Villadom Times Weekly Local Newspaper

Page 18 THE VILLADOM TIMES I, II, III & IV • May 26, 2010 Franklin Lakes Building a modiﬁed 1957 Chevy: Part II by Ron Marciano It has been almost two years since I wrote my “Part I” article about building a modified ’57 Chevy. That article appeared in the March 2008 issue of the “Bow Tie Bulletin.” At that time, the major components of the car were purchased (body, drive train, and chassis) and I was waiting for the builder to finish a ’59 Corvette…and waiting…and waiting. The Corvette was delivered to its owner in the spring of 2009, but progress on my ’57 was spotty at best, at least until the last few months. Having a car built by a one-man body shop has its drawbacks. While it’s nice to have a “one on one” relationship with the builder, collision work and other jobs take priority, and my completion date was always a moving target. Complaints aside, I plan to be driving my car this year. Since the previous article, several tasks were completed: • The firewall and transmission tunnel were re-fabricated to accommodate the 572 cubic inch big block engine (which sits more rearward on the Art Morrison custom GT chassis). • The new steering column (Flaming River) was fitted. • The new heating/AC system (Vintage Air) was fitted below the dash. • The power brake master cylinder was fitted under the dash (since it would not fit on the firewall). • The new wiper system (Raingear) was installed. • Much of the body was smoothed out in preparation for paint. • The undercarriage and interior were coated with a soundproofing product. • The frame was painted and most components reinstalled. Although these many parts were fitted on the body, they were subsequently removed so the interior could be sanded and primed. The builder completed smoothing and priming the roof, but fitting the trunk lid is his next challenge. The next steps for the chassis include the driveshaft and completing the exhaust system followed by the gas tank and fuel lines. Although the body will not see paint for awhile, I selected Victory Red as the color. This is a popular color in the newer Corvettes and the new Camaro. Jean and I took a road trip to upstate New York to visit the ’57 in December and again in January. The builder is around 30 minutes northeast of Albany. We plan to visit around once a month until the job is Car Show and Flea Market The nearly complete chassis of the 1957 Chevy. completed. I am currently deciding on an upholsterer for the interior. We visited two shops so far. I never realized the challenges surrounding building a restomod. With a traditional restoration, all you need to do is “go by the book.” For me, there is no book. Around every corner is another question: which chassis, engine, transmission, rear, exhaust, (continued on page 22) The birds are singing, the bees are buzzing…. And your paint is peeling. Don’t let peeling paint ruin the season. Call GSG Painting today and receive your next paint project! YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD PAINTING AND WALL COVERING PROS PLEASE TAKE MY HUSBAND ! Need someone to help tackle the honey-do list ? Mature local resident can work on anything from cars to faucets. No job too small. If you are looking for a responsible individual to help you around the house … �� & FLOORING �� 10% off 201-389-6404 • Interior and Exterior • Plaster Repair Painting • Power Washing • Wallpaper Installation • Wood Staining and and Removal Refinishing • Sheetrock Installation • Restoration and Repair www.GSGPainting.com PLEASE CALL MIKE AT 201-327-3255 Caring for Your Beautiful Landscape is our Specialty Landscape Grounds Management Core Services SPRING AND FALL CLEAN UPS MAINTENANCE PROGRAMS FROM BASIC LAWN MAINTENANCE TO PLATINUM GARDEN CARE LAWN CARE CAN INCLUDE ORGANIC FERTILIZER & CORE AERATION HAND PRUNING OF ORNAMENTAL SHRUBS & TREES IRRIGATION AND LOW VOLTAGE LIGHTING MAINTENANCE GARDEN ENHANCEMENTS, ANNUALS & PERENNIALS RENOVATION OF OVERGROWN LANDSCAPES LANDSCAPE DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION (DESIGN FEES APPLY) Additional Services Available To Our Full Service Clients One Relatio Office Hours: 9-3 M-F nship Call Consistent Quality Service Since 1981 One www.chrisjameslandscaping.com info@cjlands.com • N.J.D.C.A. Lic#13VH01114000 cjlinc1@aol.com • N.J.D.C.A. Lic#13VH011140000 (201) 670-9000 Residential & Commercial All work guaranteed • Fully Insured • References Available • Member of NJ Landscape Contractor Assoc. • Better Business Bureau