August, 2008

Featured Club Car

"Mike and Rena Woods '57 receiving a Top Ten Award at the Triple XXX on 08/17/08"

1955 Chevrolet 210 Delray & 1957 Chevrolet 210 Sedan

Owner: Neal West, Sammamish, WA

1955 Chevrolet 210 Delray

This 1955 Chevrolet Delray project is the fruition of my vision to create a truly versatile automobile, which is at home whether entered into a car show or just cruising down the road. My singular goal was to remain committed to not over-building the car into a non-usable, show only, trailer queen. This car must be and will be driven to be fully enjoyed.

The Delray was purchased from the proverbial “little old lady” who was the second owner, having owned the car since 1960. Although the original owner’s manual and a map from 1995 found in the glove box were in great shape, the body was far from perfect, and the original GM parts were ready to be retired. As a result, my decision was easy – this car needed to become a hot rod.

From the ZZ 502 engine to the many hours spent massaging the body into laser-straight condition, only top quality parts and highest quality craftsmanship were incorporated into this two-year endeavor. Whenever possible, the original parts were polished, refurbished, sanded, painted and generally worked over in order to maintain the stock portion of this car. The internet, e-bay, wrecking yards, swap meets and parts companies were searched for NOS parts to replace those original items which could not be brought back to pristine condition. Aside from the two-tone DuPont Super Jet Black and GM Black Mica paint, every effort was made to retain a stock outward appearance.
 

The drivetrain is the primary exception to the rule of keeping things “stock.” Bowing to the need for "more power," I turned to General Motors Performance Parts for a fuel-injected Ram Jet ZZ502. A 4L80e transmission and Moser rear end with 3.55 gears help put the power to the ground.

The interior was fashioned to be a reflection of the original Delray design. Black and white leather incorporating superimposed Delray squares and large white stitching will be telling to informed 1955 Chevy aficionados. The original interior stainless trim was polished and inset into the leather. Daytona Weave carpet rounds out the “stock” appearance.

Attention to interior detail other than upholstery was also a part of this endeavor. The stock speedometer was reworked, and now sports a 140 mph speed limit, black letters on a white background, and two added gauges to replace stock warning lights. Seams in the dash, along with the ashtray and radio slot, were filled. The original steering wheel was reduced to 15 inches in diameter, and the horn ring was removed. The knobs on the turn signal, shift and tilt levers were machined to match the original knobs for the lights and windshield wipers.

1957 Chevrolet 210 Sedan

• Engine: 406 ci "Motown" small block

• Tranny: Tremac TKO 500

• Interior: Light gray leather

• Sound system: 6 mids, 6 tweets, 2 10 inch subs, 1400 watts, Rockford Fosgate Tuner / CD Changer

• Other: Smoothed bumpers, RainGear system, replaced everything but the red paint