First Time Driving My New Hot Rod - 1956 Chevy Bel Air

I have wanted a 1956 Chevy Bel Air for years! Now that I finally own my dream car, I was so excited to drive it for the first time. Although... it did not go as planned.
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Thanks for watching!
-Olivia & Danny
Tags
#trifive
#classiccar
#cargirl
#projectcar
#racecar
#gasser
1956
Chevy
Chevrolet
Gasser
Drag car
racecar
patina
ratty
rusty
jalopy
bel air
project car
ls swap
5.3l ls
th400
turbo 400
drag racing
american classic
roadkill
vice grip garage
carburetor
ls engine
california
socal

[@SabotageGarageUSA]

Your content makes me want to put a TV in the workshop to play your content while I work on my projects. Thank you for keeping me interested at a level I can understand.

[@GnarlySpeedShop]

We really appreciate your comment. That means a lot to hear. Thank you for watching!

[@frecheewhite431]

I love the radio antenna comments that it was moved to get to get more channels and Danny,s comment someone taking a dump on the trunk lid, you two are classic and funny, love to watch your videos

[@jaya.0069]

If you have access to an Ozone generator it will eliminate the odor. You may be able to rent one for a day if you have an equipment rental business nearby. We use them in my repair business to remove animal odor as well as human decomposition odor. Love the 56, I had one years ago and currently drive a 55 Chevy sedan. New subscriber also.

[@TheSaxon25]

Sounds like you have some good stories

[@dwaynepettis6545]

Amazon $70 ozone machine. They work great and can be used anywhere

[@Feedthelibertytree]

Agree on the ozone generator, just make sure you do it and don’t get in the car for a couple days to allow the ozone to dissipate.

[@Chicago_Cars]

@@Feedthelibertytreedon’t need to wait a couple days. Use the machine then roll down the windows, car is drivable in minutes once the fresh air gets in it.

[@robertharker9010]

Such a great, natural, real, non-rehearsed fun content. Just so real. Love it.

[@mark_osborne]

I love how much you love this car Olivia-- and your passion for it

[@GnarlySpeedShop]

It truly is my DREAM car!! ❤

[@justinhromek73]

I just love the dash, hopefully you can keep that as original as possible. It is a time capsule!

[@GnarlySpeedShop]

That's the plan!

[@markbrown6236]

A tri five dash is Chevy at it's finest, that from a Ford guy.

[@bigbob16]

"The Good Side" is also referred to as the "Craigslist Side" Awesome project car... So many possibilities... Can't wait to see how it turns out 😎

[@FishNFoolLures]

I think the only good side here is looking at her from behind 31:12

[@joecrone9862]

You two always bring me back to the 70's !

[@brettjones5041]

Awesome How a Rough Old Car can Bring a smile to your face

[@JeffreySturm-ks9fs]

You are a great role model for finding a shared passion and cooperation. Can be used by anyone for anything, as long as it is shared and respected

[@romeoalphafoxtrot9517]

Just seeing the smile on Olivia's face is priceless! This will be a cool project for the channel. Judging by the condition of those upper control arm bushings, I would hazard a guess that pretty much everything in the front end is gone. That wouldn't be a bad place to start. You could even do it a little bit at a time. Once that is sorted, it will definitely be less of a white knuckle ride. I like the car. I think it is going to be a cool ride! Great job Guys!

[@Rski1234]

I really dig the 56 and can't wait to see what you do with it. Olivia and Dan your channel is gnarly!

[@terryeustice5399]

Olivia with manual steering. I would put a larger steering wheel. Makes it easier Thanks for sharing! 💯👊👍

[@BillyJoeJimBob28]

Yep, bigger is better. For steering wheels too! 😂😂😂

[@therealmccoy8310]

Your a natural Olivia and you seem to have a good teacher of mechanics too. I watch your videos alot so keep it up girl! Geoffrey

[@NetWit20]

With that windshield, you should name your '56 Belair "Drive By".

[@McBuggs.]

I kinda like that one, but they're gonna have to change the windshield, so I was thinking "Gomer's Pile." I mean Olivia did call it a pile right!

