1954 Chevy Bel Air Turbo LS build Part 1 working on the motor and pulling the car in the shop

[@joelstaab6773]

Kind a forget sometimes watching in this episode as you got your family... wife... kids... dogs you juggle with giving time and attention besides working a job!!! And throw in some time for you to kick back and enjoy the other parts of life... and then... dang... entertain all a us as we can't wait for the next video to come out. But all this just to say thanks for giving us some enjoyment and something to look forward to a few days from now!

[@HalfassKustoms]

Thanks Joel!

[@aceadman]

So very true. My sentiments exactly.

[@douglascrosby6536]

That's why it's so common to see folks use an S-10 frame under the old cars. Power steering, Power brakes, stronger and the entire aftermarket sells bolt-on parts for it. Not to mention the ease of finding service parts. Good luck with the build. It looks cool as hell!!!

[@andrewtait8962]

Brent, I am convinced that you could put a hour long video of paint drying and it would be amazing. Your informative commentary along with your (supposedly) good temperament and choice of sound tracks keep bring me back. I always look forward to each installment.

[@hudsonhotrod1]

My dad used to do a different trick for changing valve springs without air. He pushed in a bunch of rope into the cylinder and turn the crank so the piston pushes the rope up against the valves so they can’t fall down and change the springs that way. I’ve done it that way a few times and works great as well.

[@canadareals]

P

[@bobhartman2571]

I am so happy that your trying to restore this old lovely. I grew up just in love with this car. Thank you!!

[@garymccord4277]

Love the engine tear down, never seen the insides of LS engine before. I learn something from all your videos, Great teacher Brent, enjoy all your classes. Enjoy all your builds.

[@sebastianmestertongraae4534]

"I might want to actually have good brakes" - That's an experienced mechanic talking.

[@usmclee65]

That's going to be a great ride, can't get over how good of shape that car is in !

[@HalfassKustoms]

haha neither can I

[@chrispiazza7487]

Neat trick regarding the valve springs! My 2 cents on welding aluminum, if you are able to weld without gloves, you're not hot enough. We always heat the piss out of the aluminum before we go to welding. Also, try turning up your argon, it really helps!

[@HalfassKustoms]

haha for some reason my hands can take a lot of heat, usually I can't put much more heat to the aluminum as it'll get all loose and possibly blow out.

[@nimakhosravi6476]

can't wait for bodywork to get done on it👍👍

[@jimcarlisle2309]

You are a hard worker, the older I get the less I want to do.

[@captainlandyacht1328]

Love your work. You, Dan, and Driveway Engineer have been the inspiration to try my first ls swap. Keep up the great work. Can't wait to see this at a drag strip sometime.

[@kentuckyfriedjoe7370]

The Clarity of one’s garage. .. Nothing else like it man.

[@allan9603]

I've got my frosty Miller Lites on ice, popcorn in the microwave.., now time to sit back and watch Brent construct another masterpiece! 🕺🍻👍🇺🇸🇸🇪

[@richardarthur8191]

What I like about the old motors is that they are easier to work on and tear down without having to purchase high dollar equipment to work on or to redo the motors. Use to do my own work until the 80's.

[@HalfassKustoms]

basic stuff is pretty cheap but speed parts and spendy on these things, think it's due to them still being relatively new still I guess.

[@josealfredocuevas]

Brilliant idea on your tool for the springs. For not ever doing this job before you sure did a great job on it, keep up the good work can't wait to hear it run 👍🏼

[@robertkeable1627]

One can only marvel at your energy and all that so cool machinery. Be well and stay safe. UK.

[@robertvought7295]

Love the 53-54’s. They were the Lost in between’s I always thought they were the coolest.

[@stoveboltsix]

Excellent videos, very informative. I wish I live closer, I could sure use that old 235 and Powerglide transmission.

[@luzgonzalez2838]

You are bringing history, back to life.Thanks for the videos.GBY!

[@kentmckean6795]

I ran a 54 Chevy 2dr sedan back in the 80's (Olds W31 350 / Turbo 400), I used a 55 Chevy 4;10 rear and I used a 67 - 69 Mercury Montcalm 2dr HT gas tank. Other than turning it 90 degrees, it bolted in with no mods to the tank. Add 4 more teeth to the grill, it really smartens up the front end looks.

