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1955 Chrysler 300 Here is my completed 1955 Chrysler 300 mild custom coupe. All of the chrome trim and lettering has been removed except for the chrome body side spear molding which was let on to promote a longer lower look to the car. The top was chopped somewhere around 3 to 4 scale inches and the A pillars were “laid-back” to give the car a more modern look to it. Rear fender skirts were added, again to promote a lower look to the car. The stance was lowered about as low as possible since the chassis hangs down lower than the body sides. The doors were opened and hinged and the hood was hinged forward. The engine intake was modernized with a newer Hemi dual carburetor chrome air cleaner. The large “box” square opening grille was replaced with much more delicate lateral bars of photo-etch stainless steel . The taillight chrome moldings were glued on, puttied and smoothed out. The taillight areas were then opened up and filled with a mix of 5 minute epoxy mixed with Tamiya clear red allowed to harden in place. On both the front and rear bumpers, the over-riders and license plate indentions were removed and filled to add a sleekness and simpler look so that the bumpers were less chunky and because the faux spare tire hump on the trunk contains the cut-out for the license plate, the bumper mounted plate recess was unnecessary. The bumpers were sanded smooth, primed, painted black and then covered with Alclad II chrome paint and round tailpipe extensions were added in place of the flat three opening stock units . The headlights are Frenched and hooded and the chrome trim removed. The car was primered then sanded smooth, than covered with refrigerator white which was also lightly sanded smooth. This was covered with a custom mix of Tamiya white(X-2) and sky blue (X-14) of a rather light, light blue. Once this coat was dry, high points, the outer edge of the roof and design features were taped off with thin strips of sign vinyl to create contrast and then over this I airbrushed on a slightly darker mix of the same two colors but this time I added a few scoops of white pearl pigment powder to give the top coat a mild pearl look to it.. The tape was removed and once dry the paint it was covered with 4 top coats of clear lacquer which was sanded smooth once dry, compounded and then waxed and buffed to a high shine . Then the molding was covered with bare-metal foil to finish off the body. The interior received very little change from a stock unit covered with white, light blue and a bit of lighter blue. I like it….it is simple with a rather mild chop, lower stance and a 1950’s powder blue paint job. In my mind, this would make a perfect Sunday afternoon boulevard cruiser.