[@TheMonkdad]

This reminds me of my teen years in the early 80s. No money but lots of time and energy. Lots of tows home by friends in the middle of the night. Have fun because it doesn’t last.

[@elwoodsummersjr596]

Great video, you two are so enjoyable to watch, Liv's passion and excitement about the car is great , always brings a smile to my face, lots of love from Pa ❤❤❤❤

[@generalsandnapoleon]

Cool vid, my friend! 56 Bel Air is awesome.

[@garywilson12]

just read an interesting fact. there is only one full time quarter mile drag strip left in southern calif and thats famaso. i use to live in californian 1967 threw 1972 while in the airforce and spent time at a few drag strips that arent open anymore, fontana drag sreip for one, such fun in those days, there were drag strips everywhere no need to street race back then oh they still did, lol. knew a guy at the fontana drag strip in 67 was running a 63 chevy biscayne 409/425 4 speed that ran 11.97 @ 122mph. yes and pulled the front wheels off the line with solid axle. your 56 will make some good videos

[@djperry6787]

Well, I'm really excited about your '56!! You two are such hard working regular folks. It is a joy to watch all of your adventures that you decide to embark on. Okay, a little side comment 😉 your Belair was made the year I was born, in the town I was born in. My daughter spends a lot of time in Livermore, and we had so much fun watching you guys fix the Belair and bring it home. I love the front stance as well. I have a '55 Chevy 3100 pickup, and it was also made in Oakland. I put steel 6" x 15" wheels on it (they are brand new and factory painted a silver color) and the '55 Belair dog dish hubcaps. Wish I could post a pic. It's a nice look. The 15's also are supposedly big enough to remove the drum brakes and add discs to the front braking. Where you have no shocks in front, that would be a great opportunity for some coil over shocks right where the front spring is. That steering wheel is so tiny, it must be hard to drive unless you have power steering. My '55 had a tiny steering wheel like that and one of the first things I did was buy an OER original looking, really big (18") steering wheel. It's very cool looking and works great. The Belair OEM/OER steering wheels are like artwork as well. They are just gorgeous. Swapping the Belair's steering box for one that has the in and out fluid connectors would help with steering a lot and add power steering. And then of course a pump/reservoir to the front of the LS. My '55's steering currently is a challenge to drive like Your Belair's. So next week I begin the work of removing the engine, Replacing the steering box with a power steering box. Replacing the drag link and tie rod, and tie rod ends. Removing the front drums, and adding disc brakes and a new dual bowl master cylinder. I will also add a steering damper which connects to the tie rod and front axle. After all of that, a new crate 350 that has sitting in my garage since December will be installed. I have taken up way too much of your time already, having to read all of this. So I will leave you with, "Wow!! This car is going to be so much fun 😎 Enjoy!".........Dan

[@stevenheal2950]

Tires have date codes on them. If you don’t know how to read them look it up online they’ll tell you there’s a series of numbers that tells you the month the day and everything.

[@LI-FLKayakFisherman]

409 AC springs was the trick back in the 60’s to raise the front and then weld on threaded rod to extend shocks.

[@ThomasELeClair]

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,409 nine passenger station wagon front springs,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

[@LI-FLKayakFisherman]

@@ThomasELeClair Could have been those, long time ago and all I remember is the spring shop said the AC springs were the heaviest so that's what we had built. Took about 300 pounds on the fenders to get the shocks attached on the '57 we were building.

[@bobbywalls69]

Don’t worry about what other people think as far as you drank all of your beer or not that’s no big deal and if anybody sees you driving that car the car is cool I wouldn’t care if somebody saw me or not the new me

[@robertharker9010]

Liv knows her stuff about carburetors.....becoming more and more rare everyday!

[@streetsmart1164]

Your ‘56 takes me back to the early 70’s when I bought my first ‘56 for 200 dollars , from a guy named “Tiny”… which of course, he wasn’t. It was back in the days when just having fun with cars, .. well, .. was fun. Nice original Chevy , Keep it fun !😉

[@ronwatson4902]

My first car was a 56 Belaire 2 door post;same color as yours. That was 1965 and I was 15. When the guys at the cruise-ins get a look at Olivia you'll get all the parts and help you can handle. Good luck with your build.

