This 1956 Bel Air is a well cared for older frame off restoration out of California and is now a very nice and showable driver that can be driven on longer trips very reliably. During the restoration, the car was stripped down to bare metal as was the frame. The body received a two tone, two stage refinish from top to bottom and the undercarriage was repainted in semi gloss black. The chrome was all replaced, and the stainless was all refurbished. The windows have a very light tint to keep out the sun.
The interior features leather panels and a custom leather seat and pile carpeting. The factory instruments have been replaced with a custom Dakota Digital unit which provides accurate and detailed ratings. The windows have all been converted to power as have the locks, which can be controlled via one of two key fobs. Maintaining comfortable temperatures in the cabin is a Vintage Air setup that integrates into the factory climate control levers. Providing additional adjustments within the cabin is a till column that has been painted to match the body of the car. The factory stereo is long gone and in its place sits a RetroSound Radio which plays through panels located inside the doors and rear package tray. The billet shifter from Lokar looks the parts and performs great.
Under the hood, the Chevy sports a Chevy 350 equipped with the tried and true Street and Performance TPI fuel injection setup. The unit is polished and looks sharp sitting on that classic American power plant. The system performs reliably in all conditions and a front mounted radiator with dual electric fans keep engine temps at bay so you can focus on the ride. Driving the accessories is a billet serpentine kit, which provides for quiet, reliable operation of the peripherals while cleaning up the engine compartment at the same time. The exhaust system is a 2" dual all the way back that is fed through a set of coated long tube headers. The tank is a custom stainless unit the looks great and is not subject to corrosion as the factory tanks were. The transmission is a Turbo 350 and the rear end is a Ford 9" with 3.55 gears. The car cruises out wonderfully on the highway and is reliable enough for daily driving.
The car rides on Colorado Custom Billet wheels with 235/45/17 tires in the front and 355/50/17 wheels in the rear. The tires are of course all radials, which give such an improved ride over the stock bias plys. The entire suspension was rebuilt during the restoration and the brakes have been upgraded to a power 4-wheel disc setup. Power steering and an upgraded box make the car very easy to maneuver and a set of Cal Trac bars in the rear provide for a clean, wheel hop free hole shot. Overall is a great riding car with nice stance that does not compromise ride quality.
For the enthusiast looking for a tri-five Chevy is a blast to drive and can take you where you want to go reliably and comfortably, look no further than this awesome ’56.
