BostonHotRods 1956 Bel Air build: Project Daisy

[StRacerDuke]

What is it:
1956 Chevy Bel Air 2 door hardtop. One owner car, found and purchased locally. The seller's grandmother purchased it new and it had remained in the family. In theory, it was a survivor car, two paint jobs, no accidents, and all or nearly all original.

What I'm doing with it:
I drove it for a year and enjoyed it with the family, but it's now time to put it under the knife. I'm planning on turning this into a 3 season daily driver (or nearly daily as I don't commute). Classic styling, all modern comforts. All the good stuff that makes it more than the sum of it's parts.

I'm also "attempting" to get my kids involved with the project and learn a little bit about how cars are put together while also making some memories. As part of the incentive, I told them I would video parts of the build and post it to YouTube for them if they participate. We'll see if my bribe works or not.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wGbLb6Mf1bQ&feature=youtu.be

Here's the car as of the last day of 2020 when I drove it into the shop:
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2021/01/PhotoDec2820013825PM4-1.jpg (http://postimg.cc/68T8ZzXK)

Disassembly goes pretty quickly:
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2021/01/PhotoDec2820013936PM4-1.jpg (http://postimg.cc/WDTJ2CNN)

60 year old wiring, no thank you:
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2021/01/PhotoDec2820013825PM16-1.jpg (http://postimg.cc/hXFdYhN7)

Pretty interesting to see how tech has changed over the years. 6 fuses for an entire car. Fuse block:
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2021/01/PhotoDec2820013825PM11-1.jpg (http://postimg.cc/GTHyWDcv)

Body just about ready to come off:
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2021/01/PhotoDec2820013936PM-1.jpg (http://postimg.cc/75g2rwyt)

Lots of interest oddly in the Chassis/Engine/Trans. I sold it locally in under 24hrs which really surprised me:
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2021/01/PhotoJan0421020552PM6-1.jpg (https://postimg.cc/ZBzn1SyY)

Body off to Media Blasting today:
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2021/01/PhotoJan0821053349PM3-1.jpg (http://postimg.cc/YjhLq1HW)

[Motown 454]

What a pretty car, it looks good in paint. I hope it's as good as it looks. Good luck with the Bribery. lol

[Crazy Horse]

Great idea to involve the kiddos!
Nice Garage btw!
Funny the original angle of the Driveshaft.
Good luck with the build!!!

[StRacerDuke]

Part 2. Back from media blasting and epoxy primer.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aNYJoCeu_xo&feature=youtu.be

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2021/02/PhotoJan2921122025PM16-1.jpg (https://postimg.cc/qzrLFftd)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2021/02/PhotoJan2921122025PM9-1.jpg (https://postimg.cc/Cz4NTvDn)

[Toccoa]

Kinda sad to see that one come apart. Looked like a gem. I hope you can replicate the original wheels. Always hate to see classic cars with big rims. What color will it be?

[OLDFLM]

Great project with the kids! Love the videos and you'll cherish them forever! Cool that your bride is running the camera too! Whole family is involved... love it!

And I'm having insane garage envy!

[Toccoa]

What type of flooring is that? Assuming it’s some type of vinyl, but man does it look like real wood in the pictures.

[StRacerDuke]

Thanks guys.

Lots of parts ordering going on this month. Rs Chassis, Wegner LS street motor, Bowler trans, rick's tank, HotrodDynamics firewall/tunnel/wiper kit, ididit column, bear brakes, C&R making up a custom cooling stack for me, restomod air, and more.

Wheels: looking at Schott's in 19/20" at the moment with 335's on the rear. Wheels/tires will probably be one of the later decisions to make.
Both my girls are asking to learn to weld now, so this should be a fun next few months with them helping out.
Flooring in the garage: ceramic tile (PEI 4 if I recall correctly) with epoxy grout. Redgard under the entire floor, expansion joints lined up with the grout lines, and tiles set with zero air pockets in the mortar. It's been bullet proof since 2018. It doesn't like plasma slag so I thrown down a cheap HF welding blanket, but beyond that it takes all the abuse I can throw at it. My main house garage has 100% epoxy solids (full top of the line 3-layer system) and it looks like crap after 6yrs of normal New England winters. Clear coat wearing off in high traffic areas, lots of small chips from dropping tools, yellowing around garage doors from the sun. Wish I would have done tile there too.

[StRacerDuke]

Part 3 is up. Working on metal work as I wait for all these parts (mostly chassis/motor/fuel tank) to arrive.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ZENsCZvBSU

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2021/05/4b81b561e7b0e61e09e876e0698f9312-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2021/05/Blackangle2smv2-1.png
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2021/05/4L80etscoolerpkg1_c9f03c49a8994f5db029c0-1.jpg?v=1585149224
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2021/05/1511281_0-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2021/05/ChevyTriFive22gal_B_InTankPumpTanks-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2021/05/HAYMAKERSANGLED-1.jpg

[andrewb70]

Great build!

Andrew

[sginphx]

Awesome build! Following and just about the same spot. Keep up the good work!!

[StRacerDuke]

Chassis showed up yesterday. Just waiting on the motor now.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2021/07/PhotoJul0121030619PM2-1.jpg (https://postimg.cc/1gJdZQgT)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2021/07/PhotoJul0121030619PM4-1.jpg (https://postimg.cc/4YvMBtXX)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2021/07/PhotoJul0121030619PM1-1.jpg (https://postimg.cc/VrvVfVnN)

[Motown 454]

Great car, great job, and Great music to paint by. WZLX? Thanks for keeping us updated.

