Wasted Money $? I Bought This 1957 Chevy Belair 2 Door Hard Top for $2000!

Поділитися
Вставка
  • Опубліковано 5 жов 2024
  • ‪@MerlinsOldSchoolGarage‬ discusses the journey of his 1957 Chevy Belair and how it came to be his. This project was done before a lot of videos were taken and while he was working on Vegas Rat Rods in Las Vegas. This transformation of the 1957 Chevy Belair is an amazing one. Check it out!
    ‪@DDSpeedShop‬ ‪@12VoltDave‬ ‪@FinnegansGarage‬

КОМЕНТАРІ • 870

  • @jesseford7231
    @jesseford7231 10 місяців тому +41

    Saving another old car from the crusher is all right by me.

  • @mr_mongo7228
    @mr_mongo7228 10 місяців тому +70

    Hats off to you for taking the time and effort to put that old 57 back on the road most people would have walked away! 🇺🇸🍻

  • @gregsullivan8956
    @gregsullivan8956 10 місяців тому +71

    You're a man of your word. Getting the car back on the road is the right thing to do.

  • @cowboyrolo7892
    @cowboyrolo7892 10 місяців тому +7

    Love that you have the old girl a second life!!

  • @brianhowe4875
    @brianhowe4875 10 місяців тому +53

    Man how cool it would be to spend a few days with Merlin in his shop

  • @Beandiptheredneck
    @Beandiptheredneck 10 місяців тому +93

    I think this car was definitely worth building, its got way too cool a story to have just let it linger there, it's not perfect and thats why it's so cool. I don't watch anyone on UA-cam that builds perfect stuff. You can't go to a single car show without seeing a perfect, restored 57 chevy, but one built out of whatever parts that was a nasty wreck, 50 years ago, that's now back together and running, that's worth seeing. And the build is so much more interesting to do. On a different note I somehow missed that you were part of welderup, I remember watching that challenger build on TV. Kinda cool that you were part of that project 👍

  • @bigjohn912
    @bigjohn912 10 місяців тому +30

    It was a wise decision to rebuild. It has history and deserved it. Great job Merlin.

  • @bullittdog4352
    @bullittdog4352 10 місяців тому +5

    Man that cars got a personality you feel through the camera!

  • @dennisstone5018
    @dennisstone5018 10 місяців тому +2

    I’m glad to see that you saved it !!

  • @kennethsmith6470
    @kennethsmith6470 10 місяців тому +5

    Merlin the Magician, love your videos Merlin...

  • @assocrec
    @assocrec 10 місяців тому +1

    Merlin is a purist what you see is what you get! Probably a genius

  • @SolbiatiMiguel
    @SolbiatiMiguel 10 місяців тому +3

    Great Car project, my compliments !!!!

  • @jeffclark2725
    @jeffclark2725 10 місяців тому +3

    Cool car ,and story to go along with it ,thanks for sharing it with us

  • @braddavis5871
    @braddavis5871 10 місяців тому +4

    The value of the 1957 in my mind was well worth the restoration

  • @carlbell9366
    @carlbell9366 8 днів тому +1

    Worth every penny and ounce of sweat you put into it. Love the mag wheels. I'm 66 years old and have never cared for the Craiger wheels. Good job sir.

  • @joedroneson7389
    @joedroneson7389 10 місяців тому +11

    This is one of my favorite videos so far to date… thanks for keeping these old cars alive.

  • @katreniaclark
    @katreniaclark 10 місяців тому +1

    Merlin, You resurrected a historical Icon. That was a poop ton of work and it looks great.

  • @IR-nq4qv
    @IR-nq4qv 10 місяців тому +1

    the great thing about the rod, its cool with no big investment, dependable, drive it anywhere, enjoy the heck out of it with no worries about a bit of dust, road gravel or paint chips. Just get in and go.

  • @philipgibb458
    @philipgibb458 10 місяців тому +1

    1957 was the best year to be born

  • @carlov.3017
    @carlov.3017 10 місяців тому +16

    Merlin, you are truly one of the last, best, truest artists of all time. All of your works of art tell a story and are timeless. This video shows how your heart come through your craftsmanship. Truly unbelievable. Thank you for sharing, thank you for the videos, and thank you for the stories.

