What’s Up in the Forums: One Bad Biscayne Build
Check out this sweet Biscayne build from one of our talented members.
When you’re taking on a project of monumental proportions, it helps to have a little external motivation. And for ls1nova71, that motivation comes from our very own forums. After picking up a 1959 Chevy Biscayne formerly used by the Department of Agriculture, he set out with a goal of having the car completed by spring. The car makes an awesome project as it’s technically not a wagon, but a sedan delivery with windows. Which is basically a wagon.
The plans were to drop a Gen 3 5.3 liter out of a 2007 Silverado in the old ride, with a 4l60e behind it. Other upgrades include bigger brakes, a slight suspension drop, air conditioning, restitched interior, and some wheels and tires. Currently, the plan is to simply polish out the paint as this one will be a driver. Plus, you can still see the outlining of the Department of Agriculture lettering, which is awesome.
Things kicked off with a bit of a modern gauge upgrade, with the intention of keeping an original look and feel.
“The first part of the build is going to be kind of boring. I didn’t have room for the car at the time so I just went and took out the gauges so I could convert them to modern electronics. I’ve never been a big fan of aftermarket gauges and want to keep the interior looking mostly stock, so this is what I did. I scoured the Pick n Pull for an electric speedo that I could rob the guts out of like I do on my C-10 swaps. The S10 was close, but the sweep was just enough off to keep it from working. What I found that worked best was a ’96 Corsica. The 0 to 120mph is really close to the same as the ’59, and the cluster also has a temp and fuel gauge that could be made to work.”
Next, it was time to tear down the rest of the interior. And of course, remove some rat’s nests. Various parts going in include a steering column from a 70’s Chevy truck and a gas pedal from a 72′ model. Next, the front clip came off to make the engine swap a little less painful. The engine itself has only 17,000 miles, and cost a mere $1,650.
With the engine mocked up, a new transmission crossmember was fabricated. A custom A/C bracket keeps the compressor mounted low, and a front disc conversion took place at this time as well. After cleaning up the gas tank, the frame was notched to make room for the exhaust manifolds. And because nothing fits the way it’s supposed to, a new mount had to be fabricated for the brake booster. Even the windshield wiper setup required extensive work to make it function like a modern unit.
Next, it was time to install the brand new A/C setup and rear disc brakes from a 97′ Trans Am, which were chosen for a reason.
“I prefer this caliper over the newer 98-02 because of the park brake mechanism is built into the caliper rather than the small drum brake type built into the rotor hat on the newer ones.”
A radio is a must, but of course required some cutting since this old Biscayne didn’t come with one from the factory. As did the gas tank and fuel system. Next, it was time to replace all the old, worn out rubber bushings and replace them with fresh ones.
Additional suspension work included the installation of a sway bar and new control arms. With new brake lines plumbed, the frame was masked and painted. A couple of cut coils and some drop spindles promise to bring the big ride down to earth. And finally the engine goes back in, but with a twist. Instead of leaving the modern looking engine bits on, the air cleaner and valve covers came off an old 289.
With a little interior cleanup, it was time to start the fun work – wiring! Finally, a shiny new radiator went in and the engine roared to life. There’s still a ton of work to be completed on this old Biscayne, of course, but we’re stoked at the results so far.
