily want to over pay, but I'm not looking to resell it or anything so as long as the price is in the realm of reasonable and he's happy, I'll be happy.
I don't know a ton about these cars.. my brother is much more well versed. he advises that 4 doors and post kill the value (relatively speaking).

that looks like a nice car. If you are in the market, I would definitely go out and look at it
 

Eli

Super Moderator | Elite Member
Oct 9, 1999
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Yeah, 4 door post kills it, I know. As much as I would love to, you just can't find a 2 door in this price range that isn't a project though. Not that a project wouldn't be fun, but I'm trying to be realistic - I just don't have time for it. I think there is great value in something that could probably be a daily driver, if my Dad so wishes - and without having to sink a bunch more time/money into it.

It will be a fun car. A great and (relatively) inexpensive introduction to the classic car world. I am sure it won't be the last one. :)
 
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Jimzz

Diamond Member
Oct 23, 2012
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2 doors are WAY high in price. If you want a basic fun car then get the 4door. If you are a collector then get a 2 door number matching etc...


But yea frame rust is the biggest worry on older cars like that. First thing I did when i bought my 73 chevy was look at the frame and birdcage. Yea the paint was good but who cares if the support is about dead.
 

mmntech

Lifer
Sep 20, 2007
17,501
12
0
There's a guy in town here that's got a rusty Bel Air parked in his driveway. I suppose he plans to restore it. Same colour as the one above too.