1957 Chevrolet Chevy Bel Air 2 Door with Factory Air Conditioning on My Car Story with Lou Costabile
Вставка
- Опубліковано 2 жов 2024
- If you enjoy the videos and would like to Sponsor me on Patreon, my Creator link is / mycarstorywithlou
On "My Car Story" we're in Alsip IL on 5-28-15 at the Midwest Car Exchange.
We're looking at a 1957 Chevrolet Chevy Bel Air 2 Door Hardtop in Black paint, Red Interior, Fender Skirts, and Factory Air Conditioning.
We’re talking with Eric Leszczynski who is the son of Owner Mark Leszczynski of Midwest Car Exchange and Eric works for his Father.
Eric shares the details of this Beauty!
If you’re interested in purchasing a cool car they have, call Eric or his brother Tim Leszczynski at the office # 1-708-388-5277. The company is located at 12533 S. Laramie Ave. Alsip, IL 60803. Or go to www.MCECARS.com and view their inventory.
ENJOY!
Visit our Affiliate Sponsor links for special promotions and coupons exclusively for My Car Story viewers!
Over 7000 Diecast Model Cars
Visit: shareasale.com...
Escort Radar Detector Deals:
www.shareasale...
Need a Car Cover
Visit Carcovers.com here
shareasale.com...
For Our Corvette Fans
Enjoy many great products including custom apparel at
shareasale.com...
Redline Automotive Accessories
Current promotion: Genuine leather shift boot and steering wheel cover custom made for your vehicle!
shareasale.com... - Авто та транспорт
One beautiful 1957 , a nice treat to see again, thanks.
Hi Gerard, Happy to read you enjoy the looks of this car :-) You're welcome, Lou
Extra nice with all right options including the ultra rare factory air. That mystery box holds vacuum for the power
brakes. Also ALL 57’s with power steering had the pump mounted on the back of the generator. Some
will disagree but in my opinion those incorrect fender skirts spoil the looks of the car. I would pull them off
immediately. They simply do not belong! A wonderful car!
Hi Craig Jorgensen, Happy to read you enjoy this car :-) Lou
Craig Jorgensen thanks, about the Box, etc. interestingly, I had a low miles /Florida car: 1956 FORD 4 Door/ FAIRLANE THUNDERBIRD ENGINE/ auto( my Memory , air cond that did Not work) had Fender Skirts: always thought were added....for short time in 1966.....actually had plans to keep,it: totalled accident,
Really nice 1957 Chevy. I really like the factory air and the vents in the dash. Much nicer than under the dash.
Hi David Iverson, Happy to read you appreciate this car :-) Thank you for viewing, sharing and I believe you're going to see many more cars on this Channel you'll enjoy. Hope you Subscribe, and hit the "bell" so you can see all the cars when they are uploaded on this UA-cam Channel, Lou
gorgeous Bel Air - I've always loved these cars!
Hi National Dispatch LLC, Glad you like the looks of this one :-) I agree a Chevrolet Design Masterpiece, Lou
What a tragedy to put those ugly, ugly fender skirts on this beautiful machine. I was 13 when these came out, and my generation understood only a complete dork drove around with fender skirts on a '57 Chevy. I have one in Matador red with an India Ivory white top, and the same interior as this one. The greatest car Chevrolet ever built.
Hi delandmona, Happy to read you have a 57 Chevy too :-) Clearly you're not a fan of the fender skirt :-( Hope you see many more cars on this UA-cam Channel you'll enjoy, like this 1957 Chevy. Enjoy! Lou ua-cam.com/video/im0UcLXrf3A/v-deo.html
Love fender skirts on cars 🚗 😍 👌 ❤️ 💙 ♥️ 🚗 😍 👌 ❤️ 💙
Nice !
Air Conditioning was a $430.00 option on this car when the sticker was under $2000.00. That’s why only 1% had it. Also, when you ordered AC it also came with the physically bigger, higher output 30 amp generator. And the reason the power steering pump is piggy backed to the alternator instead of off an accessory belt pully is the extra accessory pulley is used for the AC compressor and back then they didn’t the multiple spine pulleys until the 60s as AC became more popular.
