I am debating on what to do. I found a bone stock, 1947 2 door Fleetline. I can drive it home, 6 in a row, 3 on the tree, original interior in good condition, no rust anywhere, second owner. The car is beautiful, thing is I am stuck on building a 50's taildragger style custom. I know these cars are huge in the lowrider scene, but do they fit the bill of a 50's custom? I have searched on here, but not many examples to look at. Either they are hard to find or not that popular. No pics yet, I wil as soon as I can. POst some pics if you have any or give me some input. Thanks
ummm yes....but im partial to fleetlines. checkout my 50. chopped 3.5" and in the midst of 4" section.
Virtually all old cars from the 50s back can fill the bill as a 50s custom...just depends on what mods are made. Some look better than others, that's all. That said a 42-48 Chevrolet Tudor is as good a candidate as a 42-48 Ford, Plymouth, Studebaker, Nash, Cadillac, and so on.
Well I think those are great. These cars have never got much attention from the California car magazines except as lowriders, so a lot of guys don't know that they're SUPPOSED to be cool. Me being a crusty old fart, I don't listen to the California experts much. Now this is the 2 door Fleetline right? Because the 4 door Fleetlines of 42-48 ain't even cool among the nurseing home set. I have had several 47-48 Fleetline Aerosedans and never finished one one because some body comes along and buys it before I'm finished with it. Right now I've got a 48 that has to be moved (along with most of my tools) about 350 miles before I can start on it. To answer though, yes they make great traditional customs.
What if we all say no? your gonna passs up a sweet car. Get the car home then ask questions. Always works for me that way.
What do you think? Molded rear fenders would be the cheese. This Plymouth grille looks great, and might be easier to find (than the Caddy).
www.chevybombs.com or www.inliners.org<cite></cite> My 46 Olds will be however SBC with 6x2 Fauxsmobile power. OEM trim with wood grain interior, OEM 2 tone paint with column Hydra-matic and low on bags. Horses for courses so they say.
'Mo, you hit it on the head with thoses pics. All I can sem to find is lowrider style cars and they really do nothing for me. But, seeing one done in traditional style, I think I need to go buy it. Thanks for the input guys.
If you have any doubts, check out this knockout by the late Harold Olsen. If you get it, post some picks in the Chevy 216's social group. It gets pretty lonely there. LOL http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/group.php?groupid=653
I personally do not think that the particular year in question looks good as a custom myself but to each his own.. some wide whites slammed on some 4 or 3 bar caps slammed looks clean and fleetlines cater to both hot rod and lowrider if done right in my book. Heres mine changed the L78's and caddy caps to some 14 inch rims and tires with tri bars. Waiting to get the white walls buffed out and put the visor on it. post pics of your fleetline ... I am going to probally sell mine to get me a 47 and earlier 2 door fleetline
Here is another angle of the car Mo posted. The car a 1947 Fleetline was built by Riley Collins. These cars don't need to much to look perfect as a mild custom. Lowered with a slight tail dragging stance. Chrome removal, custom grille, like the 1948 Cadillac grille on this car spotlights and skirts and the right choice of hubcaps on wide whites and your done.
Well, going to see it this week. Sometimes these people take their sweet time. The guy who told me about it was mistaken, it is a 2 door sedan stylemaster. 100% original, except the 216 was gone through by a local engine shop. Doesn't have 2000 miles on it. It is a get in and drive it home car though, so already planning on what to do with it when I get it home. If it is as nice as they all say, I will grab it. Same owner last 40 years, I am pretty stoked to see it. I'll let everyone know what happens.
srylemaster is a completely different car than a fleetline...I personally find them stodgy looking as opposed to the sleek fleetline. That said, they look ok slammed..I guess
Depends on what year Fleetline you're talking, Rock. There were four door Fleetlines in '46, '47 and '48...as well as thru the early '50's...not all Fleetlines were fastbacks...the early Fleetlines were known as Aerosedans. R-
My profile pic is my start point. 47 Fleetmaster Coupe. Turned maple brown metallic and she's starting to look pretty sweet. Will post some recent pics soon.
That 47 Fleetline is a sweet ride regardless. I'd say go for it and you won't be sorry. Also, I was interested in that link to the thread on 216s. Right about the models available. See here for more comprehensive info - http://chevy.oldcarmanualproject.com/models/1947models.htm