I own a low mile 59 belair 2 door. 58k on the od. 6 cylinder 3sp with O.D. I need to free up some time and money and start restoring mine. It is in the dry, waiting. 15 years ago you couldnt give a 59 away... today they are up there with the tri-fives in value.... I guess the population had a change of heart.
Good to hear
I actually could find 55-58 and 60-64 cars easier and cheaper in the conditition I was looking for. ZERO 59's. I looked at 3 in 3 years and purchased 2. I called on several others and they wanted 8K for cars that still needed a TON of work barley driveable, if at all.
In today's world I think I personally would avoid them primarily due to the X type frame. The only exception would be a first year ElCamino. If I were to drive one today I would try to find a way of bracing the X frame from the front end to the back end frame locations. That would prevent the front end twisting the frame sideways in a frontal collision.
59 was the first yr. el camino and 60 was the last year sedan delivery.
The x frames have their limitations, but with a little work can be made safe and strong. I plan on trying what you describe, especially because a turbo is planned for the future so exhaust routing shouldnt be of great concern.
Look at all the low rider guys. Most of x frame cars run factory frames without bracing like you describe but with reinforcements on the factory frame. I have experience reinforcing the frame and control arm mounts on a friends '62 550hp 5spd. as well.
Today I got my car off the trailer and all cleaned out. I tried to snap some pics but my phone wasnt cooperating.
