RADICAL Custom Shoebox FOUND!!!!!!!! I'm pretty happy.

[bobbleed]

So I followed up on this little picture I saw of this old custom 49 Ford at Iola. It's kinda cool so I bought it.

It turns out it was built in the early 60's and belonged to our very own Shifts! He used to take advantage of young women in the back seat..... He must have ruled in those days.

It is sectioned 6 inches, has T-Bird fins, Plymouth bumpers 55 chevy headlights and countless other mods. This baby is finished in lead!

It is powered by a 401 Nailhead.

I can't even believe it, there is alot of history with this car. It was in a magazine in 1964.

I haven't slept since I found it.

I've sent a deposit and will pick it up in a few weeks.
Sorry for the shitty pics, they are a scan of a color copy.

You can get the idea of how cool it is though. Lot's of character with this one. When I first saw it I thought it was goofy looking, but it really balances pretty good. It's growing on me fast.

[yorgatron]

crazy daddyo...

[bobbleed]

Shifts drove it for a few years in the 60's with a flatty. It was finished with red paint and a full tuck and roll interior.

[bobbleed]

He then pulled the flatty and Decided to put in a Nailhead. He was never able to get the Nailhead running because he went to Vietnam.

He kept it at his grampa's for safe keeping, and as soon as he left, Grandpa hauled it to the Junk Yard. The nailhead fell out on the way to the yard.

Some guy bought it out of the Junk Yard and the guy I'm getting it from got it from that guy in 1968.

[bobbleed]

The guy I'm getting it from got it back on the road and in primer. It's been that way ever since.

Shifts told me he's been looking for it for years. I told him he has first option to buy it, for what I have in it.

This is a really neat old car. Customs have become so refined, that they don't even look custom anymore. They all look the same.

Although I would never build anything like this, the history draws me in. It's the real deal.

[bobbleed]

This is an picture from 1964 when Shifts had it.

That fucker must have got a lot of chicks............

[RocketDaemon]

[ QUOTE ]

Shifts told me he's been looking for it for years. I told him he has first option to buy it, for what I have in it.


[/ QUOTE ]

respect!

[RocketDaemon]

coool car btw,

[Nads]

You suck, yet you rule.
The car's weird, but it's cool, with that Buick it's gotta haul.

Congrats brother.

[Anderson]

Is the rocker in front of the rear wheel smashed in?

It's sorta goofy....redo the front wheel opening, it'll look cool. I like Shifts stance and wheel version a lot better too.

I hate you for finding it.

[nor cal nic]

if memory serves me i've seen that car in red on a cover of an old mag... can't think which one. maybe i'm confusing this for another. hell, i dunno'? anywho it's bad as all 'git out. i envy you, and i'm still gonna' steal your microphone for a shift lever idea on my '29.
love and respect
nic

[Sailor]

Cool car and cool story. Like you said; its not a ride one would confuse easily with any other car so it has a lot of potential to be something really special Best of luck, buddy.


Is it just me or has this car been discussed on here earlier (for sale at ebay or something??).

[29EHV8]

Kewl find,kill history.
So when you get it you gonna let shifts take it for a roll and see if he can still get the chicks? http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif......Shiny

[williebill]

It's NOT goofy,it's NOT weird,it's fucking beautiful.Anybody here who doesn't get wet looking at this needs to hold hands with the VW guys.What's the matter,not stock enough looking? You did damn good,better go get it before somebody offers the owner more money.What mag was it in?Lucky bastard http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[The37Kid]

Nice find, I know I have a copy of the magazine it was in, made the cover if my memory is correct.

[Skate Fink]

[ QUOTE ]
When I first saw it I thought it was goofy looking, but it really balances pretty good. It's growing on me fast.

[/ QUOTE ]

..first.....nice score! Second......VERY cool about the offer to "shifts." Third........shoeboxes are such cool Kustoms. Althought you would NEVER want to mess with this car, a chopped top would put all the proportions together and make it one fantastic ride. Photochoppers out there????
Cecil Proffit from VA Beach, VA built several shoeboxes in the early 80's. Each sweeter than the one before. I'll have to scan and post a few later. Chopped left the car slabsided (but I always loved it), sectioned and unchopped (like yours) left the "greenhouse" out of proportion, but chopped AND sectioned left one sleek, low down ride. Just differences in style. You sure "done good" saving this one.........

[Flat Ernie]

[ QUOTE ]
a chopped top would put all the proportions together

[/ QUOTE ]

Kewl ride, but I gotta agree with Skate Fink here - it looks a little like a '58 Packard Hawk the way it sits now - I think a mild chop would really make it work!

