At long last...NEW pics of my '53 chevy custom project [Archive]

Tony

07-04-2004, 12:51 PM

It's been a long time since i took any good , outside pics of my 53.
So today, i pulled it outside for the first time in about 8 months..and took these this morning.
The side's, back and front of the hood are in the block sanding stages.
I'm going to skim the top with polyester putty, then block sand that to fill small pin holes in the filler, then i can high build prime that too.

It's been a LONG ass time building this thing, it's coming up on 2 years this Dec, but for the first time i can finally see what all the work was for...

The next time i post pics, it's gonna be in color!!!! http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Tony....

http://img52.photobucket.com/albums/v160/Packrat/53primed4.jpg
http://img52.photobucket.com/albums/v160/Packrat/53primed2.jpg
http://img52.photobucket.com/albums/v160/Packrat/53primed3.jpg
http://img52.photobucket.com/albums/v160/Packrat/53primed5.jpg
http://img52.photobucket.com/albums/v160/Packrat/53primed.jpg

Muttley

07-04-2004, 12:59 PM

[ QUOTE ]
The next time I post pics, it's gonna be in color!!!!

[/ QUOTE ]

What color? Are you going to bag it or just lower it a little? No matter how you finish it it's going to be sweet.

burger

07-04-2004, 01:00 PM

Wow...
you nailed that one tony!

Beezerbum

07-04-2004, 01:07 PM

Sweet!
Nice lookin' ride. Hurry and get the color on!!So's we can see. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif

Duck

07-04-2004, 01:09 PM

Tony, you shouldn't have to do that much work on that car. How's this, I will gladly trade you for a beautiful '58 Chevy!!

Looking good man!

-Duck

TagMan

07-04-2004, 01:20 PM

Tony, you nailed it......EXCACTLY !!! Ab-so-lute-ly f'n gorgeous. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif
I gotta get over to see it - you gonna be around this week and do ya mind a drop-in visit ????
-Bob

Tony

07-04-2004, 01:28 PM

The color is gonna be copper.
I actually cut 2 coils from the front already, and it has 3" blocks in the back..
It's actually lower than it looks in the pics..from the roof to the ground it's only 55" high..
I'd love to bag it, but this car is a budget build..so i'm not looking to spend money on stuff that it dosn't need right now.
maybe in the future, or, maybe i'll just drop it hard and leave it like that..
Right now, i just wanna drive it. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

As far as 'nailing it'... Being this is my first custom, and first chop. I was really concerned about how it was going to look, and flow once i had the body mods done. I'm a hot rodder, this is a new 'forum' for me. I looked to my bro in law (Dat Dirty Rat), he's a hardcore custom guy,for a LOT of inspiration and thoughts during the build. for instance, the ford back window was his idea..if he didn't mention it, i probably wouldn't have thought about using it..

All in all, i'm pretty stoked about the way it looks..

Duck, thanks for the offer..but as much as i dig '58s, i'm just gonna have to pass http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Bob, i've been here just about every night working on this thing for about 6 weeks, so i may be here if ya wanna stop by..
If your worried about me not being here, e-mail me and let me know when you plan on stopping by.
For the rest of you guy's, THANKS a lot!

Tony.

Fat Hack

07-04-2004, 01:47 PM

WOW! Right on the fucking MONEY, Bro!!! http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif

hotrod54chevy

07-04-2004, 04:13 PM

i'd just spray another coat of the nice yeller all over them primed spots you got on it,put a grill and bumpers on it and call it a day..i LOVE that chop and the flat yellow looks sweet as is..cant say i like the frenched tail lights,but to each his own.sweet ride.
Creepy

v8minor

07-04-2004, 04:24 PM

That is real nice work .I do like the 53s

lulabelle

07-04-2004, 06:13 PM

Lookin good man!When you get it in paint you can start all over on my 51. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gifLet me know when you want it dropped off.

AHotRod

07-04-2004, 06:20 PM

Tony, you have done a masterful job.
No matter what color it is, it's Got-the-Look.
Great Job.
AHotRod

fab32

07-04-2004, 06:39 PM

I've got to say that was 2 years WELL spent. That's going to be awesome when its finished. I hope your statement about this being your first custom isn't in some way apologizing for the outcome 'cause there is nothing but pride to be expressed over the effort extended on this one. You done good.

Frank

FRITZ

07-04-2004, 07:00 PM

Im really diggin' those tail lights, real sweet!
FRITZ

cadlights

07-04-2004, 07:21 PM

Hey! that right fender don't look nothin like it did when I put it on the bus. Lookin goood!!!!! Keith.

kustombuilder

07-04-2004, 07:22 PM

thats prolly about the best taillight treatment i've seen on a one of them yet. NICE WORK!!

