American Tri-Five Magazine Feature

The old saying "they don't make 'em like they used to" is a familiar phrase for car guys, because it applies to all cars. While late model cars have built-in comforts and safety features GM engineers could've never dreamed up in the 50s, there's something about old cars that trigger our senses and make us remember the good old days.

Mike Grasa wanted his 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air convertible to be as pure as possible so it would be a step back in time every time he slides across the vinyl seat cover. Mike went by the book to restore this car, and the intention was to relive his first year of college, when he had a similar car. Unfortunately that one was wrecked, but it stuck out as one of his all time favorite cars so he wanted to find and build one to replicate his college sweetheart.

In 2005, he found his project, a car that Mike described as "drivable, but rough." Mike's location in Liberty Township, Ohio is no stranger to inclement winter weather which is the cause of most rust issues in the northern states. However, Mike sourced his project from an even rustier region in central Wisconsin, and he dragged it home during a snow storm.

Mike started the project by making the car road worthy. He drove it for a couple years, performing maintenance as needed. Finally in 2009, he decided to take the plunge and perform a nut-and-bolt restoration on the car, using factory specifications, assembly manuals and shop repair books as a guide.

John Jones of Loveland, Ohio is responsible for most of the work on the '56 convertible, but individuals such as Ron Asbury and George Swartz helped along the way.
The car started its life in the Atlanta, Georgia assembly plant, rolling out in February of 1956. It was an original Power Pack car, meaning it was equipped with Chevrolet's "Super Turbo Fire" engine, a 265ci VS producing 205 horsepower. These engines featured an improved cylinder heads, a four-barrel carburetor, and dual exhaust. Another optional item under the hood of Mike's '56 Bel Air is the power steering system which has a pump driven by the back of the generator. The engine is restored by the book inside and out, as is the Powerglide automatic transmission.

Underneath, the '56 is a perfectly restored chassis that is better than new. All of the materials and finishes are correct for the car, and no expense was spared to use original style parts. Mike wanted a pure restoration, so you won't find any modern conveniences, including the tires. While most folks might be inclined to upgrade to radial tires, Mike stayed with original style BFGoodrich bias ply, which are reproduced in original molds by Coker Tire. The wide whitewall 6.70-15 tires are mounted to original steel wheels and full wheel covers.

It's hard to beat the iconic two-tone color combinations Chevrolet used, and Mike's '56 is a perfect example Twilight Turquoise and India Ivory. John Jones handled the bodywork and painting of the refurbished convertible body, which required some rust repair, including a full replacement floor pan. The two-tone combination continues inside, with a CARS original reproduction vinyl upholstery. Mike enjoys the original look and feel of the interior, and he went all out to restore the car's functionality, so it would feel like a brand new car.

Mike's restored Chevy rolled out of the shop in 2014, and has been making its way around local shows, as well as an appearance at the inaugural Danchuk Tri-Five Nationals. That's where we spotted the car. We couldn't pass up showing off this beautifully restored Chevy to all the American Tri-Five Association members who can truly appreciate a properly restored '56 Bel Air convertible.