Hi Joey D, Thank you for sharing your knowledge regarding the AC option, Lou
Between the massive AC compressor, the larger generator, and the power steering pump, that combination robbed a lot of power from the engine. Back then all those accessories were heavy (especially the AC compressor - probably weighs 50 pounds and a modern one weighs maybe 10 pounds) and the higher output generator has a lot more internal rotating resistance. This car is probably the slowest of any ‘57 Chevy in the world lol
Fascinating thx 4 sharing!!!
...yes, and another reason, aside from the initial cost, that not many got A/C back then, was the high cost of repairing it when it broke...A/C is still expensive to repair when it breaks. When I was a kid, IF a used car we bought had A/C that worked, Dad would say, "enjoy it while it works!"...when the A/C eventually stopped working, that was it...he never even considered fixing it...we just drove the vehicle without A/C until it died....
I might be wrong but I would venture to say that factory air conditioning was most likely ordered on 5% of the Chevys.
I use to wonder why the vintage car world held this car so high but then after learning its significance I get it now. Its like what iPhone did for cell phones as far as style
Hi Mr. Eighty, Thank you for viewing and sharing your thoughts. Hope you see many more cars on this UA-cam Channel you'll enjoy, Lou
The very best looking car ever built!
An awesome design :-)
Wish I had one, beauty.
Hi Jerry, Happy to read you enjoy the looks of this car :-) Me too. Did you see this one? Enjoy, Lou ua-cam.com/video/R_VLCVN_R2g/v-deo.html
If I could go back in time I would order the exact car and Maybe even a convertible with AC if they made such a thing??
Like this one :-) ua-cam.com/video/Y0szvTPkyEg/v-deo.html
Hamer Player They did make 1957 Chevy convertables with factory air but they ate very rare. Air Conditioning added over 400.00 to a 3000.00 car.
That's probably the nicest car ever made and with all the modern options
Hi Robert Gerber, Glad you enjoy this one :-) Hope you see many more you'll enjoy on the Channel, Lou
modern options ? except security rest head..... so important ....Fantastic car ,,,,
nice car and with factory air. However not original to that car. Missing pieces that I can see from the video are, engine Idle knob, 5 blade fan and the Harrison tag on the evap box should be stamped with serial number and install date. Like I said nice car.
Hi TONY, Thank you for viewing and sharing your knowledge. Hope you see many more cars on this UA-cam Channel you enjoy. Please subscribe, and hit the "bell" so you can see all the cars when they are uploaded on this UA-cam Channel, Lou
I never saw a 50`s auto that didn`t look better with fender skirts.
Cecil Maney I’m one of the many who totally disagree! I think fender skirts ruin the looks of a car! Even more so with
Continental Kits!
Hi Cecil, Happy to read you appreciate the looks of this car :-) Thank you for viewing, sharing and I believe you're going to see many more cars on this Channel you'll enjoy. Hope you Subscribe, and hit the "bell" so you can see all the cars when they are uploaded on this UA-cam Channel, Lou
Lou...thanks for posting....Far and away for me, the most amazing items on this 57 Chevy, are the power windows and incredibly the Factory installed A/C....younger folks would have no idea, how unusual this was for a mid priced Chevy in 1957...absolutely stunning to see these 2 prized options on such an auto....
Hi daniel lack, Great attention to detail :-) Thank you for viewing, sharing, and adding to the story, Lou
I heard don't know if it's true 1% 57 chevy had air
It sounds very much like it might be true to me...People buying chevys, fords, and Plymouths (known as the low price three) back in the middle late 50s, were on a budget and air conditioning was still rare even on much more expensive luxury cars, including caddys, and power windows the same situation...just amazing to see both on this car...
daniel lack yes, my Grandfather bought cars esp with NO AIR CONDITIONING: esp a 1963 CHRYSLER 300, and 1959 DODGE Station Wagon.....etc.
It appears to be power steering as well. Many years ago the shop where I worked had a customer with a bright red '55 Bel Air wagon with factory air, power steering, power brakes, and windows. Enviable ride.