  • @vicswanby454
    @vicswanby454 10 місяців тому +18

    I think the best part about these cars are there stores. And the fact that you can tell her story from such a long time ago is that WOW factor that most of the car's today don't have. You did a great job getting her back on the road and enjoying this iconic what dreams are made of vehicle. Thanks for telling her story. And what a beautiful car. 👍

  • @homegrownson
    @homegrownson 10 місяців тому +1

    It's what you Love so that Money wasnt wasted

  • @100363Boil
    @100363Boil 10 місяців тому +1

    My Dad bought a ‘57 Chevy for my mom back in about 1969 or 70. I can remember being driven to school in it. She drove over a crowbar once which stuck through the floor behind the driver seat and shot sparks all the way home. She refused to drive it anymore. Dad bought her an Olds 88 from his cousin.

  • @steven.h0629
    @steven.h0629 10 місяців тому +7

    ❤ OMG Desiree .. you and Nick really pulled some heart strings with that model.. gorgeous! .. and you as well! 👍😎✊

  • @Greg383BB
    @Greg383BB 10 місяців тому +1

    One word Merlin describes that car…….COOL

  • @FilmSphere
    @FilmSphere 10 місяців тому +1

    Every surviving tri-five deserves to be back on the road. 2 door, 4 door, wagons, convertibles, they are iconic works of art

  • @craigsouthern5089
    @craigsouthern5089 10 місяців тому +3

    Thanks for taking us subscribers along for the ride today. Ounce again you have waved your magic 🪄 an built a one of a kind 57 Merlin's custom way. Love the channel. Keep up the great work.👍✌️😎😁🍀🍀🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲

  • @khcopter
    @khcopter 10 місяців тому +2

    Who has a 1957 Chevy daily driver!!! you do!! pretty cool!!

  • @atpgarageatl
    @atpgarageatl 10 місяців тому +20

    It was definitely worth saving the Belair. Glad you got it back on the road. Seeing this thing in the background of many of your videos it’s cool to hear the backstory on it.

  • @kevinleee3408
    @kevinleee3408 10 місяців тому +1

    I'm glad you saved the car that frame you found was meant to be under that car

  • @randysickler4135
    @randysickler4135 10 місяців тому +1

    57 hardtop was my high school ride...built many 55-57 chevrolet cars and trucks..awesome what you you have rescued!

  • @benwright6330
    @benwright6330 10 місяців тому +1

    Wow! That's one awesome story. Now put a floor shift in it and cut, patch the dashboard and paint it all one color. 🔥👍

  • @allangooge7871
    @allangooge7871 10 місяців тому +18

    I think you did the right thing fixing her. And you have done a cracking job. Boy do you get the bargains! That chassis was a steal. 👍🏻🇬🇧

  • @kevinleee3408
    @kevinleee3408 10 місяців тому +1

    As a kid that was one of my dream cars

  • @scottdana
    @scottdana 10 місяців тому +1

    I love that car and the story it tells just by looking at it.

  • @NicksMintScaleReplica
    @NicksMintScaleReplica 10 місяців тому +17

    Such an inspiration! Your 57 was in really bad shape! Kudos for saving it! You saved it and made it your own style which is perfect and inspired so many like Newbern, DD speed shop and myself! Your 57 is the reason why I bought mine and keeping the rat-rod/patina style! I truly enjoyed building the replica for your birthday! Hope to meet you and Desiree one day in my 57. 👍

    • @MerlinsOldSchoolGarage
      @MerlinsOldSchoolGarage  10 місяців тому +3

      🔧❤️🇺🇸🍔😊

    • @Imavalentine
      @Imavalentine 10 місяців тому +3

      @nicksmintscalereplica Thank You so much for accepting my request to make a one of kind birthday gift!!! YOU are truly an amazing artist! The details are spot on right down to the lil green cord inside ❤ we will treasure it forever 🎉 xx

    • @rayneethling7809
      @rayneethling7809 10 місяців тому +1

      Absolutely. Fantastic scale replica and a stunning gift esp to Merlin ! @@Imavalentine

    • @NicksMintScaleReplica
      @NicksMintScaleReplica 10 місяців тому +1

      😆 Absolute pleasure! I'm very blessed for the opportunity @@Imavalentine

    • @tetedur377
      @tetedur377 10 місяців тому

      As I said in a previous post, I used to collect those 1:24 scale models from Franklin and Danbury mint. After my wife died, I went through a decluttering phase/Swedish Death Cleanse (it's a thing; google it), and got rid of all of them. I had to load them all in my 4Runner to take them away. I'd been collecting them for close to 40 years, I think. That doesn't seem right because I'm 67, but yeah, close to it; since the mid-'80s.
      Yours was much better than anything from any of the places out there that I've seen so far. Well done, sir.

