Rustbucket49's 1949 Chevy Build

[rustbucket49]

We picked this car up as a father/son project for $1400 after it would not sell on eBay. The guy wanted over $3000. It has been a lesson in frustration, satisfaction, enjoyment and busted knuckles. Hope to have it running some day. Getting closer.....

Here are a few "before" pictures of the car, interior, firewall and trunk. Lot of rust to deal with....

[rustbucket49]

Before shots of roof (after stripping primer) and front suspension. The previous owner claimed the car was ready for paint. Don't think so!!

[rustbucket49]

AFTER shots of the interior and trunk..... Basically fab'd my own pieces from flat steel and welded in w/ MIG. I AM NOT a welder by any stretch and blew a lot of holes in the worn out metal..... I am curious how many welds will pop when I torque the frame with the new SBC.

[rustbucket49]

AFTER shots of the firewall. Smoothed as much as I could by welding in holes and using a little bondo skin. Then primed it... I did the same w/ the inner fender wells. I plan to paint the engine compartment body color and then drop in the drive train so I can start enjoying the dude while I'm working on other body stuff.....

[rustbucket49]

AFTER shot of the roof. It's in acid primer and a little high build. This was a freaking mother to strip all the rust off. I actually primed the thing 2 times, only to have to strip it all again and redo it..... Still working, but dragging my feet a little because I really, REALLY, REALLY want to chop it. I really like the look of HOITINK's build - I like his chop...... The second picture is my "gut check" tape mark for a chop.... I have never done that and am not a proficient welder by any stretch...... A real gut check.....

[rustbucket49]

AFTER shot of front suspension. Basically stock, but replaced uprights w/ 2" dropped Fatman's. Also installed Jamco disc and cut coils and stabilizer. I need to figure out the steering, but plan to stay stock for now. I really want to bag it, but will do that w/ stock suspension as well. The rear suspension has been redone w/ de-arched leafs and Ford 8.8". Plan to run SBC, 700R4 and 3:05 rear end... I would really like to c-notch and bag the rear as well, but not sure about my proficiencies for that. I have also heard that the tophat frame is not good for welding on due to stress cracking potential.

[rustbucket49]

Some tricky rust repair in the corner of the door frame..... Also working on filling in holes where won't be installing trim.....

[rustbucket49]

Here's my engine builder....

[rustbucket49]

Here is my goal, but I will probably go darker on paint now. I love this car. I am doing the grill similar to this - requires some welding and fab work..... I also want to pancake the trunk like HOITINK's build - very sweet.

I have learned that you don't take stuff to a hot rod shop if you don't want to pay through the freaking nose!!!! Cost me $1000 to get 3 pieces blasted, worked w/ acid and epoxy primed...... Never again.

[BruceR&C]

Nice work. Look forward to following your build. Good to see you have a quality wrench buliding the motor. Father/son projects are cool.