HI 5610winston, Thank you for viewing and sharing your memories of the 1955 Bel Air Wagon :-) Lou
Thanks, suppose any of 55 Wagons/ ac,ps/ PB LEFT: ?. awfully rare( my Parents & Grandparents would NEVER have a car with air Conditioning, etc,
OK Lou, that "box" is a power brake reservoir !!!
Hi Bobby, Thank you for viewing and sharing your knowledge. Hope you see many more cars on this UA-cam Channel you enjoy. Please subscribe, and hit the "bell" so you can see all the cars when they are uploaded on this UA-cam Channel, Lou
I don't know much about Chevy cars of this vintage, but I am going to guess that the silver "mystery" box under the hood is a vacuum storage tank for the power brakes.
Rob Mackenzie Hi Rob Mackenzie, Thanks for viewing and sharing what the mystery box is, Take care, Lou
It indeed is, you can see the hose coming off it going to the P/B unit. Have never seen one myself.
No, my 57 Chevy had power brakes & didn't have that box.
jorge hernandez thanks, what is Box?
Thanks....
Those JC Whitney tailpipes look horrible. A truly rare and historic car. I typically watch Constabile's videos with the volume turned off for obvious reasons. Some truly interesting cars otherwise.
Hi Tommy Robinson, My wife does the same thing with the volume, also for "obvious reasons". Also no "N" in Costabile. Lou
Yep,Tailpipe Tips Are Suppose to Be Part of Rear bumper. Lol
I'm not sure if I'm wrong Lou but I think that 57 Chevy has the wrong power window switches I believe those are a more modern switch on there because I've seen other 57 Chevys with power windows and they look different they're more smaller than that one looks like out of something out of the seventies or sixties even? not a big deal just something I noticed it's a beautiful car though specially with Factory air condition that's rare?
Yes you are correct. This has aftermarket power windows. Factory power windows would not only have different style switches but they’re built into the dashboard where it wraps around right in front of the A pillar. So the switches for the front windows are not on the doors but on the dash in front of the doors.
Well we ALL KNEW...No matter how nice something is that some butthole would find fault...
Actually @@joe6096 the power window switches didn't go on the wrap around of the dash until 1959. In 57 they were on the door panels. However, the switches on this car are later version GM switches likely from the 1970s.
@Ian Smale I also noticed this and feel the same.
Ian Smale thanks, remember 59 Chevy
I've seen few factory air 57s but I think that is the only power window 57 I've seen.
Thanks for sharing.
Hi Moby H, Thank you for viewing and sharing what you noticed. You're welcome. Hope you see many more cars on this UA-cam Channel you enjoy. Please subscribe, and hit the "bell" so you can see all the cars when they are uploaded on this UA-cam Channel, Lou
I already got my list in my note book, I PRAYED TO him about it 😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅
NICE !
Great Car Lou, you have Another new Fan, My Grandfather, he watched this with me. He has a Friend who has one that he Bought new in the Fall of 1956, a Survivor, Unrestored, in this Condition. He was amazed this is the same color combination as his Friends. His Friend did a special Factory Order, his has Power Windows, Air Conditioning, Dual Mirrors and of course Wheel Shirts, by the Rear Wheels. He checked of every last box. He said "I am going to keep this for a while, it is my first Brand New Car, I am not skipping any Options, it costs what it costs".
Hi Max, AWESOME! Let your Grandfather know he needs to watch the commercials so Lou gets paid :-) Lou
Hopefully GOD will let us have cars like that in Heaven. 😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊
AMEN ! See you in Heavens Garage.
I want one so bad 😭
Me too. My dad is car sho🅿🅿ing atm, he isnt getting the hints.
Yeenosaur YEE
Hi Andrew, Hope you're behind the wheel of the right 57 Chevy for you, Lou
Boy Chevrolet really hit a home run with the 1957 Chevy model. Especially the two-door model. No wonder they are "worth their weight in gold." My all-time fav is the 1969 AMC AMX but who would not love the 1957 Chevy? Must have been cool to be old enough to drive back in those days!
Hi Captsaison, High praise for the design of the 1957 Chevy :-) Good news! Here is the link to a video of a 1969 AMC AMX. Enjoy! Lou ua-cam.com/video/iWmtQbepHRw/v-deo.html
Lou you know very well that I am crazy and obsessed with the 57 Chevys
You have great taste in cars....the classic design done to perfection.