[@cjplol6589]

Loved the Muzak, was waiting for Elmer fudd to break out with, I killed the wabbit.

[@HalfassKustoms]

haha

[@angeljoseph-gordon2861]

Franz Liszt - Hungarian Rhapsody. Very old folk tune scored for piano first, then for orchestra in several versions. This is a really nice version.

[@travisdrum6760]

😂🤣😂🤣 Yeah me too!!

[@bobchipman9152]

Hey Man ,always enjoying your videos ,great ideas and love how you try stuff and your outlook on fixing and repairing is pretty dam good.Thanks

[@rdmeenach]

Love the classical music! Refreshing change from canned rock.

[@johnmcgreevy742]

Man Brent, you sure pick good music for the video LOL! I always learn a lot watching, thank you. Looking forward to the next one, which ever project it is!!

[@Mercmad]

I had a 50 year old alloy pan repaired by a shop last year, which cut the whole bottom off as you did ,then they made a new base so there was just a perimeter weld to do. Trying to weld that type of diecast is pretty damned hard after oil has gotten into it.

[@RealSteelAutoWorks]

Been really looking forward to this build. I like the idea of multiple projects, it keeps things going while waiting on parts and when you get mad at one just kick it in the corner, work on another, and come back with a cooler head. I have four myself lol, well 5 with the frame swap truck.

[@HalfassKustoms]

haha some people get it others don't it's all good, can't sit and twiddle my thumbs waiting for parts, being in Canada that takes a lot of time sometimes haha

[@stucook8622]

Another cool video. You couldn't get a better rig for moving the old treasures around than that JCB. Take it easy...Thanks for the hard work to share with us.

[@georgew.morrowiii118]

Always liked the “53” / “54” body style ... cool project

[@rodparker4514]

The smell of grinding that aluminum is putting me of my lunch .

[@davidsolloway9349]

I enjoy all the different projects ... you are one talented gentleman

[@SpatialDragon]

Dude, you have a whole yard full of rusty gold. That is awesome. Hope you can save most of them. Better to restomod than see them just rust away.

[@THRASHMETALFUNRIFFS]

That aerial flyover was like checking out the worlds coolest HotWheels collection... then seeing the pond was like dream house!

[@fuddwacker4803]

Me too! Beautiful trim on the BelAir. They looked very nice lowered in front!

[@rickm5806]

Is it just me or does Brents dog Have a cool patina too!

[@JimmyMakingitwork]

Love these cars, 54’s a great looking. Adding a modern LS, even better!

[@lorenmeyer5290]

Enjoyed the video! Have a great week!♡♡♡

[@paulcox2222]

Next time you are looking for a disque brake kit for a later model car try Scarebird classic brakes.They make the caliper brackets that adapt to your stock spindals and then they give you a list of stock parts to use.I can now put a kit on my 40 Hudson coupe.Keep up the great work as always.

[@mikeramirez913]

Super smart mechanic, Does things his way. and all the music in his videos speaks to people.

[@ianide2480]

Similar(ish) idea, but I feed nylon rope into the cylinder, roll the engine over and the rope presses against the valves. Low tech and VERY easy.

[@chrisellertson3352]

Hey Halfass I was unfortunately an aluminum welder and your right on the money about the spool gun. We would get the Kenworth's come into the shop off of the western Alberta oilfield roads and that Aluminum was Alien on the fenders or tanks. We were usually just using a flap disc, SS wire wheel and edge cut wheel for deep work and use of brass/copper flat bar as heat sink if needed.. The spool gun seems to clean much better and you can be hotter but sometimes aluminum is just a pain man as you have demonstrated. Keep it real in an unreal world!

[@dcrate3525]

Many Years ago, my Shop Foreman who was a very experienced welder, aluminum welded cracks in my snowmobile clutch. He had me make a steel cutting tool to gouge out the cracks. He said cutting or grinding with a wheel/disc with carborundum in it would put impurities into the aluminum. And make it very hard to weld. So in the end the clutch held for a few weeks till the new one came in... thinking about your pan welding.

[@johnswick4593]

I really like the body lines on those older Chevys. Minty!