  • @89G
    @89G 10 місяців тому +2

    It has so much character. I like it exactly how you've done it. Sometimes I wish I wouldn't have painted my "scabbed together" Fox Body. It wasn't as bruised up as your 57, but it has some war wounds.

    • @KrisD007
      @KrisD007 10 місяців тому +1

      Right? The scars and colors are her identity as well as her story!

    • @89G
      @89G 10 місяців тому

      @@KrisD007 Yes,exactly. The cover sells the story. Great point!

  • @tkdchet
    @tkdchet 10 місяців тому +1

    Love the car, but the scale replica is even cooler! 🙂

  • @mr.crippy3749
    @mr.crippy3749 10 місяців тому +1

    Grabbed a 1957 2-door hardtop 1037 D model for my graduation in 78 still got it in shape like yours! 🍻

  • @NickManCuso59
    @NickManCuso59 10 місяців тому +3

    Most people would have given up. But thankfully you're not most people . Great job !

  • @daxtonbrown
    @daxtonbrown 10 місяців тому +1

    I have a white 57 Bel Air 4 door. It is a lot of work. But a lot of fun. Our cars will be on the road a hundred years from now while the new cars are long scrapped.

  • @DarkSevariant
    @DarkSevariant 10 місяців тому +1

    57 Chevy Bel Air 2 Door...Americana, Man....Great Job...!!!

  • @stevemoore8599
    @stevemoore8599 10 місяців тому +2

    It’s guys like you that inspire the rest of us. Pretty cool 57.

  • @wadericker4795
    @wadericker4795 10 місяців тому +3

    Been seeing this car sitting too the side in other videos. Been wondering about its story. Thanks for telling us this story, very nice! You did good with that car!!

  • @rickteegarden5763
    @rickteegarden5763 10 місяців тому +1

    Dan at DD was just talking about your car last night. What a treat to hear the whole story. Thanks!

  • @DDSpeedShop
    @DDSpeedShop 10 місяців тому +5

    Man, I love this car. Huge insperation on building my 57 hardtop right now.

    • @George-dy3pt
      @George-dy3pt 10 місяців тому

      DD SPEED SHOP DD SPEED SHOP DD SPEED SHOP

  • @dreamlinerkoa6438
    @dreamlinerkoa6438 10 місяців тому +3

    Love that model car she had made !! So cool 😎

  • @scottcochran384
    @scottcochran384 10 місяців тому +5

    i'm all about nice shiney paint jobs and Restorations but I think Your choice to leave this one multi colored and not trying to mask or hide any of it's past history is Perfect.. Looks Amazing as is.

  • @jonvanburen6483
    @jonvanburen6483 9 місяців тому +1

    I understand the concept of the car, no muss, no fuss just good ole '57 heavy chevy rolling steel. Perfect . my '66 Pontiac project underway. body off frame resto original. Classic

  • @rickleal1183
    @rickleal1183 10 місяців тому +1

    Great build, the stories of where all the parts came from make the car.

  • @jehovaserrato615
    @jehovaserrato615 10 місяців тому

    It takes the right person to fix the right kind of car and you did it. Congratulations.

  • @donh8973
    @donh8973 Місяць тому +1

    Very nice that you fix the car was worth it

  • @robertthomas5590
    @robertthomas5590 10 місяців тому +2

    I seen it sitting around your property and always wondered about the 57. Thanks for sharing it's interesting history story.

  • @KrisD007
    @KrisD007 10 місяців тому +2

    The multicolors add to its charm! I love riding in that car! I never knew it had a mini me! ❤❤
    That bridge must’ve been built by geniuses. 😂😂😂

  • @bobpierce115
    @bobpierce115 10 місяців тому +2

    Can I just say I love your dog?! Seeing him on top of the hood of the '57 was so heartwarming. They're such wonderful company in these times, more than ever. Thank you!

  • @TimTowell
    @TimTowell 10 місяців тому +7

    The car was definitely worth saving, as you said they are getting harder and harder to find, and to have one that you know so much about is amazing. There isn't a wrinkle, seam, piece of trim, or anything on the car that doesn't just scream your name, and the die-cast model that Desiree had made for you is just incredible. You absolutely did the right thing, and you have recreated an amazing ride...😂

  • @hillwilliam
    @hillwilliam 10 місяців тому +10

    Your UA-cam videos have become my favorite. I love what you can do with things most people just throw away. Keep ‘em coming.

