Will it run? Burned in a fire and left for dead! 1951 Chevy Bel Air hardtop

Wow, this one is nuts. I came across this car while working on the 1950 Dodge truck. It has sat a long time in this burned out shed. One look at the sad sight and I knew I had to try and get the old car running, but will it?
#abandoned

[@easychair743]

49-52 chevs are the greatest cars there are. I am too old and brittle to work on cars anymore. You are a wizard. When your old chevs fire up I do also. Thank you for what you do.

[@whattherust]

Thanks very much. That is a nice comment!

[@angelsone-five7912]

That was just amazing, it not only runs but it was the sweetest sounding engine you have ever revived that I know of, brilliant.

[@whattherust]

I agree. That engine runs near perfectly. Amazing.

[@Fiftyx60]

Had I not seen it, I would have had a hard time believing it. You, sir, are the man! The '51 hardtop is one of my favorite cars.

[@whattherust]

Thank you!

[@cogitoergosum3138]

Fantastic!. That makes me smile for a long time! Thanks. Very, very good work. Lucky, to see that. That Chevy 1951 deserves realy a second live.

[@whattherust]

Thanks! It really does.

[@jonoffensend7519]

SAVE THIS CAR! !! Any car that has this much heart deserves a second chance. I would liked to have seen it before it burned. By all means do a drive it out video 👍👍👍

[@whattherust]

So true. I am still amazed and how this car ran. I'll see what I can do about getting it out of that shed.

[@cogitoergosum3138]

@@whattherust Oh yes, do that for the car, it deserves another live!

[@callmenortnortin467]

Love seeing a revival of an engine like this! All that said,it was a sure bet it would go,,,,after all,,, it's a Chevy :) Great work !! Hope you take on the challenge to repair it and make it roadworthy again. Best of luck ;)

[@whattherust]

Thanks!

[@joemoreno4438]

I love the simple way that you get these old cars running keep up the great work looking forward to your next videos

[@whattherust]

Thank you for the support!

[@templeviewgate]

Incredible and really unbelievable....burnt engine and revs up like a butter scotch. The engine is absolutely smooth and retains its full power ....am amazed your belief and confidence in the hard top got rewarded...wow the engine is blessed to life.

[@whattherust]

Totally agree. Thank you.

[@stomper2582]

Those 235s are great engines and were used in a lot of vehicles.

[@MrHOOKYS]

WOW, well done runs good-, a dream car for me

[@danasixty5402]

My Uncle use to race a 51 a long time ago . Very Impressive Work , Son

[@whattherust]

Thanks very much!

[@shaunwright7442]

Wow u find some old gems awesome 👍👍n to get em running after sitting for a long time let alone caught on fire good mechanic u are love your videos also

[@whattherust]

Thank you Shaun. Much appreciated!

[@theawakening5548]

A good example of how good things were built back then. Good job, pretty cool.

[@whattherust]

Thanks!

[@ronbunker5778]

That engine sounds great! I've always wondered about cars that have been burned but I guess they can still be viable.

[@whattherust]

I was wondering too. Now we know.

[@marvwatkins7029]

From that gorgeous '57 in the immaculate garage to this thing. That is one tough, durable '51 Chevy! Insane that it works at all.

[@bluesdude235]

Very nice, I enjoy your videos. Keep up the good work

[@whattherust]

Thank you for the support. More videos are coming.

[@darrellbaty4127]

Not surprised that she started, just amazed at the knowledge you have about old vehicles, I love that dual exhaust sound. Keep the videos coming!

[@charlesw.hopperjr.5236]

Nice Classic, and the engine runs great. I’ve enjoyed this,and all of your videos!Looking Forward To Seeing More Of Your Videos Richard,and Christina!Take Care, Your Oregon Friend ☮️

[@MrBrombomb]

Amazing! I’m shocked that it even ran let alone that it ran so well. This car would be completely worth it to give it a frame-off restoration. I find it odd that despite being switched over to a floor shift, the original column shifter is still there, which makes me wonder if the transmission was switched over from a 3-speed to a 4-speed.