Tony

07-04-2004, 07:44 PM

Keith, i had that thing done and on the car in about 2 days http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif...
THANKS!

The tail lights were another after thought. I bought a set of '54 bezels, and Lee lenses for it, but when i put them on it didn't look right to me.
There was too much done to the rest of the car for the stock 54 bezels....it looked too short and didn't flow to well IMO.

I sat back there and started bending tin on the drivers side 'til i got a shape i was happy with. Then made the templates for the pass side.
There's 6 pieces of 19ga and one peice of 5/16 fuel line (for the radius) in each side.
At the base of each, they come to kind of a knife cut that allows the shape to disappear into the tailpan.

I still used the Lee lenses, they just mount from the back side now.
There tunneled just under 5" at the top, and about3" at the bottom.

I dig em. I like the fact that they didn't come off another car, and although i'm sure there are cars out there with similar set ups, none are the same..

THANKS A LOT!!!

Tony.

kustomolds

07-04-2004, 07:46 PM

Last time I saw the jalopy was over at Dirty's digs..... Sure have been bustin' yer hump! Looks F-I-N-E fine!!

Tony

07-04-2004, 07:59 PM

[ QUOTE ]
Sure have been bustin' yer hump

[/ QUOTE ]

That's a MAJOR understatement......
It's givin me a whole new respect for body men...

cadlights

07-04-2004, 08:22 PM

I really like them tailights. Here's what we did to my buddy Gordy's 53 with 59 caddy's.
http://img78.photobucket.com/albums/v298/cadlights/Gordy_tailights_5___15.jpg
http://img78.photobucket.com/albums/v298/cadlights/Gordy_tailights__3.jpg
http://img78.photobucket.com/albums/v298/cadlights/Gordons_tailights_4___2.jpg
http://img78.photobucket.com/albums/v298/cadlights/gordons_tailights_2.jpg

slammed

07-04-2004, 08:27 PM

That taper of the rear roof line really is nice. Someone is going to really make wave's when this custom make's the round's. Very difficult, to 'severe' chop these Chev's and still look right. Would someone photo-chop this ride lower,but not 'lay-rocker's" The slight rake and tuck the wheel's. Some dropped upright's(spindles) may give you some more in the nose.....Bag's? Big$$. But that stuff can come later. Much more work (sanding!) ahead. But when you are doing it at home and yer self. That kind of satisfaction is truly price-less! P.S. That red step-side chev in the background? I wanna slam-n-Tub that thing bad. (4x4?) I got a frame ready to go.

Tony

07-04-2004, 09:00 PM

Slammed, thanks man..
I would like to get involved in building 'rods and customs at some point in my life...so hopefully this will be a business card if you will.

A LOT of guy's told me not to chop this as my first, do a model a or something without the 'turret top' because of the difficulty. Plus the fact i went 5", which deffinately created some geometry probs....
I will admit, it had me scratching my head more than a few times, but the way to look at it is if this one can be done and come out right, the easier ones will be smooth as glass...

It will be lower eventually, but for now it's still running a stock torque tube, so i can't go much more without running into probs..

As far as my old truck...i learned how to drive on that thing http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif..
It's a '73 cheyenne 4x4..
I did a total restoration on it in 98 with ALL GM tin and house of colors paint..
I keep telling myself i need to sell it, but can't seem to do it..

Tony...

ESnacky6

07-04-2004, 09:17 PM

Looks bitchin' dude...!!!

Can't wait to see it with color,
and dropped etc. etc.....!!!

Later, Snacks....

Dat Dirty Rat

07-04-2004, 09:34 PM

I'm glad i was able to rescue your 'lost soul' from the 'other crowd' of shiney Chevelles & Corvettes around here to where you belong! Now your talents/skillz will be appreciated more and wont just 'blend' in anymore. Your finally in a class of your own. We knew this was always in you but just needed to be 'tapped' into..Congrats to a job well done..
That car started to head down that lonely road until you rescued it and brought it back to life.. Thanks to you,,,its finally finished. Hell, that car would still be mine if you didnt introduce me to your sis http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif..
I think it was all part of your 'Evil Plan'!!

Dirty

Spike!

07-04-2004, 09:50 PM

Nice job Tony! The truth hath set you free! You better thank your Bro-In-Law for setting you straight! Looks like were both building our first customs! I was seriously considering copper as my color too. Guess I'll have to think a little harder..

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gifSpike

kustomolds

07-04-2004, 09:56 PM

Roumor has it that you guys are going to hit Syracuse on Friday, then the Rumble on Saturday.... Any truth to this roumor??

