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1952 Chevrolet Styleline Deluxe Build

Discussion in 'The Hokey Ass Message Board' started by seanbelushi, Jan 26, 2013.

  1. seanbelushi
    Joined: Jan 26, 2011
    Posts: 175

    seanbelushi
    Member

    Morning all, I've been lurking here for a while now, posting occasionally, but figured it was time to show my build as it stands.

    Here's the scoop. I got a couple years back a 52 Styleline Deluxe that has been in the family since new. It was purchased in 52 by my Great Grandfather, it was the car my mom learned to drive on, and was retired in 66 when they got a "new" 64 Chevy. It was driven all around the Red Banks/Byhalia, MS area and then was used to drive around the pastures of our farm for the next few, until it was parked in Oct 1966 and forgotten.

    When I acquired it in March 2011, it still had the registration wrapped around the steering column, my Great Grandfather's galoshes in the trunk, and an old wool hat on the seat. Most every window had been shot out by various people throughout the years, but it was complete in every regard, so back to Memphis it went.

    Anyway, here are some photos of when it was unearthed:
    856638_10151272598424640_2113693549_o.jpg 704889_10151272598519640_254899286_o.jpg 906870_10151272598629640_97752579_o.jpg

    Here's my mom overseeing the unearthing of her 1st car.


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    Back home in Bartlett, TN

    706019_10151272599964640_274723327_o.jpg

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    So it needs some floor work...

    704610_10151272601119640_942252268_o.jpg 468122_10151272601574640_1781809404_o.jpg
     

    Attached Files:

    Last edited: Aug 22, 2017
    kiwijeff likes this.
  2. BrerHair
    Joined: Jan 30, 2007
    Posts: 5,006

    BrerHair
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

    Fantastic story! Love it! What are your plans?
     
  3. seanbelushi
    Joined: Jan 26, 2011
    Posts: 175

    seanbelushi
    Member

    Here's some more from the disassembly:

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  4. seanbelushi
    Joined: Jan 26, 2011
    Posts: 175

    seanbelushi
    Member

    So, I was lucky enough to find another 52 in the local Pull a Part, and managed to scrounge the doors, fenders, and deck lid from it. All my doors and fenders were rotten at the bottom, and the deck lid was pretty bad, despite the photos.

    Stripping paint from new trunk
    [​IMG]

    Test fitting new door and fender
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    [​IMG]

    OK, I know the engine isn't traditional, but my wife and I wanted something newer and economical, so a 2000 Chevy 5.3 was found and is getting mocked up.
    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    I worked for 10 years at a company making computer chips for cars, so the fuel injection stuff is a no-brainer to me. Here's stripping out needless wiring from the harness.
    [​IMG]

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    This is part of the pile of unneeded wires.
    [​IMG]
     
    68MIke likes this.

  5. Thanks for sharing, I'm subscribed, I always liked the 49-52 Chevs. Good Luck with it.
     
  6. seanbelushi
    Joined: Jan 26, 2011
    Posts: 175

    seanbelushi
    Member

    Thanks Brerhair, I've been following your build for a long time now, and you've provided much needed inspiration.

    The plans are pretty simple, stock appearance with modern driveline. I'm looking at painting the car cream with a brown roof, with brown interior. Keeping the stock hubcaps/wheels with wide whitewalls. I want something that the wife and I can drive anywhere, get parts anywhere, and truly enjoy. It won't be a trailer queen, nor a show car. Anyhow...

    I did manage to paint the engine in a traditional color
    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    Been cleaning up the inner fenders and firewall, getting them ready for paint. Once it's painted, then I can mount the engine.

    [​IMG]
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    I'm going with a 2011 Kia Soul paint, color is Dune. It's a nice vintage looking cream. Here's some shots of the base/clear going on.
    [​IMG]
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    I've also been working hard on the floors. From the earlier pics, you can see that it needed complete replacement. From the rockers in, everything but the braces got replaced.
    [​IMG]
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    And, just for fun and motivation, I cleaned up the gauges and replaced the faces. [​IMG]

    So that's where it stands now. I need to find a Jaguar front end, and then start the bodywork. We're looking at moving to Colorado in the next few months, so I'd love to have it where it can move under its own power by then. Hopefully this build log will keep me honest and motivated!
     
    Habitual likes this.
  7. HUSSEY
    Joined: Feb 16, 2010
    Posts: 628

    HUSSEY
    Member

    Cool that you are saving that car. Funny how cars back then would just get parked and forgot.
     
  8. blyndgesser
    Joined: Jan 2, 2011
    Posts: 167

    blyndgesser
    Member
    from Georgia

    Very nice. The Dune paint is a very nice interpretation of a period color.
     
  9. motoandy
    Joined: Sep 19, 2007
    Posts: 3,334

    motoandy
    Member
    from MB, SC

    Nice work. EMS is a good source for panels. Nice that you have all the trim, dash clock, dash pieces. Look forward to watching this one. Also I sourced the left and right side lower trunk panel off ebay.
     
  10. motoandy
    Joined: Sep 19, 2007
    Posts: 3,334

    motoandy
    Member
    from MB, SC

    Here you can see the 2 pieces. I think they were about $30 each and had the curve and lip to bolt the gravel pan on.
     

