Reimagining the 1957 Chevy Bel Air Trunk Ornament
A Modern Twist on a Classic Icon
In the world of custom car restoration, blending modern technology with vintage aesthetics is an art form. James York, the Head of York Speed Shop—a CNC Machining and Parts division of Roseville Rod & Custom—exemplifies this blend. Recently, James and his team undertook the challenge of redesigning the iconic "V" trunk ornament on a 1957 Chevy Bel Air, seamlessly integrating a modern backup camera into the classic design. Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at how they transformed this vision into reality.
The Customer's Vision
The redesign project was sparked by a customer's request. "This one started with the customer," James explained. "The owner wanted a backup camera on their '57 Bel Air." The goal was to add this modern convenience without compromising the car's classic look. This began a journey of trial and error, searching for a small enough camera that would fit discreetly into the ornament.
Scanning and Designing
The process began with a thorough 3D scan of the original emblem. "We scanned the original emblem and the trunk lid, which had been slightly modified for trunk operation," James noted. Using this scan, James created a digital model in Fusion 360, a CAD/CAM software. Despite having the original model, he had to recreate it to work with it effectively in the software.
From the outset, the team aimed to keep the camera integration subtle. "We debated on the camera placement, eventually deciding to incorporate it into the center of the V," said James. Early attempts to hide the camera beneath the V didn’t work aesthetically or functionally, leading to its final placement on top.
Prototyping and Fitting
The next step involved printing prototypes using PLA, a standard plastic for 3D printing. "I went through three to six prints before we were happy with it," James shared. The team initially worked with incomplete data, estimating the fit until they decided to scan the trunk lid for a perfect match. This decision to scan post-body work but pre-painting was pivotal, ensuring the emblem fit precisely.
It began as a block of aluminum in the CNC Machine.
Machining the Ornament
Once the design was finalized, it was time to machine the part. York Speed Shop uses a Haas VF-1 CNC mill, capable of handling various materials but favoring aluminum for its ease of use. "The trunk emblem was machined from aluminum and then gold-plated," James explained. The machining process itself was meticulous, involving multiple steps to ensure a high-quality finish that minimized the need for additional polishing before plating.
Recycling Aluminum
An important aspect of the machining process at York Speed Shop is sustainability. "The leftover shavings of aluminum from the CNC machine are recycled," James pointed out. "They are sent out to be melted down and reused in future projects." Not to worry, all the shaved aluminum will become blocks of solid aluminum again!
Adding the Gold Touch
After machining, the aluminum emblem was sent out for gold plating—a request from the customer who wanted an authentic, luxurious finish. "It was plated with 24-karat gold at Sherm’s Custom Plating in Sacramento, CA," James mentioned. The choice of gold added an exquisite touch, aligning with the vintage luxury of the Bel Air.
Challenges and Triumphs
One of the most significant challenges was learning to manipulate Fusion 360 for this specific project. "The design was hard because there were no flat surfaces; it was all curved free forming," James admitted. Another hurdle was ensuring the camera’s view wasn’t obstructed or didn’t look out of place.
The project spanned several months, with about 30 to 50 hours dedicated to just the emblem. This included design, prototyping, machining, and the final touches. The result was a beautifully integrated modern feature that respected the car’s original design while providing the practicality of a backup camera.
Work as a CNC Machinist
James York
CNC Machinist
York Speed Shop
For James York, the most rewarding part of his job is the variety and the rush of meeting tight deadlines. "It is something new every time I start on another part... and I enjoy the rush of completing the project when it comes down to crunch times," he shared. His journey from learning through "trial and error and YouTube University" to mastering complex CNC machining techniques is inspiring.
The redesigned trunk ornament of the 1957 Chevy Bel Air is a great example of the craftsmanship and innovative spirit of York Speed Shop and Roseville Rod & Custom. It showcases how modern technology can enhance classic beauty without overshadowing it, creating timeless elegance that both honors and updates vintage charm.
For those interested in pursuing a similar career, James advises: "Get your hands on a machine and start learning. Community colleges and online resources are invaluable. My CNC machining knowledge has come from multiple sources such as help from knowledgeable mentors, on the job training through trial and error in order to perfect the process, and many online resources."
The fusion of past and present, as seen in this project, highlights the unique artistry in custom car restoration, where every detail tells a story of innovation, dedication, and a deep love for classic cars.
**You can find more quality products produced by York Speed Shop on their site. Just click below.
