Overhaulin'

How do I go about getting started with buying/restoring a 1957 Chevy Bel Air?

I've been searching the internet for months trying to find any info I can specifically about this model of car. I've learned a lot, but there are some major topics I haven't been able to learn ANYTHING about. I'm starting to get quite frustrated as it seems that nearly every resource out there is geared towards people who already know what they're doing and/or have had one of these cars for years already. For example, on general guides I've read over and over that I need to research what typical problem areas are for the model of car I'm interested in. Do they have problems with fuel gauges breaking often, wiring problems, etc... But anytime I try to research this for the 57 Bel Air all I ever get is advertisements for replacement parts, cars for sale, or toys/models. None of the forums I've looked at have any stickies for novices, either. There is a local car club, but it seems to consist entirely of much older men who couldn't be bothered to give me the time of day. Would anyone mind answering these questions for me in regards of what I need to get started, what to look out for, etc? 1. Assuming I plan to farm out complicated stuff like bodywork, paint, mechanics, etc... and only plan to do minor restoration myself/maintenance, what sort of tools would I need? Assuming I get average entry-level grade tools/hobby grade tools (as opposed to professional grade), about how much will this cost? 2. What are problem areas for a 57 Bel Air? As in, what should I look for when purchasing one, and what kind of problems often occur as far as maintenance for this particular model? (IE: what, if anything, requires the most frequent repairs on one of these cars?) 3. What kind of places would I want to check out in my local area if I wanted to get a look at one of these up close? (scrapyard, body shops, etc?) I can find these cars easily enough on the internet, but I'd like to get a better look in person so I can better understand/apply what I've read so far. 4. How often are these cars stolen? I've seen a few threads on car forums where owners report their cars being stolen, but I can't find any info in regards to how often this happens. My main concern is that I was considering getting this as a daily driver, but if I have a significantly higher risk of it getting stolen anytime I park it in public than I would with any other classic car (yes, I realize a classic car is more likely to get nabbed than a nondescript modern one) then I may have to rethink my plans... 5. Assuming I only want to do minor bodywork/restoration myself and leave the major stuff to professionals, about what kind of condition car (IE: price range) should I want to be looking at? I'm hoping to spend no more than $10k on the car itself and an additional $5-$15 on restoration. Is this even possible, or am I in fantasy land? Sorry for being so verbose, but I'm sick and tired of fruitless internet searches. Edit: This is a long term thing. I don't plan on buying anything for quite some time (10 or so years from now.)

Public Comments

1. I hear you on the car clubs. I bought a 1935 Ford truck when I was 16. I went to every car show around to talk to people and pick their brains for info. Most of the old timers wouldn't give me the time of day (Over The Hill Gang). Some of them even would even turn their back on me like I was not there. Let me tell you, 6 years later when I brought my truck to it's first show, they were all willing to talk to me. I won best truck in show and best pre 1940. Back to your question 1. general hand tool set starts around $200 (I would use craftsman or Husky. Harbor Freight tools suck and will strip bolts) 2. Check the front fenders where the lights are for rust. Rain drip rails too. Lower doors and lower section of the front fenders. 3. Check the paper for car shows. Search for local car clubs 4. I drive my 55 a lot. I do not lock the doors and I don't worry about theft. I use Hagerty classic car insurance. It is affordable (I pay $300 a year for 3 classics) and they do a stated worth policy so I keep my 55 insured for $20,000 against theft or damage. 5. Hard to answer. I do not know where you live. For $10,000, you should be able to find a runner that either needs paint or interior, but is straight. For $2500, you can find a complete shell to start with. Keep in mind that god body work is not cheap. A decent paint job will start around $6000. When I bought my 55, I looked for a decent looking car that was straight with nice interior. I found mine 800 miles away and made a road trip out of it with a buddy. My car was complete and a runner. All it needed was a new hood (and still does). I paid $12,000 for it and thought it was a deal. Within 2 weeks of owning it, I turned down 3 $20,000 offers. Since then, I have installed an overdrive (700R4) and a fresh SBC 350. It cruises down the highway great! If you have any more questions, email me through yahoo answers. I am glad to help
2. Rod Knocker gave you sound advise.Talk to the people who have done this for years and if your interested, join a chevy car club.You'd be surprised what resources will open up for parts and advise.You'll need to start going to swap meets,excellent source for good cheap parts and don't pass up the chance to swap parts you run across for the parts you need.And have fun. 52 years building and racing cars.
3. try hemmings.com/that model is not easy to find and not cheap /but that is the place
4. 1. Let say you buy the car and put in a garage. First you will have to decide if you will be replacing everything or keep most original. For the body you may want to look out for rust and treat it. Look for something that will stop and clean rust. I do not know the price since i got my stuff for free. So, some rust liquid, towels/wipes. cleaning basically from dust, dirt. take carpet seats out trunk and check rust and try to stop it. May want to put car on jacks if tires are good. 2.For an old car like that, RUST! that might kill alot of body panel and other metal. For a bel air, i do not know much about.It is up to you if you want it to run. 3. You may want to go to car shows. These are popular pe0ple do have these cars. also if you see one in the street while the owner is out there, ask. 4. It might all depend. If it is all fixed up you mey risk it but, if the car is basic and it has its little flaws here and ther its less likely to get stolen but then again, those cars are popular. I drove 79 Civic for a full year and nothing like that happen but those arent popular they are just rare. Put a gps, alarm and use a club. To be way safer, store it. 5.I think you can make it with 15k to 20k. maybe less. Also the parts!! search how hard the parts will be found. Make an estimate on what you will need and want.