This is Bob VanKooten's 1955 Bel Air.  He brought it to us to have some accident damage repaired.

Bob's traction bar broke and punctured his quarter, among other things, and did some real damage.

It damaged the aluminum wheel tubs Bob had, so we'll have to replace them.

We have removed the damaged quarter in preparation for a new one. After we get the new quarter on and it's primed and painted, the aluminum tubs will be replaced.

The quarter is ready for primer and paint. It looks so good that Bob has asked us to replace the other quarter and paint the whole car as well!  We have also removed the gas filler door for a smoother look.

We have eliminated the license plate indention in the trunk for a nice solid look.

This is the not so fun part of restoration.  When we sanded down the other quarter, we found that it's last restoration included nothing but a hammer and bondo. Lots and lots of bondo.

We have removed the motor and all of its components along with the suspension, brakes, a-arms and such to paint the frame and firewall.  Bob has also decided to repaint the a-arms, headers, and just about everything else.

The frame has been ground down to metal and is ready to be painted.

Bob's frame and firewall have been painted and clear coated.

Bob's whole front end has been repainted with a custom yellow and silver theme.  We all decided (especially Bob, of course) that solid yellow was just too boring.

It took a lot of time to paint the fender walls and a-arms, but they turned out great.

Looks good doesn't it?

The yellow and silver look really good together. 

Bob even went so far as to have the MSD box painted yellow and silver,  and had NVR DUN hand painted on it along with a Chevy symbol to match the license plate.  In case you were wondering, Bob chose NVR DUN because this car really is never done.  Everytime we think we're close, Bob will change something or add something, so we're right back to where we started. 

Talk about beautiful.......every spot of yellow is nicely complemented on all sides by something silver.

Bob also decided to paint the roll cage silver.  A wise decision, I think, because yet again there was just too much yellow before.

The front end of Bob's '55 is being prepped for paint in the booth.

The front end is now being painted.

The front end has been fitted on the car, and it looks beautiful. A few minor adjustments have to be made, but that goes along with the job.

Everyone in the shop is really excited to see this car coming together. We have all waited to see what the turnout would be with all the changes Bob has made, and it's turning out beautiful.

Bob's aluminum panels from the trunk are being sanded and painted to match the rest of the car. We are planning to have Bob's car done in time for Chevy Vette Fest.

Bob's car has been primed, blocked, and reprimed and is now ready to be prepped for paint.

Bob's car has been taped off and moved into the booth. We will now begin painting.

The doors have been painted, but they are not yet ready for clear. The top part of the door (the rim around the window area) will be painted silver, and then cleared.

The rear end of the car, along with the roof, has been painted a very smooth silver.

The colors look so smooth together don't they? We'll finish painting the car, and then use a silver pearl clear coat to finish. We all can't wait to see how she looks after she's been buffed and glazed. Keep checking back for the final pictures of Bob's car; she'll be done very soon. This has been a really great project, and the finished product is going to be amazing. I know I can't wait to see her finally finished, and see what a head turner she'll be.

Well, here she is. The pictures of her being put back together did not come out, so we just kind of had to skip ahead to the finished product. Here, she's standin' proud at Chevy Vette Fest as she wins a 1st place trophy.

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