61belairbubbletop

[61belairbubbletop]

Hello everyone. I found this forum while searching the internet for a 1961
Belair Bubbletop. I've owned a few 61 bubbletop's in the past and would
like to have a belair again. Very rare and hard to find !

The last 61 I had was a Impala w/ 348, 3-deuce, 4-speed, honduras maroon.
I loved that car. Had to sell it about 8 years ago to help pay for one of my
kid's college tuition.


Now I'm looking for a builder Belair.


Randy

[jim_ss409]

Welcome to the site Randy!:cheers I hope you have good luck in your search.

[Tom Kochtanek]

Randy, welcome to the site. I dare say you have good taste, those 1961 and 1962 Bel Air sport coupes are great designs :). I have an original '61 348 three speed car, sorry to say it's not for sale. If I ever run across another one (and I don't buy it!) I'll let you know!

Cheers,
TomK

[61belairbubbletop]

for the welcome aboard.

I found a 61 belair bubbletop for sale in Ohio about 2 years ago, but it
needed both quarters replaced. I don't believe quarter panels are available
for these cars as of yet. So I passed.

I really would like to find a desert car, or something dry and as straight as
possible. That may never happen.

About 20 years ago I bought a reproduction quarter section for a 61 bubble
I was restoring and was very dissapointed in the quality upon arrival via UPS.
The bead around the fenderwell was ROUND as if it was made from tube.
The bead is supposed to be flat on the very outside edge, if you can visualize.

Well, I guess I'd better stop rambling in the welcome section. I could go on for
hours, probably. Lots of memories concerning 61 bubbletops.

Later,
Randy :cheers

[Tom Kochtanek]

I once heard from someone (I think it might have been Gary Harman?) that the 1961 dies are worn and don't give a good "impression", and that's why (quality control) these particular quraters are not made/distributed. Perhaps those from 20 years ago where from this batch?

Some of the curves from other Chevies fit parts of the '61 rear quarter, and you can always fabricate those patch pieces needed. Quite an art, but possible. I bet it would be hard to get the left and the right side to match :) (at least for me!).

Cheers!
TomK