Exactly
The box under the hood is a vacuum box for the brakes...
My 57 chevy had the vacuum boost right behind the master brake cylinder. I don't ever recall seeing that box under my hood.
Hi Old Bay, Thank you for viewing and sharing your knowledge. Hope you see many more cars on this UA-cam Channel you enjoy. Please subscribe, and hit the "bell" so you can see all the cars when they are uploaded on this UA-cam Channel, Lou
Does it have a recirculate option for them really hot days there it's better just to cool the air that's already cool in the cab after a few minutes
Hi Brett Duffy, That is a good idea, however I'm not aware of that option on a 1957. Maybe a Viewer has more knowledge and can share, Lou
Can you still get the cab down to 65 68° on 110 + degree day though
W/ the Power Steering, Bigger Alternator,All Piggy Backing & A/ C, Dragging Down Power, Just Needs A 327ci,To Make Up For the Lost Power.That Was The Favorite Replacement Eng.,After it Came Out in 62-63 to Upgrade This Beautiful Classic.
Thank you for viewing & sharing some tips. Hope you see many more cars on this UA-cam Channel you enjoy, Lou
Had a 57 Belair, favorite car
You have great taste in cars :-) Thank you for sharing.
Yes, the drone of I-294 is never-ending. Thanks for another nice video, Lou.
Hi Anthony C, Yes, the cars are rolling on the Highway for sure. Oh well, sometimes you have to video where and when you can, Lou
I absolutely love it!!!
Happy to read "I absolutely love it!!!" :-)
Chevys look more futuristic n stylish than cars of now. Sad motor industry for the American market of today. 50s golden era. Now just fake era.
Hi shanke300, Thank you for viewing and sharing your thoughts, Lou
To say it with a famous line from a Queen-Song:
"The Dream of a Machine... such a clean machine."
My Dream Car
We have a winner for you :-) NICE!
Just lovely!
Mrmikemike46 Great design, thanks for viewing and sharing, Lou
The A/C really pulled the engine down esp. at idle. Had to have the idle speed set just right and engine had to be kept well tuned.
But European cars weren't even beyond this... Not even close! I'm telling you...
Thank you for viewing and sharing. Hope you see many cars on this UA-cam Channel you enjoy.
More time should be spent on air conditioning interior vents and controls especially on vintage automobiles, when air conditioning was very expensive and rare
Hi Jim P, Thank you for viewing and sharing your thoughts. Hope you see many more cars on this UA-cam Channel you enjoy. Please subscribe, and hit the "bell" so you can see all the cars when they are uploaded on this UA-cam Channel, Lou
What would your show be without a 57 Chevy thank you Lou
Hi Andrew, If you type into UA-cam search "My Car Story with Lou 1957 Chevrolet" I think you'll see many you enjoy, Lou
Having the power steering pump connected behind the generator makes it difficult to change out the generator for an alternator.
Hi Ray, Thank you for viewing and sharing your knowledge. Hope you see many more cars on this UA-cam Channel you enjoy. Please subscribe, and hit the "bell" so you can see all the cars when they are uploaded on this UA-cam Channel, Lou
Why would you want to? Those old generators were more than up to the task.
Showing off a car you know little about. The tank on the left front fender is for vacuum reserve for the power brakes. The box under the dash was for nose tissues. I knew that before you even touched it. Wish you did a little research before doing the video. Frustrating listening to dialog that doesn't display knowledge of the vehicle shown. I've owned three 57 Chevys. A two door hardtop such as this with the same color combo. A two door sedan 210 trim with 283 and switched to 4 speed from 3 speed gear box. I still have my 4 door hardtop with 283 auto trans and posi with power steering and will add power brakes soon for my wife to drive. Had it since college days. Had a 150 2 door sedan 55 with a 427 Big Block and 4 speed with a 12 bolt Camaro rearend. Very fast machine. Still own two 57 trucks. Both half tons and one is a factory V-8 and has factory 4x4 equipment. The other is a hotrod truck soon to be sporting a supercharged 454 and turbo 400 trans with posi rear.
