I think what makes the 1949 to '52 Chevrolet so special is that they represent a kind of blank canvas at a very reasonable price. These days you can still pick up a nice/... <BR><BR>To read the rest of this blog entry from The Jalopy Journal, click here.
Shortly after purchasing my 50 Chevy Sport Coupe, I realized that there was no end to the options and variety that could be applied or attained to these cars for that mild custom effect. There are noreal unspoken laws like those that apply to similar year Mercs and shoeboxes. As you say Ryan, these are kind of like the ultimate blank canvas for personal expression. Of course that has it's drawbacks too, as I've come up with a direction and switched lanes and changed roads and even got off the freeway entirely, I've changed my mind so many times. All I know for sure is that I want to chop the top ... everything else is kind of up in the air.
Parts are plentiful and cheap. It helps that they are so inter-changeable through 49-52 and even the 53 and 54 for some things.
49-52's have always been my favorite car. I bought my first 49 in 1976 and still have it. I like the rear fenders of the 49 - 50's better than the 51-2's. they are a great looking car with lots of aftermarket support these days... in 1976 there was nothing. Mustang II suspension almost puts itself in these cars. if I'm not mistaken the 51 in your lead photo is still around.... or one with the same grille treatment. the one I've seen is flat black with a very old tuck-n-roll job.
great topic. i'm building a 50 sedan and keeping it low budget. i think getting everything chromed will cost more than the entire build. pinche chromeros
No doubt, the 1949-52 chevies are some of my favs. Specially, my 50 fleetline. It came from oregon. Not sure who chopped it? but they sure did a good job. Its a 4 door with a 5 inch chop, 53 grill surround,54 tail lights.
I agree on these years. Wait till you see a friend of mines '51 that he is doing right now. The thing is coming out bad-ass! KNUX!
Well, I don't have a Chevy, but I generally like the styling in the mag....not over-the-top, if you know what I mean. Patrick
I love them! They're so subtle in stock condition but so impressive when built with style. I'm going to check out a 49 deluxe coupe as my first traditional kustom project. Can't wait! still one of my favourites... http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=199143
Dream = getting my 50 finished, Nightmare = living in Ireland and trying to do it on a budget !!! will get there someday.
wow, i had the same thought as one of their taillight ideas. neat to see what they were doing back then.
Wow, cool. Thanks Ryan, How'd you know I'm starting a 52 Biz Coupe Lottsa great ideas there, Shit now I gotta find a set of 53 Lincoln Tail lights. That looks bitchin' Drew
Awesome archive! I have a -51 styleline im buildin' on. Love theese cars! Im concidering to have a -50 pontiac rear bumper on mine and -50 merc headlight french. Dont know what front bumper i want to use tho...but i'll go with the stock now in the beginning.
My '52 sedan Ive had for about a year and a half is my first project and the amount of after market parts is great. I didnt realize it when I bought it, but like others have pointed out, there are lots of simple body mods to make it stand out. The popularity of these years also make it easy to find custom ideas online or at carshows. Plus theres always stuff about em on here!
One word comes to mind when looking at these car's modifications, "Continuity". Weather it's the lines or the exchange in parts, they made it all work togeather.
Cool article. I'm surprised people don't use '53 Lincoln taillights more often,,,they look fantastic. This is the only one I've seen lately... Bryan
These cars have great transitional styling between '4o's and mid '5o's Chev. lines. I dig 'em. Better get them quick before every one else turns on to them.
To be totally honest, the article Ryan posted was the first time I've seen those on a 49-52 Chevy, and I dig it, I'm on a mission to get a set on my car now. I was thinking the same exact thing as I was hand off the dough for mine, kinda like, whew(wiping sweat from brow) just in the nick of time, six more months and the price for the same car will be double.
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