Chevy’s 1958 models would be a one-year iteration, redesigned again for 1959 to keep up with the styling excesses of Chrysler’s “Forward Look” products. The swanky Impala was introduced in 1958, but the Bel Air was still a big seller, including Sport Coupes like the seller’s car. This one had some rust issues that the seller has recently taken care of, but it needs more cosmetic work along with a mechanical restoration. Located in Holly, Michigan, this old Chevrolet is available here on eBay with a BIN of $9,500, but the option to make an offer is also available. Another vintage top from Barn Finder Larry D!
Compared to the Tri-Five Chevy models of 1955-57, the ‘58s were longer, lower and wider and were introduced during an economic recession that impacted all domestic auto manufacturers. Overall production numbers were off by double digits in 1958 but began to rebound the following year. Chevy would build 142,000 Sport Coupes in ’58 across all series, but a breakdown as to how many of those were Bel Airs isn’t known.
When I began looking this car over, it looked increasingly familiar. If it’s not the car we featured last year here on Barn Finds, it’s sure close. We’re guessing it finally sold because the Chevy is no longer in Kansas and the seller has taken care of a lot of the car’s rust issues. The floor pans are new (including the trunk), and the rocker panels, floor braces, and rear quarter panels have been repaired. So, we’re told it’s now a solid car to move toward applying a new coat of paint.
No progress has been made on the 283 cubic-inch V8 or Powerglide transmission as the seller was intending on an LS conversion that is no longer in the cards. Other mechanical work that is needed includes wiring, brakes, the driveshaft, and the fuel delivery system including the gas tank. Though the seats need to be reupholstered, we’re told the Chevy now has new carpeting. The tires are newer reproductions of the kind of rubbers that would have been on the Bel Air when new. If this is the same car as before, a fair amount of progress has been made, but a lot more work remains.
Attack of the ‘patina monster’.
I like the car, but as you pointed out there is a lot more to be done. This car could become one of those big holes in the ground ,that you drop money into.
Yes, it makes me appreciate the hard work done on the “ Well-Preserved 1968 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 396” featured on BF not long ago. Until I read that post I only had a vague Idea how much money and effort it can take to bring a dormant car back.
To me, a ’58 is far more desirable than the 55-57 cars. It has a clean look that just “works”.
I am curious to see how high the bidding goes on this one, as even a driver-quality ’58 can easily hit $20k these days.
Same. Everybody covets the 55-57, but I think the 58s are king. Handsome lines and those fins are just quirky enough to make them interesting.
Totally agree ; I’m happy to see I’m not the only one who thinks so !
The only ’58 I’d want would have 6 taillights.
Three’s Company
Bel Air sport coupe almost as cool as an Impala. I’d leave it stock: 283/Powergluide, restore paint and interior.
I am wondering, from those of you who have actually tackled projects like this… On a vehicle like this that needs everything, I know it’s going to be a labor of love no matter what. But in terms of “if you had to sell it in 5 years”, what makes more sense for the mechanicals… Resto or restomod? Which rabbit hole is deeper and harder to climb back out of? Which has better long term implications?
As far as the drive train goes a restomod is by far the cheaper route. Rebuild a motor for 4k to 5k or buy a used fuel injection. motor for a tenth of $. The same for transmissions/ differentials
Build as it was is the better way. More value in the end & actually cheaper as you put it together whether you do yourself or send it out. (Electronics is the biggest issue) Parts are plentiful & reasonable.
Big Block Chevy w/ a Tunnel Ram, M-22, Hurst Ram Rod Shifter, Chrome Reverse Wheels, Blue Line Sun Tach…done.
Big Block, Tunnel Ram = CUT HOOD = Car Looks Like $HIT= SO 70’s. Nothing ever looked good with a tunnel ram sticking out of the hood, Especially on the street. Except Maybe A HENRY “J”
’58’s are cool. I had a Bel Air years ago… 327, 4 speed, 4.56 posi rear end. It was a LOT of fun! This one supposedly has had a lot of repair done to floor boards and structural supports, etc., but we don’t know about the quality of the work. As far as which way to go, i.e.; restore or resto-mod, it all depends on what you intend to do with the car. For a flip, just find a good running engine and install it. I’d put a crate engine & O.D. trans in ’cause I like a highway cruiser.
Love five eights but man it wasn’t to many yrs ago these type cars could be purchased for chump change
Didn’t A young Ron Howard drive a jacked up white one of these in American Graffiti? What a fun car to just play with
Ron had the Bel Air Impala which was the top of the line in Bel Airs. The next year the Impala was on its own as the top of the line. Next down was the Bel Air.
I know I am probably in the minority of finding the 1958 BelAir more appealing than the 1958 Impala. You still get the hardtop styling without all the tacked on frippery. I find it to be a cleaner look.
The only thing I would miss is the faux vent at the rear of the roof from the Impala.
Like I said, I am in the minority!
I agree with you. Bel Air in ’58 is a cleaner look than the Impala.
I’ve owned both a 58 Impala and a 57 Bel air both were 2 door hardtops. I liked them both, but that was in my youth back in the late 60’s early 70’s. Things have changed a lot since then, hot rodding don’t mean so much anymore. These days I drive the speed limits and am in no hurry to get anywhere so a car like this would just be for show not so much for go. I’d likely rebuild what’s there now.
I completely agree!
I’m with you Patrick. Impala is a bit too busy for me. Don’t even get me started on the continental kit that lots of people add to the rear end of 58 Impalas.
Am I in the minority, being someone who detests those picnic tables, I mean continental kirs, tacked on to otherwise beautiful cars?
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. To each their own.
I refer to them as a “back porch!”
I have a friend who has a ‘57 Bel Air and has invested a lot of money in to it. He says he will never get his money back but he is enjoying every minute working and driving the ‘57. Their is your answer, do what makes you happy!!
I had one like this ,yellow with white top, in college, 283 with power pack, and auto. Roommate had 58 Impale with 348? Auto. I could outrun him for about half a block, then he did me in.
We lived in Gunnison, Colo at the time, and that big space between the grille and radiator could hold and chill wine bottles and beer on the way to Crested butte skiing. Great cars.
Hey, that was my secret hiding place for beer in my ‘50 Chevy!!