as a rule (in my mind) a custom has a profile change a mild custom does not. so a chop or a section is a custom. for me the bass fleetline is about as perfect as it can be.even though it has never been finished.
I always leaned toward "La Jolla" myself if we're leaving it at 49-52, but somewhere on these pages was a green Fleetline with a mild chop. The stunner on that one was how the deck area sort of stayed where it was but sunk down between the quarter panels. Very trick save of the proportions and basic top angle. Anyone know that car?
Dave, wondering if Kenny Dean's car is short roof '53 coupe, with a '54 front clip? That quarter window isn't very long... Personal take, a quality build, but a confused Chev... chopped, dropped, cruisers, then Moon tank & vintage carb scoops ?? Dyno Dave
I think that's it. The pic I remember was at an event, but the work to do that is not something just anyone would pick up. You agree? I think you need an appreciation for these things to spot it right away. Being a bit of a metal guy and finisher I can really appreciate the vision. Thank you.
Masterson's masterpiece was featured in the 18th issue of Kustoms Illustrated, Summer 2008. The article was titled "Little Green time Machine". Brad Masterson wrote the very good narrative, telling about his early history and the cars build. Brad closed the story by saying "My future plans include adding side trim, different wheel covers, and a new interior job". From the above photo, it appears he has the interior in white vinyl. In the article the inteior was stock, pinstriped cloth. The Cad wheelcovers were also featured in the 2008 article. What would you all choose? I'd rotate the Cads with 3 or 4 other wheel covers. Original style lancers always look good on customs. I think 53 and 54 Bel-Air wheelcovers would complete my choices. For side trim: I have always liked the 52 deluxe rear quater trim. How about you guys? What would you suggest?
Yes, it has been one of my favorites too, while providing inspiration to my on going 50 4 door Fleetline build! Bob Nelson has another nice 49-52 chev. This 50 Hard top is a full custom with many features, some intented to deceive:
I agree. Here's another one, built by Ron Lawson of Oswego, NY. Met him at '07 Goodguys in Charlotte. Chopped 1-3/4" and he lowered the catwalk & trunk into rear quarters, same way. Not sure I would have picked up on it if he hadn't told me:
That's the one right there. The trim and taillights work well with it. It also looks to have some volume removed from the overall roof too. Less hgt over the windshield if I'm seeing it right. So well done...
It's almost impossible to pick a favorite out of all the beautiful custom Chevy's that have been created over the years. Here are a few of my current favorites. The pale blue 4 door posted by Krash is the car that initially sparked my interest in them. One I'll never forget...
Finished this 49 Chevy, which is my son's 2 years ago in his garage, with help of a few good friends, got it chopped and painted.. One of my favorites..
I personally do not like chopped cars, about the only car I prefer chopped is a Model A coupe, other than that I like origional roof lines. and I really hate 50's Chevy, Ford, Merc chops like Fleetline.
It could be a '53 coupe body, but once you chop that low it would be easy to move the rear of the roof forward. Either way, it's not a '49-52 and a lot of people would agree that it's not perfection either. I love about 90% of the cars posted so far, which is high for me because I'm a picky bastard with specific likes and dislikes!
Whatever happened to the chop a few of us did on jcustom's chevy a few years ago? Justin, you watching this thread?
I agree with DriveWay. That just looks like a unfinished custom (not being chopped). It would look awesome chopped! Every guy I've ever talked to with a unchopped custom shoebox or chebby always says that in the future they want to chop it. Usually don't have the skill or money to have chopped already. And c'mon to the guys who say they look better unchopped. Look at this threads pics. These car's original roof lines blow. They .look like a big bubble with glass.