Rescue Mission: Will A 1958 Chevy Bel-Air Run After 30 Years of Abandonment!

[@MartinLaBarbera]

This is off topic but just wanted to share. My 77 Corvette became a submarine in Hurricane Helene, 4’ of water. After draining the water out of cylinders 5 and 6, changing the the battery and starter, changing oil, I’ve had it running and driving for the past few days. Still sorting electrical glitches and more maintenance like tranny and diff, corroded pos battery cable, and eventually carpet, seats, windows and more. I was confident but still amazed even after drowning how much this car wants to live.

[@unclerick8224]

Glad you are OK brother. It’s been a tough hurricane season.

[@dddevildogg]

The relays will most likely not drain The trans will have water in it- don't start it up,that will homogenize the water and oils, miss no fluids,good luck. lost my truck in Ida '21

[@oldredchevy-hh6de]

In '58, the Impala was the top of the line. It even had its own special body, shared with the '58 Pontiac Bonneville. Impalas were 2 door hardtops or convertibles only. This one is the much lesser Bel-Air series. The main, full line "family" series. Still , if your family drove this one home new in 1958, you'd be as proud as could be. It was larger, longer, lower & wider than any previous Chevy. The '58s were a 1 year only design. '59s were again changed drastically. Making the '58s look rather dated quite quickly.

[@atothez2258]

Dated? I know guys that were searching out the 58s back in the 60s , hardly dated..

[@beatglauser9444]

While the 59s were over the top and sensational, the 58 is a beautiful design and was underrated to long. I maybe one of the few who loves it even more than the 57. I own two 63 fullsize, a Belair and an Impala. And during those days Chevrolet built the best cars on the planet. No miracle they sold over a million fullsize cars every year.

[@ricardopino4857]

Nice Junk 🙀🙊🙀

[@reillypw]

Impalas also had 3 tail lights each side. This was basically the case from 1958 through 1976.

[@LovelyAbyssinianCat-ye6bd]

The58swere rust buckets always around the headlight bezels

[@louiserhoads1289]

I like the 58`s. They have a great personality and look so cool! 😊

[@ClassicChrome86]

Love the channel! Especially vids on the ‘56 Caddy! Keep the Classics Alive!

[@MarkSwitzer-h1n]

1958 Chevrolet Bel-air ! The '58 models had beautiful styling and were a one year only design .I'm amazed at how many are still left after over 60 years ! This featured car is worth restoring .

[@vettekid3326]

My oldest brother (23 years older ) bought a new 1958 Delray wagon new with the 348 big block engine. He still had it up until 1965 and by that time I was nine and quite aware of cars. I loved the sound of it with the dual exhausts. It had a nice low rumble, something my dad's Buicks never had.

[@XavierChavez-k2u]

I had a '58 Delray four door with the 348 in it back in about 1969-70. Really liked that car but traded it for a '57 Chevy that I liked even better.

[@daggggy]

so good I have always owned a 283 about 5 different cars and still have one with 4 hundred and 66 thousand miles on it valve job and still runs strong drove it from british columbia to california a few years back and it never skiped a beat and still going they have never left me stranded once best motor ever built

[@garyhodder2784]

Love your video's Ben,the 58 looks like a great project,can't wait to see it on the road!

[@anthonymcandrew529]

Great content! Thank you for posting.

[@dendkmac]

It's always worth a look getting buying a car this definitely looks like something to play around with

[@stude1953]

The car I learned to drive on! What a BOAT!! My Dad had an Impala two door.

[@RCindustry]

The 58 Chevys one of my favorite years of full size Chevrolet cars. I can't believe that people don't like them better than they do.

[@deanjones1041]

Reserections are the best!!! Great work brother!!!

[@ivorwm2291]

I loved the colours of the 50's cars. Everybody painted the pink cats because pink went out of style. It would be great to return it to pink. Great video. My dad's friend had a 58 Bel Air Sedan. I loved it

[@davebarron5939]

Always loved GM's one year 58 body style, good looking car. Bob Hope had a beautiful 58.

[@fooledman]

The first one was what my late dad had, and this one is what was left when he was done.

[@aftershock2222]

One of the first channels I subscribed to ten years ago was yours because I’m partial to ‘58 Chevys. I remember you working on that ‘58 like it was yesterday. That factory ac was as rare as hen’s teeth. I have a ‘58 Delray that is my winter daily driver. Thanks for the vid.

[@dondenny2534]

I have a Delray too, not my favorite winter car though…good for you!

[@scottmaz4063]

Job well done Ben can't wait to see it driving around

[@PapaDutch]

9:50 That looks like a truck tire 14:00 look at the spring base mount - it's MIA 17:50 EEK! Spring blocks! Those springs are toast! 24:40 lay a straight edge across the valves to see if the loose one is stuck ~ I think this car desperately needed you...

[@born_again_torinos]

This is a nice change. Looking forward to more on it.

[@4eyefoxbodyfanclub625]

Good job Ben.🤠👍

[@ericmaass3718]

What a beautiful Bel! It is truly special. Worth the effort.

[@KennethMason-j6i]

And these are what I want your channel I started out with your caddy

[@stevetheartistguy]

That was almost too easy. My luck is never that good. Good job Ben. Steve in Texas.

[@PaulKingIII]

Finally one of your videos was recommended again! I’ve been following for years I’m glad you’re still producing great videos. Excited for more

[@rustyaxelrod]

Impala at the top, Bel-Air mid level, Biscayne was the entry level. The station wagons had additional named trim levels. Interesting that the Impala had a different body, three taillights on each side while the other two trim levels had only two and the rear fin is shaped differently to match the tail light lay out. Still a pretty cool car. 👍

[@burlatsdemontaigne6147]

That paint looks amazing and at least the rest of it hasn't been Bubba'd and Bondo'd.

[@DanTheManIOM]

A older engineer I worked wtih, loved the 283. That is sounds so great after sitting, is amazing ! But you know the Caddy is going to be jealous !

[@vincentcalderella6404]

I'm glad you are working on the '58 Bel-Air! Those 283's were great engines. Back in 1974, I had a '58 Bel-Air 4-Door sedan like the one you had 10 years ago. Mine was the same color with the 283 and Powerglide trans. I sold it not much later and regret it to this day! In 1982 I had a '58 Biscayne 4-Door Sedan also that I sold in 1988. Today I have a '54 Chevy Bel-Air 4-Door Sedan that only has 68,000 miles on it. This one I will not sell!

[@dangoodall-williams4200]

That engine is solid!! Do the brakes, clean up inside, send her on to the next guy.

[@paulkirkland1535]

Ben; Those '58 GM cars were built! The 265-400 SBC V8's are a legend of themselves. You can't kill them. All they ask for for is fuel, oil and water/antifreeze and they take a licking and keep on ticking. I'm amazed at how well it runs considering it hasn't run for so long. Like a Swiss watch. Keep up the great work and videos 💯👍👍

[@jonathanmccool2871]

The late 50s GM wheels that cracked were a common thing back then. My parents had a '57 Buick Cabellero that broke a wheel every month and my Dad wouldn't run tubeless tires on the beast. They traded it in for a '64 and it ran until my Mom drove it into the Bay in San Diego in the mid-70s.

[@asteverino8569]

I got half the car at half the price. Nice engine start. Amazes me how it will go after the car seems gone.

[@audiofile8833]

Beautiful. That's a car that's deserving of rescue. The body is in great shape, and the floors are junk, but that's to be expected under the circumstances. I've seen worse floors on later model cars, so there's that. Is all of the glass intact and in decent shape? If it is, that's huge. I think it's worth saving. It's just a cool car. It needs some TLC, yes, and probably a little updating, as well. And besides, the '58 and '59 Impala are two of my all-time favorite cars. 😁

[@cvbluegrasspatriot9157]

We were in a 58 wagon, when a cab blew a red light and knocked the whole front of car off. 2 seconds later We would not be here!!😇😇😇😇 Great video!!

[@tcwascawy1]

In 1958 I went, with my Dad, to the Chevy dealership which, I believe, was 88th street and 4th avenue in Bay Ridge to see if we could trade our '54 210 sedan. I was already a rabid car fan at 7 and we saw a Bel-Air 4 door sedan (With backup lights!) on the showroom floor next to an Impala coupe with the beautiful twin 3 tailight rear. Dad couldn't afford it though (College prof) and to this day, I still admire this 1 year only design. Love your show and kudos to you and the family.

[@williamkirkland7002]

The black 🐈‍⬛ lab is giving very much needed morale support. 🐈‍⬛🐾🐾🐾🐾 (Nice shop )

[@TheCorvetteBen]

He is the best at that!

[@1musicsearcher]

You’re such an optimist. I can see it now, the next episode will be the first drive!

[@carguy4658]

Ben, Variety is the spice of life. The running engine sounded good. Yes it needs some work, some road signs to patch the floors ...🙄... Enjoy the tasks.

[@gpl422sda]

I used to own a four door Bel Aire also. It was a green one in the condition of the one on your picture. It ran great and had a 283, with a three on the tree. My brother wrangled it from me, to sell to a girl.

[@subtle7hunder62]

Absolutely love the new project! I’m all in brother.

[@TheBeachedone]

The rear suspension is amazing, no leaf springs!

[@markfierke8565]

58’s are iconic and pivotal in GM design, it is a one year only car. Also, it has three piece bumpers meaning it was built in California or Canada

[@JamieCameron-Mackintosh-z7c]

I bought it "because I could." I think every car guy has been there. And usually ended up profoundly regretting it 🤣

[@robkeller3431]

I admire your bravery.

[@griviljava]

Boy. She's a beaut tho. Trippy design, nice style!

[@johnhouseholder7682]

Nice one Ben can’t wait to see more content on this car I love the 58 best of the 55-58 chevy.thanks John from Arizona

[@Dinger182]

I love you having a 58 on here again. The one you used to have way back when is what got me subscribed in the first place! I really love the 68-72 C3 tho 😍

[@ralphh.2200]

Nice work...In 1965 I had one of these, an Impala convertible, pretty worn out...the steering kept going out. A Chevy dealer fixed it three times in a month, telling me to junk it because it could be really fixed only by turning it upside down to weld something or other. Then got drafted.

[@dcallan812]

it would be nice to see it painted if its safe to drive. . Great video 2x👍

[@oscartheg6674]

I remember being a little kid sitting in the back of a station wagon that was this one and going to get groceries it was a four-door my dad was handy he put a 3-speed Rock grinder in it.

[@robbrown4954]

Adam, over at Rare Classic Cars & Automotive history just did a video on the ‘58 Chev Impala

[@rustyrobinson8027]

Yes Ben your content is awesome 👍🇺🇸

[@TheCorvetteBen]

Thanks! I'm glad you like it!

[@MechanicPVN]

admire your old car collection

[@keithkrause3386]

Great start up, keep going, fuel pump,rad,waterpump, clean the interior up and see if you've got brakes!!! 😊

[@Conn653]

My parents had a '58 Biscayne. We were on our way home from an event. Mom was driving. A 'kid' was playing tag with us. We were at a stoplight. The light turned green and mom floored the car. Left the 'kid' wondering why his 'hot rod' couldn't out perform our car. BTW - mom was P. O. at "The Kid'. 🙂

[@jamesswapinski9190]

That old girl still has the bare bones,bring her back buddy .

[@davidwoodham1307]

Hi there they are a great looking car mate I like The 58 Mate American Graffiti I love Washing and great looking white one I will get one day mate

[@jameshall4385]

Sweet car. She needs a lot of work but the 58 is my favorite.

[@Paul-k9b2v]

In Canada, the Pontiac line up was, Strato Chief, (Del Ray/ Biscayne), Laurentian, (Bel Air) and the Parisienne, (Impala).

[@daveallen8824]

How I remember working in a gas station in the 70's and having to change the oil filters in these things - I don't know why it took Chevy so long to do a regular filter...they used this setup well into the 60's. You cannot forget to get that old gasket out - at least after you don't get it out once and make a huge mess...

[@rickybearden4575]

the rear control arm kept the rear endd from crow hopping when you do a burnout if the ignition switch is not in the lock position you can start it without a key !

[@JamieCameron-Mackintosh-z7c]

If somebody put the money into doing the paint and interior in, I'd say probably the '80s because they chose to use "resale red" on it, then they'd probably spend a few bucks making sure the engine is healthy or they'd have just dumped a 350 small block into it. And it is very sweet for an engine that's been idle for 30+ years.

[@Paul-k9b2v]

In Canada, a Chevy Bel Air was also called a Pontiac Laurentian, which had Chevy drivetrains, and wasn't a Catalina.

[@Auggies1956]

I had a two-door 58', forty-five years ago and the headlight caps were gone. I searched all over for fenders. But no luck, it's a shame as it ran and stopped well. What made me part with it was the left front frame rail was rotted. The shame is I found a pair of fenders thirty years later when I was on a tow lot rescuing another car.

[@johnsarian_cu]

I've always been a fan of 58s over the popular tri-fives.

[@Paul-k9b2v]

In 1958, the Impala was the top of the line, with the Bel Air below it, and the Biscayne was under the Bel Air, with the Del Ray, being a base model.

[@michealmccune7809]

Nice awesome corvette Ben oh my goodness wow it’s been a long time since I’ve seen your videos on KZbin missed you my friend good too see ya back

[@PaulSheehan-b2w]

In Canada, the Bel Air was also called a Pontiac Laurentian, a "Poncho", which wasn't a Catalina.

[@GMCTIM]

THE LOSS OF MY DAD WE WERE WORKING ON HIS 58 WAGON IN 2014 ! THE DOORS SHUT SMOOTHER THAN CARS TODAY & BODY WAS IN GREAT SHAPE ! DONT BIULD THEM LIKE THAT TODAY FOR SURE ! 👍❤

[@johnpoteat9774]

WHY ARE YOU SHOUTING!

[@johnmilner7603]

My Dad bought a 58 Biscayne in 1959, 4 door the same color as yours. As kids in the 50’s and 60’s when we were in the back seat and saw one of our friends walking down the street we’d hit the deck and hide cause it was so embarrassing back then being the only kid in the neighborhood whose Dad wouldn’t have a new car like the rest of the neighborhood. 😂

[@ForeverDownByLaw]

Cool car. '58 is such a problematic year due to the one year only body style and quality issues. Explains why great examples are so much cash.

[@johnkendrick7304]

In 1958 the Impala was top of the line which until the Caprice came along was always the top of the line

[@drdjh2003]

I remember you posting on the first 58 build you had on the Hamb. Being from Oklahoma I think I recognize it from an ad.

[@howardscott7521]

You lifted the car by the frame, which is how it should be done. I watched another professed expert on KZbin pick up a 64 vert by the rockers once and wondered if the doors ever opened and closed. correctly afterward. That whole front end and power steering system (except for the pump) is identical to a C3.

[@PaulSheehan-b2w]

1958, was a great year, (I was born in 1958).

[@Paul-k9b2v]

Keep that great GM feeling with genuine GM parts.

[@maldavis9595]

The 58's fine but where'd the Mercury go , was looking forward to that to come on the channel.

[@dno5779]

I think the glove box lock might match the ignition switch. Take the cylinder to a locksmith. You probably already know that. That car had dual exhaust converted to a single. Dual might mean factory 4bbl??

[@PaulSheehan-b2w]

In Mass. the left side got rotted in the rear quarters, when the snow kicked up when the car was parked on the street.

[@Paul-k9b2v]

1958, was a good year, (I was born in in 1958).

