I picked up this 49 Chevy for my first family hot rod. I plan to, over time, make it a really sweet mild custom. I am going to get in running right and dependable first. but what i am looking for in some inspiration of other Chevy customs. Mostly interiors and paint. anything you got would be greatly appreciated.
This is my girlfriend's '51 when she first got it, next pic is a photoshop done of the planned paint job based on that picture, and third is of the car at it's first car show. The Photoshop work really helped a ton, you can post your car in the Photoshop thread and they will help you pick colors and wheels and trim and all that. It's a great way to visualize changes before you commit to it.
Thanks man. It's all there and in pretty good shape. I am really pumped to have something to haul the family to car shows in. Sent from my iPhone using The H.A.M.B. mobile app
And here's a bunch of period custom Chevy pictures we had looked at to take ideas from, the first being the most similar to her car in the end.
My favorite sites for kustom inspiration photos are Rik Hoving's archive and Kustomrama. They will give you plenty to look through. https://public.fotki.com/Rikster/11...ke/chevy_custom_cars/49-51_chevy_custom_cars/ http://www.kustomrama.com/index.php?title=1949_Chevrolet http://www.kustomrama.com/index.php?title=1950_Chevrolet http://www.kustomrama.com/index.php?title=1951_Chevrolet http://www.kustomrama.com/index.php?title=1952_Chevrolet
Although these are different body styles, look how simple they are. Removal of handles/emblems, maybe some side trim, frenched lights, and ride height...
The good thing about the 49-52 cars, is no matter what style you go with, they look good. Lo-Rider or up high Gasser, it really does't matter. Our 51 Bus Coupe was build as a "street Gasser"; my nephew and I did virtually all the work. I had given him the car, and after he lost interest in the car due to starting his own CNC Aerospace Machine Shop, he gave it back. I had to sell it, or one of my other projects; since it needed the most work, it was sold. I've regretted having to do that. How is the car currently set up, V-8 or six, manual or transamatic automission, etc? Personally, I prefer the factory type colors, and keeping things simple. One of the first things I'd do, is convert to a one piece windshield. That alone changes the entire "personality" of these cars. There are a bunch of builds here on the HAMB to draw ideas from. Welcome to the "ward". I am Butch/56sedandelivery.
Well how about these gems for inspiration ... The Marcia Cambell (white) and later Carl Abajian -49 Chevrolet(dark) is my favorite Dan Landons also Barris built is an icon with its shaved and molded body Wolf
orDizzO86 . She looks like a good start. Good luck with her and keep us up dated on her..Thanks. Bruce.
You can see from the previous posts this car is a perfect platform for many styles of builds. Wild to mild. Squablow's girlfriends is a perfect example of less is more. Some altering of the stance. A added trim line and some tu-tone paint. How much you do is dependent on. 1. How much it costs and. 2. How much of it you can do yourself.(See number 1 ) These cars can look great without a chop. I'm surprised no one posted a pick of Watsons "Grapevine" It's a 1950 but the same body style. Good luck and have fun. Torchie
This is a 1950. This past winter install new wire harness, front disc brakes, all new brake lines, dual master cylinder, 7" booster, new carpet
That is indeed a beauty. Thanks for the excellent pictures. I didn't know about the Photo Shop. Thanks also for that information.
Good looking little coupe. My very first car at 14 was a 49 two door sedan, in my opinion the sedan roof line is to big and bulky but the car you have has some nice lines. Good luck on your project.
thanks guys. this really helps out a lot. the wife likes blue so i think i am going to go with a satin blue on the bottom and a white on top. then get some pin striping done. Found a bench seat to put in it and we will use some good old Mexican blankets for now for interior. i will keep you updated.
Really glad to hear that those late model buckets are on the way out, that'd be my first change as well.
I love the 49 through 51 Chevrolet and the 51 Business Coupe is my favorite. I am not a fan of lower is better with these cars and never have been. Remove a little bit of chrome and go for a real smooth look with the color of your choice. Also whatever you do not cut out the rear fender wells just leave that classic look along. Engine I would go with a crate engine that runs on pump gas with an automatic transmission and for wheels I like the Appliance Plating wheels. I would just leave the normal ride height along. The photo below is my old 51 Just my opinion Jimbo
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