Advise on buying a 57 Bel Air wanted

I'm considering the purchase of this car but I know little about what to look for and even less about determining the value of it. My experience is mainly with purchasing and doing mild restorations on late '60s Chevelles, Mustangs and VWs. I'm not afraid of doing any kind of mechanical work. Body work is not a problem but I prefer to avoid extensive welding to replace body panels, floor pans, etc.

I'd appreciate any suggestions or advise on what to look for, where to look for rust beyond outer shell, what kinds of parts will be difficult or impossible to find and how I might assess the value of the car. If this culminates in me purchasing the vehicle, I'll probably ask the group for good sources of parts.

Thanks in advance.

Another good place to ask this question would be Chevytalk Forum at:
http://forums.chevytalk.com/cgi-bin/ubbcgi/ forumdisplay.cgi?action=to...

If your newsreader splits the URL into two parts you will have to cut and paste it back together. Very knowledgeable group.

Leon Rowell

Look for rust just above the front headlights. This is where the air intakes are located.

Look close in the trunk around the shock mounts and the trunk seams in that area.

Check battery tray for rust/acid.

Usual ~ check floorpans, rockers, front fenders behind the wheels.

As for parts ~ '57 stuff was everywhere 12 years ago when I did mine. Look into Kanter. Best bet is to do a search on http://www.dogpile.com for the likes of *1957 Chevrolet Restore Parts*, and see what comes back.

Another option ~ go custom. I did this with another '57. Was easy to go to the local salvage and retro-fit late model interiors and such.

I lived in Jersey when I did mine, and was able to find a local supplier.

'57s are *very* popular cars. I don't think you'll have a big problem finding suppliers.

Good luck ~ and have fun!!