1957 Chevy 60’s Street Custom

[Dennis Lacy]

Fresh off the workbench and on the shelf is my 1957 Chevy traditional 60’s custom. This is my first attempt, ever, at creating a custom so I had to pretend like I knew what I was doing. I also don’t have much for parts resources for 50’s cars so I had to do what I could with what little I had. I didn’t look at any reference material, just made it up as I went. I do know that a lot of early customs were all show and no go so I wanted to create a car that could haul ass as much as it looked good. Hope you all like it. I have to say that I couldn’t be happier with how it turned out. I’ll have to try another some time!

- AMT 1957 Chevy Bel Air Hardtop 

- Kit provided custom rolled front pan and scalloped headlight housings molded in.

- Stock grill bar modified by removing big center crest and adding material to extend ends out to edges of opening. Chrome redone with Molotow pen.

- Fender peaks, side trim, emblems and handles shaved.

- Hood gunsights filled and shaped.

- Rear fin and taillight treatment of my own design using the kit provided custom lenses.

- Kit provided rear rolled pan modified and molded in.

- License plate flush fit into trunk lid.

- Kit provided option “409” engine block/transmission. Cylinder heads, Offenhauser valve covers, hi-rise dual intake, factory cast headers, water pump and belt drive from AMT ‘62 Chevy Bel Air. Chrome air filters from Revell ‘70 Nova. Generator with adjusting arm from Revell ‘57 Chevy’s. Parts By Parks wired distributor. Detail Master #1 fuel line and fittings with scratch built T fitting. 

- Modelhaus chrome reverse wheels with spider caps. AMT Parts Pack tires and slicks.

- Interior uses kit provided custom bucket seats, roll bar and alligator mascot. Custom steering wheel from AMT ‘32 Ford Victoria. Separate chrome handles from Revell ‘37 Ford Pickup/Panel Delivery trucks. 
 

- Chassis has no detail, curbside style. Chrome exhaust tips from Revell 1940 Ford’s. 
 

- Tamiya “Champagne Gold” with their clear coat, polished and waxed with Adam’s products. Interior is Tamiya “Dull Red” and Semi Gloss Black. Window and rocker trim detailed with Bare Metal Foil. 
 

Edited August 30, 2021 by Dennis Lacy

[Matt T.]

Straight outta the little pages! Too cool! Love your taillight/fin treatment. Such a clean build. 

[espo]

I enjoyed watching your build on this and your body work and paint are beautiful looking. To change the rear tail lights and fin area on a '57 is not an easy thing to do and this turned out to be a very up to date look. Nice interior with the optional front seats but keeping the OEM style and look. Clean looking engine and details. 

[Rocking Rodney Rat]

Super Kleen!! I like everything about it, especially the paint, beautiful color and finish.

The interior detail is exquisite! 

For a first time custom you hit it out of the park!!!

I want to see you build a chopped Merc, ADL style! -RRR

[Draggon]

That came together great! I love your choice of wheels/tires, especially the slicks. You've added some things not usually seen on a custom, like the roll bar and front rake, and of course your meticulous skills. I dig it Dennis. And I agree with RRR, do something with a Merc!

 

[Rocking Rodney Rat]

18 minutes ago, Draggon said:

That came together great! I love your choice of wheels/tires, especially the slicks. You've added some things not usually seen on a custom, like the roll bar and front rake, and of course your meticulous skills. I dig it Dennis. And I agree with RRR, do something with a Merc!

 

Now, we're ganging up on you! No pressure...☺️   -RRR

[thatz4u]

very nice old school 57, I saw a lot of them in my misspent youth.....

[bobthehobbyguy]

Nicely done. Flawless. Stunning custom. Great choice in color.

I also would like to see your version of a 49 merc.

[Chuckyg1]

I'm sure this is a lovely build, but I can't get past the paint. It's awesome. Seriously though, stellar work. Ditto on the Merc.

[crazyjim]

Most excellent build. Smooth and so SHINY ???

[cobraman]

Very sharp custom.

[Zippi]

That 57 looks really sharp.  That paint is killer.  Nice job on the build.

[mchook]

WOW! That's about all I can get out, WOW!

[asfastasu]

This is a beauty. I love the look!

[PappyD340]

49 minutes ago, asfastasu said:

This is a beauty. I love the look!

I agree100%

[slusher]

Outstanding custom 57!  I have to say it is very enjoyable and informative too read your parts list too your builds sir..

[Beamerman]

I followed the WIP and i must say it came out absolutly perfekt! Exactly my kind of style i love...great job!

[rickcaps55]

WOW !! awesome build great color combo the hole car right on the spot.!! looks like it came right out of the pages of a Hot Rod Mag or Rod& Custom form the 60's 

[Koellefornia Kid]

That came out great, Dennis! I really enjoyed to watch the WIP and I knew this is going to look amazing... Expectations more than exceeded, very well done!

[Cool Hand]

Put me down as another who enjoyed the WIP thread, turned out super smooth and clean.  Very impressive.

[Paul Payne]

That's about the nicest 57 Chevy I have ever seen- scale or full size!

[ChrisR]

Awesome!

[alan barton]

Like everyone else said, a magnificent custom but my favourite part is that wide smooth floating grille bar.  It is the crowning touch to a slippery custom.

 

Oh yeah, great to see Snappy getting a ride on the parcel shelf!

Cheers

Alan

[Snake45]

Not my thing at all but there's no denying that your craftsmanship is absolutely SUPERB! Dunno if I've ever seen better on a model of this type. VERY well done and model on! 

[OldNYJim]

Nailed it dude!  Really enjoyed seeing your take on a period custom!