1957 Chevrolet Convertible – johnnyzs

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1957 Chevrolet Convertible

1957 Chevrolet Convertible

1957 Chevrolet Convertible

The ’57 as it came in to us, looked great but on closer inspection became it became apparent that it was a typical Amercian import, nice and shiny on top but hiding lots of bad workmanship

The ’57 as it came in to us, looked great but on closer inspection became it became apparent that it was a typical Amercian import, nice and shiny on top but hiding lots of bad workmanship

Strip down…

Strip down continues, In preparation for a custom chassis and new floor pan

New Floor and Chassis

Quarters on top of Quarters, so much rust and rework required on both quarter panels.

Quarters on top of Quarters, so much rust and rework required on both quarter panels.

Quarters on top of Quarters, so much rust and rework required on both quarter panels.

Quarter panel drip rail completely rusted away. Width and length of existing quarter to be modified to original specifiations.

Left hand side drip rail designed and built with modifications to quarter panel

More modifications to quarter panel

Right hand side quarter modifications begins

Right Hand side quarters and drip rail starting to take shape

Drip rail and hinges mocked up

Replication of the drip rail left and right hand side.

New drip rail and modifications to top of quarter panel to bring them back to original size and shape

Starting work on the quarter panel and boot gaps

Rear bumper location needing some adjustments to ensure the rear bar has a nice fit and finish when completed

Starting on the modifications to the lower quarter and rear bumper location

modifications to the lower quarter and rear bumper location

Really starting to take shape now

Rust repairs and lining up the gaps coming along nicely now.

Rust repairs and lining up the gaps coming along nicely now.

Lots of hours to bring this bonnet back from where it was.

Bonnet and front guard gaps starting to get there

Putting the roof back in and getting it operational again after all the back end and quarter panel work. New floor now fitted up.

Brand new crate motor ready for install

Old firewall ready to be removed

Firewall totally removed

Crate motor, mocked up ready for a new custom firewall

Concept for new firewall

New firewall under construction

New custom firewall fitted

Motor mocked back up with the new custom firewall in place

Motor mocked back up with the new custom firewall in place

work starts on the inner fenders

Custom built, rolled and swaged inner front fender

New custom inner fender and a standard one

Inner fender work continues

Both inner fenders now tied into the guards and firewall

Steering joints and custom firewall

Radiator support and air flow vents underway

Lower air flow vent for transmission cooler

Lower air flow vert ready for install

Full custom engine bay

almost ready for primer

All gapped and ready to remove standard 57 flutes in guards and finish preparing steel for ‘AllUNeed’

Refitting up complete car for block down

Refitting up complete car for block down

Inner fender all primed ready for candy base

Inner fender all primed ready for candy base

Custom Candy paint applied…

Ready for clearcoat

Up to assembly stage

Motor installed for the last time, serpentine kit bolted on

lots of bling and candy paint

Engine bay finished

Nearly there…

Shakedown run, drives great! Aftermarket gauges in original cluster

Full custom leather interior, with custom built centre console.

Fitted up with modern electric seats for comfort

Fitted up with modern electric seats for comfort

Adjustable tilt column, touch screen stereo system additional courtsey lights and modern electric seats.

Leather door trims and stainless accents always make for a classy combination

This 1957 Chevrolet Convertible initially came into the workshop for just a few minor things, a rim and tyre change, a disc brake conversion and the addition of air conditioning.
As work proceeded there were some major structural faults found with the fresh import and was considered not safe to drive on the road, as the investigation continued more and more faults were found with the car. The structural integrity of the whole vehicle was compromised and a chassis and floor pan was needed, as well as a long list of other work to bring the vehicle back to a safe and driveable condition. Not satisfied with just the owner then wanted a full custom engine bay and that wouldn’t be complete without a brand new crate motor with serpentine kit, including air con.
The interior is a full custom interior using only the best Connolly leather and hand built center console with integrated electric window switches, cup holders and state of the art satellite navigation and stereo system. Topped off with a custom candy paint job, its now a safe and reliable convertible that has seen its fair share of use on the streets since it was finished.