  • @michaelmeyer5347
    @michaelmeyer5347 9 місяців тому +1

    Old iron is scarce....my ultimate dream car has always been a 57 Bel Aire...no post. Definitely worth saving. Takes lots of patience, sticktuitivness and ability.👍🤠👍

  • @ianmcleod8898
    @ianmcleod8898 10 місяців тому

    '57 chevy's are a thing of beauty no matter what they look like.

  • @garysgarage.2841
    @garysgarage.2841 2 місяці тому

    Too many people out there think you need to replace everything or it's not done right. Of course these are the ones that can't actually do any of the work they just watch TV shows and type on the Internet. I love it any time you can save original metal your doing something right.

  • @Mega32roadster
    @Mega32roadster 10 місяців тому +1

    Always good to save a 57. I have had seven 57’s and loved them all. Good on you for saving this car.

  • @philrymer8325
    @philrymer8325 10 місяців тому +2

    Thanks for sharing your '57 build. Awesome build and video!

  • @JoeWoolley-rf5fq
    @JoeWoolley-rf5fq 10 місяців тому +1

    Thank you Merlin for such a great video . That was the year I was born . Unfortunately the closest I got was my 56 no post . Wished I still had . But 57 Chevy is dear to my heart . Thank you again for sharing and not giving up on the ole girl . 👍👍👍👍

  • @roostingthe6520
    @roostingthe6520 10 місяців тому +6

    Dude thats so badass! All love all the scars!! You brought something back to life 99% of the world would've scrapped. You're a bad mo fo!

  • @motardmike
    @motardmike 10 місяців тому +3

    And now over to watch Dan at DD's Speed shop, Always wondered about the 57 and the story was a good one. More Great Content.

  • @quicksilver8180
    @quicksilver8180 10 місяців тому +1

    Great to finally get the full story. Thanks merlin its a great 57

  • @jjohnson2553
    @jjohnson2553 10 місяців тому

    Took my driving test in a 57 chevy that was to become my own car a couple of years later when I turned 16. I've got a lot of fond memories that involve that car.

  • @shirleyallen6072
    @shirleyallen6072 17 днів тому +1

    Agree even before finishing viewing the video.; SO WORTH IT!!My mom had a 57 Chev …if only I was old enough to drive at the time…would have took it from her:))!

  • @JustKirky-ls4ef
    @JustKirky-ls4ef 10 місяців тому +1

    another of Merlins epic cars with an epic story behind it, its why we love this channel & Merlin, thanks for sharing

  • @joshuathomas5721
    @joshuathomas5721 10 місяців тому

    Thanks for getting her back where she belongs. I remember seeing that car sitting in that yard on Acoma Ave for years.

  • @robertstapleton3598
    @robertstapleton3598 10 місяців тому +1

    What a great story! I love every color on that car!

  • @larrydavidson3402
    @larrydavidson3402 10 місяців тому +1

    A very interesting story Merlin, glad you took the time to bring it back to life.

  • @shirleyallen6072
    @shirleyallen6072 17 днів тому +1

    Agree even before finishing viewing the video.; SO WORTH IT!!My mom had a 57 Chev …if only I was old enough to drive at the time…would have took it from her:))! Great Job

  • @bluegrallis
    @bluegrallis 10 місяців тому

    About 1967, a neighbor kid(maybe 18 or 19 years old) took a 55 Chevy station wagon and cut the back doors out, shortening the frame. When I saw it, the inside wasn't finished, but from the outside, you couldn't tell it had been touched. I don't know what ever happened to that car, but the guy went on to run a very successful body repair shop till he retired a few years ago.

  • @George-dy3pt
    @George-dy3pt 10 місяців тому +1

    You're the man Merlin!

  • @johnperun232
    @johnperun232 10 місяців тому +1

    What a nightmare experience
    Awesome Video and Outstanding replica Model
    Great Content 👍
    Thanx for Sharing your experience 👍
    Have a Great Day 👍
    God Bless You and your Family 👍

  • @Mr420DEEZ
    @Mr420DEEZ 10 місяців тому

    I was born in havasu been here 40 years. Love cruising by your house and seeing all the projects on my way to work

  • @stomper2582
    @stomper2582 10 місяців тому +1

    Love the 57s. Had 3 different ones in high school in the mid 60s. Hung on to one til after Uncle Sam sent me back home in one piece. Wish I had it back. I’m sure it’s been crushed by now. 😢

  • @terryallen6688
    @terryallen6688 10 місяців тому

    Of course it is worth putting my favorite car EVER, I'm 70 Y.O. and that 57' has always been my dream car. I've never had one. a great restoration.

