A 1957 Plymouth Belvedere Convertible, rescued from an abandoned Iowa dealership, has found a new life in the hands of Tom Hergert. The once-grand car, missing its front end and other essential components, was a shell of its former self. Hergert, a Mopar restoration expert and owner of Rocket Restorations, saw potential in the project.
With a mix of excitement and trepidation, he acquired the Belvedere, embarking on a journey to piece together the automotive puzzle. Hergert’s initial inspection revealed a daunting task ahead. The Belvedere was more than just a car; it was a collection of scattered parts waiting to be reassembled.
With a keen eye and a passion for Mopar vehicles, Hergert began to assess the damage and plan the restoration process methodically. One of the most pressing issues was the missing front end. Knowing that finding original parts for a 1957 Belvedere could be challenging, Hergert turned to donor vehicles. After a thorough search, he discovered a 1958 Plymouth Savoy that had compatible fenders.
The Savoy, also a product of the Chrysler Corporation, shared many design elements with the Belvedere, making it a suitable source for replacement parts. Hergert’s quest for parts led him to another abandoned dealership, this time in California. The dealership boasted an impressive inventory of 1958 Fury and 1958 Savoy components, which proved to be a treasure trove for the Belvedere restoration.
Among the salvaged parts, Hergert found the missing fenders, along with a Plymouth Fury badge and grille. While the Fury parts were not directly compatible with the Belvedere, they could potentially be sold or used in future projects. As Hergert continued to piece together the Belvedere, he faced numerous challenges and setbacks.
Each component required careful examination, cleaning, and sometimes repair. The restoration process was a labor of love, demanding patience, skill, and a deep appreciation for automotive history. Buried beneath decades of dust in a long-abandoned dealership, a forgotten gem has resurfaced a 1957 Plymouth Belvedere Convertible. This automotive relic, likely frozen in time since the late 1960s, needs a loving restoration.
The mechanic has started on a meticulous journey, starting with the car’s front end. Fenders and a selection of headlights are being prepped for reassembly, but the hunt for the elusive radiator grille continues. The trademark fins that grace the fenders are patiently waiting to be reinstalled, and the Savoy taillights are next in line for revival.
With a powerful V8 engine slumbering beneath the hood, this Belvedere has the potential to be a true force on the road once more. However, the mechanic’s passion project won’t be his own. After breathing new life into the classic, it will be offered for sale through a restoration shop in Olympia, Washington.
