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Although Paul still runs the original 283 cu. in. powerplant, looks can be extremely deceptive. Performance ranks highly on this man’s ‘order of priorities’. Starting at the bottom, the original crank was reground and balanced, the block has been rebored + 0.30 with new TRW forged pistons and conrods. Also fitted were double-link timing chain with steel sprockets and chrome cover, Competition cam, Roller rockers, race valve springs, TRW high pressure oil pump and Offenhauser ally inlet manifold. Re-machined and ground 350 Chevy heads have been fitted with Edelbrock ally rocker covers and filter, and a Holley 600 cfm carb ensures adequate fuel hits the spot.
Electrically, Paul uprated the whole system with Mallory electronic ignition with high performance leads, race coil, electronic fuel pump and filter system, and chrome “One Wire” alternator.
To ensure the image of a street-worthy Tri-Chevy, engine fittings were chromed and all external bolts, nuts etc., are polished stainless steel. The extra cored radiator bears a custom-built polished top... And the music to your ears is delivered courtesy of straight-through Headman headers. “As you can see” remarks Paul, (a Production Engineer for a military company) “I’ve been busy with the spanners!”.
The original transmissions has been exchanged in favour of a 350 Turbo-Hydramatic 3-speed, with shift improver kit. Not an unknown upgrade.
Work soon commenced on the Chevy’s ample body acreage, which Paul stripped to metal, exposing the bare steel panels for the first time in 30-odd years. With no surprises, and not a single sign of corrosion to be found, Paul proceeded in the preparation of the shell for new paint. Once completed, the body was refinished in original Tropical Turquoise, by Webster and Lancasters of Northolt, Middlesex. The chrome, once removed, was sent for re-plating, accompanied by all stainless trim which would be straightened where necessary and machine polished.
All chromed-alloy parts were renewed through Dunchunk, C&P and OL’ 55, as were all window felts, rubbers, grommets, and such. Old badges were also replaced with new to create the desired effect.
Not everything however about Paul’s Bel-Air has been subject to renovation. Often, when possible, it's good to be able to leave enough originality so as not to destroy the patina of a classic vehicle - retaining some small detail to remind us just how much the car has “lived”. Inside, the upholstery is excellent original order, yet concours judges may gape in horror at the small patch of dash board where the original paint has worn through from four decades of polishing... Furthermore, Paul tells us that when you open the door and step inside, his ‘57 still even smells just like an old car should... just right!
Those of you who are awake may be wondering if my skills of counting from one-to-four are lacking. Didn’t I say there were four “Tales of Rock ‘n’ Roll”? The missing documentary would provide not just another interesting postal address, but the key to a further chapter in the Chevy’s future. In the making of the documentary “Peggy Sue” (Buddy Holley, 1957) Debbie got to meet up with the lady who inspired the lyrics - none other than Peggy Sue herself: a link which would provide the opportunity for Paul’s 1957 Chevy to feature as the promotional car used for the hit stage show “Buddy”.
Things have moved on a bit since then... Paul is still madly in love with his Chevy, is married to Debbie, and two new arrivals have now made Paul seriously consider fitting that popular non-period option of ‘kiddie seats’ to the original upholstery... I wonder, do you think they could - in the words of Billie Jo Spears - “owe it to that “ol’ ‘57 Chevrolet” ...?? |
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