Projects Help me save/fix this ‘54 Chevy chop

Update: I got the car free from the frame and now I’m extra thankful I have the spare body. Because this thing is cobbled together and my spare body is now going to be my main body.


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Wow that sucks!!!
Bondo and flatblack paint are like tequila and last call at the bar ....... they make everything look decent !!

Keep going seems like you have a good plan to get this car sorted !!

 

It's better than having no body.

 

No need to chop that little Pontiac, in my opinion. Get her running, drive it for a while, then decide if it is worth the effort to chop it.

It sucks to have to ditch the Chevvie body, but that thing was rough...

Good luck, -Abone.

 

Goal is to have it running/driving by spring with the frame work done. Cruise it for a bit then chop...I’ve always wanted a chopped ‘54 Chevy ...so chop it is


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The bad work on the Chevy just kept going and going.


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Trying to take what’s decent about the Chevy so I can start making it work on the poncho donor body


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...should I start a build thread page, or just keep going on this thread?


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This thread will be fine for your build. Do not mention your engine stuff and you will be golden! Gary

 

I say just make this your build thread.


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Back in '49, Pontiac and Oldsmobile began using a much stronger "C" channel frame while Chevy soldiered on with the "hat section" frame designed in the '30's, the frame change also means the body mounts changed, in other words, the Pontiac tub won't bolt up to the Chevy frame. Sorry.

 

So I have to relocate the body mounts...? I can't imagine that will be that big of an ordeal, unless I'm terribly mistaken.

 

Has anyone ever relocated floor supports/body mounts to put a body on a frame that it wasn't intended for? What are some tips/tricks that I should know?

 

Make a new floor, using a bead roller. If you don't want the hassle of making the mounts, just plug weld 1 x 2" tubing to the floor for supports, and cut 2 x 3", 1/8" wall tube at a 45* angle for frame mounts.

 

Thanks! I think I can salvage most of the floor supports from the '54 chevy and then use them on the poncho body, but how do I know everything is in the right place, square, and how it should be? Measure, measure, and measure some more, but are there any hints/tricks to use when doing something like this?

 

I admire your perseverance. Plenty of sound advice on this site make sure you use it. you're on the road traveled by many. don't lose sight of your dream and that will carry you through to the end

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Not only are the body mounts an issue but most of those years vehicles are titled from the serial number plate mounted to the driver's windshield post. In other words, changing the body changes the title.

 

How’s the project coming?


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It's a lot easier to fix floors and rockers than undo the roof on that Chevy. I'd get the Poncho body mounted and start fixing the rot. Once the body is rust free and structurally sound, then move onto the chop.

 

Just to give an update, I found a super solid ‘53 Chevy only 20 miles from...stored in a barn for 20+ years and was being saved for a gasser project, but he knew he’d never get to it. I struck a deal to where I would only buy the shell and help him sell the rest...but now I’m debating on c-notching the rear and bagging it while the car is off the frame.


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Good for you! I am glad you are progressing. Gary

 

I like it! More pics!

 

I scored some ‘54 fender flares off of a buddy of mine and started mocking those up today. I still need to make some end pieces so they taper back into the Chevy fenders. I still need to finish welding and finessing everything but I like the looks so far.


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Forget about chopping the Pontiac roof and just channel the body over the frame, you are just about there now.

 

Got the motor and trans mounted and headers set in place. So far clearance is all good. Going to notch the rear next and then 4 link to get ready for the new suspension.


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This thread reminds me of a chop a friend did on a 48 Chevy coupe. It had at least 50 # of mud on the roof and it still looked like shit.

 

The amount of time the PO spent on shaping mud could have been spent on doing better metal work, but alas, that wasn’t the case. But, that car got cut up and what could be saved was saved, and the rest scrapped.


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What is your status in this, Bob? It’s been a hot minute!