[@whattherust]

Right, I should have checked that. If it was a 4 speed it may have been something interesting.

[@MrBrombomb]

@@whattherust I have talked to quite a few people who have switched from a column to a floor shift, especially in pickup trucks, said that the linkage or shifter would tend to get jammed up frequently on certain vehicles, which is why they switched to a floor shift for the 3-speed or even changed out the entire transmission for a 4 or 5-speed on the floor. that being said, I bet that car would drive right out of that shed. It would be one hell of a project car that would be extremely worth it in the long run.

[@joefrieson5100]

Nice that you got it running.

[@whattherust]

Thank you. This one was fun!

[@klapaucius77]

Great video. That would make a great project for somebody. It still has great bones and you proved the engine still has a lot of life left in it! Great job!

[@whattherust]

Agreed. It would be a rewarding project because it would truly save the car from the scrapyard.

[@philipcollins5440]

Unbelievable, that was great. Back in 1970 I had a 1951 and loved it. Thanks 👍🙏👍

[@whattherust]

Thanks! This one was the most fun I have had with a car in a long time.

[@bryanyoung2963]

That old engine is a keeper I'm sure you could probably find something to put that thing in. I can't believe how well that thing runs. Nice job!

[@whattherust]

Yes, it is crazy how smooth it ran.

[@GaryNissen-p6s]

In 1961 I was working in a gas station in Gallup New Mexico. At this time I had a 53 Chev. coupe with a 56? 6 cyl. engine out of a 56 truck. I bought a set of Fenton Headers from a guy that had them in a 50 chev. and those dual exausts sounded so sweet! I love what you do and watch you regularly! Thanks for the entertainment!!!

[@whattherust]

Right on! I love those split manifolds. Thank you for the support.

[@NileKelly]

Fentons were so cool! Alot of my fellow gearhead friends never even heard of em.

[@johnbourgeois1414]

FYI most anytime your flywheel has a bad spot like that if you turn the engine the direction that it runs you probably won’t have to turn it nearly as much, most motors stop in the same place almost every time so if you go the way it goes you will have almost a full revolution before it gets to the bad spot. I enjoy watching and thought this might help you in the future

[@whattherust]

That is a great tip. Thank you!

[@allenmoore4400]

Sounds great

[@randyriggs5463]

Nice job. You should see if you could buy it from the owner, and transplant the motor into a truck or car!

[@whattherust]

I am thinking about that.

[@66skate]

That car deserves to be restored. It's solid and runs well. Parts for those are easy to find.

[@whattherust]

It could be done.

[@m42037]

@@whattherust Why waste time and money on something that will just sit and rot away

[@danobrien3109]

I’m not sure if this one or the old dodge pick up in your driveway are the most impressive start ups. I’m truly impressed by your skills. My I say that Mrs. What the Rust is doing a wonderful job of filming and editing.👍👍🇨🇦

[@vilstef6988]

It was a thing of beauty when the old girl started! Great work! Great video!

[@whattherust]

Thanks! I agree. It was awesome to see it run.

[@scottbarto3760]

I would like to see more on this 51 !!! It is really cool getting it running after it had been burnt and left ofr dead !!!

[@davidhollinghurst5572]

The smile on your face PRICELESS.

[@whattherust]

Thanks. I enjoyed this one more than most.

[@19522007]

What a great runner. I hope somebody saves it. Well done sir

[@whattherust]

I do as well.

[@boots235]

You work wonders with these old Chevys...big fan of your videos!!

[@whattherust]

Thanks very much JP! This burned out Chevy is one of my favorites.

[@paulatherton6851]

Wow even the engine sounds so strong and quiet, impressed!! fixer up my man.

[@whattherust]

Thanks Paul!

