1960 Bel Air...Finned crew cab

[Impalarod]

Don, this is coming together real nice. I've missed a couple opportunities to pick up $500-$1500 X-frame cars over the years because I've been waiting for the right '65-'66 to come along at the right time. This thread inspires me to consider the older 58-64 models a little harder.

Also, those refinished valve covers are awesome. Blast, etch prime, paint, polish the fins. I'm absolutely going to remember that because the only thing I don't like about finned valve covers is they are usually chrome or black. I didn't think about painting them. Maybe I can find a set of these cheap and put the blue on them...

Thanks Alan, yep, I think the valve covers turned out well. Best thing is I may have 30 bucks in them. Have paid close to ten times that for nice valve covers before. The days of $500- $1500 x frame cars is coming to a close pretty fast. Keep looking, they are out there. I would love to have a nice 66 Biscayne or Bel Air big block, one of my favorites. But I have always been drawn to 60 to 63 big Chevys like a moth to a flame. Stay tuned, if I don't burn myself out, I'm pushing to get this one done...

[occupant]

Don, this is coming together real nice. I've missed a couple opportunities to pick up $500-$1500 X-frame cars over the years because I've been waiting for the right '65-'66 to come along at the right time. This thread inspires me to consider the older 58-64 models a little harder.

Also, those refinished valve covers are awesome. Blast, etch prime, paint, polish the fins. I'm absolutely going to remember that because the only thing I don't like about finned valve covers is they are usually chrome or black. I didn't think about painting them. Maybe I can find a set of these cheap and put the blue on them...

[Impalarod]

The memories this build brings back... Like when you close your eyes and see images of rusty metal. You are 100% correct, it is hard not to try and make it perfect. wait until you have more of it done but cant drive it yet, then you will see more stuff you wish you had done better. Keep telling yourself, its a driver not a show car. I have to all the time... all the damn time.

Yep. I have show cars. contantly cleaning and polishing. Tired of that. When this car is finished the only rust left will be surface rust, All cancer will be gone. What I have been overlooking is pinholes in a few braces...and they have been repaired and coated. No looking back on this one. As I said, it will outlast me

[Impalarod]

I am going to put this on the wall of my shop - probably have it made up in vinyl lettering:

"don't let perfect get in the way of done"

Seriously - one of the most meaningful statements / philosophies uttered on this site.

I agree. Think I'll do the same. The seats are comfy. The guy doing them is a good friend of mine. Not top end stuff even though he can do it. Just didn't want it in this car. As long as they sit well and match the theme of the build I am happy. This car is not for everyone, but I will sure enjoy it. Just what I want. Will be my daily driver several days a week

[milner351]

I am going to put this on the wall of my shop - probably have it made up in vinyl lettering:

"don't let perfect get in the way of done"

Seriously - one of the most meaningful statements / philosophies uttered on this site.

[Thumpin455]

The memories this build brings back... Like when you close your eyes and see images of rusty metal. You are 100% correct, it is hard not to try and make it perfect. wait until you have more of it done but cant drive it yet, then you will see more stuff you wish you had done better. Keep telling yourself, its a driver not a show car. I have to all the time... all the damn time.

[milner351]

Looks comfy!
I look forward to seeing what he did with the door panels.

Good upholstery shops that don't charge crazy prices sure are hard to find!

[Impalarod]

Brought home the front seat today...

[Impalarod]

Thanks Guys! This is a new deal for me building a "natural" car. It IS hard to settle for less than perfect. I ran across some things that I would have otherwise replaced, but they still had plenty of life left in them so we cleaned them up ant let them eat. Let's put it like this...the car made it 53 years the first go around, this rebuild will outlast me so I don't feel bad. The beads did get the job done....Walked all over this thing and it's like walking on concrete. I guess with enough metal, wire, and gas there is hope for anything. Getting excited about this project now, starting to come together.

[STINEY]

Great reconstruction! Good example of NOT letting perfect get in the way of done, there is more than one way to skin a cat.

[milner351]

WELL DONE!

I like the bead rolls in the floors, lots cheaper than the catalogue stuff if it's even available.

Tin worms be dammed!

[JOES66FURY]

wow. if you could do that that...maybe there is hope for my rusted hulk of a plymouth after all.

[Impalarod]

All of that to show this....sorry for the Photo dump, but it's a slow day at work today...

[Impalarod]

More of the ugly......31 hours in the trunk floor alone.

[Impalarod]

More coming. That's about it on the interior stuff. Bits and pieces coming back from time to time. I went ahead and sent the seats to the guy ahead of time because I know that sometime that process runs a little long, and did not want to be waiting. Seems to be working because he just called and told me that the front seat is ready to be picked up. Door panels are next. Interested to see what he comes up with....I picked the materials for the interior and kinda turned him loose. I told him not over the top but something that would fit the car. I was very pleased when I saw them.