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif

[JamesG]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
a chopped top would put all the proportions together

[/ QUOTE ]

Kewl ride, but I gotta agree with Skate Fink here - it looks a little like a '58 Packard Hawk the way it sits now - I think a mild chop would really make it work!

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

Like this?

[MattB]

Chopped = greatness!!! Although now kinda 55-57 T-birdish.... Leave it alone, paint it something crazy that stands out, and let the history do the talkin.:)

[CTFuzz]

THAT'S a custom....!!

[Antibilly]

Took a minute to sink in but I do believe I love it.

[Fat Hack]

Coolest 55-57 T-bird I ever seen! http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif

[CheaterChris]

your still a HOMO

[shifts]

I owned this car from 63-65 while I was in the military. The car was about half done when I got it. Most of the hard bodywork was done in Okinawa & brought over here by the guy that started it. I drove it w/ a mildly hopped up flatty until I decided to put a buick in it just before I shipped overseas. Never got to finish the buick eng swap cause I was trying to do it on a 15 day leave & on military pay. My grandfather was supposed to let me keep it in his garage till I got back, but about a month later decided it was in his way & hauled it to the junk yard. It was a feature car in 64, but cant remember which mag, some little mag like Honk or Rev or something like that. The hood scoop was functional as there was no room for the rear carb. I'm just glad someone like Bobbleed got it & will bring it back to its original glory. But PLEASE dont chop it. I'll post more original pics as soon as I can round them up. DAVE

[**DONOTDELETE**]

I'm with "shifts"....don't chop it !!

[4t64rd]

I think just the back of the roof needs to come down, them hubcaps are too "Caddy", it needs some chrome wheels from the era it was built...
Maybe a few noticed the way the rocker curves up behind the door ala El Matador, needs the rear lower than front to show that off

that's just my $.02 I just like WWW on chrome OEM wheels on anything.

[Sailor]

Chopped top and sectioned body seldom works good together, and imho the photochop shows just that. Dont chop it! I wold give it more rake by lowering it up front. Also I think it would look rad if you just fixed it with the same, bitchin sixties style you got on your rods. Im thinking fadaway-paintjob, chromies, thin whitewalls, a rad interior with consol, buckets, maybe ditch the ribbed bumbers for some bumperette-thingies etc.

[4t64rd]

I just played with rear skirts, yeech! Don't even think about it.

[Tuff Tin]

You know......the guy finds an "old" custom and you guys think he ought to chop it. Shit! restore it to it's original custom being. You want to make it different buy a new project and fuck it up!
To many people buy old type cars and modernize them. Damn! Leave them like they were as they are a part of "our" roots!
http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/mad.gif

[AHotRod]

Swweeeeeeeeeet Ride!

AHotRod

[48_HEMI]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
a chopped top would put all the proportions together

[/ QUOTE ]

Kewl ride, but I gotta agree with Skate Fink here - it looks a little like a '58 Packard Hawk the way it sits now - I think a mild chop would really make it work!

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

Like this?


[/ QUOTE ]








Thats to much it only needs about three inches and pan cake the hood a bit.but your messing with the history.it's a survivor. paint it red and drive the shit out of it http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[tommy]

It reminds me of the X-51 sectioned but not chopped.(I think that's what it was called). One of my favorites. I went to the L.A. Roadtser show several years ago and almost pissed myself when it drove in.

Very cool.

[Nads]

Shifts wishes should be respected, history too, the car should be restored to how it was. Although I love that 4t6frd rendering.
So Shifts was the car bought in Japan? How did you build it in Okinawa?

[Plowboy]

Bob, I bet Dave will be stopping by more often now!

He is probably gathering up some trading material as we speak to take it off of your hands.

[shifts]

Nads, The car was shipped back from Okinawa by a gunny sergent I knew. He started building it while he was stationed there. I had a 57 retractable at the time & we made a trade. He helped me finish the car & this guy was a real craftsman!! If you pull a door panel or look under the hood, you can see that all the seams are hammer welded. Car was then painted bright red.TONS of memories in that ride. DAVE

[shifts]

Plowboy, If Bob would let me, I'd love to be involved in the restoration. However, we're about 250 miles apart. I know he'll do it right & someday I might own it again. DAVE

[Nads]

So the car was actually sold in Japan?
Weren't American cars major status symbols in SE Asia?
I know in Pakistan, if you owned an American car you were the cat's pyjamas.

This is such a great story. It gives me hope to find a survivor.