Tony

07-04-2004, 11:59 PM

Yeah Spike, i gotta say Dirty has opened many doors for me...a LOT of my other friends are still into muscle cars...so once we met up.....it was all over from there.. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Kustomolds...that wasn't a rumor..it was true up until a few months ago.
My sis and nephew (Dirty's wife,son) are going to Syracuse with us, and little dirty isn't really old enough to handle a 4 and a half hour trip to Hartford in a '62 chevy..
So we're gonna pass this year.
Maybe we'll go next year, maybe not..we'll know then.

There's a lot of show's we wanna attend, so we're leaving things open right now.

Thanks guy's.

Tony...

63CadGuy

07-05-2004, 12:52 AM

You're buildin' my dream car there. Very nice job! I dig the tail lights too.

cheaterjack

07-05-2004, 01:12 AM

awsome chop how many inches did you take out and where are you getting your glass cut?

Tony

07-05-2004, 10:20 AM

Cheaterjack,
I took out 5" in front..it's a touch more in the back, about 5 1/2 or so.
As far as the glass, there is a shop about an hour from here that cuts glass, so i'm either going to take it to them to fit it, or i might cut it myself..using the sand blast method then have them polish the edge.

Tony.

bobx

07-05-2004, 10:47 AM

keep us updated with the glass situation, especially if you do it yourself. looks bad ass..and the tail lights are right on..

later

praisethelowered

07-05-2004, 11:19 AM

Really some good looking work, man.

It is all downhill from there. Have fun.

29EHV8

07-05-2004, 11:29 AM

Tony,looks kill bro.Its been kewl followin along as you build this thing.Nice work man.
Base copper and drive it!
Keep us posted on this mad lookin car......Shiny

oldandkrusty

07-05-2004, 03:23 PM

Slobber, drool, pant..., I love that Chev. Tony, you have absolutely nailed the bejeesus out of that thing. Perfect from every angle. And, I think that the copper color will be the best choice possible. While it's not my favorite color, the more I sit with my eyes closed and imagine, I just can't imagine a better color.
Now, with all your previous cars for rolling business cards, you really need to be doing "this" kind of work for yourself on as full time basis. Lots of work out there for a skilled craftsman who is honest. I think you are the man for that job.
I love your Chev, Tony.

Tony

07-05-2004, 04:09 PM

John,
Thanks for the kind words man..
Your right, there is a LOT more people around here that want stuff done than most people know. I've turned down jobs in the past because of lack of space to do them in..

Somethings gonna happen in the next 2 years..I'm going to be renting half my buddy's shop in a few months..
It's 20x40, so it's not really big, but should be enough to start something considering i've done the stuff i have in a 20x26 garage..
It's gonna feel lke a wearhouse for a while..til i gather too much shit and clutter myself up again.

we'll see, i may just be amusing myself, and thats cool too. I just dig building stuff, so whether something comes of it or not, i'm gonna learn something in the process.

Tony.

kuztomklaus

07-05-2004, 04:19 PM

That car looks great!
Will you be at Road Agents in a couple of weeks?
I'd like to se that car in person........
Fantastic job

Klaus

Tony

07-05-2004, 04:24 PM

Klaus,
Thanks man!
I wont be at the Road Agrents gig this year, i'll be heading to the Syracuse nats up here..

I was hoping to have the 53 at Syracuse, but thats not even gonna happen. I decided that there's no reason to rush it just to have it there..

I'm sure at some point i'll have it at a gig you'll be at..maybe next years Jalopy Showdown or something.

Tony.

2tall2beahotrodder

07-05-2004, 09:24 PM

[ QUOTE ]
Klaus,
Thanks man!
I wont be at the Road Agrents gig this year, i'll be heading to the Syracuse nats up here..

I was hoping to have the 53 at Syracuse, but thats not even gonna happen. I decided that there's no reason to rush it just to have it there..

I'm sure at some point i'll have it at a gig you'll be at..maybe next years Jalopy Showdown or something.

Tony.

[/ QUOTE ] Un-baweeeveable. Flat copper was our choice for the past sled.. Thing will look sick as hell..

You say you'll be at showdown, ill meet ya there with a little something.. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

Looking awesome..
steve

moondisc

07-06-2004, 08:00 AM

When I told you last year you nailed that chop perfect, you told me "I just grabbed my nuts and started cutting!"
If that's what happens keep on grabbin them things! http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif
Sorry you guys ain't making the Rumble, but glad you'll be in the 'cuse.
I'll have the Hotrod Hotel there (motorhome) with the air running. Little Dirty can crash there if it gets too hot for him.

Tony

07-06-2004, 11:28 AM

[ QUOTE ]
You say you'll be at showdown, ill meet ya there with a little something..

[/ QUOTE ]

We'll be there..i don't think the 'gang' would miss Larrys show no matter what!!

Moondisc, maybe i shoulda re-phrased that a touch eh? http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Thanks a lot of offering up the mobil home man, i'm sure Dirty will appreciate that..espacially since the last few years have been so damn hot..

Tony...