[@saraspitefull32]

Love this car it's got some nice linescand patina can't wait to see how the new finishes 🙌

[@charliehicks2028]

I can't wait to see you get started on the 54 very nice car

[@terrywilliams667]

Pedro & Buddy know the answer to "whose a good boy?"!

[@ANOCKS]

It's Pablo not Pedro

[@terrywilliams667]

DOH!

[@bigbellyrebuilds2778]

You don't have to worry about getting bored when you have a 1000 projects in the fire...

[@fitzeesfabrications]

Going to be following this one

[@chuckhaynes6458]

That was a nice '54 Chevy Bel Aire.

[@paulwhite9076]

Looking forward to seeing this build.... enjoy your videos and as always... take care 👍👍👍👍

[@brdnsky6417]

Been there, done that. Ain't nothing but time. Good practice for even the stock motors. A compression tester will work also,Brent. National Chevy Assoc. in the States has new and used ones, and other parts for 49-54 Chevy's. Also a S10 2WD rear will bolt right in.Ronnie.

[@micregil]

Yeah baby, '54 chevys are cool.

[@edwardalamo2507]

They are totally different from the tri five and harder to work on six volt also

[@waynedavis7245]

I really go along with you about car interior. If you have to do any real time driving a vehicle a comfortable interior really helps out .

[@waynekopinski1949]

I had a 54Bel Air back in the 80’s, nice Texas rust free car, I put in a 400 small block with turbo 350 and Camaro rear, wish I had it today😢

[@keithharden7844]

I always enjoy what you build.

[@Chevyv8man1]

You should talk to Danny at DD Speed Shop. He has a guy that installs windshields cheap and does good work. Maybe he's close and cheap enough to you to do your windshield. I'm looking forward to watching you convert the 54 and the 56. Love your work. Good luck - Later

[@howardkoster4026]

Swapping out the front suspension seems like a wise choice. 1) Availability of parts. 2) Disc brakes with for improved stopping ability....Which, is nice...... It's always a pleasure watching your videos!!! Be well!!

[@THROTTLEPOWER]

Love the '54...................... 👍👍👍

[@AndrewHCann]

Excellent video ( Halfass Kustoms) Brent :) also going nice car when finished up and keep going strong plus videos to rolling to !

[@jimmyers1630]

Love the MUSIC!! But then i love the classical selections!!

[@lchebuhar9212]

Cool build. Looking forward to it! 💪👍🏼

[@tjr1064]

Hi - kits with just the brackets etc are available @ about $160. Love the vids - cheers from NZ

[@JazzStrat781]

Really excited Brent about this build 👍 have always loved 54 Chevy's. Best to you man from an old car nut in NC!

[@Ron36415]

You might try cleaning the pans with ez off oven cleaner, great for cleaning off grease, oil and paint.

[@IronChief]

Friend just did a 55 first series panel with jag front and rear, rides really well.

[@daleg937]

judging from your other builds this one is going to be awesome.

[@MegaCountach]

Cool Brent! Cheers, Doug

[@shaneandrow2971]

I like the build it coming along fast sorry that I been busy I will try not to miss anymore

[@TheCrackerBox]

Another good one brother !! can’t wait to see this one finished !! 😁👍

[@gtocruisn]

Dan from DD Speed Shop knows a window guy!

[@joe1annie2]

Sleeping beauty Nice lines Thanks for sharing :-)

[@markwatts6683]

I love watching your video. You have a cool shop, can't wait for the next video.

[@DennisMurphey]

You make me so crazy. I watch a show and feel good about you, your work and the results, then silence. Then oh OK I did some more work here watch this and its a completely different cat with all kinds of stuff to do and it so cool. I don't get my work done because I can't help but sit down and watch you tear ass in the show. You were changing the valve springs out and I knew what you were doing but you were working so fast. I thought I wonder how many folks actually appreciate what you were doing. The home made tools etc. then you slow down and walk us thru it, perfect. This is going to be a really nice cruiser. I can see that. Turbo LS is so neat. God I would really like get one of your cars, I think they are so cool. finished enough to enjoy and do the rest yourself when you want to. All your design concepts for power train and accessories is just so in line with my thinking. I saw something two cars down on the right from this Chevy next to the red truck looked like a 47 Chevy coupe. Like I had back in 1966 in Illinois. That would a hoot to get in LS Turbo, 700R4 and posi, lowered, little chop and good seats, dash and gauges. I never thought of the S10 swap but you know it makes a ton of sense. OH well, one of these days. Thank You so much for sharing your efforts. such a great mechanic and so creative in solving the interfaces. Great fun. Take care. Dennis in Virginia

[@HalfassKustoms]

haha thanks man, yeah the ford thing is something different sedan turned pickup back in the day.

