1959 Belvedere With a Surprise

[Big Jimbo]

I have been working on my 59 Plymouth for about 5 years and finally have it all sorted out so it drives like a new car. The surprise is under the hood. This winter I plan on pulling the body to install a new clean firewall and Vintage Air. I will also deal with a few small rust issues and make it look as pretty as it drives. I first joined this site back in 2006 but my original pictures are no longer here, so I thought I would post a couple of updates! I really enjoy this great site.

[Matthew Keij]

Oh man, I bet that thing flies!

You have to take me for a ride someday

[rankinrr]

OMG that is something else. I like the color of your Belvedere. Same as mine. I am going to stick with the flat head six. Yikes!!! Love it.

[big m]

Very nice job on the installation of that mill, Jim!!

---John

[savvy59]

Big Jimbo,

Really turned out great. If you want to hear or see Jim's car in action check out his YouTube Videos @ BigJimbo59

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PvDatnbW ... playnext=3

Thanks for briniging us "Up To Speed" on your project.

Curt

[cnyoung]

Very cool jimmy, I will be happy if I can finish my belvy with her 318 poly kudos man very cool!

[Big Jimbo]

Thanks for the replies! This has been my long-term project and all the mechanicals have finally been sorted out. So far it has been 100% reliable and unbreakable. It can be used as a daily driver and is tame enough for stop and go traffic, but if you get on the gas it is scary fast! The modification that made a huge difference in drivability was the addition of CalTracs traction bars. I installed them to prevent wheel hop, but the best part was how it smoothed out the every day driving by preventing the spring wrap-up with shifting. The engine has so much low end torque it would start to oscilate the springs with regular driving...now it is very smooth with shifting and much easier to drive! Plus it hooks up so well in 1st gear it is amazing, and there is absolutely no wheel hop. Prior to the CalTracs I couldn't use 1st gear, and it ran 13.3 at 110 mph using just 2nd, 3rd, and 4th gear.

[Denver 59 Fin Convert]

Jimbo, I did find my extra upper door molding if the other one you bought does not pan out..

What rear end are you running on you 59? Did you go with a dana 60 or stay with the 8 3/4? or maybe a F*rd 9"....?


John Q.

[Big Jimbo]

I went with the Dana 60 so I could have the drive train all Mopar.
I didn't buy the door strip yet because I was still trying to find a used one. I am still interested in yours!!

[Big Jimbo]

I pulled the body for restoration, and got some good pictures of the drive train.

[Big Jimbo]

Got the body back from the painter. Now comes the fun part of putting it back together!

[savvy59]

Very cool! Can't beat a Viper in a 59.
Did it really take over a year for the body and paint?

[Big Jimbo]

It did because I did all the welding replacing the trunk and parts of the floors and a few rust holes on the rear fenders. I also fitted and welded in all the bracket to mount my Vintage Air system, new wiper setup, Painless Wiring box, rear mounted battery, etc. I want everything to bolt right in just like it was factory. I can only work on it on weekends if I don't have other chores. The guys who made sure it was straight and painted it only took about 2 months. I must have spent at least 3 years working on the frame and suspension and getting the drive train mounted and all the mechanical issues 100% sorted out. I have done several other cars to 100% original show quality, but this project has been much more fun and challenging. Plus I plan on really driving it and want it to be as dependable as the new cars are. A crazy project like this has to be a labor of love. Can't wait to get it back on the road!

[savvy59]

Now I know the rest of the story!
I agree with you - I want a depndable car that can be driven daily and has easibly obtainable parts.
Your car is really a work of art!
Congrartulattuons!

[jason]

looks awesome man!!