[@davida.p.9911]

That is amazing! I was certain there was no hope for that car, but it proves that no matter the overall condition of the car, if everything that's needed for the engine to run, it will run. That car could either be resurrected or just the engine alone could be used for another project. Was that yellow car a Nova? Very interesting, I'd like to see that run again.....or the F150, or the Automatic Chevy. Very cool! Thanks for sharing and taking us along!

[@whattherust]

Thanks David! It could be brought back with the right owner. That yellow car is a Maverick. I hope to be starting on it very soon.

[@jonathondunn9190]

You have the touch, I've worked on cars my whole life and I still get that rush when it turns out good, like you get

[@whattherust]

Thanks Jonathon. It is a great feeling.

[@rcharles6123]

I don't usually make comments but I have to with this one when I was a teenager I owned a 51 Chevy Bel Air hurt I loved it it was one of the best cars I've ever owned I wish I had it today

[@whattherust]

They are nice cars for sure.

[@nelsonramos7439]

Omg your the car doctor I like that you never give up and make it a challenge very impressive wow like a miracle and runs so smooth wow. 👏 you are amazing buddy. Love your channel you both are amazing I'm hooked on watching your rescues.

[@whattherust]

Thank you for the nice comment Nelson!

[@nelsonramos7439]

@@whattherust your so welcome .

[@robertpimpo4698]

Unbeleivable Richard you would of never thought

[@robertpimpo4698]

Try and purchase

[@whattherust]

Working on exactly that!

[@michaelbenardo5695]

Some people bad-mouth Rochester single-barrels, but I have always had good luck with them. I have dual Rochesters, dual exhausts, and headers on my 292 engine. Great acceleration for having a stock cam.

[@whattherust]

I agree. I have also had good luck with them. That 292 sounds pretty awesome.

[@michaelbenardo5695]

@@whattherust Great low-end torque, and the twin carbs and headers give it V8-like acceleration, which it didn't have stock with smog controls and the catalyst.

[@shaunmckay8550]

Christina I would nickname this car mascara and good heart for it age and willing to keep going on the road again 😀

[@whattherust]

This is an amazing car. Before the fire it was quite a vehicle, The chrome is excellent, and the open drive train makes it much more streetable. It is so unfortunate what happened.

[@williegibson2510]

Wow man..... you amaze me everytime... wish you can come to Sc and start my 85 suburban

[@whattherust]

Send me an email and maybe we can make it work.

[@morgansword]

Back when those cars were everywhere on the road, I was not a chevy guy what so ever but those two door hardtops had my interest. I started driving somewhere in and about 57 or 8, I drove the ford trucks my dad had and he had mostly big rigs. I was hauling logs for him on those short logger rigs.. the two different transmissions made me feel like a big rig driver. I think since its not so bad with rust, a guy could put it back together as most any body puddy should be gone. First chevy that age with a continental kit on it.... but my interest is saving pickups like the ford you showed

[@br529]

Nice spare

[@arnoldsaunders5748]

I really enjoy watching your Channel I just come across it a couple weeks ago and I enjoy it

[@whattherust]

Glad you enjoy it Arnold! More to come soon.

[@chrisbliss1499]

Just amazing, just can't kill some cars! Maybe name it christine

[@whattherust]

Perfect name!

[@paulschedler]

I don't recall how the "toast-mobile" sounded after getting it running, been a little while. It had to be quite a good runner to be worthy of so much restoration after a fire! I think it can be done in YOUR able hands, but it looks like a lot of work! I'd say go with your heart on this one!

[@marvwatkins7029]

The Miracle Worker truly brings back the dead. (Not the band.)

[@whattherust]

Thank you Marv!

[@graemelliott3942]

Good Job! Happy 4th!

[@whattherust]

Thanks! Same to you!

[@johnmontague4245]

Hi from Scotland. Well at first I thought you had taken a real tough challenge, but it turned out surprisingly easy to get it running. It sounded real smooth when it started, not lumpy at all. We’re you able to determine what the mileage was ? It’s a shame about the interior but some of the outside panels look pretty good. I liked you little look ahead at the end I’m not a great lover of Fords ( here in the UK ) but I am partial to the old F100, so I hope to see that video . Enjoyed this one, so we’ll done & congratulations on a successful revival. Cheers, John

[@johnmontague4245]

Oh, I nearly forgot…Happy 4th of July.🇺🇸🇺🇸🍾🍾

[@whattherust]

Same to you John! I would guess the mileage is high, but that the engine was rebuilt shortly before the fire. It just runs too smooth and quiet to be all original.

[@cmintsurfer]

Great revival!! Someone put plenty of customizing into that car many years ago. I'm astonished that the carb functioned after being heated and stuck, probably with fuel in it long ago.

[@whattherust]

It was pretty amazing. That car had sat for a very long time after the fire, yet it started with almost no trouble.

[@79tazman]

Those fires usually start on the main wire going to the amp gauge in the dash so that is why the interior burns most of the time. I would say it's a classic main wire going to the amp gauge short that get's many classic cars that is why to always disconnect the battery when stored or parked over night just in case something happens

[@Kleine_Lisa_1]

I´m a new subsciber from Austria. I have to say you are a incredible man and Christina is a tough lady!

[@whattherust]

Thanks very much. I have been to Austria many times.

[@hallmark2511]

Absolutely amazing!! Thanks for sharing!!!!

[@whattherust]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@sergiopedrozo8312]

Adoro esses programas de carros antigos e quando vcs faem eles funcionar é muito bom

[@whattherust]

Obrigado pela ajuda Sergio.

[@StarlightWorkshop0z]

Make 1 out of 2. 50 and 51. Great work

[@hallmark2511]

Yes sir do another video please. That would be awesome to see her move....

[@kennethdaust3793]

Got to be snakes all over the place here! But you wife went anyway. Good for her. Love your videos

[@whattherust]

She is a treasure.

[@michaelbenardo5695]

Most snakes aren't going to hurt you. They might go potty on you though.

[@paulfellows2094]

i am amazed a great engine i spat my cup of tea out when she burst into life nice work love your videos all the best

[@whattherust]

Thanks Paul. I am happy you enjoyed it. This was the most fun rescue I have had in a while.

[@jacobbishop686]

super Good Video,,,Great work,,,,,,,I really enjoy ur videos,,,from El Paso Texas

[@whattherust]

Thank you Jacob. I have been to El Paso many times. Cool town.

[@joshb3280]

The engine is a 1954 or newer 235. Number stamped to the rear of the distributor will yield year and application. From the factory without any options, the only fuse would have been the bi-metal fuse in the headlight switch. Other fuses were generally of the in-line type or at the switch of the accessory. On the '50 at the end of the video, since it is a DeLuxe, they were standard with clock, lighter, and ash tray and a few other interior up-grades.

[@RobJ1929]

The 50 you got running is saying safe me. It sound real good. Christina tell Richard the engine is a keeper. She is telling you I have yet to live. The 1978 was the truck i purchased when I had a good job. 6 block a and 3 on the tree. I towed boats and tool long trips with it and from CT to Maine and back.Then on my vacation drove to Florida. Not a single problem and traded even at a ford dealership even for a Bronco 2 and sold it after many miles for 5K and I seen it still going. Down in SC I seen my buddy purchase cars with over 110 thousand miles and they have no problems. Cars today last longer.

[@wildbenny11]

Do you try to sell these cars and trucks or buy them yourself

[@whattherust]

It depends. Some I buy, make roadworthy, and sell. Others I get them running for the owners who take then sell them, and some are not for sale but the owner needs help.

[@kevinmccarey5015]

Hello to you Absolutely amazing will it start Well done Be well

[@whattherust]

Thanks Kevin. This is probably my favorite rescue. I had a lot of fun doing it.