  • @Jammer.1
    @Jammer.1 10 місяців тому

    The best part is the story behind the car & then find out it's the daily driver is cool !

  • @auzmo
    @auzmo 10 місяців тому

    Those Bel Airs are still cool and iconic and why they are so expensive. Definitely worth it. I only selfishly wish it was all yellow. Reminds me of the old school taxis.

  • @rickmurdock6140
    @rickmurdock6140 10 місяців тому +7

    Crazy build that will make everyone envious of your talents forever. Thanks again for sharing.

  • @robertr4193
    @robertr4193 10 місяців тому +6

    You put in a heck of a lot of work in to this 57. For the condition that it was in when you got the car it looks a whole lot better. Plus it runs and drives now. Good deal and well done.

  • @dalemullins4562
    @dalemullins4562 10 місяців тому

    Motor Trend t.v. is running those Vegas Rat Rod episodes. Telephone poles seemed to be attracted to cars in the 70's. YESSSS keep these babies on the road! This car is living it's best life...resurrected from the scrap heap. If she could talk she would be thanking you!

  • @erscustoms911
    @erscustoms911 10 місяців тому +1

    Dd speed shop sent me…
    Nice rat rod man you did a great job getting it back on the road 🇺🇸

  • @stevevanpatten1372
    @stevevanpatten1372 10 місяців тому

    Merlin congratulations putting your 57 Belair back together. Continue turning your Dream's into a Reality Merlin

  • @scottwhitmer2034
    @scottwhitmer2034 10 місяців тому

    Love to see you , Newberns, and DD Speedshop all in one place!

  • @1320quick
    @1320quick 10 місяців тому +1

    Great story! I always see the 57 in the background of your videos and I wondered what the deal was with it. Very cool that you saved it.

  • @brianbloom1799
    @brianbloom1799 10 місяців тому +1

    Hi Merlins back in 1983 I was running a body shop, a Man had a black 57, It was hit harder than Yours, I Told him it was not worth fixing, took out every window except for driver door and back seat roll down,It was his fathers, had lots of memory's so I hook to I beam, pulled for 3 weeks, New floors complete pass side, The car still looks brand new today, It is now own by his son. So They can be fix, all it takes is lots of heart. Did what made you happy, all that Matters.

  • @jameshebel6859
    @jameshebel6859 10 місяців тому

    That car is beautiful. I would not change a thing. You are a true master of your craft. Ty for keeping it alive.

  • @kenfrazier616
    @kenfrazier616 10 місяців тому

    your 57 is bad as a tattoo, stuck on you forever,. What a sweet machine to build and such a beautiful machine.

  • @bobbendt1698
    @bobbendt1698 10 місяців тому

    Such a cool old hotrod. Thanks for keeping it alive.

  • @scottlamadeleine2243
    @scottlamadeleine2243 10 місяців тому

    Man as cool as I thought that story and car is that replica model takes the show, what an awesome job they did getting that right

  • @JB-ro3sz
    @JB-ro3sz 10 місяців тому

    this car is a miracle car, its a miracle it could be fixed as good as it is without cutting it completely apart. i like the colors It reminds me of the Partridge family bus. and the mini replica is amazingly detailed and looks perfect.

  • @danhiggins7798
    @danhiggins7798 10 місяців тому +2

    Beautiful car just the way it is. Could maybe shoot a clear to preserve whats there. Or not, let it age gracefully.
    I love the ride in the old heavy cars. They just float down the road.

  • @Derf1313
    @Derf1313 10 місяців тому

    Kool history, massive amount of love you've poured into it ! & then sharing it with us... Thanx !

  • @CodyMan-vr6es
    @CodyMan-vr6es 9 місяців тому +1

    Awesome story and great job.

  • @johnmackenzie7487
    @johnmackenzie7487 10 місяців тому +1

    You really are a magician ! 🧙‍♂

  • @jeffmoran5973
    @jeffmoran5973 10 місяців тому +2

    It is so cool to see these old chevys back on the road, these cars are absolutely awesome. 😊

  • @stuartwilson5634
    @stuartwilson5634 10 місяців тому

    I’m glad you Kept it, and I’m glad you , rebirthed her