Nature can be cruel, and what it does to classic cars sitting outside in the elements isn't pretty. It's always sad to see a vehicle sitting in a field or barn, waiting for someone to rescue and restore it. Dylan McCool, whose YouTube videos we've featured here before, certainly understands this feeling. In his most recent episode, he takes on the challenge of getting this forlorn 1957 Chevy 210 wagon to run and drive again. It's not easy, since the Chevy hasn't moved under its own power in more than 40 years!
Taking a Look Under the Hood of this '57 Chevy
The trim tag riveted to the cowl panel under the hood revealed a lot of useful info about this '57 Chevy. By cross-referencing these codes with our handy 1955-57 Chevy VIN & Trim Tag Decoder and Interior Trim Codes Guide, we learn the following:
Style 57-1062F - 1957 210 4-door wagon
Body No. CL3737 - Built in Cleveland, OH with serial number 3,737
Trim 660 - Charcoal/Ivory Vinyl interior
Paint 814C - India Ivory / Coronado Yellow two-tone
Acc. EZICP - Tinted Glass and Padded Dash factory options
After towing the wagon into the shop, Dylan and his friend Briar assess the state of its engine. The carburetor and distributor aren't attached, and the engine itself barely turns by hand. The valvetrain is also not getting any oil pressure.
Above: This old two-barrel Rochester carb wasn't even bolted down, since the previous owner was apparently working on it and gave up at some point.
After hooking up a new Optima battery, rebuilding the distributor, installing a new intake manifold and carburetor, and replacing the seized water pump, the engine fired up.
Above: Upon first start-up, the old V8 smoked heavily. Once it had run for a few seconds, it was shut off and the oil and oil filter were changed.
With the wheels in the air, McCool checked that the Powerglide transmission still shifted into drive, park, and reverse. Then he headed out on a farm road for a safe first drive away from other motorists.
Amazingly, everything worked, and the transmission even shifted into second gear normally. Granted, this is only the first step in a long road towards restoring this '57 Chevy, since there's a lot of rust on the rocker panels, floor pan, and frame. But every journey begins with a first step.
Check out the full video on Dylan's YouTube channel below:
Looking for 1955-57 Chevy Parts?
Whether your '55-57 "Tri Five" Chevy is in great shape already or in need of a complete restoration, Classic Industries can help you find all the parts and accessories you need to accomplish your project car goals. Click the button below to get a free full-color 1955-57 Chevy restoration parts catalog:
