TOP SWAP '57 CHRYSLER

[customline]

The inspiration for this build is the Cliff Inman kustom-inspired custom WIP displayed here on the forum. I really like the look of the swept back roof and the high fins together.  The '57 Chrysler is a really big car and finding a suitable roof had me opening several kits to find one wide enough. I found what I needed in the AMT '65 Bonneville kit, another Ollie's $13 bargain purchase (actually a pretty cool kit if you like weird customs.)  Around 1 AM the squirrels got their way. This is the result. 👇

 

This roof job is quite different from the one that inspired it. I figured I could use the whole roof so I proceeded to remove the Pontiac roof including the cowl. This eliminates glass problems although .  I removed the 300's cowl detail with my Dremel and reshaped it a bit to accept the new roof.  It's going to take some finesse to make it work but it's looking pretty good at this point. The rear will be a little tricky but the squirrel I spoke with assured me it will be just fine. The trunk panel lines line up perfectly but I will need to cut new ones after the body work back there is done.  The roof-to-body fit is really quite good but there's a slight angle thing Ive got to address.  Also, the vent wings are may be eliminated.  I think their removal will help to give the roof a bit more length since there is no chop but that's still undecided and is up for debate. 🤔

Using the whole roof will present some interior issues, mainly at the dash-to-glass interface.  Unlike the build that inspired this one, the oft-maligned nose stays. I like it.  The kit provides a custom grille that is a big improvement over the stock egg-crate.  Decisions will be made on bumpers or rolled pans but so far that's unexplored. As I get further in, the squirrels will be consulting with me on that.  As always, your insights and opinions are welcome and just be advised that Winter is here and paint spraying opportunities are limited so this one will be a slow mover like the other ones I'm working 😪. Thanks for your interest. 🤓

 

 

[dino246gt]

Looks very cool, I love this kind of project.

Just like you'll have to "finesse" the cowl, try using the front of the Pontiac dashboard (up against the windshield) with the Chrysler dash, IF you want to keep the Chrysler interior somewhat Chrysler.

 

[bamadon]

Nice. I like the flowing lines of the roof that go well with the body. 

[TopherMcGinnis]

I dunno....I kinda like the vent windows. Where will Chief Big Nut flip his ashes out with the a/c on?????

[Ace-Garageguy]

Pretty cool, and it has the potential to be a real beauty.  

Back in around 2011 IIRC, somebody in the American Southwest had started a full-scale build of a '50s Caddy with a '65 Chevy roof graft.

I saw the car in bare metal at a showroom in Kingman AZ.

The proportions were spot on, and it was striking.

Last I heard, again IIRC, it had moved to Oz.