Decided to make some changes to my BW clone. Tried to bring it into the 60's with some Milner Specials and some complimenting changes under the hood. I'm happy with the look - something different, and easy to change back if I ever want: BEFORE: AFTER: BEFORE: AFTER:
Ditto on the rocker covers, and whilst I'm not a big fan of chrome rims, they definitely outclass the white rims. Car looks good.
Without the white wheels , it no longer looks like a BW clone. Can't tell but are they 6 lug wheels like the widow had ?
The orange valve covers had brackets that support the batwing. So they had to go, although I guess I could have painted up some regular orange ones. I like the Corvette valve covers, obviously, they are an original staggered hole set chrome plated. I had Stockton make the Milners in 6 lug. That it no longer looks like a BW clone is fine by me, that was part of the point in what I was doing. My thinking is what would somebody have done to one of these cars a few years later. Of course the original cars would have been beat to hell, so this is only a philosophical question.
Come again and knock first this time. I could just be displaying my own ignorance to the original BW, but what is the major importance of converting a '57 to 6 lug in the first place?
The 57's used in stock car racing, whether black widows or convertibles, etc, all had 6 lug setups. There were many other subtle changes, too, but 6 lug wheels are most recognized by average joes.
The original SEDCO 'Black Widow' race cars had the bigger truck brakes which were 6 lug. Nice car, but I don't see the point of changing up a 'clone' Just seems like it's having an identity crisis....
I can respect that. It took a long time for me to make up my mind to do it. But being a clone gets boring after awhile and feels restrictive. Hence the molestation.
I would try some plain vette covers. To me, the plated ones look out of place on that motor. Like the change in wheels, gives the car a whole new look. Clones seem too restrictive, more like something made for display, instead of use.
Sorry, but I prefer it just the way it was - the white rims make it look old school Nascar and the batwings look cool too. It is your car and you choose which look you like - no probs on that, but just figured I'd throw my $0.02 at ya. Cheers.
Cool changes. And the best part is; ....... it's all nut 'n bolt stuff that can be changed back in a matter of hours. Now get some plain steelies for the back, paint 'em black & white, add some pie crusts, .........
It's not like you painted the damn thing or turned it into a 4x4. Pretty easy change if you want the look back. Sent from a pay phone
I think it is nice to change a car every so often. The new changes on yours look great to me. Looks more "hot roddy" now IMO. Don
Joe, I followed your threads on the Tri-5 forum and have to say that I love this car and think your mods are right on the money.
Being a bystander and looking at the first pics, that is one freaking beauty! I do understand that after a while it may get a little boring to you, so what you did is good from that stand point. Just some bolt on stuff and a little change is good. Nice job, but if it were me I'd probably let it be. Just my .02¢.
Exactly, While it is now just a black and white 57 Chevy with chrome wheels on six lug hubs rather than a true black widow clone it's cool as hell and you didn't do anything that you can't change back in two hours or less. Those valve covers are just too shiny for the car though. You see the valve covers and then see the engine rather than seeing the whole engine and then dissecting it piece by piece as you look it over.
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