I planned on putting a more 'shapely' set of bumpers on it from the get go, but wasn't too picky. So I figured I'd go with an idea, and pick up what's available that I can work with, when the time is right. I found a 56 Chevy bumper on craigslist for cheap.. It was painted and needs re-chromed but I planned on narrowing it up a little bit anyways.. I plan on extending the fenders into the bumper to fill the gaps.. Ended up taking out about an inch and a half (.75" on each side)
Looks awesome dude! Keep up the food work, and keep us all posted! Posted using the Full Custom H.A.M.B. App!
Turns out that the 3 piece bumper actually bolts together perfectly aligned with the outside of my frame rails, simple enough.. Didn't really take many pictures while doing this but all I did was cut out a couple of pieces out of 3/16 plate and bolted them together. Welded one piece on a plate that came on the bumper from the factory.. I plan on getting one more support off each side of the bumper.. No turning back now..
So, I was hoping to have the taillight/bumper/fender treatment done (or at least close) by my next update but I think I need some input.. I've spent a few days working on the outer-side of the passenger side fender but I've spent most of that time scratching my head.. I like the shape and size that I'm ending up with but I still really haven't picked a tail light. I'm going back and forth on it but I'm thinking that what ever route I go, the tail light shouldn't dictate the overall shape. Does anyone have any unique ideas? I'm open minded, I just don't want to do something that's been done a million times.. I guess I'm just undecided on what's going to flow the best.. Keep in mind that I'm not done with the sheet metal work, just have it halfway mocked up with the basic shape I'm shooting for..
How about a set of '58 Chevy Biscayne t-lites turned vertical and recessed into the fender? Edit: Dang! Got so wrapped up thinking about the tail lights that I forgot to say that I've been following your thread and really enjoy watching the progress you're making on your '51. As a '51 owner myself, I can appreciate the changes you've made and all the hours you've put in!!
Car looks awesome dude! i have a 51 myself. Love the bumper treatment! Not sure if you are going to use overriders or not but these chevs look good with no lights in the quarters and have the lights in the over riders. I tunneled some shoebox ford tail lights vertically into my 51 which don't take away from the shape of the rear feeders but I'm thinking of changing them to 56 Plymouth lights. Anyways here's some pics of the shoebox lights Posted using the Full Custom H.A.M.B. App!
Thanks man, those tail lights do fit nicely. I probably will end up recessing whatever I end up getting.. It'll make shaping the fenders a hell of a lot easier..
Maybe clean up the opening on the right fender a little bit and make a lens to fit the opening. The car looks great, flows nicely. Keep it up.
VERY NICE transmission mount crossmember! You could easily market that piece. It's much more sturdier than the one we built for my nephews 51 Bus Coupe. Butch/56sedandelivery.
Hey RugRider,just checked out your build thread.The car looks awesome!Like the extended quarters to meet the bumper,the chop and everything in between!.You might want to try 50 Chrysler tail lights.Thats what I'm running in my 51
Great build thread, subscribed and look forward to more updates Eddie Posted using the Full Custom H.A.M.B. App!