Bodie StroudIndustries

1957 Chevrolet Bel Air Convertible

1957 · Chevrolet Bel Air Convertible · for Kerry Seidenglanz

Chevrolet Bel Air Convertible

The Build

A 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air Convertible finished in deep candy red, built by Bodie Stroud Industries for Kerry Seidenglanz.

Vehicle History

The 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air is arguably the most recognizable American car ever built — the finned, chrome-laden icon of the 1950s. The convertible sat at the top of the Tri-Five range and remains one of the most desirable cruisers of the era.

Known for: part of the legendary "Tri-Five" Chevy trio of 1955–57

Gallery

Kerry Seidenglanz's 1957 Chevy Convertible in the Bodie Stroud shop

Convertible top latch and cable detail against the fresh candy-red paint

Build Process

Dashboard assembly — chrome instrument surround, wiring and steering wheel being fitted

Dash and steering wheel in place while the interior wiring continues

LS engine and aluminium radiator installed with protection still in place

Engine bay detail during final engine assembly

Air-conditioning compressor being fitted and plumbed

Ignition coils and under-dash wiring routed in the footwell

Fuse box, harness and pedal assembly behind the dash

Rear three-quarter with the convertible top frame fitted and chrome protected

Custom exhaust and driveline under the car

Rear view with the top frame in place and brightwork masked for final fitting

Body in bare metal during metalwork

Front end in bare metal with grille fitted

Sanding the body on the rotisserie

LS engine mounted in the painted chassis

Candy-red chassis with polished exhaust and suspension

Engine installed in the painted bay

Aeromotive fuel system and polished rear suspension

Painted body during final assembly

Dashboard and steering wheel during wiring

Welding in new floor pans

Grinding metalwork on the body

Interior and console mockup during fabrication

Body shell in primer on the trailer

Candy-red paint detail on the cowl

Fresh candy-red paint on the windshield frame and cockpit

Painted body fresh out of the booth

Completed chassis with drivetrain and exhaust

Rear body in bare metal with bumper fitted

Bare-metal dash with steering wheel and wiring

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