[@hallmark2511]

I don't like seeing ole cars just sitting. I just rescued an 84 ford f 150 straight 6.

[@garyalleccia2793]

Amazing! Plain and simple

[@whattherust]

Thanks! I enjoyed making this video a lot.

[@nelsonramos7439]

Perfect engine definitely 👌

[@richardmarino5658]

This old girl has a story to tell. Once upon a long time ago.

[@whattherust]

Yes, someone had a lot of good times in that car.

[@vilstef6988]

Fire can be crazy! Respect for doing this! I'm partial to old cars! It would be easy to walk away from this. With the engine being miraculously good, I can see why wanted to do the resurrection!

[@whattherust]

It really could be returned to the road as a rough driver. It just needs someone with the vision.

[@vilstef6988]

It would be awesome if that happened! If it were in drivable condition, I would probably use it daily. As it is, I lack the money and skills to do this. Still, what a great video. The old girl really wants to see the road again!

[@whattherust]

@@vilstef6988 Thank you. Yes, she sure does.

[@BrianOCoin]

Boy oh boy flashback to my 73 El Dorado only the opposite the interior was all fine but everything under the hood was gone. Spent a day at Dufour's junkyard labeling each and every wire on the wiring harness.

[@whattherust]

Dufour's! That is a name from the past. Remember the wide variance in prices depending on the owner’s mood (usually bad).

[@dustyrusty6840]

If anybody watches Auto Action Rebuild. He bought a 55 Chevy that was inside of a garage being worked on that caught fire. Burned up completely. I think it has a crate 350 engine. Him and another guy got it running, installed wiring for it to start like race cars has. Even took it to a car show.

[@whattherust]

Thanks for the tip. It shows it can be done.

[@williamjones9099]

Wow great job gotta love Chevrolet’s man just resilient old engine’s aren’t they would love another video of that car a front clip,radd,brakes,re pack wheel bearings some other little odds and ends fuel system the old girl would be a driver again

[@whattherust]

Right, and a lot of the parts are right there in the shed.

[@kermitwardell3345]

One of my favorite designs by chevy I had one maybe 66 ,67 just a 15.00 dollar beater and like most of my cars back then I tore it up. Now these many years later I would like to have another.

[@michaelolsen2348]

Absolutely amazing. Personally, I'd take that motor out and use it on something else. With the exception of the back end, that car would be too far gone for me. I'd take out the heart and transplant it.

[@samuelmeeks2158]

This is soooo Cool might be my favorite you have done I just started watching a few days ago but so far this one is Amazing I would love to know the Story of that car

[@whattherust]

Thanks! This is one of my favorites too.

[@terryeustice5399]

The car is toast. But, an amazing start. I would try to just get the engine. You called it a Bel-Air. But that year I think it was a Deluxe. 👍👊💯

[@terrencegiordan2775]

That's awesome like to see it put back together and see it move hardtops are the best what is the owner doing with it.

[@whattherust]

I don't think the owner is going to do anything with it. He is elderly, and working on this car would be too much for him.

[@deepakmohan3009]

Very quiet engine. Surprisingly, looks like the engine was not damaged in the fire. You could probably replant the engine in another car.frame. keep it up

[@whattherust]

Right, this engine is in amazing condition.

[@jamesferrell9404]

If the car is not going be fixed or rat rodded. That engine definitely needs put to use. Sure did sound awesome after the second start up

[@whattherust]

Agreed. This engine is fantastic.

[@ThePigslayer]

Those inline 6’s can’t be beat for dependability. They can sit for decades and run you to town with 30 minutes work

[@whattherust]

Exactly. Great engines.

[@brucebyrnes5996]

Good job! Engine Sounds good. The continental kit is worth some money.

[@whattherust]

Right, someone out there would love that continental kit.

[@aaronobrien322]

well done mate

[@whattherust]

Thank you Aaron.

