Jason Bell of Palmdale, California is what we would call a life-long car enthusiast. Having been hot rodding rides since he was a teenager you can say he’s built his fair share of custom vehicles over the years. After setting his mind on the classic Chevy Belair model of the early ’50s, he began scouring the internet to find the perfect specimen worthy of being customized. Jason happened to stumble upon this super clean 1952 Hardtop, which had already had some custom mods performed and would make a solid canvas for what he was after. Knowing this could easily fast track the project he jumped at the opportunity to take ownership of the already started project.
As we mentioned, Jason has had his fair share of fun with all sorts of both Ford and Chevy classics. From his 1929 Ford Roadster to his 1963 Impala, he has built, driven, and damn near seen it all. Although this ’52 Belair had been customized, it still needed considerable amounts of work to be considered “road worthy” and finished as you see it here. Advanced Design Fabrication c-notched and 4-linked the rear of the Belair. Airbags were installed at all corners to give the Belair that super slammed stance that Jason is known for in his circle of buds. Unparalleled Customs took it to another level when they narrowed the 1970 Camaro front clip in order to allow Jason to cruise ultra low and still be able to turn lock to lock. Now, with the turn of the ignition this Belair is up to driving height and off cruising comfortably.
Photos: Nico Jarrett | Words: Jason Ballard
At first glance one may not notice the subtle body mods on this killer classic. The door handles have been shaved, which continues its tradition of cleaning up the smooth lines for this Belair. The trunk lock was also removed in favor for a cleaner appearance. El Oscar Kustoms performed the sheet metal work on the car with finish work from Unparalleled Customs. The firewall was custom-built and bead rolled including the inner fenders to help clean up the engine bay a bit. Even though there are subtle mods throughout, we’ll go ahead and say that Chevy gets most of the credit on this body because the factory look is graciously maintained. The entire project was topped off with a killer jet black paint with black cherry pearl, and the custom powdercoated wheels really complete the look. The slick lines drawn up by GM engineers more than a half century ago really do stand the test of time.
The drivetrain on this ’52 hardtop keeps with the Chevy tradition by incorporating in a 350 Vortech power-plant. Coupled with the fan favorite 700r transmission, this Belair cruises at interstate speeds with no problem. What more could you ask for but a solid driver that gives Jason no problems when laying flat at the the local drive-in car show. The interior on Jason’s ride was enough to just add some finishing touches for what he was after. The dash was painted and the seats were wrapped by Leo’s Upholstery. Keeping it simple is oftentimes the name of the game and here is a fine example of that effort. One of our favorite daily driver builds to date, Jason can now cruise this rolling throne in style as the freshly crowned “Prince of Bell-Air” in his timeless classic.
Jason would like to give thanks to all of his friends and colleagues who had a hand in not only starting but also finishing the Belair. Ron Medina, the original owner, Cody with Unparralled Customs, Eric Toyoshiba with Advanced Design Fabrications, Leo’s Upholstery and Oscar with El Oscar Kustoms. Keeping custom classics alive and thriving for the next generation is what we live for here at Slam’d Mag. When asked if he would ever consider changing up the Belair his response was simply “If anything, maybe a mild chop.” Although we can picture the chop in our heads we are stoked that Jason stuck with his original vision and finished this killer classic for us to showcase in its mostly original form. Until next time, stay “chillin’ out main relaxin’ all cool.”
Slam’d Specs
Owner: Jason “Bell-Air” Bell
Vehicle: 1952 Chevy Belair Hard Top
Hometown: Palmdale, CA
Wheels/Tires:
15-inch Steel Smoothies with custom offset
Powdercoated black with chrome bullet caps and chrome beauty rings
15-inch BF Goodrich Silvertown wide white wallls
Chassis/Suspension:
1970 Camaro clip, shortened control arms, custom ‘bag mounts
Custom 4-link setup
Dual Viair 444c compressors
AccuAir E-Level air management
Complete custom boxed chassis and z’d frame
Performed By: Advanced Design & Unparalleled Customs
Body/Paint:
Shaved doors and trunk
Performed By: Unparalleled Customs
Deep Black custom paint with black cherry pearl
Interior/Stereo:
Painted dash
Custom seats and headliner wrapped by Leo’s Upholstery
Lokar shifter
Updated carpet
Hidden iPod bluetooth
Engine/Performance:
350 Vortec
700r4 Trans
Ford 9-inch rearend
Edelbrock 750 carb
Holley dual air cleaner
Custom shaved firewall
Special Thanks from Owner:
“A huge thank you to all who had their hands in this ride. Ron Medina, the previous owner, Cody with Unparralled Customs, Eric Toyoshiba with Advanced Design Fabrications, Leo’s Upholstery, and Oscar with El Oscar Kustoms. Also thanks to my family and friends for all their support with my car addiction, Nico Jarrett for the amazing pics and Slam’d Mag for the feature.”