[@trifive_era]

So awesome!! Looking forward to seeing you cruise it, enjoy it and fix it up!

[@fiberglassrb]

you guys have a lot of fun together👍

[@GnarlySpeedShop]

Always! :)

[@kevinanderson705]

Make it into the 'Gnarly Gasser'!

[@mikemullay5622]

Grant makes a nice vintage look steering wheel. I installed one of those on my '65 Skylark sedan.

[@red_fox_flareside]

Gotta have that CHOP! Cool ride. I’m a Ford guy but I’ve always thought the tri 5’s were the iconic hot rod.

[@trentdawg2832]

Congrats on the new addition to the garage guys!!!! Its def a keeper!!!

[@angelsanchez3074]

Name for it should be , Double Digit's as in the tri fi 55,56,57. My hat is on the way and i plan to order a few shirts. Love your enthusiasm for the old school hot rods. He is a lucky man to have someone who shares the same love for cars.

[@ctsroaddog]

Those skinnies on the front are the worst for street drivability they catch every crack in the road. It will be a great ride with some love. Happy for you guys!

[@markbrown6236]

That's a great car, I would be proud to own it. Name, Humble Pie.

[@truckladders4104]

Great Video ,really fun and relaxing. Loved the American Graffiti reference" A piss yellow 32 Deuce coupe!

[@GreggGonzalez-ei1gu]

Awesome episode 👍 and the ride is sick

[@SmittyInVegas]

Love the car. It reminds me of the 55 Chevy I had in 1981. I hate to say it but you probably have to gut that interior and hose it down with Clorox big time. I suggest getting on eBay and buying a turquoise original steering wheel. I’m a guy & I would definitely keep the front seat for action at the drive-in😎. God bless you and everyone here. Smitty.

[@robertdemore8706]

Good luck guys you're going to need it

[@jackyboygee777]

Cheryl the Chevy will look magnificent when she's finished. 😍......Great video guys.

[@chuckpratt447]

Thank you you like your show nice old car that's how I drive them

[@libertycan6959]

That is awesome. I love the dash in the 55 and 56. 🎉🎉🎉

[@stephenhayden2712]

Enjoyed the updated video, oldie but goodie !!!

[@rickkings2071]

I love it! Reminds me of a pile or two I used to own and one I havent driven yet. Its worse when you get it looking good and it doesnt start but then you get used to that or fix it haha. Its called character and thats a real experience lol. Thanks for sharing!

[@martinjay5906]

Cool find guys, enjoy 👍

[@moneybagsknottbob1784]

You guys have your hands full, great project.

[@crazyoldbiker938]

Very Well Done, Exactly True.

[@the_langss]

Thanks for the Video...Scotty Kilmer did a video on using an Ozone Generator to remove odors. Worked for him...Enjoy your new ride....Regards.

[@OdySlim]

400 BLOCKS: From the web. Steam holes are recommended for all 400 block applications. Use a 400 gasket as a template and drill the three holes nearest the spark plug side of the head straight down, the other three which are very near the head bolt holes should be drilled at a 30 degree angle away from the bolt hole. The center hole will intersect water about 1" down and the two outboard holes to a depth of 2 1/4". Use a 1/8 drill.

[@manuelceballos389]

repaint the white really nice and leave the green/blue patina and redo the Chrome nice

[@Hitmans30a]

I really love this thing , in all its patina glory . So much potential.

[@mikeselcamino]

Sweet car Olivia.. Can't wait to see what you guys do to it..

[@butchmanning6083]

love that car wish you guys were closer to me i have a ton of 56 chevy stuff

[@davidwhiten3742]

Been many miles in a 56 Bel Air. Grandparents had a four door grey and white. Loved it!

[@charleskottman6609]

Getting a front end alignment and adjusting the “play” out of the steering box will help you a lot..

[@KeithM-kv9tt]

Jalopy-X, with a knod to Project-X

[@espnmk]

Foxy Boxy! Thanks for Sharing! as long as it gets you from point A - B and in between.

[@MrDeepwatermarine]

Piss yellow 32 Ford. I love that you young folks really are livin the hot rodder life. American Graffiti reference is definitely rare with people your age.

