The 1957 Chevy Bel Air has become a popular model amongst the lowrider community in recent years. The sexy lines and mixture of chrome and paint make a beautiful showpiece no matter what genre you decide to build these classic cars into. For the lowrider, though, the added challenge of a hydro setup and batteries can play havoc on a show-worthy trunk.
Because while this "tri-five" seems to be large enough to play with the big boys, the reality is that the engine bay and trunk are actually significantly smaller than the cars of the next decade. A setup and a system had a hard time co-existing in the trunk, but a showpiece must be complete so we're here to help you overcome your claustrophobia.
A trunk should be a combination of function and beauty, much like the vehicle that hosts it. The tight space of this trunk is much like that of a newer import vehicle, but the goal of our build, much like any other, is to configure this trunk so that everything fits without consuming every inch of space.
Sometimes, bridges will be created for the hydraulics, but in this case, we're fortunate to have a custom-fabricated trailing arm setup and frame support system for the hydraulics. None the less, accommodations will need to be made for the cylinders and lines.
To follow our functionality detail, we've decided on hugging close to the walls and floor in order to allow more space for the setup and batteries, and integrate every aspect of the interior with touches from the exterior as well. Some big expectations for such a tiny space, so follow along as we cure your claustrophobia and transform the little empty trunk into the showpiece our future trophy winner deserves.
-
The short and sweet list of components will not only fit into our confined space, but will
-
First on the agenda is planning out the system. Empty, this trunk seems fairly large, but
-
Here, we measure out the beauty panel again using the factory metal transitions to our ben
-
The panels have been formed and shaped and are ready to be finished. The edges were rounde
-
The box was cut to allow plenty of play for the cylinders and the hard-lines that will be
-
With the panel in place, the final pieces are trimmed away to allow for a clean fit and to
-
Now we can focus our attention on the side panels. To shorten the work and save on wood, w
-
Once the panel has been cut out, test fit it and mark any areas that require further trimm
-
Another chip board template was made to fit the insert pattern that we taped off.
-
Now we can trace the insert templates onto a board and cut them out. The panel edges were
-
Finally, we're all painted and wrapped up. Once the hydraulic shop finishes the racks, we'
-
The template will then be traced onto a piece of wood and cut out. Once complete, flip the
-
Tape was then laid out where the insert will go. This was done to ensure that we achieve t
-
To create the second trim panel the template was taped off with 31/44-inch and 1-inch mask
-
So here we confirm the final fit and mark off the appropriate locations before wrapping th