51 Chevy Hard Top "Finished"

[James2]

Here is another custom from my bench. Starting with an AMT '51 Chevy Bel Air, kit #T295. I chopped the top about 3 scale inches. I decided to cut the roof at the mold seam line so as not to lose the shape where the roof meets the body. The front was cut mid "A" pillar. I also added 57 Chevy headlight extensions. Most of the trim has to go, including the windows. On the left side I have drawn a line for a two tone paint scheme and the right shows a chrome trim reference. Not sure which one yet and still need to work out the tail lights and a couple other dozen things! I'm pretty sure on bumpers, but not the grill. I like to brace things while sanding, the styrene in the front is temporary. Any way thanks for looking, J2.

Edited March 17, 2013 by James2

[Villain]

looks like a good start!!

[Modlbldr]

Looking great so far. Seems to be a few of us working on 51 Chevies right now. I'm working on the Fleetline. Many mods on it. Any ideas on your taillights? I like your chop and 57 extensions. I'll ne watching.

Later-

[kennb]

very nice start on this. I learned to drive in one of these.

[vintagercr]

Nice start.

[Albie D]

I've been owned by a 1:1 '52 Chevy for YEARS now and I'm really digging the '57 hooded headlights. I'm now on the hunt for full scale '57 donor fenders lol. I like the passenger side trim spear idea and it might be neat to graft a '55 Chevy egg crate grill in there. What are the hubcaps? They are really cool looking. Looking forward to more progress..

Edited February 16, 2013 by Albie D

[Sixties Sam]

Looks good so far! I like the chop and headlight scoops. For taillights, how about tunneled 59 Caddie bullets?

Sam

[James2]

Thanks guys, I'm already liken this one a lot myself!

Here is what I came up with sofar, 55 Chevy pick up grill and bumper I found in the PB and instead of going crazy with the tail lights I just added a little molded in visor. The stock lights should fit right inside.

Albie, the hub caps are from the same truck kit. The tires are from an old 60 Impala kit I believe.

There's much more sanding to do, but not as much as John T's "Freak Show"

Edited February 17, 2013 by James2

[exesivefire]

Great start!

[crazyrichard]

looking awsome already !!!!

[James2]

Well this morning I wasn't as thrilled with the grill as before. So a little cut here, fitment there and a few parts from a Corvette...

Still a'bit rough, but I like it better. What'a think?

[exesivefire]

I like it, but I think it needs to be wider..

[Tom Geiger]

I liked the '55 truck grill, but turning it upside down would be interesting...

[72 Charger]

I liked the '55 truck grill, but turning it upside down would be interesting...

X2

[James2]

I tried that first Tom, looked like a Chrysler product!

[slusher]

The corvette grill looks really good James....

[James2]

Thanks Carl. I added some 55 Chevy style turn signals and it really help fill things in.

Edited February 18, 2013 by James2

[ajshot58]

LOve the 'Vette grille... maybe open it up from the back with a Dremel?

[Davewilly]

I like the vette grill as well.....looks like a mouth full of teeth

[James2]

LOve the 'Vette grille... maybe open it up from the back with a Dremel?

It is a two piece grill and is also open, should look real nice when finished.

Edited February 23, 2013 by James2

[James2]

Finally shot some primer on the body. I decided to go bumper-less out back and the rest of the body work is almost done, just some clean up and sanding now.

[rmvw guy]

This is going to make a cool custom!!!

[Dragfreak]

Looks sweet! i like the chop!!

[tooltas]

use the 55 chevy truck front bumper i have used them on my 51 fastback and they look good

[James2]

Final paint, Hot Rod primer, dull clear and I tried something different for the roof. Tamiya Candy Lime Green base with Clear Orange top coat.