[@mikelastpass689]

I'd call her Miss Molly. My hats off to both of you courageous wrenchers. I watched the previous vid of the drive back to the shop..... Wow... What Faith. Once all the kinks are worked out you'll have one sweet ride .

[@Yan7001978]

Buying a project car is lots of work, but the rewards are so awesome! As team it's always better too👌

[@WestsideCritters]

Olivia …😂😂 , when you said what a clunker , I laughed out loud with you and Danny ,, too hilarious,,, love ❤️ the ole bucket and Ya’ll 🏄‍♂️

[@Nzchimeran]

Id go 350 small block. Budget build, cam, heads, headers, 4L60e trans with the sonnax full heavy duty upgrade kits, trans cooler, easy trans to rebuild, light weight. Rear end upgrade Nice cruiser setup Definitely fix the rust , you are the caretaker now for that lovely bit of history,help it last another 50 years Carpets got to come out and be steam cleaned, POR15 the floor and sound deaden it at same time. Molds underneath the carpet

[@rocks-if6uh]

I got a 409 that is a running unit comes with the perfect headers that dump straight out the sides just like the old gasser ran. Let me know. She's real fine my 409.😅

[@baldhead7705]

Man it doesn't seem like that car is even safe to be on the road, lol, need to name that thing, The jalopy 😂

[@LARRYMOCNIK]

If I had the car: Speedway straight axle/disc brake kit, leave all the bumpers and trim to match the patina look. Replace the windshield, but leave the broken wing window, new set of Moon three gauges under the dash, seat belts, new fuel cell in the trunk, put the hood on it and drive the snot out of it for the summer!!! LOVE the content!!!! GREAT find!!!

[@rodhester2166]

You should not be embarrassed at all. That car has more character then most people. Such memories you are building.

[@rufusking1777]

Cool ride cant wait to see more of it

[@barryk253]

Is that the missing fender trim on the package tray right behind the seat??🤙🍻

[@user-ps1kq2mx9m]

How about Bela for her name. My first car was a ‘56, same color (but not a Belair), loved that car!

[@DavidJones-hl5om]

Beater Betty the Belair

[@pastorihjerpe]

I love the patina!❤

[@wesleydolen9180]

Odo ban, for sale at Sam's Club or HomeDepot. Mixes up to 32 to 1. Not a perfume, it kills the mold and mildew that causes odor. A disinfectant that works great on the worst mold and even rat po and pee. I'm sure Cali is more expensive, but in my area, Sam's sells it for $10.00 a gallon with a spray bottle.

[@NickManCuso59]

Use arm and hammer carpet cleaner on the carpet and on the upholstery if it's ratty. Let it set for quite awhile so it has time to absorb odors. Just keep doing it every once in awhile and eventually the odors will disappear. If the car has seat covers throw them away. Leave all the windows down so the interior has a chance to air out. This worked for me good luck !

[@bcavmechanic]

Pretty cool car overall. Gassers are the coolest, especially tri five ones. It sounds like you have some good plans for it overall. Those old builds are always pretty crude workmanship compared to what we do now a days. Looking at that front end mess I highly recommend a front clip straight axle swap. It needs everything anyway. A properly set up straight axle drives great. My buddy just did a Nickey front clip on his 55' and it was a breeze to do. Danny welds plenty well to install something like that. Thanks for the entertainment. I always enjoy the show.

[@hammakhmc9363]

I love the green tint had mine for a few years now. I have mine on my 54 Belair hardtop.

[@OdySlim]

If you want to keep it looking old school looking you could always go with a 400 small block. You could easily get 418 cubic inches of pure old school SBC by boring and stroking it and you would get your choppy cam as well. I love the car and am happy for you! Regards from Ody Slim

[@alertgasper]

just remind 'em about the steam holes. picked up a couple cheap from folks who didn't know about this. the last one i scored just before the pandemic--$150 without a crank but a spare aluminum intake. came from a suburban but someone had put on a corvette intake in place of the stocker so i have both intakes and will go stroker when i find a car for it someday. Another seller thinking the LS has made everything from the past obsolete, heh.

