.png)
By Tommy Parry
Shane had just finished his second build when he was already laying the groundwork for another toy. His ‘67 Camaro had been a nice daily driver, and his ‘55 Chevy truck came out beautifully. Hoping to take everything he learned in the previous two builds and put it towards an even more elaborate, more comprehensive, and more unusual creation, Shane picked out a ‘55 Bel Air and got to work.
.png)
He had to set the right sort of foundation for a car with so many ambitious aims. To take a rusted old Bel Air and equip it with a modern LT4 and its 10-speed automatic, enormous brakes, and a modern Morrison chassis was a serious undertaking, but Shane has high standards, and thanks to COVID, a few more hours of free time.
.png)
The body was rougher than it looked in the photos the previous owner had sent him. A little rust required Shane replace several panels before the new powerplant forced him to take a blade to the transmission tunnel and firewall.
.png)
.png)
Though essentially stock, the LT4 powerplant provides more than enough punch for even a vehicle this hefty. However, to ensure the motor and gearbox function nicely in the Phoenix heat, Shane decided to add a cooling system from Hot Rod by Dean and a larger Afco intercooler.
.png)
To make the most of the 650 horsepower available, Shane opted for a 9" rear end. Mini tubs in the rear and a custom set of Golden Star fenders made room for a little more meat at all four corner. In those wider wells went a set of Wilwood brakes with 14" rotors and 6-piston calipers up front as well as 12.5” rotors and 4-piston calipers in the rear.
As of now, Shane’s still stuck in the preliminary stages of what will be a monumental build. Once a few mechanical gremlins are swept aside, he’ll decide on what shade of leather he’ll have the interior done in. Though currently undecided with the prospective coat of paint, he’s leaning towards a Porsche green he’s been eyeing for over a decade.
To keep tabs on this no-expense-spared Bel Air, follow his thread here.
Gallery Type:
thumbimage:
Feature on homepage:
home body feature