55 Belair project

[wally72974]

Not sure what direction I'm going yet. I thought I would post pictures of the progress.

Here's the details- 1955 2 door hardtop, was originally a Belair with a 265 v8 and a 3 speed transmission on the tree. The original color was the aqua (light green) and white. Looks like it was Red at one time and it looks like it might have been black at one time too. The last color it was going to be, looks like a green metallic.
The engine that was in it when I bought it was a 327 and a T-10 transmission.
The T-10 has numbers on it- T-10 WG Div 1-16-63 and L-2-62
I don't know what those numbers mean but I assume one set is the date code.
The housing is cast iron and the tail shaft is aluminum.
The 327 has 3858174 cast in it and the stamp pad is FI208HCH.
The heads are 3782461 and the date code was L15 and the other head was L 5 (it might have been L05)
The engine is incredibly clean on the inside and looks like it has almost no miles on it. The transmission looks like it might have been rebuilt sometime in the 80's. (probably the same time as the engine)
The first picture is when I got it home. (a week ago)

 

[wally72974]

Today's pictures.

 

[MRHP]

I have been rootin around for a sedan. The car looks pretty decent.

 

[tripower]

Looks like a fun project.

 

[jim_ss409]

It looks like a good car.

 

[nomad59NZ]

Will watch with interest.

Gav

 

[BSL409]

Will watch with interest.

Gav

 

[bobs409]

Will watch with interest.

Gav

I'll be watching with jealousy. Looks like a great solid builder.

 

[boxerdog]

Sure looks like a keeper to me!

 

[wally72974]

Anyone know what the T-10 numbers are? Kind of curious as to what it might of been in originally.

 

[IMBVSUR?]

Very nice.

 

[oldskydog]

Its a 63 T-10, probably for a 300 hp 327 and probably wide ratio.
Engine is a 66 275 hp 327 with PG and a Holley carb from a full size car.

 

[wally72974]

Its a 63 T-10, probably for a 300 hp 327 and probably wide ratio.
Engine is a 66 275 hp 327 with PG and a Holley carb from a full size car.

Thanks Cecil! You the man!
I was able to find out all about the 327 but on what website did you find out about the T-10?
The info that I found on the 327 was like yours only it said 4 barrel and not Holley carb. So I guess I learned a little more
about it. How did you know or find out it was a Holley and not a Rochester or Carter?

 

[1958 delivery]

Looks good. What direction are you going with it? I use to restore Tri5's exclusively, after I tired of Chevelles and quit on Corvettes. 55 is my favorite year, in fact I just bought a 55 sedan to flip primarily.

 

[oldskydog]

In 66 only, 327 engine suffix codes had an additional letter to indicate which carb it had…..Holley or Rochester.
The date codes you gave for the T-10 are probably the main case and the tailshaft housing indicating December 62 and january 63 casting dates.

 

[wally72974]

Ok guys, I need your help again. The car was a 2 tone greenish blue and white.
I think I have it narrowed down to 2 colors, Regal Turquoise or Neptune green
Can anyone tell me for sure what it originally was? Would it say on the vin tag?
Here is a crappy picture of the greenish blue. (look right below the rear window, where the trim was)
If you look where I took off he door striker you can see some color and the windshield post too.
I'm thinking of going back to the original color.

 

[1958 delivery]

Just read the cowl tag for codes
http://www.bestintexas.com/cars/55codes.htm

 

[oldskydog]

regal turqouise

 

[mr409guy]

You need to look at th trim tag on the cowl, not the vin tag. Here is a great plac for parts and knowledge. Ole 55 als called east coast chevy in Doylestown pa. ask for m buddy ken. He is the most knowledgable person I ever met. Tl him John said to call. Ken also races a 57 nomad as I do called "SirNomad "

 

[wally72974]

It was a little rustier than I thought. Seemed to find more and more as we dug deeper.
I can't seem to leave well enough alone.