Vehicle Description
When the weather gets warm, dreams of cruising down the highway in
a jaw-dropping classic are inevitable. Linger on that thought a
little longer and the sound of a small block V8 comes to mind
coupled with images of an old school dash. We'll let you fill in
the details from there, but, if you like where we were going, have
a look at this incredible Bel Air. Backing a Corvette-sourced LS1
with a 4L60E 4-speed, an adjustable Ridetech suspension and custom
leather upholstery, this head-turning hardtop has been drawing
stares ever since it rolled in to our showroom. And if you're ready
to feel the summer breeze behind the wheel of a unique, first-class
custom, it's a chance to turn your dreams into reality!
BODYWORK/TRIM
The beneficiary of a body-off, rotisserie restoration that was
completed in January of 2015, this awesome Chevy features a
decidedly street rod aesthetic that's highlighted by glossy Mazda
Liquid Silver 2-stage. A rust-free gem that spent most of its life
in Texas, the car was located in Lincolnton, North Carolina in June
of 2014 wearing original sheetmetal and faded, original paint. Once
that solid fa�ade had been fitted with a fresh rear filler panel,
all its gaps and style lines were massaged to uniformity. When that
razor-sharp profile was fully prepped, a shaved header panel,
shaved fender toppers and a shaved decklid were augmented with
monochromatic "Bel Air" scripts and sleek, matte-finished trim.
That striking body was detailed with a smoothed front bumper,
smoked glass and a smoothed, 1-piece rear bumper, which play well
with intricate headlights, smoked parking lamps and electric
RainGear wipers. And today, this coupe rolls as one fully sorted
hot rod that's tasteful, unique and poised to drop jaws!
ENGINE
Elevate the car's peaked hood and you'll find 5.7 liters of GM LS1
V8 that was sourced directly from a 2002 Corvette. Straight from
the factory, this fully sorted mill combines a sturdy aluminum
block with lightweight aluminum heads, coil-near-plug ignition and
aluminum flat-top pistons to produce a solid 350 horsepower. At the
front of the engine, color-keyed serpentine components spin a fresh
alternator, a modern AC compressor and an aluminum water pump
behind a matte air cleaner. Once air enters that cleaner, it flows
through a factory-spec throttle body to a lightweight, composite
intake, which is bolted down over completely stock internals. High
octane fossils are provided by GM electronic fuel injection. Sparks
are sequenced through 7mm plug wires. Spent gases are whisked away
by a slick pair of ceramic-coated shorties. Quality Ron Francis
wiring ensures everything communicates well. And cooling comes
courtesy of a polished Griffin cross-flow radiator that's fitted
with large SPAL puller fans. Aesthetically, the Cast Silver mill
blends seamlessly with a smoothed firewall, Liquid Silver fenders
and a color-keyed, "Chevrolet' branded cowl. And details like
stainless fluid lines, trick dipsticks, polished fluid reservoirs,
Eddie Motorsports hood supports and a polished CPP brake booster
ensure this coupe runs every bit as good as it looks.
DRIVETRAIN/SUSPENSION
Park this Chevy on a lift and you'll find a super clean
undercarriage that's been prepped, primped and polished to match
the car's slick powerplant and striking exterior. The well-mannered
motor twists a predictable 4L60E 4-speed, which spins a tough
Currie 9-inch that's fitted with 3.73 gears and a proven
limited-slip differential. That Ford-inspired pumpkin is an
integral part of a sturdy factory frame, which was stripped bare
during the car's detailed restoration. Those bones roll on a double
a-arm front and 4-link rear suspension that's augmented with
tubular control arms and adjustable Ridetech bags. Modern power
steering provides tracking. Quick stops are a cinch thanks to four
red calipers, which squeeze 13-inch drilled and slotted rotors.
Large, Mandrel-bent exhaust pipes route spent gases through an
H-shaped crossover and Flowmaster dual-chamber mufflers. Attractive
Billet Specialties Legacy II wheels center polished spinners and
powder-coated spokes inside 225/45ZR18 and 245/40ZR20 Delinte
Thunder D7s. And everything, from the car's stainless tanks to its
finned transmission cooler, appears poised to provide years of
pleasure and reliability!
INTERIOR
Open this Bel Air's doors and you'll find a plush leather cockpit
that was installed by Pharr Upholstery of Lincolnton, North
Carolina. Top dead center, a matte-finished dash frames bright
Dakota Digital VHX telemetry in subdued billet trim. Opposite that
dash, '65 Thunderbird buckets border a custom, full-length console
that balances a familiar Lokar shifter between full power windows,
Vintage Air climate control and modern Alpine audio. Beneath that
console, clean California Carpet floats piped and color-keyed floor
mats beneath custom side panels, billet door handles and billet
foot pedals. Opposite that carpet, a custom headliner ups the style
quotient. In front of the driver, a tilting column spins a
traditional, 2-tone steering wheel. And behind the passengers, a
leather-lined trunk features ample storage space.
OUR SALE INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTATION
A stack of build receipts
An album of build photos
So there you have it: a sweet Chevy that wraps a proven drivetrain
in striking aesthetics and comfortable upholstery. Despite broad
aftermarket support, building a quality tri-five that looks, runs
and drives this well is still a serious undertaking. As you can
tell, the builders of this Bel Air didn't cut a single corner.
Looking for a tasteful, functional custom that'll always draw a
crowd? Call your friends at RK Motors Charlotte, sign the papers on
this slick hardtop and spare yourself the headache of a ground-up
build!
SUMMARY
Rotisserie restoration completed in January of 2015
5.7 liter GM LS1 V8 / 350 horsepower
4L60E 4-speed automatic transmission
Custom leather interior / Air conditioning / Modern audio
Upgraded suspension / Ridetech air ride
Currie 9-inch rear axle / Limited-slip differential / 3.73
gears
Power steering / 4-wheel power disc brakes
18 and 20-inch Billet Specialties Legacy II wheels
Mostly-original sheetmetal / Mazda Liquid Silver paint / Matte
trim
Sale includes build receipts