Memories from a time past prodded Ben Coyle to purchase this 1960 Chevrolet Bel Air. His fond memories of his grandmother and his love of old cars made him fix her up. Read below to read what he has done and others reactions, then scroll to the bottom and see the pictures, but don’t forget to watch the video of her starting up.
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What type of vehicle is this?: Car
Make, Model, Year of Project
1960 Chevrolet Bel air
What stage is this in?
Somewhere between complete and not sure if it will ever get finished
When did you purchase it and for how much?
Purchased it in 2017 for $7500
Why did you choose this vehicle?
Reminded me of my grandmother’s car. I remember standing up behind the driver seat holding on so I could see out the windows as she drove.
What sort of condition was it in when you started the project, what was wrong with it, etc.
Was a driving project.
Previous owner had an air bags installed, back brakes reworked, fuel lines cleaned out.
Front driver floor had big hole, back seat pans were rusted out, trunk floor, (well wasn’t much left), rusted out, 2 rusted out spots on hood and top, and trunk lid had a huge hole.
Both quarters were rusted.
What, specifically have you done, or had done to it?
Upgraded alternator, shocks, center support bearing. Fixed some of interior
Can you list any and all parts that you have put in?
Replaced trunk floor, drivers floor, back seat pans.
Repaired the 2 holes in hood and top.
Upgraded to front disk brakes.
Had to do front shock relocation( when I got it, there were no shocks because of the air bags).
New center support bearing.
New 105 amp alternator.
Upgraded 6 blade fan.
New carpet, seats upholstered.
The door panels were trash, I have modified diamond plate sheets to replace them. Instead of replacing the quarter panels, I have placed diamond plate in the rust holes to look like a second skin.
Wired purple lights for interior lighting.
Painted roof silver with glitter.
New body mounts.
Upgraded rear bushings to polyurethane bushings.
Where have you purchased your parts?
Various places, eBay, Amazon, other classic parts stores online.
What about you?
47 yr old Texas guy.
I have always had a passion for old cars.
Ever since I got a yellow 57 Bel air for Christmas when I was 7.
Luckily my father had me under cars since I was little fixing stuff has been a major help. But as I get older it’s a bit harder to do the things I want to do with it. So few things are contracted to mechanics.
Any stories regarding this project?
Been to a few car shows, mostly thumbs ups and cool comments about the interior.
Most guys that comment say I remember driving one to school or taking my driver’s test. Not any stories yet.
Any garages, parts stores, fabrication shops, etc you want to call out specifically?
Usually if I have a question, Mangrum classic will give me an answer. Mark is very helpful.
Check out the video – Starting her up
Check out the pictures below, make sure to click on the picture to see the full version.
Before you go, check out these articles. Restoration and I’m going to fix it someday
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