Projects '51 olds : loose its paunchiness?

I've had a '51 Olds 88 2dr hardtop for nearly 20 years. It's a mild custom with '53 buick sidetrim, It;s very thick,from the rockers to the beltline. I'm thinking of removing 3-4 inches,sectioning it but leaving the top alone. Its is storage so no pics,but the same body shell as a '51-'53 Buick. I think it would look great. Any opinions ? Haven't ever seen one sectioned it ,but it's time.

 

Any pics of yours?

 

I've seen how-to tech articles on sectioning similar GM bodies in East Coast little books.

 

The Polynesian was a '50 olds 2 door hardtop that was sectioned and not chopped. It looked incredible. http://public.fotki.com/Rikster/11_..._cars/valley_customs-1/jack_stewarts_polyn-3/

 

Actually, the '51 88 is very different body from the Polynesian.
As the OP said, think Buick.

 

'MO,thanks for posting the pic. Maybe someone can photoshop it. This is the color combination my car was 20plus years ago.

 

I think leaving the top alone is a good idea, it looks classy and the roof line flows neatly.. As far the 'thickness' I can understand your point and yes could look insane with some modification, but it looks pretty fine to me as is!

 

Horizontal chrome trim on the sides of the car is a visual cheat that works the same way as a section. If your´s is missing you could put it back. But I´d rather see a section job! ;-)

 

not a hardtop but you get the idea

3-4 inch photosection and lowered

 

A subtler and perhaps more complicated solution would be to take the section out above the fenderline....

 

I've always loved the old magazine coverage of the Polynesian being sectioned...makes it all look so easy!

 

Froghawk,thats a GREAT look,but would be a mother to do. I might pancake a spare hood and see what that looks like.

 

Thanks. Of course, pixels are way easier to cut up than steel!

Sorry, forgot the Buick side trim. Makes a huge difference. What's great about those moldings is how beautifully they complement the side window opening of the two-door hardtops...

 

That´s a really good solution. Not an easy one mind you, but it sure looks right.

Although, on the other hand, you´re only cutting the top off the car - which is kind of a less daunting prospect that cutting a slice out of the middle somehow. Maybe slightly less mental anguish involved anyway!

 

Daunting, but do-able. The Barris 'Pariciene' Cadillac was sectioned that way.



(But the red photo-shop Olds looks good, too.)