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History Period correct rims for 54/55 custom?

Discussion in 'Traditional Customs' started by Dagenham Dave, Sep 16, 2013.

  1. Black Panther
    Joined: Jan 6, 2010
    Posts: 2,133

    Black Panther
    Member
    from SoCal

    In '54-'55...15" wheels were the norm....and hubcaps definitely. Barris and others used an aftermarket while wheel hubcap and stock and aftermarket flippers were common....wire wheel hubcaps were kind of the in thing then. Buy some period magazines and have a look. I would think the vast majority of the wheels were painted and not chromed....remember when you run a hubcap...you only see appx less than 1" inch of the wheel...
     
  2. Dagenham Dave
    Joined: Feb 6, 2013
    Posts: 174

    Dagenham Dave
    Member

    Were both black and red rims (under a wheel cover) popular in 54/55?
     
  3. Dagenham Dave
    Joined: Feb 6, 2013
    Posts: 174

    Dagenham Dave
    Member

    And would the wheel covers always be of a later year than your car that you were customising?
     
  4. Rikster
    Joined: Dec 10, 2004
    Posts: 5,795

    Rikster
    Member


    Answered your questions HERE.
     
  5. Dagenham Dave
    Joined: Feb 6, 2013
    Posts: 174

    Dagenham Dave
    Member

    Thanks Rik.
     
  6. Black Panther
    Joined: Jan 6, 2010
    Posts: 2,133

    Black Panther
    Member
    from SoCal

    Dave....in general yes they used later year stuff....also from more expensive cars. You see alot of Cadillac hubcaps...wire wheel hubcaps and such....one motivation was to make their car look more expensive or newer ...body mods follow similar themes..
     
  7. Dagenham Dave
    Joined: Feb 6, 2013
    Posts: 174

    Dagenham Dave
    Member

    Here's an updated photo of my car after it has been lowered, with 15x5 Smoothies (gloss black powder coated) and Coker Classic G78-15 3 1/4" white-wall bias-ply tyres:
    [​IMG]

    Next to do is shave the mirrors, remove the door buttons and install electric door poppers, install fender skirts, put full moon wheel covers on the front, and paint it all the dark green of the rear of my car, hence removing all the flames and pin-striping.
     
  8. I like you'r plan.

    Mick
     
  9. Dagenham Dave
    Joined: Feb 6, 2013
    Posts: 174

    Dagenham Dave
    Member

    Thanks Mick! :)
     
  10. dan31
    Joined: Jul 3, 2011
    Posts: 1,097

    dan31
    Member

    Dave I like your plan but I got to say I love the flames and door buttons !
     
  11. Dagenham Dave
    Joined: Feb 6, 2013
    Posts: 174

    Dagenham Dave
    Member

    Hey Dan31,

    I prefer this clean look of Jerry Quensnel's 52:
    Jerry-quesnel-1952-ford color.jpg

    The flames are not period correct for a 54/55 build.

    Why do you prefer door buttons to poppers?

    Cheers,
    Dave
     
  12. dan31
    Joined: Jul 3, 2011
    Posts: 1,097

    dan31
    Member

    I like it clean and green as well . As far as the door buttons ,I just always liked them.
     
  13. greaser 35
    Joined: Feb 15, 2010
    Posts: 809

    greaser 35
    Member
    from FRANCE

    Nice looking car dave,I like your plan !!!!!!!!But the doors buttons is kool!!!!!!
     
  14. Dagenham Dave
    Joined: Feb 6, 2013
    Posts: 174

    Dagenham Dave
    Member

    Thanks greaser 35. But are door buttons as cool and as traditional as the smooth look: ImageUploadedByH.A.M.B.1412203907.730499.jpg


    Posted using the Full Custom H.A.M.B. App!
     
  15. 55/56 Buick, 54 Chev, 53 to 55 Olds, 55 Dodge Lancers, full moon wheel covers, all these were the deal in so Cal until late 56 then add those cone style full wheel covers.
     
  16. This is my semi daily driver. I'm now 70 and built it in my home shop from memories of how we used to do it. I actually had the Wheel Covers and Grill before I found the project Car. They are Color codded to match the car. Kind of an Old School touch.
    The Wizzard
    20160624_160403.jpg
     
    Lil'Alb likes this.

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