51 and 53 chevys

[macs55]

I was wondering the difference between 51,52 chevys and 53,54 chevys. I mostly see 53,54's customized and like the way they look. Was wondering what 51,52's look like customized?

[DrJ]

Go here and look up car pics by model and year; http://www.carnut.com/

[JamesG]

I think the only diff. in 51 and 52 are the grills. The same goes for 53 and 54, but the side trim is also diff. 49 and 50 also only have a grill diff. BUT, the skirts on 49 and 50 won't fit a 51 or 52, same goes for 53 and 54. The rear fenders are diff. on a 49-50 from a 51-52, except for the sedan deliveries which all have the same rear fenders from 49-52, but the skirts are the same as the sedan. Hope that helps ya! http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif

[macs55]

The only real noticable diff I saw was the grills but was wondering if there was any more. Will a grill off of a 53 fit in a 51 or 52. How diff are the fenders is the wheelwell the only diff or is the whole fender diff? The reason is that I might be getting a good deal on a 51 and really like the way the 53's look and would like to change any differences between the two. Thanks.

[chromedRAT]

the quarter panels are different. from 49-52 they sorta teardrop in the back, 53 and 54 are more square in the back. another difference is that by 53 they did away with the "fastback" body style as well. grilles probably wouldn't be too big of a deal at all to change.

[Fat Hack]

Fenders are different, bumpers are different, dashes are different, hoods are different, roofs are different, glass is different, grilles are different, tail lights are different, quarter panels are different, even the steering is different...

They're of the same BASIC design...but still different in alomost every way...even if the differences are sometimes pretty subtle ones...sort of like how 71 and 79 Camaros are...same basic platform, but almost every part is unique to the given year.

[macs55]

So that said how hard would it be to transform a 51 to look like a 53 on the outside? Or would it be easier to just buy a 53? Anyone have any pics of custom 51 52 chevys?

[FatnLo]

Heres my mild 52 Chev Kustom.
http://www.minormania.com/52chev/138_4102.jpg

[133]

here's my '51 Chevy. it has a '49 front end on it.

[133]

here's a '51

[133]

[133]

nice convert.

[JamesG]

There was a post on here about that orange 53 or 54 with a fastback assend on it.

[Slide]

If you want a 53, buy a 53. Period. The 52 and earlier is just that different. Some chassis/suspension parts will interchange, but that's it.

To put it in perspective, you could make a 51 Dodge look like a 53 Chevy as easily as you could make a 51 Chevy look like a 53 Chevy!

Don't waste your time and $ on something you are not passionate about. If 53s are what you like, then wait for the right one to come along. It will!

[Donzie]

Here's a shot of my '50 when I first got it. As far as the body, the rear fenders are different from '49/'50 to '51/'52. The overall body is quite different from '52 to '53/'54.
Also, '49-'52 was available as a fastback (Fleetline) but was discontinued in '53 (what a shame).
My web site has a lot of pics of '49-'52 Chevys. That may give you a better idea.

[Donzie]

[ QUOTE ]
There was a post on here about that orange 53 or 54 with a fastback assend on it.

[/ QUOTE ]

One of my all time favorites.

[Fat Hack]

Seriously, like has already been said...go for a 53-54 if that's the one ya want!

Prices may be SLIGHTLY higher on 53-54 cars, but not enough to bitch about...they're pretty hot right now, so the demand for them is there. Bumps prices up a little, but there are LOTS of them out there, so don't get discouraged...there's even a couple in the HAMB classifieds right now!

[macs55]

Cool thanks for the pics. I think I'll wait for a 53. Thanks for the info and advise. Viva la HAMB!!!!!!

[JamesG]

Heres a good buy on one.
53 Cheby (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=6160&item=24806054 02&rd=1)