[@OdySlim]

From the Web. 400 Small Blocks Steam holes are recommended for all 400 block applications. Use a 400 gasket as a template and drill the three holes nearest the spark plug side of the head straight down, the other three which are very near the head bolt holes should be drilled at a 30 degree angle away from the bolt hole. The center hole will intersect water about 1" down and the two outboard holes to a depth of 2 1/4". Use a 1/8 drill.

[@michaelsmall6818]

The smile on Olivia's beautiful face says it all... she's in love with this car, I don't blame her, even the condition I love it... small block chevy, 406 stroker, 700r4 tranny, everyone has 383 and 355ci.... love the car and your enthusiasm... great video and can't wait to see the progress

[@freshram192]

Totally subscribed and just ordered the Blue sparkly logo shirt to support. Great videos

[@tonypartida4086]

I enjoy your videos I l live right down the road in Ventura. Keep up the good work💯👍

[@timbrown9731]

Bro, no way a lot of my families from Oakland that would be so funny if my uncle built that car he worked at that plant! In fact, my Nonna lived right behind the Hells Angels in Oakland, the whole Sunny Barger….. and that’s a whole Nother story..

[@Lewis-me55chev]

It has ball joint spacers & Big block springs

[@SteveTheFordGuy985]

The best suggestion, would be to remove the carpet and any padding to bare floors. the the car leaks water at all the floor /carpet, will get wet, become a sponge sucking up all the water. You may find rusted floors under the carpet. I would remove the seats, then remove all covering on the floor. This is necessary to know for sure the condition of the floors. All water leaks have to be repaired / emanated before you can install a new carpet kit into the car. Just a suggestion folks, I am not telling you what to do.❤

[@68ratwagon]

Nice drive you have👌

[@tommonson6288]

My vote on the wheels would be, a nice set of chrome reverse ( not uni-lugs), of course, wheels are whatever you like !...Tom

[@user-vd4ib2gm9j]

looks like TROPICAL TURQUISE AND INDIA IVORY paint where i live in Buffalo NY - driving that 56 like you did /are Id need a filing cabinet for all the tickets

[@barrfoste9209]

Looks like nice in Cali Ozone generator should get rid of the odor. Love you videos

[@barrystoy8222]

Enjoy your first ride awesome.Car had one when I was eighteen . Windsorontario canada watching

[@Costanza2014]

Heck this still looks better than my first vehicle. It was a '78 Dodge Van with the steering box not bolted in. So it wondered where ever it wanted to go and at 16 I just drove the heck out of it.

[@greggsvintageworkshop8974]

I'm pretty sure the paint color back then was called "Robin Egg Blue". I love the car!

[@Cradletothegrave67]

Love the adventures as always. Next years Redwood Rally car !! I’ll meet you guys with my 51.

[@midnightgambler3718]

Maui has a nice 1/4 mile track too you know

[@shadetreemotorsports]

On the hunt for milner's coupe,that was hilarious. Lets call it grover for now.

[@adamvalenzuela6626]

My favorite of the tri 5s. The 56 chevy. Just put a hood on it.

[@James_71]

I'm new to the channel. Hello 👋 You guys have a really cool laid-back vibe. Absolutely live it

[@jimmininger3014]

Fun to watch great job

[@HoustonKilby]

Congrats on the 60k holy crap you’re killing it !!

[@markkuahlamaa770]

Thanks , This The Great Car Cruising , it is The Best ! Hello From Finland & I Have a Car Channel too ! #Retired4You All The Best to You 2024 !

[@alcyr5655]

Just a die hard Mopar guy, wondering if you'll mount that tank up front. I always liked the gasser look. Mid 50's, and never owned a Ford. Had a couple of chevys. Multiple Mopars. Just enjoy what you got. No need to bad mouth other brands.

[@Ogsonofgroo]

I've always loved Bel Airs, one of the classic gassers, stock ones are sweet grocery machines, this looks to be a great start for a build-up to something fun and you seem bright, serious, and up to the task, subbed for the out-come :)

[@josephtizol9695]

To solve the smell…I took my work truck to a detailer who used a small plug in unit like a dehumidifier and also bombed it which worked great. Amazon sells these little things they look like little couch pillows and I think they’re charcoal filled but they have different sizes. I love this car I’ve got a 69 F100 and I’ve give my left nut for original paint