1960 Biscayne build thread
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TECH Apprentice
Joined: Sep 2008
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From: Houston
1960 Biscayne build thread Cruising ebay just looking and bought this 1960 Chevy Biscayne coupe on an impulse. Green on green with a 235 six and three on the tree. Does not run, needs everything, lots of rust and I paid too much but that's ok. It's a survivor with original paint, panels, trim and interior and drive train. Plates are Texas from 1998 and the last registration sticker on the windshield is from Arkansas 1981. I'm nostalgic for big block Chevy's but will surely be sucked into the LS swap vortex. Most everything else will be modernized while keeping the body, paint and interior as original as possible. It's going to take a long time doing a little at a time. No low rider for me but rather a muscle car cruiser with some drag racing here and there.
It showed up yesterday in the rain with two flat front tires and no key for the ignition or doors. Let's see if the old 235 six will run while the swap parts are gathered. Set up an appointment for the locksmith, and bought new front tires today to roll it around. Also siphoned and dropped the fuel tank, called to order a new LS swap tank and system, drained the engine oil and pulled the plugs. The oil was black and smelled like gas so maybe the fuel pump is leaking into the oil pan or the carb is. Before I do anything else I'm going to soak the cylinders in marvel mystery oil before trying to rotate it. My wife and I had fun working on it together and driving around buying parts and tools most of the day.
Here's a walk around video. I tried to keep it short:
It showed up yesterday in the rain with two flat front tires and no key for the ignition or doors. Let's see if the old 235 six will run while the swap parts are gathered. Set up an appointment for the locksmith, and bought new front tires today to roll it around. Also siphoned and dropped the fuel tank, called to order a new LS swap tank and system, drained the engine oil and pulled the plugs. The oil was black and smelled like gas so maybe the fuel pump is leaking into the oil pan or the carb is. Before I do anything else I'm going to soak the cylinders in marvel mystery oil before trying to rotate it. My wife and I had fun working on it together and driving around buying parts and tools most of the day.
Here's a walk around video. I tried to keep it short:
Last edited by gesto; Jul 7, 2018 at 01:13 PM.
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Thread Starter
TECH Apprentice
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 398
Likes: 18
From: Houston
It rained but I got a little more done today. I soaked the combustion chambers in Marvel Mystery Oil and was able to turn the engine by hand by the fan so I bought new battery cables and hooked up a new battery. Using a remote bump starter the engine cranked for a while and there were no bad sounds. This old 235 may run yet. Next up is a new fuel pump and Rochester 1 barrel carb, which are pretty cheap, and check the ignition system. It's been 30 years since I set points.
I searched and can't seem to find a thorough 59 or 60 LS swap thread so if you know of one please let me know. Right now thinking of a good ole LS3/4L80E. Looks like BRP Hot Rods has most everything needed but not cheap. Thanks!
I searched and can't seem to find a thorough 59 or 60 LS swap thread so if you know of one please let me know. Right now thinking of a good ole LS3/4L80E. Looks like BRP Hot Rods has most everything needed but not cheap. Thanks!
Thread Starter
TECH Apprentice
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 398
Likes: 18
From: Houston
Thanks for the tip on ls1nova's thread. I read it through and that's real talent that I don't have but did give me some good info. He and gofastwithclass post about innovative fabrication and I'm posting about battery cables.
I did a compression test and the cylinders range from 145 - 155 with one at 158. Acceptable.
I did a compression test and the cylinders range from 145 - 155 with one at 158. Acceptable.
On The Tree
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 156
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Drove a 60 Belair in HS, many, many trips in that boat hauling my buddies down 45S (55mph) to 61st Street Pier, Bolivar, Seawolf Park, San Luis Pass and even a few trips to East Beach with a finger painted cardboard sign reading "show your ta-ta's" (grin)
No AC but the ride was equal to or better than any of the party boats we hopped on and the straight six three on the tree sipped gas leaving room for shrimp and squid barely affordable on the 3.50/hr part-time paycheck.
Nice "60" and I am envious, it's bringing back some fantastic memories!
No AC but the ride was equal to or better than any of the party boats we hopped on and the straight six three on the tree sipped gas leaving room for shrimp and squid barely affordable on the 3.50/hr part-time paycheck.
Nice "60" and I am envious, it's bringing back some fantastic memories!