1957 Chevy Bel Air - Project American Heroes, Part 5

The Cars Inc. convertible top header is bolted to the bow assembly, and, once again, the fit is perfect.

The convertible top hydraulic cylinders are inserted into position, and bolted to the top and bottom brackets.

The convertible top pump is mounted directly under the rear package tray and is first hooked up to the hydraulic lines from the two cylinders, and then fastened to the car.

With the convertible top bow assembly and related parts bolted in, Project American Heroes provides a silhouette of its top-up profile.

Finishing up some items under the hood, Tom Gottschalk attaches the Flex-a-lite dual electric fans to the radiator using the supplied nylon stud and fasteners for the simple, yet effective "through core" installation.

The hydraulic lines are attached to the cylinders and run back to the pump.

An extremely low profile allows the lightweight Flex-a-lite dual electric fans to fit where others don't. The combination of ease of "through core" installation, increased horsepower, extended water pump life, and improved gas mileage make this package unbeatable.

The Flex-a-lite radiator features the Flex-a-fit side tank, which makes for simplified installation of the radiator. T-channels in the side tank allow the radiator mounting brackets to slide up and down each channel. The radiator can be repositioned, both vertically and horizontally by simply loosening the bolts provided.

Flex-a-lite radiators are all aluminum with 2-row core, 1-inch/26mm tubes, and three different core sizes with inlets on either the left or right side of the tank (inlet 1.5-inch and 1.75-inch outlet). Suffice it to say, the 717hp Smeding Performance big-block we built for this Tri-Five will have no problems staying cool on both freeways and fairgrounds.

Using the same mounting hardware as the Flex-a-lite fans, the A/C condenser and trans cooler are attached to the radiator.

On the way out the door, the boys rolled in the spectacular Intro wheels and Nitto tires that will be mounted on the '57.