1966 Chevrolet Bel Air - 4-Dr Sedan - Original 283 4-barrel

1966 Chevrolet Bel Air/150/210 Additional Info:

1966 Chevrolet Bel Air 4-dr SedanGreat DrivingStrong Original 283 Small-block V8 w/ upgradesSmooth 3-spd automatic, column-shift-Many recent updates and new partsCurrent TX registation / inspection53k original milesClean and Updated interiorFactory A/C car. All components intact and installedOriginal push-button radio4 brand new matching tires
Matte Black exteriorBlue upholstered interior - Bench SeatsBlack painted dash with factory Chrome accents inside and outAluminum Side trim and hood spear removedBig Chevrolet Ralley Wheels and center Caps
Multi-speed windshield wipers with washersCigarette lighter in dash
The family I bought this car from had owned it for a few generations. I do not know if they were the original owners, but I do know this car was originally purchased in Fredricksburg, TX, and I still have the original partial dealer badge from HEIN Chevrolet.
When I bought it in 2015, the kids in their family had grown up and weren't interested in the car, so they were selling it instead of letting it sit and decay.I took all precautions while getting this car up to my driving standards. I did not turn over the engine until the cylinders had soaked with Marvel oil for over a week. I checked the entire electrical system and replaced the battery and terminals. I cleaned the original Quadrajet carb and intake, and replaced the spark plugs. I changed all the fluids and flushed the radiator. I drained and cleaned the gas tank, and installed a new pickup/float unit. I took off all 4 drums to inspect brakes, and replaced all rubber brake hoses on the car, and bled the entire system with new fluid.
After doing all of this, I hooked up the battery, primed the carb, and it fired up on the first turn-over.
Since then I have been methodically going over every system in the car to get it completely operational and safe. I have replaced items including:- 4 New Tires- Modern 12si AC Delco alternator (internally voltage regulated)- Edelbrock Performer Aluminum Intake- Rebuilt Quadrajet Carb- Upper and Lower Radiator Hose- Chrome Water Inlet- Thermostat- New Water Pump- Billet pump pulley- All engine belts- Gas tank cap- All new rubber fuel lines- Engine air filter- Wiper blades- Headlight, taillight, and turn signal bulbs
I have not gotten to everything yet, but I do have a box of additional parts that come with the car including:- Front upper ball joints- Front lower ball joints- Tie rod ends- LED tail light and turn signals- Caprice-style tail light assemblies
Mechanically, this car is a great driver. I drive it to work a few times a week just for fun. Its comfortable and smooth to drive, and it keeps up with traffic just fine up to about 70mph. At that point it runs out of gearing. With a 4-spd, or overdrive this car could cruise at 80mph no problem.Speedometer works great, Odometer works, Gas gauge works (although it needs to be readjusted), all warning lights on dash work. Instrument panel itself if in great condition. The original factory silver paint on the trim panel is a little faded in a few small spots, but overall the plastic shield is clear, and the black paint and chrome is very nice. The foam dash pad was cracked, so I just removed it. It could be replaced, or you can just paint the upper metal dash.
There are some convenience items that I have not gotten to yet. The windshield sprayers do not work (but tank, lines, switch all work) probably needs new pump diaphragm. The instrument lights do not come on with headlights. instrument panel lights are all confirmed working, just needs to diagnose fuse/loose wire.
The heater works well, but the blower is weak. I think it needs a new blower motor. Also some of the round duct hoses under the dash have cracked so there is not airflow at the side air vents, but these are universal accordion-style round ducts and can be very easily replaced. The A/C and heater controls are in great shape, however I have disconnected the A/C compressor clutch. It was on my list to inspect and service before using it regularly. Previous owner said it worked well, and I can say all original components are intact and installed on the car.
The bench seats, and most of the interior is a very nice blue quilted upholstery. It is in generally good shape with no tears or worn out spots. This car was obviously taken very good care of. The carpets are black, and are completely intact, but are somewhat discolored up front from sun damage. There are floor mats in all 4 corners. This car does have seat belts for diver and front passenger, but not in the middle or back seat.
The body and paint are more of a work-in-progress. The car was originally a metallic blue color, but was repainted in bold red color when I bought it. That paint job was starting to fade, so I sanded it down to primer, and resprayed with Matte black Epoxy paint. This is not a rattle-can job, this was done with a professional devilbiss spray gun and PPG paints. The paint is durable, and I was planning to leave it like this for as long as it took to get everything else 100% before final paint job. However, the door-jambs and under hood/trunk are still showing some of the red color. These can be easily painted over with black for a cleaner look.
There are some areas of the body that do need some work before a final paint job, this includes a metal patch panel that was installed on the lower right quarter panel to fix a few rust bubbles. This has been installed on the car, but needs to be sanded and the seam filled before painting. The trunk floor does have multiple rust holes on the outboard panels, and needs to be replaced eventually. It is still structurally sound, but not water-tight. The drivers-side rear corner had a minor dent at some point, and was filled. I sanded it down before spraying with Epoxy, but this needs to be refilled and shaped before final paint. There is some residue from masking tape that was left on some chrome trim pieces and glass a little too long. I am working on getting all of this removed before selling the car.
Speaking of glass, all of it is here and in good shape. There are two small chips in windshield, but no cracks or scratches. All side windows are great, but rear doors do have some old purple-tint that is peeling off. Rear window glass is perfect, and does not have any old tinting on it. Rear view mirrors do have blemishes, but are very functional as-is. All manual windows operate easily (including corner windows up front).
Overall, this is a very good driving, nice looking, comfortable safe car. It could be driven just like this for years with no issues, or you could take it to the next level as a show-car. I have done all of the hard work to get it inspected and back to regular operation, you just need to make it your own. For a 50 year old car, this one is really nice.
You may ask why I am selling?Well I bought this car with the idea of working on it with my wife and enjoying it for years to come (It is the same car from the show Supernatural). As it turns out, she does like the car, and has enjoyed it while we have owned it, she doesn't want to keep it long term. At this point I have spent a LOT of time and money on the car, but we need to be honest with ourselves that its better to let it go to someone who can enjoy it for decades to come.
Please send me any reasonable offers.I realize I'm not going to get everything back that I put into it, but I do know that a well-sorted BelAir or Impala can go for well over $20,000.With some more work and a solid paint job this car would be in that category.And classic car values have only been going up and up, especially from this period.
This car could be picked up and driven home anywhere, but I would recommend bringing a trailer or hiring a transporter.