[Big A]

Pop the hub caps off and drive it.

Cool find with cool HAMB history. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif

I'd like to see more shots from the 60's when you get a chance to dig 'em up, Shifts.

[00 MACK]

I HAVE PICTURES OF THE CAR AT THE KEADSLED SPECTACULAR IN HOLLAND MICH IN 1990 IN BLACK PRIMER W/MOON DISKS AR HOME BUT IM AT SLAGS GETTING READY TO LEAVE TO THE ROAD AGENTS SHOW

[bobbleed]

This car will NOT be chopped. There are plenty of stock Shoebox's left to cut up...............
This one has been a custom longer than it was a stocker and must be respected.

The only changes I will make, if any, will be reversable so the car could easily be changed back to the way it was.

To be honest, I don't know what I am going to do with it. My first focus will be to get it safely running and driving. Then I don't know.

I really can BARELY afford this thing and my first intention was to flip it, but now I don't know. We'll see what happens.

I think it would be cool for Shifts to get it back, fully restored to the way it was when he used to bang chicks in the back seat... HaHaHa

Maybe I'll restore it for Shifts?

Maybe I'll keep it?

Maybe I'll be a fag and sell it on ebay?.................. I hope it doesn't come to that.

Who knows, to me the most exciting part is finding it and bringing it home.

The history has me HOOKED.

[redpunk]

That Rules, Kool car.. Its all about the History...

[ponchobilly]

Great find, Bob! There never seems to be enough traditional customs on the board, and I'm glad you've brought this one to us. All the mods done on this car look fine. You're right- the more you look at it the more it appeals itself to you.

A custom is a work in progress. It evolves and changes. You can restore it to a point in time, or take styling cues from its most popular period. Or you can make it yours... or sell it back to shifts.

You really don't want to know what I'd do with it- but here's my opinion anyway http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif.
Five spoke chrome wheels with wide whites: Maybe thinner whites to give that 60's feel. I'm a sucker for this combo. I think they would look good on any car.
Subtle change to the tail fins: Change the angle of the tail fins from angling away from the car and accentuating the length (therby making the rear quarter look a little thin) to angling the point of the tail fin back toward the car and give it a forward stance like the headlights and hood scoop do.

Bob, very cool to give shifts an option on his old ride. I just hope it stays in the HAMB family. Good Luck & thanx for letting me voice an opinion.
shifts- I'll see you at the Drags

Bil

[Bob K]

"Maybe I'll be a fag and sell it on ebay?.................. I hope it doesn't come to that."


You would be a real fag if you did that. If you are gonna flip it, Dave should get it back.

Just be sure you don't torch it like the mini-bike. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gifLOL

B http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif B

[bobbleed]

I was thinking of having Tuck paint it........But something bad would happen. DANGER! DANGER!

[Bob K]

Yep for sure.

You and Tuck together "DANGER, DANGER, WILL ROBINSON"

[michaelthe9]

I likes it. It kind of reminds me of Bill Hines' "The Bat". Krazy wicked kool.
Michael

[shifts]

Actually, This car was always called "The Fish". DAVE

[cleatus]

[ QUOTE ]
maybe ditch the ribbed bumbers for some bumperette-thingies etc.

[/ QUOTE ]

Bob, if you do decide to take the Plymouth bumpers off, I'd be happy to send cash your way http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Anyway, very cool score with an interesting story.

...and I hope Shifts went and bitch-slapped grampy for taking that to the junkyard!

[Flat Ernie]

[ QUOTE ]
Like this?
Thats to much it only needs about three inches and pan cake the hood a bit.but your messing with the history.it's a survivor. paint it red and drive the shit out of it

[/ QUOTE ]

Agreed - too much chop. I can see a mild chop on it 3" MAX & maybe sloped in the back.

As for restoring history - I gotta be honest, I don't care much. It's like the restorers who think Model As should all have greyhounds on the radiator caps...how much respect you got for that?

I'm not snubbing my nose at it, and I can appreciate the history, just that I don't let history tell me what to do...

Unless you slam it on the ground with little tiny wheels that stick way out the sides & a big round bling exhaust pipe, pretty much anything you do to it will be kool...

