History Turnpike Cruiser/bubble Skirts on late 50's styled customs

On the contrary, I'd argue that the shape of the skirt is accentuated with the scallop, and the scallop doesn't distract from the shape of the skirt, but rather makes it a focal point. By using those skirts, there are all new body lines to play with with scallops and graphics, instead of simple flat paneled quarter. While they may look bulbous and the scallops may tone down the size of the skirt, the skirts work great to get that "subtle as a sledge hammer" look.

 

And that is exactly why I think Bubble skirts fail. No single aspect of a car design should be a sledge hammer. As mr48chev said if they are the focal point of the car IMO the car builder has lost the plot and the overall car design has become secondary to an accessory. If a beautiful woman walks into a room the first thing I notice shouldn't be a ridiculous pair of shoes.

 

Bubble skirts are perfect on this one !!! (My opinion that this 57 is perfect. RIP Dave )

 

The Alexander Bros. built Dave Jenkins' 57 Bel Air. Those skirts set that car apart from a sea of 57 Chevelles. Absolutely stunning car

 

Good discussion folks.

 

For that car I would lean toward the stock skirts. I think some are confusing "bubble skirts" with "cruiser skirts". Both extend to the rear bumper but with out the bubble out from the side they are "cruiser skirts, derived originally I believe, from the 1957 Mercury Cruiser skirts. By the way I think the "continental kit" is a bit overkill on a sedan but OK for a hardtop. Same thing for the bubble or cruiser skirts. The higher roof line of a sedan just doesn't flow right with those ideas in my mind. Below that are some examples of factory styled stock skirts I would consider:

 

If you look at both cars posted above. The car already has a crusier skirt effect. But the skirt breaks up the flow. So I would get a set of crusier skirts and slim them down thickness wise. Then install them on your car.

 

See how far these stick out ward. You want them to flow with the rest of the body lines.

 

I guess I like the loaded diaper look.

 

The main difference in your two examples is paint color. The outline of the skirt disappears on the black car but really takes away from the cruiser effect on the white one. It’s got me considering an overlay on the stock skirt to hide the outline and maybe remove the lower lip.
Edit: Sorry, got the two posts above mixed up. I was referring to the two Ford pics.

 

Which brings us back to this

 

Early 50s high school parking lot technology, lowered in back,nosed an decked,skirts, stolen hubcaps and primer paint.

 

Have you noticed the skirts on this Merc.

 

I love the look of the Cruiser skirts on my ‘57 Merc with the Turnpike Cruiser engine

 

Me too!

 

Nice skirt work

 

I have a West Coast bias. No Connie kits, no sun visors, no skirts on mid '50s Fords.

 

Not even on Pickups.

 

Yes, I agree totally.

 

Roothawg,
There's something about the 2 door Ford sedans from 55'- 56' that appeals to me different from the 2 door hardtops. Sort of an honesty thing like a girl who's so cute that she can ware short hair and look great - a la' Dorris Day. I know your wife is opposed to factory skirts but they can grow on you if you see them enough, combined with the right stance. Here are some ideas to consider:

 

The original bubble skirt.

 

Two different cars.

 

Too bad that some people never realize that less is more.

 

Actually, I'm delighted that some people don't agree with that premise. Enough of the world is boring as hell, it doesn't need to be more so.

 

Kool example why I enjoy the HAMB. Great discussion....

 

This is why I stopped using bubble skirts. To me they look too much like a bolt on and the skirt took away from the kool stock body line. Thanks to K13 for pointing it out, it got me to thinking about what I was really gaining by running bubble skirts. It did make me look lower, but way too bulky. You can see my point looking at this old picture of my Merc. I have seen some eighties (1980s) style kustoms that run them and I like them because of the time that they were built.