Dear Sgt York, You've missed the point of my Channel. If you want "research & stats" please go to Consumer Reports or Car & Driver for those things, and I think that info is all nice to know, but I'm more concerned with 1) having FUN with AWESOME CARS & 2) Hearing from the Care Taker the story of the car we're featuring See this / my Channel is more like you're Birthday, were when I go to a Car Show or location I like to be surprised and "don't know what's in the box" . This way I'm learning as I go from the Care Takers. Hope that helps and hope you see many more cars you'll enjoy. Lou P.S. Sometimes I do a "trunk & treat" section & show period correct brochures and stats to when we have them.
Lou,
I like most of your videos. Mainly your Mopar vids as I also have a 71 Cuda I'm personally restoring. The point is, it might be advisable to edit your posts so the silly comments don't make watchers cringe a bit. One can't be an expert on every make n model but doing a quick walk around and discussion on talking points helps. I've been working on my own cars since before I could drive legally. Well over 42 years. A person who wrenches on their cars knows the little points better than others who don't. Sorry to rub you the wrong way. I forget that not all car guys also work on them.
We're good :-)
@@loucostabile The power windows are not factory, the switches are wrong and there is no factory conduit in the door jambs. I think the factory air is added too, there is no throttle cable under the dash and no hole in the firewall for the cable.
Fender skirts ruin the looks of the car. Thank You.
Hi Tony, Thank you for viewing and sharing. Hope you see many more cars on this UA-cam Channel you enjoy. Please subscribe, and hit the "bell" so you can see all the cars when they are uploaded on this UA-cam Channel, Lou
There couldn’t be many out there with factory air.
I'd guess you're right.
Noise is unbearable
Clearly this one is not for you Teddy Mullins :-( Hope you see many more cars on this Channel you'll enjoy :-) Lou
It’s the 57 Chevy ladies car I think
Hi Enderslayer146, Thank you for viewing and sharing. Hope you see many more cars on this UA-cam Channel you enjoy. Please subscribe, and hit the "bell" so you can see all the cars when they are uploaded on this UA-cam Channel, Lou
I can barely understand a word you say... but I can hear every car that passes along in the background just fine. You might want to consider investing a few dollars in proper microphones before you attempt the next video.
Hi Herr Unsinn, Thank goodness for people like you who can see the need! Happy we're right at the holidays and in a time of giving. Here is a link to my Patreon account so please give generously to help fund that equipment I need. Thank you in advance, Lou www.patreon.com/MyCarStoryWithLou
What a color combo !!!!
Glad to read you enjoy the looks of these colors on this car :-)
Very high on my MUST own list is this, a pristine 1957 Black Belair 2 door hardtop. What a fine example here. Great to see this!!
Hi D Wnright, Happy to read you enjoy this car :-) Me too, Lou
Just got to sit in my dream car just like this and OMG it felt GREAT!! Even the big steering wheel felt good, and I am over 5 foot 8
Hi RyanPowder Rock20, Congratulations you were in your "dream car" :-) Thank you for viewing and sharing, Lou
Lol I like how he so demanding with the car..."yea uh yea let's turn it on..
"
"Jim couple more cranks"
"Let's get some noise...um put the hood down"
Hi Dave S., I just went to your Channel and took a peek @ "Part 3 Saturn". If you think I'm "Directing" to much, you might want to get more Bossy, and I hope it pushes that 75 Subscriber # up :-) Stay well, Lou
@@loucostabile lol thanks for the advice man, I wasn't putting you or anything just so you know, i just thought it was funny....but that's the problem with texting 🙄.
That car was made for that color combination.
You're right, it looks great :-)
Tint the Windows and I'll take it.
Buy the car & you can tint the windows :-)
@@loucostabile Shops are closed in my areas due to the shutdown.
6:11 I'm sorry but it is power steering. The pump is on the back end of the generator.
Hi ryn1010, Thank you for viewing and sharing your knowledge. Hope you see many more cars on this UA-cam Channel you enjoy. Please subscribe, and hit the "bell" so you can see all the cars when they are uploaded on this UA-cam Channel, Lou
add factory fuel injection that car would be over 6 figures
:-)
I love the sound of an old small block chevy.