Besides, it's yours now http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif

[side_valve]

Very cool Bob - sell the "bleedster" and keep this one as "Bleed's Hot Rods & Custom" shop kar. Now you got the green roadster to cover your "Hot Rod" needs and this for your "Kustom"

[tokyo]

Bob...that is a super nice find...very unique umkay... the chrome reverse and wide whites would be nice.

sorry we didn't have more time to talk at BTT50's, good luck with da truck you dry humper...

tok

[choprods]

Thats WEild Bob,,,,,cant believe you found that find and Dave has been looking for it at the same time!
Wingnutz is here today picking up your damned axle man!......we say NO FUCKIN CHOP also!!!!!!!Choppin that would be like paintin a moustache on the Mona Lisa!
do the right thing....save it for Dave!!!!!thats HISTORY PEOPLE!
I think I remember seeing that car on the cover of either Rod and Custom or maybe Custom Rodder......Kenny

[Flat Rod]

[ QUOTE ]
a chopped top would put all the proportions together

[/ QUOTE ]

I agree...proportions are very important in getting just the right lines

[Gracie]

At the very least you need to round those corners on the doors...

[Evel]

I hate you.

Naileheads SUCK!!!


Sell me the Bleedster...


Damm I now have to fly to WI and film the restore of an Ol Custom.


THAT RULES!!!

evel

[Evel]

What's up with the Nailhead??? Is it Hopped up??
Tri Power???

[Zapato]

sounds to me like all you really need to do is disinfect that back seat and get it on the road, and don't change anything. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

[cheaterjack]

Bob thats gay like you and your gay lover. Stop the games tell everyone that you want to build pink girls bikes to ride to work and show the BOYS at the bars you go to. I am sick of you hidding your true self. Just let everyone know that you perfer weiners to vagina anyday! Hey you taught me to enjoy the finner things in life.

[willowbilly3]

[ QUOTE ]
THAT'S a custom....!!

[/ QUOTE ] I'm kinda new here but I gotta know if you are the same fuzzy that got kicked off FTE??

[Tuck]

dude...
OK now thats BAD ASS.

I like shifts version of it... and the history damn.

Thats the coolest story ever.

If you end up painting it I want in...

I have a spark plug attached to my new Iwata... the field on the coil is collapsed every time I pull the trigger.

We'll flame that fucker like cherry wood on an old Fender strat.... I dont mean "flames" I mean nice nice kandy fades to create true show car balance.

Like Bleed Senior says its all about balance...

if that thing were a pin it would stand on end...

I think it RULES... and im serious.

I think its perfect in SHIFTS version...

That car could be sitting in Starbirds on display...


Hey BOB K, Did you know that water only makes a gas fire worse?
I didnt think of that when I tossed the cooler and all our pepsi on that mini bike... haha, not like I carry cotton blankets around with me either.

I wonder if it has something to do with the planet alignment with Mars or some shit like that...

I dont think its my fault... besides the last time I almost seen Bob DIE it was the Ramblers fault... around the same time of year??? I don't know why you guys always think I have something to do with this shit...

--- the HEX started on fire when i was cruiseing around w/bob so I know it goes BOTH WAYS haha... and I almost got killed by the stink bomb dude... bob saved my life with the green roadster revving his pipes to distract him. He got scared of bobs hair and left me alone. (for real)

ELECTRIC CURRENT[tm] is what we should paint that Shoebox. Reverse polairty on the gun... that'll keep the fires from starting...

shit... now I can't sleep...
Tuck

[low64]

It reminds me of the car done by Valley Customs, that my uncle's friend owns.

[bobbleed]

I've been thinking alot about this car and so far my plan will be to first get it drivable for the rest of the year and then blow it apart this winter for a complete Candy job and pearl white interior. Hopefully I can figure a way to make it happen money wise.......

I have several ideas that will make the car better, but not take away from it's history. I will make several changes, but they will be easily reversable. Including maybe an entirely different front clip, that way the origional one could be put back if so desired.

So far I am thinking a lime gold candy. This car will be better than it ever was. I can't wait.

Shifts still has dibbs.

Tuck will probably paint it, but I will have to buy a fire suit.... HaHa

I can't wait to get this thing here and take pictures of it next to my roadster................

[swazzie]

Good God man ! that is awesome. Thank you for saving this for all of us. This is it ! We need to hold onto this history to know where were going. Imagine how many were lost. thanx again for sharing this Bob and thanx shifts. DAMN . swaZZie

[wingnutz]

It's amazing how popular the car was and is today!

Choprods recognized the car from "Very Old" magazines and said it used to be red... http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/blush.gif!

Timeless designs and some of the original players for the historic referrences!

Bob has this uncanny knack for finding rare shit and then selling it back to the original owners...! http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

He just sold a coupester back to the original builder at Iola befeore he found this Gem!!! http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shocked.gif What Luck... http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

Can't wait to see it "Live"...! http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif

Mark