Vehicle Description
Over the past few years, many of the world's finest tri-fives have
graced our RK Motors Charlotte showroom. According to sales, Bel
Air resto-mods are often considered our best offerings. And it's
certainly easy to understand why when cars like this slick '56
sedan, which centers a hot Dart stroker motor in a carefully
planned restoration, start casting glares in our photo booth. It's
pretty evident that the goal of this Chevy's build was to create
one of the coolest cruisers the hobby has ever seen. And, judging
by initial reaction, that mission was certainly accomplished! If
you're searching for a sizzling custom that mixes fully sorted
mechanicals with great aesthetics, you've found your next
classic.
BODYWORK/TRIM
The essential part of building a jaw dropping cruiser is knowing
exactly when to hold back. And, with an icon like the '56 Chevy,
even the most subtle touches go a long way. While Friendsville,
Tennessee's Automotive Sandblasting & Restoration gave this sedan's
body plenty of attention, that work was specifically aimed at
creating the most perfect surface possible. And the result is
panels that are amazingly flat, displaying nary a ripple or wave
anywhere. As expected, that stripped and straightened profile
ensures fit and finish that's significantly above '50s factory
fodder. Knoxville, Tennessee's Rick Lay sprayed a glossy
combination of metallic burgundy and pearl white 2-stage, which
lends the car a reserved and sophisticated demeanor. And naturally,
that rich pigment reflects a spectacular shine that'll equal any
first-rate classic at any local show.
Not surprisingly, this Chevy's sophisticated pigment creates a
fabulous foundation for a select array of mirrored bolt-ons. At the
front of the car, a guarded bumper traces a polished grille,
pristine parking lamps and chrome-trimmed halogen headlights. At
the top of that grille, a sculpted hood centers a polished
'jetbird' in front of lightly tinted glass that's seated in
polished frames and electric RainGear wipers. At the base of that
glass, factory door handles and small mirrors reflect ornate 'speed
spears'. And at the back of the car, bullet-style tail lamps
illuminate a second guarded bumper.
ENGINE
By now it's probably pretty obvious this Bel Air was built to be
seen. But, thanks to the 383 cubic inch Dart stroker motor under
its hood, that might be easier said than done! The car's stunning
amalgamation of polished and Chevy Orange power revs under a coated
Holley carburetor that's sandwiched between a finned air cleaner,
polished fuel lines and Lokar linkage hardware. Beneath that carb,
a polished intake centers a chrome thermostat housing between
ornate breathers, finned valve covers and a quality MQQN Equipment
temperature gauge. At the sides of those covers, polished looms
string black Taylor Pro wires in front of a chrome Pertronix
Flame-Thrower coil and matching Pertronix Flame-Thrower
distributor. Below those wires, ceramic-coated Hedman Hedders take
care of spent gases while an Eddie Motorsports serpentine drive
spins a polished Edelbrock water pump between a polished
Powermaster alternator and polished AC compressor. And in front of
that compressor, a polished PRC radiator circulates clean coolant
around large puller fans via chrome, corrugated hoses. Despite
being a thoroughly modern piece, the hot small block looks right at
home in this Chevy's clean engine compartment. And details like
trick dipsticks, braided fluid lines, a coated fuel pump, a
polished CPP brake booster and polished Eddie Motorsports hood
supports create a nice, finished appearance.
DRIVETRAIN/SUSPENSION
Behind the stroker, a proven Turbo-Hydramatic 400 3-speed funnels
torque from a 2,300 RPM stall converter to a tough Ford 9-inch
that's finished with 3.70 gears, 31-spline axles and an Eaton
posi-traction differential. That third member rides 2-inch drop
springs and adjustable coil-over-shocks. At the front of that
awesome drivetrain, a power-assisted CPP steering box floats
between a thick sway bar, CPP control arms, 2-inch drop spindles
and 1-inch drop springs. At the corners of the car, color-keyed
calipers squeeze drilled and slotted rotors. At the center of the
floor, aluminized exhaust pipes follow electric cut-outs with
baritone turbo mufflers. And all this mechanical goodness rolls on
chrome Coys wheels, which spin 225/45R18 Nankang Noble Sports in
front of 245/40ZR20 Nankang Noble Sports. Designed to display, this
Chevy's clean floors and powdercoated chassis have been stripped
and restored to perfectly match its super slick body. And
everything, from the car's polished fluid pans to its stainless
fuel tank, unites to create one sharp and dependable cruiser.
INTERIOR
Peer through the tinted windows and you'll find a custom interior
that was installed by Alexander's Upholstery of Maryville,
Tennessee. Broad bench seats don soft ultraleather hides that are
seamed into comfortable pleats. In front of those seats, a
body-matched dash hangs polished billet trim over American Autowire
wiring, Dakota Digital VHX telemetry and controls for Old Air
Products air conditioning. At the sides of that dash, custom door
panels anchor sculpted armrests between color-keyed frames and an
array of polished handles. At the floor, premium carpet floats
Chevrolet-themed mats under billet Lokar pedals and a booted Lokar
shifter. In front of the driver, a polished steering wheel spins a
leather rim around a tilting Ididit column. And behind the
passengers, a custom-upholstered trunk provides plenty of storage
space.
OUR SALE INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTATION
Component literature
Wrapped in a detailed, frame-off restoration that would probably
take a second mortgage to duplicate, this Chevy rolls on the right
side of impressive. It's a highly desirable tri-five that's been
carefully fitted with all the right stuff to be one seriously cool
cruiser. If you're dreaming of the perfect blend of lavish '50s
style and modern, reliable performance, you've found the ultimate
classic!
SUMMARY
The beneficiary of a professional, frame-off restoration that was
completed in 2014
383 cubic inch Dart stroker V8
Turbo-Hydramatic 400 3-speed automatic transmission / 2,300 RPM
stall converter
Custom ultraleather interior / Old Air Products air
conditioning
Power steering / 4-wheel power disc brakes
Ford 9-inch axle / Eaton posi-traction differential / 3.70
gears
18 and 20-inch Coys wheels
Metallic burgundy and pearl white paint
Powdercoated chassis / Upgraded suspension
Sale includes component manuals