I have been working on my 59 Plymouth for about 5 years and finally have it all sorted out so it drives like a new car. The surprise is under the hood. This winter I plan on pulling the body to install a new clean firewall and Vintage Air. I will also deal with a few small rust issues and make it look as pretty as it drives. I first joined this site back in 2006 but my original pictures are no longer here, so I thought I would post a couple of updates! I really enjoy this great site.
Oh man, I bet that thing flies!
You have to take me for a ride someday 
OMG that is something else. I like the color of your Belvedere. Same as mine. I am going to stick with the flat head six. Yikes!!! Love it.
Very nice job on the installation of that mill, Jim!!
—John
Big Jimbo,
Really turned out great. If you want to hear or see Jim’s car in action check out his YouTube Videos @ BigJimbo59
Thanks for briniging us “Up To Speed” on your project.
Curt
Very cool jimmy, I will be happy if I can finish my belvy with her 318 poly kudos man very cool!
Thanks for the replies! This has been my long-term project and all the mechanicals have finally been sorted out. So far it has been 100% reliable and unbreakable. It can be used as a daily driver and is tame enough for stop and go traffic, but if you get on the gas it is scary fast! The modification that made a huge difference in drivability was the addition of CalTracs traction bars. I installed them to prevent wheel hop, but the best part was how it smoothed out the every day driving by preventing the spring wrap-up with shifting. The engine has so much low end torque it would start to oscilate the springs with regular driving…now it is very smooth with shifting and much easier to drive! Plus it hooks up so well in 1st gear it is amazing, and there is absolutely no wheel hop. Prior to the CalTracs I couldn’t use 1st gear, and it ran 13.3 at 110 mph using just 2nd, 3rd, and 4th gear.
Jimbo, I did find my extra upper door molding if the other one you bought does not pan out..
What rear end are you running on you 59? Did you go with a dana 60 or stay with the 8 3/4? or maybe a F*rd 9"…?
John Q.
I went with the Dana 60 so I could have the drive train all Mopar.
I didn’t buy the door strip yet because I was still trying to find a used one. I am still interested in yours!!
Very cool! Can’t beat a Viper in a 59.
Did it really take over a year for the body and paint?
It did because I did all the welding replacing the trunk and parts of the floors and a few rust holes on the rear fenders. I also fitted and welded in all the bracket to mount my Vintage Air system, new wiper setup, Painless Wiring box, rear mounted battery, etc. I want everything to bolt right in just like it was factory. I can only work on it on weekends if I don’t have other chores. The guys who made sure it was straight and painted it only took about 2 months. I must have spent at least 3 years working on the frame and suspension and getting the drive train mounted and all the mechanical issues 100% sorted out. I have done several other cars to 100% original show quality, but this project has been much more fun and challenging. Plus I plan on really driving it and want it to be as dependable as the new cars are. A crazy project like this has to be a labor of love. Can’t wait to get it back on the road!
Now I know the rest of the story!
I agree with you - I want a depndable car that can be driven daily and has easibly obtainable parts.
Your car is really a work of art!
Congrartulattuons!
looks awesome man!!
Still making progress slow but sure. Got the new wiring harness, Vintage Air (except for freon) and windshield installed. I hope to try to start it this weekend after its long slumber. I still need to do glass, doors, and complete interior, but there is light at the end of the tunnel. If I can get it started and hear the exhaust rip it will really energize me 
Jimbo - Looks great, keep at it, it’s like eating an elephant, one small bite at a time.
Dick.
Jimbo,
The car.looks great and I’m sure sounds great. Each of those small accomplishments really make you feel well enough to tackle the next challenge.
Great analogy Dick…
Curt
Neat Sleeper 59 Belvedere with a V10 viper motor under the hood! Should surprise a lot of people when you open it up!
Turned out great!
John Q.
I finished installing my “Painless” wiring harness and actually got the beast started again after about a 1 year lay-up. I have installed the big Gen IV Vintage Air system, got the dash and gauges installed, and re-installed the steering wheel and pedals. So far so good! Now just have to assemble the doors, finish the interior, and install the rest of the glass. It looks like I will meet my goal of getting it done before the temps are over 100 degrees in Phoenix!