Hi SPACE TRUCKER, Happy to read you appreciate the sounds from this car :-) Thank you for viewing and sharing. Lou
Did y'all ever find out what that silver box was under the hood
Not yet.
I believe that was the controller for the autronic eye.
that container is a vacuum chamber
Thank you for viewing and sharing.
@@loucostabile I have always loved 55 56 57 Belair this one is exceptional!
I'm stunned! Iconic! That car made actually America great! My goodness Lou... Should be actually in that famous red though...
Hi Beun007, Glad to read this car "stunned" you :-) Here is that famous red you're looking for, enjoy! Lou ua-cam.com/video/im0UcLXrf3A/v-deo.html
Very Nice Chevrolet !!!
Happy to read you think this car is very nice :-) Me too.
You went way too fast on the interior. The interior is where you spend most of your time. I don't remember did it have a radio? How much is this car?
Hi Clark Stewart, Apologize if went through the interior to fast. If you’re interested in purchasing a cool car they have, call Eric or his brother Tim Leszczynski at the office # 1-708-388-5277. The company is located at 12533 S. Laramie Ave. Alsip, IL 60803. Or go to www.MCECARS.com and view their inventory. Let them know where you saw the car. Thank you, Lou
Yes, am radio ctr above glove box, which is in the center of the dash
Only 1% had factory air for 57 Bel Air
Thank you for sharing your knowledge.
Great car thanks for showing
Thank you for viewing, and it's my pleasure David Terry :-)
Seriously! WOW!!!
High praise :-)
That’s a sweet ride.
Glad you enjoy this car Kyle Dillard :-) Hope you see many more cars on this UA-cam Channel you'll enjoy, Lou
Lou Costabile, my dad would seriously love the car.
Love it
Happy to read you "Love it" :-) Thank you for viewing and sharing. Lou
Chrome
Lots of it :-)
Beautiful
Glad you enjoy this one :-)
How do you service the air condition if you can't get freon
R-12 Freon actually IS still available from EPA - authorized facilities (you can’t buy it at Autozone). It’s just that it costs $30-45 per pound now, vs. the $3.50/lb for commonly available R-134a. When restoring or servicing a car like this Bel Air, you don’t mind spending that.
It's still available, I have half a case sitting in my garage.
Hi brettduffy19992, I see Joe & jnucci1 have shared answers to your question, Lou
Hey there: Please explain to us, how you've got a '57 chevy with a 283? As I know, the 283 came out in 1958? Please "Educate" us????????????
Read this from Wikipedia and this should help en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chevrolet_small-block_engine
@@loucostabile well, I've learned something, I know for all intensive purposes, the 283 wasn't offered until 1958, however you pointing that out about some "early" models of the engine were cast from the same: 265 mold, but had cooling problems, and was later fixed for the debut of the engine.. I've read this from various sources. Thank You, Very much Lou!
@@29madmangaud29 it was The Optionial Eng.for 57,If Not ,Why Do Most 57 Bel Airs Have The 283, 265 was the STD.Eng.
Well ED, thank you very much. @@edcain3676
Mine had a stock 283 also
Great original car Lou!
One of the best designs ever :-) Glad you enjoyed the originality. I enjoy that too.
was a 350 available.
Not Till Early - Mid 60' s the 327 that Came out in 62-63 Was the Fav.Repl.Eng.,Till Then
I don't think so.
4
Sorry Lou. Typed a 4. While I am not a big fan of 57s, this is beautiful.
Hi George, Happy to read you appreciate the looks of this car :-) Lou
The most sought after factory defective cars ever made. Let them die like so many people they killed. They have a deadly frame defect. People have been killed at speeds of 20 m.p.h. Change out the factory steering columns and save your life. The frame folds it into the driver killing them usually instantly. You NEED a replacement column to even make these street worthy. DEATHTRAPS!!! They even ran a crash test involving a newer car and a '59 in which the '59 still appeared to have the same defects these do. Buy a Ford - he saw his customers lost and invented a specialized steering gearbox that was already on '56 T-birds. You're welcome. Warn your friends.
Hi Shawn Miller, Clearly this one is not for you :-( Hope you see many more cars you enjoy on this UA-cam Channel, Lou
Lock yourself in your room so you don’t get hurt.
Hope