[@michaelmyers3892]

Despite it happened a fire at one time in it as long as that body is still good and undercarriage is still good and all the parts are still there that car still worth taking home I know some people would walk away but it's still a complete car and it's popular as that Chevy is interior pieces are easy to get a hold of and glass pieces I think she's beautiful the way she is I'd bring it home and it runs that saves thousands of dollars right there

[@whattherust]

True. All of the parts are readily available. It certainly coud be done.

[@jpalberthoward9]

What an epic achievement it would be to get that car on the road. If I could get my hands on it, it would be a labor of love, no dragster, no low rider, no quick and dirty flip. Just get `er back together and let her have another life as what she is, a righteous `51 Chevy. Is there anybody on earth who would do such a thing? The continental tire would have to go, but the fire has already burned up the fuzzy dice, so it's off to a good start.

[@markcollins5026]

Man, nice leave it stock !

[@jpalberthoward9]

@@markcollins5026 Jay Leno said something that I totally agree with. He said "when I was a kid, all I wanted to do was make `em as radical as I could, the wilder the better. These days I like `em stock." When we were kids, these cars were cheap and plentiful. They were basically old junk that nobody cared about. If kids chopped and hacked and butchered them beyond recognition, there were thousands more of them everywhere. I can remember when they ran `57 Chevys in the demolition derby! But now all those cars are getting scarce and historic and its a shame that people continue the butchery. Once these cars are gone there ain't no more.

[@DependableAutoTruck]

great video engines are tough

[@marccollins4929]

Please pull her out of there and bring her back into the world. She deserves it !! We must preserve these jewels for future generations. Also , GOOD JOB !! 👍 Don't ever stop.

[@whattherust]

Thank you! More to come!

[@billdyke9745]

I watch a lot of 'will it runs', and just when they were starting to get a bit repetitive... All you need to find now is a Bel Air with a duff motor and a crap back end... Definitely would like to see it on the move. Well done, sir.11/10. 👍

[@whattherust]

Thanks very much! I try to keep my videos as unique as possible.

[@rogerlavallee5033]

No pun, but, Holy smoke !!!!

[@tonyleelindley900]

I wud take that home get it road ready but leave the outside as is and call it Mr crispy lol good job getting it to run 🏃‍♂️ 👌

[@whattherust]

It would be cool to get it roadworthy with the burnt exterior.

[@Bonazzoliband]

Wild. I never heard what a straight six with dual exhaust sounded like.

[@whattherust]

Louder than I would have expected.

[@batnrs1]

Amazing!

[@whattherust]

Thanks. This is one of my favorite rescues.

[@eddieforce2341]

Absolutely amazing. To bad the car is beyond saving,

[@whattherust]

Thanks Eddie!

[@ThomasSmith-hh8fp]

This car is, no where near-" too far gone".. it would be an easy save, after media blasting, and removal of replaceable parts. i have rebuilt worse.

[@robertbusin9983]

It would be great too 👍 grab the green f100 and do your will It run and clean up .u love ❤ those trucks 🚚.

[@whattherust]

That is the plan. I should be starting on it soon.

[@wisjeepmanjim8450]

Officer we had a little fire last night. Yes we have no operating gauges but strange as it seems the radio works just fine. Clear as a bell.

[@henryduke722]

Amazing another good video

[@whattherust]

Thank you Henry. This video is one of my favorites.

[@jimcase3097]

Very good 👍

[@whattherust]

Thanks!

[@burlingtonmoose]

What a crazy restore!!! Just an engine lol

[@natemarshall6504]

👍🏻

[@garyjones2582]

I don't know what the situation is with the burned out car, but if u could acquire the engine.. it would make a reliable Power plant for many years... With the places u have to walk in you should get a weedeater and put a saw blade from a table saw to take down some of the bushes... Great video, thx for bringing us along on another adventure...

[@whattherust]

You are welcome. IT certainly is a good engine.