[@mattewiegand9896]

I swear I learn something by the end of every video. Great content!

[@michaelmarusic8499]

👍🏻thanks again for the video!!!

[@rudyflores9395]

awesome car you'll be driving it next week end LUCKY sir. 53 or 54 are the coolest rides

[@willhorting5317]

Love those '54 Bel Airs.

[@dadedubbledee]

You gittin all sophisticated on us Brent with the classical music 🎶.

[@sheldonbenson4510]

Your doing a great job on the engine looks good so far

[@bob5074]

Hungarian Rhapsody in D Minor….superb choice of music as usual!

[@shanethompson7543]

It's going to be a beast when it's done ✔️ 💪

[@ANOCKS]

Brent the 54 is going to be a nice project, and I like your ideas so far. Forget the disc brake kit, the shipping is almost as much as the kit. And I'm not absolutely sure but I think a Oldsmobile windshield will fit that car also. Anyway, keep up the good work and I'll be watching.

[@luissantiago509]

Tremenda joya

[@mikescudder4621]

Great music choice... been too long since i last listened to this...

[@timhanson2080]

I like the S10 idea because parts are much cheaper. But then the other may be less work. I'm sure you will pick what's right for you and that's what it's all about ✅

[@markbrown6236]

The 54 is shaping up to be a good project.

[@DangerousSportsForSeniors]

Love the music. Sounds like a Bugs Bunny cartoon.

[@angeljoseph-gordon2861]

Its Franz Liszt. He adapted Eastern European folk tunes for piano, and some for orchestra. This is Hungarian Rhapsody, probably form mid 1800s, so not sure if he saw Bugs Bunny. The Warner's Cartoons were mostly backed by the Nelson Riddle Orchestra - who backed Sinatra for many recordings. Thats all my music nerd info for today.

[@neilmerrifield9633]

Cutting oil pans looks about as enjoyable as sand blasting!

[@williamblakeley2495]

Wow Pablo get a Awesome friend. 👌.

[@DrShankenstein]

I can't wait to see how this one turns out! Very excited!

[@allanimalstaxi]

Great project, I always like those sleeper cars that you think are Grandpa's car and the guy stumps it and its leaving black marks and smoke as it speed up the highway leaving the Camaro behind.

[@davidkimsey9591]

The new front clip is the right way. The old steering is so intrusive, it’s a real struggle to work around. I’m looking forward to seeing what you do with this one! And I’ll probably steal ideas for my ‘53……

[@donnie2533]

Great video glad you posted keep them coming thanks

[@busterpritchett4162]

Aw yea love those 54s

[@snoopu2601]

My two friend's that were brother's I grew up with they both had Chevy one had a 1953 2 door post the younger brother had a 1954 4 door Belair. I rode around in both of those car's in my teen year's. They were low rider's in the 1980s

[@jamesseaman6919]

A litre is a lot of oil to loose! You’re taking a heck of a chance!

[@davidbrumfield158]

It's very interesting music playing in the background

[@alfredodirks3537]

Dan from DDSS had a guy put in 2 windshields and has another guy that did interior !

[@murrayandru7527]

Genius idea for the spring swap Well done ! Always amazed at the Magic Man's Skills ...... SkooooKum Brent learning large as Old as I am ................ lol Thanks

[@todddaniels9488]

Thank you Brent for all the sharing of your time with us!! Been watching for over a year and find every episode inspiring. Good work man!! Hope to run into you someday. Would love to buy you a beer. Thanks again from the western side of the province.

[@ChitownRon]

You always play A great variety of music.

[@briandufty5081]

Love from New Zealand..