Yeah, definitely is helping to soften the crown in that area. Still needs some more but next is to weld the window frame a little more. I want to get it strong enough to try the glass and gasket in. Then I can be sure the stainless on the window is going to work with the stainless on the beltline. If all is a go, I'll be making sail panels.
They say chrome won't get you home, but I couldn't help myself and a new one piece bumper found its way onto the 54!
Got some progress made on the 54 today. All panels are just tacked on to check the flow. Added some spray paint to further check the blend of the panels. Still some massaging to be done, but pretty happy with the look. Next step will be to cut the existing roof so I can butt weld the new panels in. els in.
I like it! Especially the idea of putting most of the seams under the chrome, so you don't have as much hammer and dolly work. Just be careful you don't warp the metal edges (around the back window) from too much heat, since there won't be much metal there. If you do, you'll never get it to seal. (Ask me how I know). Looks like the new panel is mostly bent in just one direction, so you don't have any major compound curves. Cool.
Yeah, that beltline works nice for mating the new sail panel to the body. I did the same with the bottom edge of the donor window frame. It is welded to the middle of the beltline.
Just got a bit of time to play with some spray bomb. I think the final color will indeed be white. Hope to get a long weekend soon and strip the entire roof and final weld everything.
On a couple of chops we have done at the shop with wing windows like that, we have cut them, and made little brackets to bolt the wing window frame back together. Granted they were both mild chops. I'll try to remember to take a photo for you in case it helps you out.
Thats looks awesome!!! Very well done. If I had the nerve I would chop mine. I even bought a very expensive Mig, but still cannot take the chance. Nice skills!
I have some white pearl you can use on it. I'll probably never use it, and it's just enough for a top.
It's looking great! Did you go with large or small lee tail lights? And where did you buy that bumper from? What did it run you?
I went with the small Lee bubble. Bumper came from Chevrolet Restoration World and was $289 plus shipping. http://www.parts123.com/parts123/yb...~S4CB0G6WKO21615845350e~Z5Z5Z5~Z5Z5Z50000080l
Good job, Its hard to believe no one makes a one piece window kit for these cars. Looking good Godspeed MrC.
Played with spray bomb again, this time an ivory gloss top. I'm liking it way better than straight white. What do you all think about the interior color? I originally thought bright white but now am leaning on ivory as well.
Thoughts on a red interior? I love the look of black cars with red interiors but wondering if that's too late of a look than what I think belongs in my car. Although, I can only imagine the looks of a white interior after a couple months of my little ones trotting across the seats! Maybe an ivory interior that would match the top and quarter strip wouldn't show the dirt as much?
My 2 cents. The ivory or white interior is indeed traditional but I bet that there were lots of customs that didn't make the mags that had red or even black interiors as well. I am thinking about a deep red for my custom interior as I am painting it Ford Washington blue. Nice to see something a little different than the usual color combos. Your car is looking great. Torchie
I have a 54 hardtop chopped and I'm trying to get the vent windows cut down. Have you done yours yet? If so do you have any pics of how it went?
I own a 53 Chevy Belair 210 and I plan to change the rear window also. I was able to get my hands on the back half off a 51 Pontiac in very solid condition. I will cut the current window out and replace with the Pontiac window roof. But I am thinking about using as much of the roof with the window frame as possible. Thusly not having to make part of the roof. Well that's the plan. I will find out once things start to go together. You chop came out very nice, good work.