Reader Joel H had plans to fix this Bel Air up, but he’s not gotten around to it, so he’s decided to let someone else enjoy it. He bought it from a younger gentleman who is in the military and needed to sell it when they found out they were being deployed. They purchased it from the original owner’s family in Austin Texas and he told Joel he believed it had been there since new. When Joel bought it, it had already had a new gas tank, exhaust, the painted wheels, and a power brake conversion kit. It runs and drives, but still needs work to be a driver. You can find it in DeSoto, Texas for $3,800 and you can make Joel an offer via the form below!
From Joel – This 1954 Chevrolet Bel Air sedan is equipped with the 235 engine and a Powerglide auto, power steering, power windows, 12-volt conversion, optional roof visor. It’s running, but needs turn signals but the headlights and tail lights function. Also, the power windows need grounding as they drain the battery. It has a new gas tank and the engine has already been overhauled. The body is quite solid, the door locks actually work, it has a clean title, new tires, and the turquoise paint has some interesting patina. It was a driver for the older gentleman in Austin but I don’t have a registered sticker on it to show any history and the records I have only go back to 2014 or so. I have also found a piece of fender trim and the roof visor I found from a ’53 at a junkyard.
I’ve also added coolant and had the radiator pressure tested. While I was at it, I put in all fresh fluids in the differential, fresh oil and transmission fluid, it’s should just about be road Worthy. I’ve only driven it around the parking lot at the storage facility, going through the gears. Reverse takes a while to engage but the shifter detent/rag joint is bent slightly so maybe some adjustments will help? Also, the brakes are spongy and need bleed or adjustments but haven’t taken wheels or drums off to see which it is.
The engine bay looks fairly clean and it’s nice to see the original engine is still in place. This 235 Blue Flame six was the largest engine available in ’54 Bel Air. It should also be the revised engine with the pressurized full-flow oil system, which was a major improvement over the prior babbit bearing design. A V8 would be great, but these sixes are great engines and having been rebuilt already it should have tons of life left in it.
It’s going to need work, but this Bel Air has a cool look to it and could be an affordable way into classic car ownership, plus most of the hard work has already been done. So, would you just focus on making this Bel Air a nice driver or would you go ahead and give it a full cosmetic restoration? Whichever route you decide to go, just be sure to message Joel via the form below!
- Asking Price: $3,800
- Location: DeSoto, Texas
- Title Status: Clean
List your car here on Barn Finds for only $50!
Paint it and drive the tires off it!!!
Paint it the original color and invest in good condition trim too. I had a ‘58 this same color and would still have it but it was a four door.
The 1953 and 54s were very similar, aside from the grill, turn signal lenses, and maybe taillights. This was also the last year before a v8 was available.
A 350 /700r4 combo with disc brakes and a nice rear end would be a great driver. For all you patina haters, I say leave the body just as it is.