Saving an old 1956 Gasser: Bad Blood update (lots of Pics)
#21
Race Director
Very
You did the right thing keeping it.
You did the right thing keeping it.
#22
Le Mans Master
Member Since: Feb 2004
Location: Norcal CA
Posts: 6,717
Received 551 Likes
on
444 Posts
2018 C1 of Year Finalist
Well these are really odd cars. They don't logicially make sence to me. I don't like all the body shims to get them to line up.
But my Dad says they are like art, not science. If looks right then it is right. Thats kind of a hard concept when you are used to things that are a little closer, tollerence wise.
But my Dad says they are like art, not science. If looks right then it is right. Thats kind of a hard concept when you are used to things that are a little closer, tollerence wise.
Keep working on it! DO NOT SELL IT!
#23
Advanced
Thread Starter
I'll keep at it until I get it going or until something else comes along that I have to have.
I've had just about one of everything. 3 or 4 of some of the ones I think are cool.
I've always wanted an old corvette so this is the only way I get to have one. Plus I get to make it the way I want it. No rules on one like this.
I'm not real big on rules anyway.
I've had just about one of everything. 3 or 4 of some of the ones I think are cool.
I've always wanted an old corvette so this is the only way I get to have one. Plus I get to make it the way I want it. No rules on one like this.
I'm not real big on rules anyway.
#25
Burning Brakes
Do you have to use the Big Block? A high windin' small block in that car would be a lot more manageable, easier to install, would handle better, be more prone to yankin' the front wheels off the ground, and of course would be more "period correct" heh, heh. Cheaper, too.
#26
Advanced
Thread Starter
I don't have to use the big block, I WANNA use it. There is nothing like them.
#31
Advanced
Thread Starter
I have a whole pile of underdash support stuff.
My vin says it a 56 but who knows really...
(VIN plate is just held on by (2) screws)
The frame was long gone when we got it.
Other than the VIN # is there any other way to tell a 56 from a 57?
I am going to put in as much undardash bracing as I can to help strengthen it up.
All my floor and patch pannels came from a 57, and I think the support parts are from sevreal 57-60's.
My vin says it a 56 but who knows really...
(VIN plate is just held on by (2) screws)
The frame was long gone when we got it.
Other than the VIN # is there any other way to tell a 56 from a 57?
I am going to put in as much undardash bracing as I can to help strengthen it up.
All my floor and patch pannels came from a 57, and I think the support parts are from sevreal 57-60's.
#32
Team Owner
Member Since: May 2005
Location: Madison - just west of Huntsville AL
Posts: 31,361
Received 1,283 Likes
on
732 Posts
Check the gas filler area under the gas door. Is there a vent hose, or perhaps a small hole in the panel where the gas filler neck comes through. 1956 and early 1957 cars did not have this vent hose (as I recall).
Does your car have a rear view mirror mounted on the dash. If so, the version with a thumb screw for locking it in place is 1956, a threaded rod from the mirror with a lock nut is 1957.
Does your car have a rear view mirror mounted on the dash. If so, the version with a thumb screw for locking it in place is 1956, a threaded rod from the mirror with a lock nut is 1957.
#33
Race Director
I had a blast at the Goodguys this year. I had planned on taking my Hot Rod Vette out there but didn't get it detailed in time.
I suppose you are going to do some racing with it so be sure to let us know when and where !
There are so many Vette Guys in D/FW its crazy.
I took my 450 HP LT4 C4 to the Wed nite get together at Rosa's in Hurst a couple of times and I swear there was enough GM horsepower to pull Rosa's and the whole lot down the street.
I love the car it's a real clasic . I ran a 56 Chevy Gasser wayy back when and I wish I still had it.
I suppose you are going to do some racing with it so be sure to let us know when and where !
There are so many Vette Guys in D/FW its crazy.
I took my 450 HP LT4 C4 to the Wed nite get together at Rosa's in Hurst a couple of times and I swear there was enough GM horsepower to pull Rosa's and the whole lot down the street.
I love the car it's a real clasic . I ran a 56 Chevy Gasser wayy back when and I wish I still had it.
#34
Instructor
Member Since: Oct 2000
Location: Picton Ontario
Posts: 174
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Check the gas filler area under the gas door. Is there a vent hose, or perhaps a small hole in the panel where the gas filler neck comes through. 1956 and early 1957 cars did not have this vent hose (as I recall).
Does your car have a rear view mirror mounted on the dash. If so, the version with a thumb screw for locking it in place is 1956, a threaded rod from the mirror with a lock nut is 1957.
Does your car have a rear view mirror mounted on the dash. If so, the version with a thumb screw for locking it in place is 1956, a threaded rod from the mirror with a lock nut is 1957.
My 57 has the vent hose but it doesn't have the dash bracing. It's a March of 57 car.
Bob
#35
Race Director
#36
Racer
Member Since: Mar 2006
Location: El Paso Texas
Posts: 294
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Good decision to save it. Its MY oppinion you got the best looking body style of all time. Glad this one didn't become a parts car. Good luck and keep up the good work and I'm glad Dad is around to help on the project.
Ernie
Ernie
#37
Instructor
I noticed in picture 15 that the car has the metal cowl supports. Were these added to the car at some point? Supposedly, they did not appear in production until mid-'57. Are they aluminum or steel?
Opps!
I didn't see comments above......
Opps!
I didn't see comments above......
Last edited by dgsmith; 12-27-2008 at 12:54 PM.