Saltworks Gets Subtle and Stylish on a 1955 Chevy Bel Air Custom Rod
The classic 1955 Chevy has been sliced, diced, chopped, channeled, raised and lowered over the past seven decades. You name the move and someone’s done it to a ’55. The work on Rick Start’s Bel Air hardtop, though, would challenge any ’55 enthusiast to discover all the manipulations performed by the crew at Saltworks in Sarasota, Florida.
Subtle modifications – relocating the gas filler door from the left rear quarter to behind the left rear taillight, for example – were combined with major reshaping like wedge-sectioning the body, pancaking the hood, altering the wheel openings, tweaking the rear glass position, and more. Vent windows were deleted, which is more difficult on a hardtop or convertible than a sedan. Door handles were deleted, a station wagon bumper replaced the stock piece, and taillights were modified to delete the clear backup lenses and use solid red lenses. Once these and other changes were made, the body was finished in PPG black and silver paint.
The car rides on an Art Morrison chassis that includes a contemporary independent front suspension, rack-and-pinion steering, and a Heidts independent rear suspension with 3.78 gears. Wilwood brake components were machined smooth and polished to better coordinate with the smoothed frame. American Racing wheels are wrapped in Toyo rubber.
Power comes from a Chevrolet Performance LS engine that produces 495 horsepower. A Lokar fuel injection system pays homage to the old Rochester units and fits between GM heads that are covered with matching one-off valve covers by Saltworks. Holley manifolds direct exhaust waste through a stainless steel Magnaflow system. A T56 six-speed manual transmission lets Rick control the shifting using a Saltworks-crafted shifter.
Beneath the smoothed and peaked hood, which is operated by billet hinges, the Saltworks team built a smooth custom firewall and matching inner fender panels. The cooling system is from Chevrolet Performance and Holley provided the accessory drive system.
The interior by Saltworks includes a modernized dash that honors the vintage design of the original. Dakota Digital gauges and Vintage Air climate control are connected to the electrical system by Coach Controls wiring. A custom steering wheel sits on an Ididit tilt column. Hand-built bucket seats are separated by a one-off console that includes a video screen and power window switches. Black leather with blue highlights is used throughout the interior.
Rick wanted the car to be modern and refined while respecting the iconic style of the ’55 Chevy. He plans to enjoy driving the car, so if you see it at a show or cruise night, be sure to spend time exploring the many modifications that make this a truly unique classic Chevy.
Congratulations to Rick Start for being named a Finalist for Goodguys 2026 Vintage Air Custom Rod of the Year with his 1955 Chevy Bel Air built by Saltworks Fabrication!
Photos: Steven Bunker
