'54 Chevoldsmollac custom...mystery frame, Aug.26

[Ace-Garageguy]

I haven't been building much recently due to some health and other issues, but I was able to get a little bench time in last night and today.

Though I AM going to do the Olds version of this, I'm also doing a Cadillac-inspired version, so I wanted to work out a method for fitting the custom hood from the '49 Ford to the Chevy front end. Here you can see fillers and extensions growing in place from styrene stock.

I decided to use the diecast rear Caddy promo bumper on this, but it needed some mods to work, including removing all the mounting tabs, etc., and notches had to be cut in the sides of the rear quarters to fit.

Extended rear quarter mocked up, with skirts that will come all the way back to pick up the bumper, and Olds-inspired bullet taillights.

Longer, lower profile shot. I also added back a 1/16" strip at the bottom of the body shell, as the section job looked a little too severe.

And a front 3/4 shot showing the leading-edge scoops on the mocked-up skirts.

Edited August 25, 2013 by Ace-Garageguy

[slowlylearning]

Very very cool, looks like its shaping up to be a nice elegant sled

[Ira]

Great Progress Bill!

[Joker]

Glad to hear you are feeling better Bill.

Like the cruiser skirt treatment and the tail lights are spot on.

[Mike Kucaba]

That Caddy rear bumper is perfect for this build! I too am glad your going to do the Olds front and give the Caddy a try. I'm trying to imagine what you will do to make the dagmars look more integrated. They look good, but "forced"?

[Kennyboy]

You can almost see the flames shooting out from under that rear bumper.

Sweet!!

[Jeremy Jon]

Cool project Bill, nice to see you could rescue this model!!

[crazyrichard]

great progress going to be sweeet

[Ace-Garageguy]

Thanks for the interest and comments.

I'm trying to imagine what you will do to make the dagmars look more integrated. They look good, but "forced"?

I agree they look a little forced at this point, and there are several 1:1 cars (that got it right, including the stock '54) I've been studying to get a feel for solving this. Figuring out how to integrate the hood into the available opening was the first hurdle, and it's solved but not complete. It still needs some minor adjustment, as it slopes down in front very slightly, rather than being close to parallel with the fender tops (as seen in the profile shot).

Also keep in mind that this nose won't be used with this particular tail treatment either...this thing is an ongoing mashup of various ideas, kind of like an evolving series of sketches. Though the plan IS to use another of these rear bumpers on the Caddy-nosed version, the '53-'54 Caddy quarter-panel vertical side-vents and the characteristic Caddy rear pre-fin fender bump taillight housings will be incorporated.

[James2]

Really like the old school customs and this is no exception! some fine modeling on this project.

[glusnifr]

loving it

[Tom Kren]

Cool need to finish mine messed the paint up stripped it and its been sitting ever since nice job so far on yours

[Foxer]

This is looking neat.

Edited August 26, 2013 by Foxer

[charlie8575]

A most interesting salvage of a mess.

I agree with Chuck- a Nailhead would be a perfect choice to power this thing. If you don't have one, the 88's 303 would also be quite acceptable.

I liked that pearlescent baby blue on the custom Caddy convertible. May I suggest that for the color with white pleated interior with navy accents?

Charlie Larkin

[slusher]

Nice work so far Bill....

[ScrappyJ]

Very nice work indeed!

[John Goschke]

Really liking this one!

[Ace-Garageguy]

Thanks for the comments, gentlemen. Glad you're liking what I'm trying to do.

I've been rooting through the spares for something to use as a frame. Came across this, but I have no idea what it's from (got it in a mixed lot of mystery-parts).

Anybody recognize it ??

[Belugawrx]

nice indeed ...found something like this awhile ago and love it ... its my screen saver

[Belugawrx]

nice indeed ...found something like this awhile ago and love it ... its my screen saver

[wrecker388]

Bill, you just gave me an idea on how to fix my old decapitated 53... I may be stealing some ideas and styling cues.

[codie27]

Glad to see this one moving along again. Its shaping up to be a really nice build. Those taillights are looking great.

[PappyD340]

Very NICE project!!

[bisc63]

That frame looks to be either AMT 67 Impala or 70 Monte carlo. Just an educated guess.

[W-409]

Here...

...This is looking excellent! It looks good with the other Bumber & Grille set, but I think these Caddy bumbers are spot on. Very nice work so far with this, and so far it is shaping very nicely into smooth Custom. Personally I'd go without the Fender Skirts, but I have never liked them on any car, so.....