GM disc brakes up front, and rear drums were then added, along with a 1978 Pontiac Firebird master cylinder and factory GM pedal assembly to build upon the refreshed chassis system. “I got really lucky when it came to finding wheels for this car,” Bill admits. “While out at an auto flea market, I found a complete set of real-deal 1960s Cragar wheels in excellent shape. And for tires, I went with rear 7-inch slicks.”

Instead of trying to salvage the 350 engine, he figured it best to reach out to Rhodes Performance Machine in Somerset, Pennsylvania, for a refreshed 1970 454ci mill that was bored to 460 ci. From there, the engine was assembled with help from Mike “Coin” Leasure and received a healthy dose of performance goods from the likes of Speed Pros TRW forged pistons, Lunati Voodoo camshaft, and Hedman headers, among many other additions, but it’s the Weiand Tunnel Ram intake manifold and the velocity stack air cleaners that make the strongest first impression. Oh, and let’s not forget the tall Mickey Thompson valve covers are damn cool as well.

After a bit of bodywork by Triple S Auto Care, Bill lined up his car to be freshly repainted in the same Matador Red color. Aside from treating some of the factory parts to a refreshing chrome bath courtesy of East Tennessee Chrome Plating, the car was purposely kept largely original with a few minor mods, like cutting holes in the rear bumper and even the hood to accommodate the Weiand intake. But the addition that hits close to Bill’s heart is the Mickey Thompson water-transfer decal on the window as he mailed it in a love letter to his girlfriend who later became his wife. Bill included it for her to save back in 1966 while he was serving in the army. Over time he forgot about it but recently discovered it in his attic and knew there was a place for it on the window of this car.

Having solidified the exterior, Bill enlisted the assistance of Hot Rod Upholstery in Altoona, Pennsylvania, to upholster the factory bench seat, door panels, and headliner in white vinyl. The rear seating row was removed to lighten the Bel Air’s footstep, so if you’re looking to hitch a ride with Bill, be sure to plan accordingly. Next, the factory dash insert was polished up nicely, as were the factory pedals that were also drilled out in the same fashion found elsewhere on the car to shave even more weight. “Hey, every little bit helps,” Bill laughingly says.

While Bill was easily sold on the factory roof option and color of the Bel Air, he did have another reason for buying the car off that kid years ago. “The fact that I owned two 1957 Chevy cars in the ’60s helped make my decision,” he adds. “It’s great to be driving another one.” And rest assured, that Bill along with his friends in the Right Coast Gassers drive their cars to every event they attend. This is a top priority within the club, and Bill insisted on making that point clear as crystal. “Nothing beats cruising while surrounded by six other gasser cars. We drive our vehicles around here. They are never trailered.”