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View Full Version : Which 57 Chev?

hsvredsled
07-09-2010, 10:47 AM
Seeking opinions here folks.

I am looking at purchasing a Chev 57 Belair. Mainly for my enjoyment, but also possible expansion into a hire car venture (Wedding, formals etc)

I cant think of anything better than driving a dream car, letting other people enjoy it and actually get paid for it!

Anyway, I seek advice. Personally I love the 2 door 210s'. But I am concerned about the practicability of a coupe when doing wedding etc and leg room etc. The other option is a foor door, which IMHO looks no where near as cool as a two door.

So weighing up the pro's and cons, which should I aim for?

2 door?
http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w293/hsvredsled/2102door.jpg


4 Door?

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w293/hsvredsled/4door.jpg
racingem
07-09-2010, 11:01 AM
If you go coupe hard to get in. 4 door would be better for weddings.I do weddings in my mustang but being a convertible i put roof down and easier to get in.Convertible 57 would be the go but are expensive.Good luck with your decision.:cheers:
hsvredsled
07-09-2010, 11:11 AM
2 door.


http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w293/hsvredsled/06_Chevy-Bel-Air-sports-coupe-1957-fq.jpg
firebug
07-09-2010, 12:56 PM
Just buy both...
NickS
07-09-2010, 01:06 PM
2 door looks shit-hot ... but I suspect your potential wedding market would be hurt by the lack of back doors.

It would still be workable (my Coupe was used in 3 weddings and it was a prick to get in and out of) ... but many wouldn't be keen.

You're right on the looks though ... 2 door wins hands down.

:drool:
hsvredsled
07-09-2010, 01:34 PM
Have been doing a bit of researching of late.

Can anyone believe that my VY Clubbie is actually LONGER than the 57 Coupe?

Here is was wondering how I would fit the Chev in my garage!

I have checked and double checked through about three different experts. I also have people all over the world manually tape measuring their 57's?

I think your right Nick.

I have to love it first. If I got a 4 door, I would always think I wanted the Coupe.
Dan_
07-09-2010, 02:04 PM
Get the 2 door. If people love it they will deal with the lack of a back door. What colour do you plan to get?
hsvredsled
07-09-2010, 02:26 PM
Get the 2 door. If people love it they will deal with the lack of a back door. What colour do you plan to get?

Dark Colour.

Black or Dark purple.
Pulse Red
07-09-2010, 02:45 PM
2 door.


http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w293/hsvredsled/06_Chevy-Bel-Air-sports-coupe-1957-fq.jpg

:drool: :drool: :drool:
DaveHAT
07-09-2010, 03:10 PM
Neither Pete ... do it right the first time & be assured your business will be noticed. :)

http://www.remarkablecars.com/main/chevrolet/chevrolet-00146-1.jpg
Dan_
07-09-2010, 03:14 PM
Dark Colour.

Black or Dark purple.

Dark Purple FTMFW!!

That wagon does look cool Dave
hsvredsled
07-09-2010, 07:09 PM
Neither Pete ... do it right the first time & be assured your business will be noticed. :)

http://www.remarkablecars.com/main/chevrolet/chevrolet-00146-1.jpg

Love the colour.

Not sure about the shape. They wagons were actually very popular as hearses.
veewhytu
07-09-2010, 09:18 PM
I have nothing to offer other than ALL 57 Chev's are up there with the coolest cars ever produced...DO IT!

(68 Camaros are also up there :seldo: )
hsvredsled
08-09-2010, 07:39 PM
I have nothing to offer other than ALL 57 Chev's are up there with the coolest cars ever produced...DO IT!

(68 Camaros are also up there :seldo: )

Actually looking at a few lighter colour ones now (lemon, pale blue)

Black seems to be done to death. Lighter colour may attract more Wedding and Formal business. Probably source one from overseas too. Half the price of over here, but then the import hassles start. One thing I have found is that the chev community/forums are the nicest, most knowledgable and helpful people I have ever come across. There is soooo much information available including old manuals and schematics.
bsbozzy
13-09-2010, 04:28 PM
4 door. Never liked the 2 doors, plus I only ever see 2 doors, rarely a 4 door.

I plan on doing one up in the future, obviously with some form of LS engine, and smoothing out that stupid dip thing in the back door.
hsvredsled
14-09-2010, 09:51 AM
4 door. Never liked the 2 doors, plus I only ever see 2 doors, rarely a 4 door.

I plan on doing one up in the future, obviously with some form of LS engine, and smoothing out that stupid dip thing in the back door.

Yep,

Im almost sold on the four door from a purely business point of view. The dip looks fine on the coupe, but I admit it looks a little strange halfway along the door on the sedan.

And yes a LS engine would be a perfect upgrade. I doubt if mine would ever brake the speed limit anyway and never track. Purely cruiser
Shoebox55
14-09-2010, 09:42 PM
How about this 57 in the Newcastle area.




http://www.chicchevs.com.au/limo.htm
hsvredsled
15-09-2010, 09:11 AM
How about this 57 in the Newcastle area.

http://www.chicchevs.com.au/limo.htm

That stretch would not fit in my garage thats for sure.

BTW...whats the overall length of your 55?
Profi
15-09-2010, 02:32 PM
always a 2 door.
Shoebox55
15-09-2010, 08:31 PM
That stretch would not fit in my garage thats for sure.

BTW...whats the overall length of your 55?

I have had the 55 some 24 years hadn't checked the length so out came the tape. The overall length is 4.9 mtrs of course the 57 is longer.
Baz
hsvredsled
16-09-2010, 10:58 AM
I have had the 55 some 24 years hadn't checked the length so out came the tape. The overall length is 4.9 mtrs of course the 57 is longer.
Baz

Not by much Baz.

The 57 Coupe or Sedan is 5.08m
Shoebox55
17-09-2010, 04:39 PM
Our 55 & my sons 57 some years back plus a mates 56 at Parramatta, the 57 had white interior. When we were doing weddings the white interior in the 57 was very popular with the brides.
Baz:wave:
hsvredsled
17-09-2010, 06:43 PM
Pic is very cool.
seldo
17-09-2010, 10:24 PM
Neither Pete ... do it right the first time & be assured your business will be noticed. :)

http://www.remarkablecars.com/main/chevrolet/chevrolet-00146-1.jpgHehe...many many many moons ago when I was a young bloke....maybe about 45 years ago.....about 1965 gasp.... I wrote off an almost identical Chev 2dr waggon at Leichardt in Sydney. Came around a corner going...ummm...fairly quickly, having quenched a fairly big thirst :hide: ....and ran wide and there was a bloody Vespa scooter parked half into the main road because of the steep camber......Sigh....RIP...
It must have been a Wednesday night because I was on my way from the "Horsepower Hotel" at Broadway to the ARDC clubhouse in Norton St at Leichardt, and I almost made it....
How times have changed.... :hide: