Fresh Breath of Bel Air

All new for ’58, Chevy’s Bel Air introduced coil spring rear suspension, big block V8’s and triple carburetion for the first time in a full size Chevy. Watch as Steve showcases what made the ’58 Chevy so different from 1957.

[@burthenry7740]

In 1971 one of our high school teachers invited a few of us students out to the parking lot to see his freshly restored car. It was a '58 Bel Air 2door. It was nicely done, but later we talked among ourselves "Why would anyone restore a '58? Why not the much more desirable '55-'57s? or even the '62-'64s?" He was ahead of the curve of course, but it took years before the 1958s became big money cars.

[@istvankovats8541]

what would you have needed to restore in a 64 in 1971? That would have made it 7 years old, youd find most of them still running on the road at that point im sure. My nearly 20 year old car is still road worthy as is without any need of restoration, not even visible rust or tears in the upholstery.

[@burthenry7740]

@@istvankovats8541 Not in the rust belt in 1971. By 7 years old most cars were junk, Seats worn out, door cards warped, stained. Junkyards were full of rusted out cars with 70,000 miles. Any car older than 1965 was old then. There were exceptions, of course. But, in general, the styles changed so quickly no one wanted an old car. People wanted the latest and greatest!

[@terrymoss6532]

Proud owner of a 1958 Delray and had no clue 58 was the first year for coil springs. Great video as always!

[@corvairjim1]

My dad's all-time favorite car was the '58 Impala that he bought brand new. He liked it so much when he first saw one that he traded in the fuelie '57 Bel Air coupe that he had only had for just over a year. 348, Power Pack, Turboglide automatic. White over turquoise outside, 3-tone blue inside. When my folks were first married, my mom couldn't handle the power of the big Chevy. She was used to her '57 Chevy 150 4-door sedan with a little straight-6 and 3-on-the-tree. She couldn't start out front a stop without putting down twin 10 foot streaks of rubber! Dad surprised her one day when he got home from work: he had traded in his baby, straight up, on a brand new Corvair 700 club coupe. 84 rompin', stompin' horsepower hooked up to a Powerglide automatic. Talk about two completely different cars from the same brand! They had that little Corvair for only two years. When they found out that they had a second kid on the way (me), they traded it in on a new '62 Biscayne 2-door sedan. Heres the punchline: I've been a die-hard Corvair fanatic ever since I bought my first one in 1980! I once had a much-modified '66 Monza that would have shown dad its taillights in a stoplight drag. Still, I would love to get my hands on that gorgeous '58 Impala!

[@phillipbouchard4197]

Hi Steve, This video brings back memories of my Uncle Norman's 1958 Bel-Air 4 door sedan that he got used in the mid 1960's. His was in black with the 283 V8, automatic power glide transmission, no power steering or brakes. In its later years it rotted out badly and he once lost the entire gas tank and trunk bottom which fell completely out on Route 6 in Andover Ct. while he was doing 50 mph ! He still drove it for years after that with a 2 and one-half gallon can under the hood.

[@jameshall4385]

That car must have been gorgeous when it was new. What a great color combination

[@radiodeletedude]

Good Morning from Arkansas to Professor Magnante's early birds!

[@kevinfenton2781]

Back at you 👍

[@simonedwards5070]

I eat lunch watching the genius in 🇬🇧

[@mikepotter6426]

Florida. This makes me late to work

[@sasquatch440]

You guys gonna get blasted with snow?

[@SteveMagnante]

Hello Simon Edwards in GB! I spent a semester at The University of Stirling in Scotland in 1985 but found time to take the bus down to "Lunnen" (as my Scottish friends called London). I remember visiting the WWII Royal Navy frigate on the Thames and riding bicycles in London traffic around Trafalgar Square and Piccadilly Circus and living to tell about it. The most important aspect of that 1985 semester "abroad" was my discovery of great music by Echo and the Bunnymen, Siouxsie and the Banshees and the Smiths. I still listen to this music today! Thanks for watching and writing from "across the pond". -Steve Magnante

[@IowaBudgetRCBashers]

The 58 gm Lineup is my absolute favorite of the 50’s . I think they’re gorgeous cars

[@Elmo_Fuddleputt]

The production numbers from back in the day blow my mind.

[@The_R-n-I_Guy]

We're all pulling for you Steve. Hope to see you soon

[@jeffreysproul9110]

Steve, my paternal grandfather bought a new 58 Chevy Impala 2 door hardtop copper tone color with white top and white on the sides. He had always had Buicks and for some reason decided to get a new Impala. Years later he had it parked on my Aunt's driveway and while checking the engine he put a brick on the accelerator to raise the idle and the Impala shot out of the driveway which was on a hill and wrapped itself around an electrical pole. The car was totaled but fortunately no one was hurt especially since it was on a main street with lots of traffic (Far Hills Avenue in Dayton, OH). To say my grandfather was mechanically declined would be an understatement. It was a beautiful car and had very low mileage. We all were glad that he didn't have a car to drive because he was a total menace on the road but relieved no one was on the street at that time. Thanks for the great video on the 58 Chevy Bel Air and Merry Christmas!

[@andrefiset3569]

My dad had a 58 Pontiac he bought new and kept it until 1970. It was so rusted the back seat rested on a 2x4 and the fuel tank fell on the highway. We lived in the rust belt but it also stayed during the winter nights in a heated garage since 1965 with the salt doing his job.

[@CR7659]

That generator with the PS pump on the back is a somewhat desirable piece.

[@ricksaint2000]

Thank you Steve Get well soon

[@RoadRunnergarage8570]

The 283... The engine that made the 57 Chevy famous....

[@davidhughes5789]

This video reminded me of James Garner driving the 58 Chevy convertible into the swimming pool in The Thrill of It All with Doris Day. I wonder what happened to that one after the filming.

[@steves9905]

coil springs were also introduced in '58 because air suspension was the new big thing for that year and the bags took the place of the coils. every GM line offered it, so all were newly coiled for '58. didn't work out too well...but they kept the coils after the bags were discontinued

[@adamthomas9829]

Omg ! My friend s dad had a panel 1958 sedan delivery. Love that car this video brings back so many memories

[@Steve.imler.]

The 58 Chevy is my dream car! Thanks for sharing

[@zzzoo2]

Thanks Steve! I love 58s. Great lessons here, too, on some of the high points in engine development. The Impala took an already great design and made it true art.

[@MikeTheSlacker]

The 58 is my favorite. Back in '65 when I was 10, we moved to LA and the neighbor had the sweetest 58 Impala with the sport roof.

[@drivexyz2297]

someone has to bring this back on the road

[@sammolloy1]

A story I read told of the hand sanding needed in that rear cove on an Impala. The sander was told “make that one perfect, it’s going on the Dinah Shore Show. It was a white convertible.

[@plunkervillerr1529]

In 1966 I owned a 58 black six-cylinder Impaler which came from Florida with window defogger only. I froze my rear off the first winter in N.H. In the spring I got a 58-wagon heater at a junk yard. That heater was too powerful for a sedan, so I roasted the next winter. Such memories.

[@neilschristensen9143]

Had a 58 Bellaire. Had a 283 with a 4 barrel. One rainy night hit a construction compressor without flares or markings. Totaled it but still drove him the next day with the hood in the trunk, running on 5 cylinders.

[@ScottDLR]

This could be such a sweet ride. Now days, a 4 door like this would be great for hauling friends to dinner, etc.

[@hoovsgmc]

Watching these videos has become part of my morning routine. Thanks Steve, keep it up. Merry Christmas everyone from Southeast Missouri.

[@SteveMagnante]

Glad you like them!

[@patdesrosiers6423]

Dad bought a used 58 when I was a kid in Shrewsbury. He brought it back to the dealer after looking closely discovered it had been wrecked and “fixed”. My Mom’s sister who is eight years older than me had a gold 58 Impala. I was twelve and she was twenty and we’d go cruising in that very nice car. Great video, love the dog

[@davebarron5939]

Loved this one year styling, especially the Cadillac's.

[@MrSwinger1]

I've always liked 58 Chevies since American Graffiri. I had the chance to see one parked next to a 57 last summer at a show. It is obvious they are 2 different cars

[@dougnewman4609]

58 is one of my favorite yrs.

[@tedecker3792]

About that X frame… I was 11yo in 1958 and I remember seeing an Impala convertible being hauled backward by a wrecker through Deadwood. The front wheels were on the ground with the front half of the car level with the ground. The back half was at a 45* angle up to the wrecker’s hook. I heard the frames of convertibles got additional bracing mid-year.

[@mikeyb.3004]

Great video Steve. Love '58's. I learned a lot this morning. Thanks!

[@SteveMagnante]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@brombrom1522]

I read somewhere that the stamped rocker arm arrangement was a feature of the then new Pontiac engine then in development, and that Chev after finding out about it got permission from the GM head office to also use it in their own new engine.

[@dalemeyers4175]

Had this same car in the late 60s although it was a 2 door, Salmon red. The previous owner had replaced the automatic transmission with a 3 speed and a Hurst shifter. I replaced the intake manifold with a 4bbl and Carter AFB. That mostly caused it to make more noise. Not much else. Another kid had an Impala 2 door with a 348 and Tri Power, black. Both were hardtops. For the most part the hot rodders didn't want to have much to do with them. Still run into guys my age that make fun of them.

[@Doctordeath131313]

I was surprised that you did not elaborate on the 58 Impala being part of the Bel Air model line. The Impala only became its own model line starting in 59. Regardless, you do a terrific job on the little nuances.

[@anibalbabilonia1867]

Man those are still great looking cars! Love the styling of those 50s Chevy’s!👌😎👍great video Steve!

[@willhorting5317]

I have always loved the Chevy 283 V8. The 1966 C10 that I drove to high school, my Freshman & Sophomore years (owned by my parents), had a 283. Manual 4-spd trans; and of course manual brakes & steering. And then, the 1954 3100 that I owned & did a frame-off rebuild of during the 1980s...I installed a 283 in place of the original worn out 235 inline six.

[@jfu5222]

There was no reason to be disappointed in seeing the 283 under the hood!

[@willhorting5317]

@@jfu5222 very true. But I think Steve was hoping for the big block.

[@davidp2888]

Watching these videos while having my morning coffee is part of my routine now.

[@bk14nyc]

I always loved how the Impala gave you 3 tail lights on one side, and the lesser model, Bel Air, Biscayne, and yes, even the Del Ray gave you only 2 tail lights! ❤️❤️❤️

[@Oldcarnut63]

And the wagon had only one on each side.

[@debbiebermudez5890]

Mr. B . Here ! Morning to all ! Very cool Steve , I have 1958 Olds Super 88 coupe , it is very nice to see what is the same and different. Hope to see more of the land yachts !

[@SteveMagnante]

Morning!

[@debbiebermudez5890]

Thank you to like !

[@debbiebermudez5890]

@Steve Magnante Thank you ! Hope to see more land yachts , maybe 1959 to 1968 ! Good hunting !

[@johngranato2673]

Super video edition. I really enjoyed this. Thanks, Steve!

[@SteveMagnante]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@rustyrobinson8027]

Thanks again Steve we appreciate your content

[@SteveMagnante]

I appreciate that

[@daveridgeway2639]

Hi Steve, nice video. If I am incorrect, I will eat my words. The 1958 Chevrolet did see a new "X" type frame that replaced the "ladder" type frame. The full "perimeter" frame would not come along until 1965 (full-size) and 1964 (mid-size) The 1955-1957 Chevrolet was called the "A" body. The 1958-1964 (full-size) was called the "B" body, and the 1965 and (full-size) with it's new full "perimeter" frame (and would keep the "B" body name} much the same until the very last rear wheel drive Chevrolet Caprice. The new for 1964 GM (mid-size) Chevrolet Chevelle for that matter was called the "A" body, (the name barrowed from the '55-'57 Chevy) received it's all new full "perimeter" frame would stay much the same until the last rear wheel drive Malibu/Monti Carlo. Starting in 1955, the 265/283, etc. "small block" Chevy saw a brand new revolution with it's new ball and stud rocker arms, this meant much higher RPM potential and yes, GM put a patent on this. The "small block" Ford, 221/260/289 etc. would not see ball and stud rocker arms until 1962, seven years after the first "small block" Chevrolet. Please reply. Dave...

[@oldgysgt]

Back in the day, we considered the 1958 Impala to the only true Impala. That's because it was the only Impala to have a unique body shell, and not just different trim moldings.

[@i.hunter3627]

My '58 BelAir had a 283 2 BBL with the turbo glide trans and 4 corner air suspension with engine driven air compressor

[@nickjervis8123]

The stamped valve rocker design was by Delorean for 1955 Pontiacs. 1955 first Pontiac V8.

[@88SC]

Another interesting fact is that there was two different two-door hardtops produced by Chevy that year. The Impala with its sleek roofline was offered along with the Bel Air two door hardtop, which shared the same taller roofline and rear window with the rest of the Chevrolet passenger cars. Busy years for die makers.

[@HotRod-wv4vm]

Thanks for the memories. My dad had 2 of them. 1st one was a light green and leaked in the trunk area when it rained so he traded for a honey and beige one. Pretty sure they were Biscayne though. I remember someone coming to my neighborhood and trying to sell a black impala with black interior stick shift not sure if it had the 409 or the 348 beautiful car 😮

[@HotRod-wv4vm]

@SteveMagnanteprize thanks 🙏

[@garyspaun5237]

No better channel on KZbin - thanks!

[@RoyPage1970]

Lmfao

[@DeWittPotts]

Very nice video. I remember my grandfather had a 1955 and then a 1957 Bel-Air. I remember riding around with him many times listening to the old tube AM radio. They were both comfortable riding cars.

[@SteveMagnante]

Thanks for sharing

[@sadie1095]

You are a boss, slow down my friend, we will wait. Having said that, you are awesome, thank you for your videos. Have a great and safe new year

[@kmath50]

The 1958 Chevy is still one of my favorites. I became a fan after seeing that one in American Graffiti. I still have the Impala model that I built about that time. Chrysler and Ford had re-vamped their cars for 1957, but I believe that the '58 Chevy was worth the wait. If I remember correctly, the PowerGlide was still cast iron at that time.

[@terrencegiordan2775]

That was an awesome year a neighbor around the corner from me when I was a kid had a two door belair wagon remember that like it was yesterday. But it was about 53 years ago. Also loved the one ron Howard drove in American Graffiti.i have a 57 Chevy 2dr hardtop but would not mind having a 58 also

[@kmath50]

@@terrencegiordan2775 I like the 57 too. It is still very collectable today. As early as the late 1960's, there were guys in my neighborhood that were collecting 55 - 57 Chevys and fixing them up.

[@albertgaspar627]

I have a few of the 1958 model kits, they are a nicely detailed kit with opening side doors and chromed crankshaft.

[@styrenerelics]

Chevrolet did a true work of art on the 58 Bel Air and Impalas. I just don't see any other year of Chevy that had the "looks" of the 58's. To bad this was a one year style. It would have been neat tor see the progression of this style in later years. Thanks Steve for showing this gem.

[@SteveMagnante]

Great point!

[@ImForwardlook]

Whoa Steve! I sure hope that we can take a closer look at that 1968 Chrysler Airport taxi in the background soon!

[@chrisscearce]

Hi Steve, great video on this 58 BelAir. I have always liked the 58 over the 57. My uncle had a cream coloured with a red interior. It had wide black and white stripe inserts. Very odd lookin' for me at the time. So every time I see American Graffiti. It reminds me of my uncle's. So, talking about the X frames. I remembered reading an article on them titled "X Frame Chevy X rated Chevy" dated August 17, 2009, written by the legendary Steve Magnante. The Level Air pneumatic suspension was mentioned in that write-up. Check it out and don't forget to like👍🏼share🫶 and subscribe 🤙🏼 Namaste 🙏🏼

[@SteveMagnante]

That was probably one of my old CAR CRAFT "Junkyard Crawl" articles you saw back in 2009. I did the Junkyard Crawl in the back of every CAR CRAFT for about 10 years! And...now you know where I took the name for my videos. Fact is, it was Ro McGonegal, my Editor back at HOT ROD magazine in 1997 - 2001 that coined the term Junkyard CRAWL. I applied it to the CAR CRAFT stories and nobody at CAR CRAFT cared when I adopted it for my KZbin work. Heck, CAR CRAFT went to the crusher on Dec. 6, 2019. ANOTHER day that "will live in infamy". Thanks again for watching and writing. -Steve Magnante

[@patdesrosiers6423]

X frames seen though 1964. I had a 60, 62 and 63. Two piece driveshaft with a carrier bearing like my square body Chevy trucks

[@misigis]

I subscribed to CC for 40 yrs. 1970 to 2010. Never heard a thing from them after nor renewing my subscription.

[@sombra6153]

My granddad acquired one of these, a four door also, I think it was a Belaire…. Had a 235/3 speed. He drove it for a little while until it started burning oil, then parked it and drove something else… all back before steel belted radial tires. It was probably a higher mileage car when he bought it, but I don’t know what the odometer read. After he passed, the car got gifted to a guy who’d had one in high school and wanted another. I don’t know if it was ever restored, but understood that it was going to get a V-8. That occurred back in the late 80s and cars that had two extra doors weren’t worth very much.

[@marktemsic485]

Love these videos by Steve,, almost as good as Jay Leno’s garage.. Thanks Steve..👍

[@jerrycraig6522]

Nothing sounds as good as a 283 with headers revving up high on the tach, ready for a wheelstand!!!

[@xfactorautomotive1496]

58 was a good looking car!

[@edwardpate6128]

Actually it was Pontiac engineers that devised the stamped rockers, Chevy borrowed the idea from them.

[@bradkay9538]

Would like to see you come back Steve been washing your videos over and over you take care man be safe

[@bobhill3941]

Thanks Steve more knowledge, I love it. I never knew Chevy had a perimeter frame in 58, I thought it was introduced in 65. Also, I learned about a posi from dad after hearing the beach boys sing it.

[@danstewart8218]

bob this is a scam...this winner thing on telegram/\/\

[@bobhill3941]

@@danstewart8218 Thanks Dan, I knew it was, but I appreciate the confirmation.

[@georgestemple3310]

One of my favorite years 58 my brother was a big 409 58 impala freak

[@hackfabrication139]

First new vehicle my father bought (that I can remember), was a 1958 Chevrolet Delray station wagon. Coral/white two tone, six cylinder, automatic.

[@jfu5222]

That would have been a beautiful car.

[@rockettcustoms6266]

I saw that car in the background in your last video, I was hoping it would be mentioned. Thanks! My first car was a '58 Chevy Biscayne 2 door. It was the summer of 1985. I was 18 and just graduated high school. I bought it for $500. The body was all bondo and painted about half a dozen colors, the floor was all fiberglass, the front seat was propped up with 2x4's, it had no heat, and when I bought it, it barely had any brakes. I was always hitch hiking because it was in the shop more than I ever drove it. It was a pile of junk but it was a fun car to drive and it got a lot of attention. The last time I saw it, many many moons ago, it was in a junkyard (that has long been cleaned out) , the whole floor and rockers collapsed onto the ground, all the guages were missing, and the hood bent in half. Otherwise, it looked exactly the same as I had left it, primer spots and all. Nobody ever did anything with it. Probably because it was too far gone.

[@SteveMagnante]

Hello Rocket Customs, that's one GREAT car to have as a "first car memory". For me it was a 1969 AMC Ambassador 4-door with a 232 6-banger and 3-on-the-tree. It was 1984 and I was 20. The car was a former Civil Air Patrol staff car and it still had the round CAP seals on the doors and even reflective yellow "For Official Use Only" logos under the CAP seals. Me and my buddies really gave the Civil Air Patrol a bad image by driving all over the place in it, Narraganset bottles in hand while cranking Dead Kennedys and Butthole Surfers on the cassette player! Ahh, first cars! Thanks again for watching and writing. -Steve Magnante

[@chrispaulson2934]

Wonderful video of a beautiful piece of machinery! I don't wanna be that guy, but Hot Rod Magazine in February 2021 has a article on the 58 impala. A good read. But getting to it, that rear suspension design was unique and my understanding is it was developed for racing NASCAR. Also, my Dad had a 58 Biscayne back in the day when he lived in MN. He last saw it in 1964 before coming to CA. In 03 took a road trip out there and found I was a year too late. The city in which he lived in passed an ordnance to take abandoned cars and use them to construct dykes (referring to dams).

[@markp0752]

My mom and dad had a 1958 Buick special. The weight was 4400 pounds!

[@davidfulginiti5985]

Steve, thanks for all your vids------------we had a 58 impala with the 348. the rocker you mentioned was developed by Pontiac and given to Chevy. thanks again and Happy Holidays!

[@davidmccrory5604]

Ya did it again stevo I always come away from your episodes the better for knowledge you strike me as a great guy with unlimited passion for anything American automotive

[@todddenio3200]

Love the 58 Chevys and want one in the worst way

[@rixkafer56]

The 58 always reminds me of american graffiti ! Where were you in 62 Thanks for sharing

[@GMCTIM]

My dad & I were working on a 58 Chevy impala wagon during his sudden death in 2014 ! So upset couldn't finish the car, or even walk in his garage !

[@GMCTIM]

😭

[@1223jamez]

Thanks Steve! Hate to see all these old classics go to waste, it makes me cringe to see anything before 1980. After 1980 I say let them rot!

[@jimrky6062]

Thanks, Steve - my Great Aunt had a new 58 she kept forever. I always referred to the 58 as having a Desi Lu Production Studio tail - not sure why, now. The 58 Impala has always been my favorite over the widely touted 57 for styling.

[@idontknow2293]

I bought a 58 Impala in 1961. 348 automatic..An absolute dream. Unfortunately Nebraska rust took it away. 😕

[@bonniewalker2619]

Thank you Steve for another great wake up story about old cars. From snow covered Cedar Rapids Iowa

[@SteveMagnante]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@ddellwo]

Dang - wish I could go get me a Zoey’s pizza…….😋

[@jonathankountz7097]

I had a 58 biscayne 4 door in high school

[@Fony_turgeson]

its amazing how real chrome is ageless and barely affected by mother nature

[@johnkranz4004]

Beautiful 58 Back in the Day

[@tkflanagan4449]

JUST AWESOME STEVE......!!!!

[@pb5778]

love this

[@HarborLockRoad]

I had the only 58 chevy in westfield, mass in the mid 80s, id bought it from a guy named Owsiak in either Chicopee or Holyoke... I hated to part with it, but a guy with a 69 mustang convertible offered me an even trade. It wound up going to a guy in Pittsfield for his daughter to go safely to college in. I never saw it again. It was a 2 tone blue and white 4doir bel air sport sedan, all original, 283 2bbl, powerglide, oil bat air filter, generator, right on down to the 4 original hubcaps. Ive still got pix, and my name, old address and phone number are on a piece of paper wrapped in tinfoil behind the drivers side blinker light assembly. I always hope that someday.......

[@z978ady]

Bidding wars are pretty common for the convertibles at auction.

[@googleusergp]

With the tag, we can brag and would know a lot more: 58 for 1958 model year, 1739 for four door hardtop, maybe J for Janesville, WI or WR for Willow Run, MI among other possibilities, maybe code 905A for Forest Green exterior paint and 938A Honey Beige two-tone paint, although it looks like code 918 Anniversary Gold inside the trunk (which is why we need the tag to brag), among other codes. With the VIN, we'd also win: F for BelAir V8, 58 for 1958 model year, maybe J for Janesville, WI, or W for Willow Run, MI assembly or K for Kansas City (Leeds), MO assembly among many other possibilities and the rest is the production sequence. Looks like this "Fresh Prince of BelAir" has run out of style.

[@rickwhite3181]

Good morning Steve and everyone, great video

[@SteveMagnante]

Good morning!

[@rescuedandrestoredgarage]

Awesome information brother 👍. Cool old car.

[@melvinyosten3776]

Cool! We had a 58 Belair with 348. It went through the family, but I was the youngest so I never got my turn. Dont even know where it went. Now I'm sad. And yeah it was gold

[@neshpro6521]

We’ll done! One of my favorites

[@davezul4396]

Did anyone else catch the solid retainer with no exhaust valve rotator and the oil shield that wore through and laying at the bottom of the valve spring? Bet there’s a mile or two on that car!

[@MaxAC]

Great Video Steve. Ought to cut the trumpet out of the air cleaner and have a single velocity stack on your 2 barrel. Lol. Cheers!

[@TrashcanGarage]

I think I saw the Bel Air's 2bbl carb lying on the floor behind the front seat when Steve opened the passenger side rear door.

[@stevendease4054]

I owned a fifty eight Del Ray with a 283 back in the early nineties. Traded it for a fifty eight Apache. Built it with a 400 small block.

[@johnsklander7659]

Good morning from Dover ARKANSAS love your channel Have a Merry Christmas and Happy New year .

[@throckmorton8477]

Another enjoyable crawl, Steve! Another first for the 1958 was the Turboglide automatic transmission. The shift quadrant had reverse at the bottom. It was a fragile, troublesome unit and most were replaced with the more dependable powerglide over the years.The '58s had a meteoric rise in values in the 1990s. My boss bought a really nice all black convertible for $4,000 in 1991. He sold it a few years later for $12,000. By the end of the decade they were going for over $40,000 !! He said he couldn't kick himself enough for selling so soon!

[@throckmorton8477]

Oops! The Turboglide was introduced in the mid-year 1957 models. And it had HR at the bottom (not R) The HR was for Hill Retarder for steep downgrades. Should have looked it up, rather than relying on my memory !!

[@burthenry7740]

@@throckmorton8477 The Turboglide was a problem child, some say due to user error. The 1957 was a one year only unit due to Chevy changing its' engine and transmission mounting locations and internal changes. The early units used a cone style internal clutch and in '58 they used the more common plate clutches. The biggest problem was people using the Hill or Grade Retarder as a Low gear, or as a downshift feature. The HR or GR was only to be used to create turbulence in the torque converter to slow the car down on grades. This misuse caused most of the failures.

[@UmmYeahOk]

This reminds me of that Threes Company episode where they buy a 57 Chevy because they figured a 20 year old Chevy would be affordable, not knowing the maintenance that was required for such an older vehicle. But then the seller learns that the car is actually worth a TON of money because it’s a tri five, and 20 year old cars back then were considered classics. He spends the rest of the episode trying to get the car back from the buyers, only for him to learn that the car is actually a 1958 that he purchased in late 57. The 19yo 1958 Chevy was deemed worthless, because no one liked that body style apparently.

[@chuckwhitson654]

I'd love to have those valve covers

[@RoyPage1970]

Have some just like them what would you be willing to pay

[@Slowgroovin]

Interesting that the breather has a built in velocity stack.

[@davidciesielski8251]

Thanks, I learned a lot.

[@marioncobaretti2280]

Your Doggy is so handsome

[@jime.9185]

Steve, The stamped steel rocker arm design was developed by Pontiac and forced to give it to Chevrolet.