[StRacerDuke]

Great car, great job, and Great music to paint by. WZLX? Thanks for keeping us updated.

Thanks. WZLX is on a lot, but in the garage I usually stream my own playlists from Amazon via Sonos. No commercials ;)

[wareaglescott]

Looking good Duke!

[StRacerDuke]

Yea, this should do the trick...

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2021/07/DaisyDyno-1.jpg (https://postimages.org/)

[Motown 454]

WOW now those are some sweet numbers! Very nice.

[Woodsie]

Awesome build! I’ll be following!

[Motobrewmaster]

Wow! That thing is a beast. I can barely control 600 HP on the track let alone 1000 HP! Buckle up and hold on... it will be a spirited ride!

[Larry Callahan]

Cool project and love the garage as well.

[Dslpwr]

Great project! What chassis did you go with?

[ryeguy2006a]

Cool project and love the garage as well.

I was thinking the same thing!! That garage is killer man. What flooring is that?

[StRacerDuke]

Great project! What chassis did you go with?
Thanks! RS Fasttrack


I was thinking the same thing!! That garage is killer man. What flooring is that?
Thx. Floor is porcelain. It's been bullet proof so far. Lots of prep work though. Way better than the 100% epoxy solids, 3 layer stuff I have in my other garage.

- 48x8" wood look porcelain, PEI 4.
- 100% silicone all fresh expansion joints, then covered with mesh joint tape.
- 2 roller coats of RedGuard
- 1 very heavy layer of RedGaurd over the expansion joints, 12-14" on each side
- MegaLite Mortar (Home Depot special order)
- SPECTRALOCK 2000 IG grout (special order, 100% epoxy solids for industrial use and chemicals/heat)
- Installed with zero air bubbles under the tile

[StRacerDuke]

Just a few quick shots. I've been recording some clips but I haven't had a moment to put together another video yet. I'm overdue. I've been posting a few pics along the way on inst though @bostonhotrods.

Fuel system finished up last weekend. Exhaust, Estopp, and Driveshaft next.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2021/08/Bodymount1-1.jpg (https://postimg.cc/WqgJz2Pr)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2021/08/Bodymount2-1.jpg (https://postimg.cc/YjWFbxm9)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2021/08/chassisandbodybackground-1.jpg (https://postimg.cc/8Jq6T7xN)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2021/08/motoronchassis-1.jpg (https://postimg.cc/SJbM5zWG)

[wareaglescott]

Looking good Duke

[HotRod47]

What a great project!! Looking forward to following along on this one. Close too, I live in CT but work in and around Boston daily.

[rohrt]

All I could think was man you have a nice floor in that garage.

[sginphx]

Beautiful! Nice work for sure

[Tig]

What a build, it certainly is going to be a fun ride.

Do you have a thread on your Cobra?

[StRacerDuke]

What a build, it certainly is going to be a fun ride.

Do you have a thread on your Cobra?

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?19953-8793-MK4-Build-(-15-IRS-16-Coyote-15-quot-wheels)

- - - Updated - - -

Quick update video on the project.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-EO0NhZ8OlA

[Larry Callahan]

Your gonna have some trouble putting down that power with those wheels.

LOL!

Awesome build!

[all4sho]

WOW!!! very cool build

[StRacerDuke]

Part 5 is up


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ur6BbIL9SDs&t=4s

[thumper877]

So sorry that's the second fire on posts here in a few days. Hate to see those. Can't imagine how u feel.

[Jimbo1367]

Everyone agrees lol. We all love garage and car. A lot of nice azz pcs. going into this over the top build

[Jimbo1367]

aww man. Wow. Sorry to hear. At least no one got hurt.

[Chrisbequick]

That was a beautiful survivor. What a shame to see it hacked up.

[ryeguy2006a]

I'm sick to my stomach thinking about all of that damage. I can't imagine how you must be feeling. But like others have said, at least no one was hurt and the extent of the damage seemed to be isolated to the front of the car and not the whole building. You are doing a fantastic job, and while this is a set-back it you'll make it through to the other side. Keep up the progress and I can't wait to see more updates.


That was a beautiful survivor. What a shame to see it hacked up.

Haha, you're on the wrong site if you think he's hacking up this car. :drive:

[raustinss]

Hacked up .. you mean being made into an enjoyable useful car ??? As opposed to 150 grand garage art that doesn't do anything well

[StRacerDuke]

Part 6, 7, and 8 are now up.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q2wuhmx2AA8&t=3s


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wBUGEj6QS00


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MD5Q3gjSC-c

[StRacerDuke]

Final Assembly


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pQcyYJMDbZI

[StRacerDuke]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1joRl7tD1r0

[Cramer4918]

Awesome updates! It's coming together nicely! I like how well thought out and planned your interior components are coming along.

[StRacerDuke]

Wiring in progress. About half way through...


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0fQu4IwtgGI

[C Presley]

Dude, absolutely Bad Ass 56 Chevy!

[StRacerDuke]

It's alive!


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x2G39A7-aYk

[StRacerDuke]

Interior in progress...


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pbx7Gsudon4&t

[AngryBird75]

Incredible work!

[kawasakii]

Great idea to involve the kiddos!
Nice Garage btw!