    Attached Files:

    Habitual likes this.
  11. seanbelushi
    Joined: Jan 26, 2011
    Posts: 175

    seanbelushi
    Member

    Thankfully EMS does have everything I need, now if I could only hit the lottery. As for the clock, I was surprised. After a good cleaning, it works perfectly!
    [​IMG]

    And I've started on the bodywork a bit. Got one of the lower panels that was rotten.
    [​IMG]

    Although I don't have any pictures, the trunk floor was completely gone. Replaced with new metal, just need to get the rear step-down where it meets the tail pan fixed.
    [​IMG]
     
  12. seanbelushi
    Joined: Jan 26, 2011
    Posts: 175

    seanbelushi
    Member

    Where did you find those? I've looked on that site and can't find anything but the EMS pan. Would LOVE to get those
     
  13. toucan
    Joined: Feb 15, 2009
    Posts: 1,083

    toucan
    Member
    from sc

  14. Johnnee D.
    Joined: Aug 16, 2005
    Posts: 244

    Johnnee D.
    Member

    wow, congratulations, nice build... really like the color, good choice! any other cars in the family lot? ;)
     
  15. chaddilac
    Joined: Mar 21, 2006
    Posts: 14,021

    chaddilac
    Member

    Wow!! Nice progress!!! Looks cool!!
     
  16. gsport
    Joined: Jul 16, 2009
    Posts: 677

    gsport
    Member

    good job so far... i really like these early 50's chevy rebuilds
     
  17. jerseymike
    Joined: Sep 25, 2008
    Posts: 707

    jerseymike
    Member

    except for the rust and shot up glass, looks pretty complete. and it's cool that the car has family history. good luck.
     
  18. 50 Ragtop
    Joined: Aug 12, 2009
    Posts: 52

    50 Ragtop
    Member


    I just bought these on ebay this morning. Search item numbers 220513402381 and 220513410102. They're sold by Nat'l Chevy (651) 778-9522. These are listed for 49-50. I think they will work on 52's too. Right side is part # 4681R, left is 4681L.

    Dave
     
  19. BrerHair
    Joined: Jan 30, 2007
    Posts: 5,006

    BrerHair
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

    Engine looks good Sean. Wish I could have used my Corvette headers but they wouldn't clear the frame. Can't wait to see how you wire up the factory harness and ECM without an aftermarket terminal block.

    Cowl looks great too.
     
  20. seanbelushi
    Joined: Jan 26, 2011
    Posts: 175

    seanbelushi
    Member

    I've had various things over the years. Mostly british junk, 1st car was MG Midget, had 1959 Triumph 10 Wagon, etc. I do have a few vintage jap motorcycles (1973 Honda CR250M1 Elsinore, 1974 Honda CB550K1). This is my 1st truly old iron. Did restore a '77 F100 stepside recently, nothing older.

    Thanks for the info on the tail pan pieces. Gonna order them today and see about finishing up the rear of the car.
     
  21. BadLuck
    Joined: Jan 7, 2006
    Posts: 3,055

    BadLuck
    Member

    wow.. you're doing awesome work.. what a way to give that car a second chance! keep it up..
     
  22. seanbelushi
    Joined: Jan 26, 2011
    Posts: 175

    seanbelushi
    Member

    There is a site www.lt1swap.com that has complete how-to directions on modifying a stock harness. I added an aftermarket terminal block and relays for PCM power and fuel pump. So when I get ready to wire the car, the large red wire is B+, small red is switched 12v, ground is in harness, and fuel pump output. 4 wires and it's done.
    [​IMG]
     
  23. dt50chev
    Joined: Mar 15, 2005
    Posts: 596

    dt50chev
    Member

    What engine mounts are those you are using? Who makes them? Contemplating installing a 5.3 in my 49. Had a decent one with a new SRTA transmission but sold it to purchase the 49. Will have to part out another truck and get another one.
     
  24. seanbelushi
    Joined: Jan 26, 2011
    Posts: 175

    seanbelushi
    Member

    I'm using competition engineering mounts, with some LS1 adapters from the auction site. Everything fit great.
     
  25. dt50chev
    Joined: Mar 15, 2005
    Posts: 596

    dt50chev
    Member

    Thanks for the info. I assume they are small block mounts and then you are using LS to small block adapters?
     
  26. seanbelushi
    Joined: Jan 26, 2011
    Posts: 175

    seanbelushi
    Member

    Yep, I did have to massage one of the strengthening webs on the block to fit the adapter plates, but otherwise no worries.
     
  27. dt50chev
    Joined: Mar 15, 2005
    Posts: 596

    dt50chev
    Member

    Cool, thanks again. Will keep an eye on your build. Looking good so far. I like the 4 door, will be lots easier to haul the family around.
     
  28. n847
    Joined: Apr 22, 2010
    Posts: 2,724

    n847
    Member

    Nice build...I love that it sat out there all those years and still had the skirts on it! Are you going to go with a stock stance or drop it a little? Those things make great customs. Way to save a family heirloom!
     
  29. BrerHair
    Joined: Jan 30, 2007
    Posts: 5,006

    BrerHair
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

    You make it sound easy! As much time as you've spent deep into EFI wiring, I guess it is for you. Cool.
     

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