Bow Tie Epic Journey: 1957-2007. 50 Years On The Making
4 Doors Hardtop
2 Doors Hardtop, 2 Doors Post
When that first 1955 Bel Air rolled off the Assembly Plant way back when, who could predict that 52 years later we (Bowtie Guys/Girls) will be restoring these vehicles with such dedication? No one; In fact, in those days Ford was outselling Chevrolet and the Corvette was still "an experiment" ready to be cancelled by GM.
My passion for these cars probably started when I was a 7 years old boy back in Cuba. It was 1966 and my Uncle "Kiki" just showed up in that incredible beautiful machine: It was a 1957 Bel Air 4Dr Sedan. Off course, much later I realized that the car was already used by then. Nevertheless, to my young inexpert eyes it seemed just brand new. He has just purchased the car, and offered to give me and my 13 years old brother a ride around the block. Sometimes I get the feeling I can even remember the smell of the interior.
I haven’t seen my Uncle in the 35 years I have been in the US (most of my life) but the surprising thing is: My Uncle still have the Chevy, and by all accounts he still keeps it in mint condition! This is a tribute to the quality of these cars and the Cubans ingenuity to keep these cars running in a Country where nothing is available except repression.
Today, as an old timer Bow Tie guy, I drive a 2008 Corvette Convertible, (Just got it, it's awesome!!!) A 2006 3500 Silverado "Dooly" (with the Duramax and Allison, off course) and on the weekends, you guess it: Any of my 55-57 Chevys!!!
I have always believed there are 3 ways to do a good restoration:
1. RestoStock: Restored just the way it came out of the Assembly Plant. Check the '57 in "Matador Red / India Ivory" in the second picture. It is a 2Dr Post We restored to the last detail: The original 283 has the right Rochester, (with tag), The PowerGlide is there, the full Power Pack, with the Generator / Power Steering unit. Even the original Glass Jar and Vacuum Wipers Pump.
2. RestoMod: Restored with modern / high performance components. Essentially, you build a Classic with all the comfort and safety of a modern vehicle. Check out the Small Block we just built for the RestoMod 1957 BelAir 4 Doors Hardtop in the first photo, it puts out 426 HP. The firewall and Engine compartment has been painted, the Engine installed and it is now ready for the paint crew. Next, all new updated wiring will go in. This car has 4 Wheel Disc Brakes, Digital Instruments Cluster, HID Head lights, LED Tail lights, 3 point seat belts, AC, Lowered tuned Suspension with torsion bars.... You get the picture.
3. RestoRod: Basically a Classic Car seating on the frame and suspension of a Hot Rod, just probably not as comfortable and safe as a RestoMod.
Although I always like a RestoRod; They are not my fever...
As a footnote, I just learned one thing on eBay today: No matter what a Gentleman you are, no matter what you do to be upfront, trueful and reliable, there will always be "THESE" people out there that will do anything to bring you down. They will do just about anything to make you feel part of their low class. A piece of advise: Don't let these B....bring you down. Always strive to accomplish what you beleive on. Just like that old song from my favorite group Alabama: "You Can't Keep a Good Man Down".
Keep your values and integrity up, and they will sort themselves out. It's the law of nature, as true as the Law of Conservation of Energy and Conservation of Momentum. Keep your Momentum Up!!!
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