Projects 1951 Shoebox Custom project with lots of pics

After spending hours upon hours reading up and asking questions here on The HAMB, I pulled the trigger and purchased this Shoebox I had been watching.
This is my first American project, so I am excited to say the least of jumping into this full force.

My plan is to see if I can get the driveline working..IE: Motor to fire up, trans working, and brakes all around.... hoping I can drive her around a bit before a total tear down. At this point I am thinking no.. but it won't hurt to try.

I am hoping a few of the Shoebox owners will chime in on this and help me along the way. I have a ton of questions and am searching this site as well as the others to find the answers, but haven't found all of them yet.... I have already purchased TWO "Green Bibles" and waiting for them to arrive.

Here are some pictures after I picked her up.

 

I have a rechromed grill assembly for sale if you are interested? Nice project by the way.

 

Looks like a good starter. Complete and reasonably solid.

Andy.

 

Nifty ! Great core to start with..im tuned in !

 

Wow! Great shape! I have a couple headlight assemblies....pm me.
My wife's '50 has Aerostar springs up front. 3" blocks on a Maverick rear. 302/C4. Almost on the road. They are great cars. Congrats!!

 

What a cool car. Good luck on your build.

 

Nice!

 

Read this entire thread.
http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=296506

 

Hey, cool project...Been looking for one of those 4 blade fans ..LOL!

 

Thanks, may take you up on that.

I am curious on your setup with the Maverick rear. I think I have all the headlight assemblies, but I will PM if not.

Funny.. that is the thread that got me here to the HAMB... I have read that many times.. Gave me ideas of what I want to do with the build.

 

Thanks for all the comments !! I am reading and doing my homework, but still have a few questions that I am unclear on.

Disk brakes... If I read correctly, I CAN NOT run disks with dropped spindles... Can someone confirm and the reasoning ??

The infamous latch system.. I will take mine apart and see if I can clean it up and make work properly, but I really don't want my doors popping open while I drive. I know the 51 design is better than the 49, but I still value a proper closing system. If I use "bear claw" type latches, Can I still use the OG door handles? I think I read you can't and I need "poppers" to open the door.

Now for my build idea. I am going the same route most are. I have been inspired by all the builds. Plans are DISK brakes up front, Aerostar springs, dropped spindels ( if possible ) 3-4" blocks in back, 4" chop, fender skirts, and white walls. I plan on using all the glass as I will be taking my family to events and cruising around. The BOSS is patient, but doesn't like the "wind blown" effect while driving...

With that, does the slanted B pillar mod make it more difficult for the glass ?? Or is it the same amount of work for the glass cutter to cut as the straight B pillar ? I think I answered my question, but wanted to hear from you all.

The only difference from the other builds is the color I am thinking of using. Not 100% confirmed, but it is different from the traditional Black. A few builds here gave me the idea.

I am waiting on the Green bibles to show up so I can start the build. I am so new to these, I couldn't even figure out what gear I was in... Never driven a column shifter !! I just slowly moved the shifter up and down, left to right until the car was able to move...

 

I think that was a score,looks like solid to me.But is possible that there are few surprises,its a 60 yrs old car...
I've understand that the disc brake kits wont work with the dropped uprights because of the caliper brackets.I havent find a suitable kit yet,but i'll be watching if someone recommends one or just a brackets.
Good luck with your project!

 

Looks like a very decent start for sure. There is a ton of shoebox builds going on here and mine is just one. Mines on a tight budget but maybe you want to check it out anyway on the you tube link.

 

Thanks Finnrodder and Tedley, I am subscribed to every build on this site that I have found. Watching all of yours is what pushed me to get this one !!!


I am waiting to clean up some clutter in the garage, and then I will start pulling things apart. I already know I will be doing some Floor repair. Not sure HOW much yet, the Rockers "seem" to be ok from what I have looked at .. more to follow !

 

If you run the Aerostar front springs it will drop the front about 2-3", and you can still run the disk brakes. Or if you wanna get really involved Tuck did an excellent tech thread about Z-ing the front frame to drop it more, again still being able to use the disc brakes.
http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=89352&highlight=chopped

 

Ive run Fatman dropped uprights and front disc brakes my '49 since 2000 with no problems.
Not sure of the brake kits manufacturer, they were with the extra parts I got with the car when I bought it in 1998, but there were no instructions or packaging.
I havent found a kit that uses GM "metric" calipers and Volvo rotors (9" I think) like mine.
I did find an ECI kit that used the same style brackets, but used larger Ford rotors...maybe mine is an earlier version?
Hope this helps.

 

My 51 has fatman dropped uprights and their disc kit. Stops on a dime.

 

Thanks for the info... back to researching I go.

Royalshifter ... PM sent

 

Looks like a good project - shouild be a fun build!

Also check-out shoeboxford.com LOTS of shoebox knowledge there too!

Rich

 

Looks like fun, keep us updated. Can't wait until the build starts!

 

Good luck with your shoebox

nice project

 

Yea , good luck with your project ... I'll be watching .

 

Thanks for all the replies !! Waiting on parts as we speak.

 

Was this car from the sacramento craigslist ad? If so I had been eyeballing it for a while. Had to resist. Only have time for one. Great looking ride and looking forward to seeing your progress

 

hard to beat a shoebox when done right,good luck

 

Good luck on your project. Spent a week last month working on mine, it's a pleasure when things finally happens.

 

It may have been. I was "watching" it on another site he had it on for over a year.. He mentioned he had it listed in a few geographical Craigslist ads.



UPDATE.. parts are starting to arrive.. Should have some progress pics shortly.

 

Great score!

 

I first saw the car back in march before I found mine. price was a little too high then. It reappeared recently for much less. Great looking car. Much better than the cl pics. Keep us posted. I can't wait to see your progress. Good luck

 

Yes, he lowered his price, and of course there were 2 other guys coming to look at it the same weekend. Worked a deal and was done.

Hoping to start making some headway soon.. Gathering parts and CLEANING the shop to make room...