1962 Bel Air

[Austin609]

Hey guys, I decided to give my 62 some love. 10 years ago I got it out of my dads garage where is has been setting for 30 years or so, put a 496 in it, picked up dirt bikes as another hobby (which consumed me and is still trying to pull me back ha), and parked the car only driving it 1 or 2 times a year since.

In September I decided I wanted to change it up a bit, take it from the old school look it had going on and turn it into a Pro Touring ride.

I've made pretty good progress since then.

The car before I took it apart.



Taken her apart.

[Austin609]

Fully welded the frame and added reinforcements to the X and front frame rails.

Cracked Frame



X Reinforced



Front frame rail reinforcement.

[Austin609]

Frame painted and suspension test fit.

[TUBED]

Are the rear Black steel wheels that came off the car 15 x 8 with a 275 60 15 tire? It's nice looking combo your making good progress.

[Austin609]

Are the rear Black steel wheels that came off the car 15 x 8 with a 275 60 15 tire? It's nice looking combo your making good progress.

Thanks. Yes they are, 15x8 and MT Drag radials........................................... .................................................. ......

[TUBED]

Thanks. Yes they are, 15x8 and MT Drag radials........................................... .................................................. ......

Thanks for the info and do you know the manufacture & backspacing on the rear wheels? Sorry about the questions I tried to PM but couldn't as I'm looking for some with a 4.5" rear spacing and GM bolt pattern. Thanks Gerald

[Austin609]

Thanks for the info and do you know the manufacture & backspacing on the rear wheels? Sorry about the questions I tried to PM but couldn't as I'm looking for some with a 4.5" rear spacing and GM bolt pattern. Thanks Gerald

I’m 99% sure that is what the backspacing is on these. I don’t remember the brand, I bought them from summit 10 years ago or so. Maybe US wheel or Coker. I’ll measure them tomorrow if I get a chance.

[TUBED]

I’m 99% sure that is what the backspacing is on these. I don’t remember the brand, I bought them from summit 10 years ago or so. Maybe US wheel or Coker. I’ll measure them tomorrow if I get a chance.

If you have time that would be great. Gerald

[wfo guy]

Good start.

[Austin609]

If you have time that would be great. Gerald

They are 4.25in backspacing. I'd say they are these Cokers.

[TUBED]

Austin thanks for checking will you be changing the wheel combo? The OE style interest me, you may PM (private message) me if you like to keep build thread from getting off track. Thanks Gerald

[39 chev]

Looking good. I'm just starting on a 1958 Bel Air project. I did some reinforcing around the X, but not as much as you! I have a thread started in the Suspension section.

I'm curious if you are going to try to run the exhaust out the rear? Gets pretty tight around the rear end!

[Austin609]

I'm curious if you are going to try to run the exhaust out the rear? Gets pretty tight around the rear end!

No. It’s going to exit before the rear tires again.

[Chirus]

Hell yes, More X-Frame goodness.

[cl08]

Nice!!! I just bought me a 62 Hardtop. A lot of work to the X frame. You plan adding more power?

[ProTouring442]

Reenforce the rear lower control arm mounts! They frequently aren't welded that well to begin with. A good first to second shift can break the right one loose. Believe me, I know!

[Cramer4918]

Good progress so far! I like how you are stiffening up the X-Frame. I have a '61 Biscayne I am working on currently. I am looking forward to the progress of your build.

[eversaul86]

Great build! Love the fab work. Can’t wait to see the progress.
Martin