[@jonnieters2306]

The 58 came famous in the movie American graffiti its a great looking car

[@Paul-k9b2v]

That's USA-1 taking charge, (old slogan).

[@AlanBridges-t8o]

Lower A frames are the same as corvette just opposite and have to cut the sway bar mounts and move back to the front of the A frame.

[@johnkendrick7304]

I was surprised that those tires wouldn't fit. They're not even that wide?

[@PaulSheehan-b2w]

ViceGripGarage got to see a Chevy in Conn. built in Argentina, on this guy's property.

[@davidkabara6023]

My dad had a '58 Biscayne 4 door that he bought from my great uncle. It was a basic model and had 3 speed manual on the column, no power steering and no power brakes. I went for m drivers license test in it. We live in the rust belt and the fenders rotted over the headlights a nd floors rotted out. The shifter also would get stuck in 3rd, not good at a busy intersection.

[@billyhaddock5540]

Congrats on getting the 58 chevy motor to run alittle.. I like the 58's better than the 55/56 and 57

[@TheCorvetteBen]

Same here!

[@mgreg8134]

It is very possible the power steering mechanism is the same as a C3 Corvette. GM for many years used the same parts on all of their makes and models. Which made them one of the cheapest vehicles to repair.

[@drainwil]

Surprised you didn't put some mystery oil or something similar into the cylinders before you started cranking it.

[@edpeleschka2729]

TheCorvetteBen & CoolOtherStuff

[@crazypainter56]

I think the first era corvettes suspension were taken from 53 chevy Bel air suspension-maybe that engine was rebuilt at some point

[@dendkmac]

A new toy?? cool!

[@kamanvanderpool2257]

Please pump out the vids on this one ben!

[@warrengee-f9l]

decades old lowering kit 😁 Its Air Cooled ... Neat

[@christinawiseman-gc9jh]

I think there's a sludge pond in the bottom of that pan and oil pump. Can't pick anything up out of that mud

[@williamkirkland7002]

From dust we were created and to dust we shall return. I like the 58s but only the 6 six tail light models 🔴🔴🔴▫️▫️▫️ 🔴🔴🔴. Less than two thousand for that car in today's world is a bargain. When they are gone and crushed you can't enjoy them any longer. The 57s over shadowed the 58s even in 2024 the 57 is most desirable. That 58 is pretty much original condition that's a great purchase in my opinion from TAMPA BAY FLORIDA USA 🇺🇸. Those cars are difficult to find in my area of living. The steering system was widely used in many GM models. I had a 64 Impala with the same system, rebuild kits are still available and not to hard to rebuild. 283 is a great candidate to build in Corvette specs with solid lifters,4 barrel intake,carb, and high volume fuel pump. This engine is a nice addition to that Impala /Biscayne/ Belair. Style Heavy Chevy. I'm enjoying your content from TAMPA BAY FLORIDA USA 💪 🇺🇸💪

[@specialks1953]

I remember back in the day, I worked at White Stores Inc. in Houston, Tx and we sold tires with that same tread style. (The rear tires) I owned some back around 1969 or so. I don't remember the name of the tire but I think it what White's house brand although it was still that tread design. I do not remember the house name brand. Thanks

[@rickybearden4575]

i was born the same year that car was born !😂😂😂

[@2biicoachingformndkarlotto317]

Thanks for a great video and god´s speed on the recovery of the car. Just a philosophical question - I´ve been watching American - will it start and run videos - for many years and I love how these old rigs comes alive again. My question might be sort of a cultural theme, and I´m curious why it´s so important for many american men to drag these old cars out of barns and junkyards and get the running/restoring/rescuing. What kind of national romanticism and nostalgia is this all about? As a european Norwegian/Danish I can share that we are also emotionally attached to our things/cars/boats, but it seems to me it goes deeper with americans. Is it fair to say that Americans are connected to their culture by their classic cars and the preserving of this culture have become important for these youtubers or is it just for the fun of it?