1950 Chevy Body Modifications

[christcrusader13]

I decided to start a thread on the Body modifications of the 50 Chevy separate from my build thread, so these ideas wouldn't get lost in translation....

Anywho.... I think you all that have read my thread on the 50 know i'm looking to mount a 54 Buick bumper...

So does anyone have an idea on bumper brackets? My 50 Chevy didn't have a bumper when I got it because someone cut the front of the frame off...

The picture attached just has it sitting about where I'm thinking I will mount it...

 

[christcrusader13]

1950 Chevy Fender work....

Okay... so the front track width of the caprice has created a tiny issue with be a tad too wide.... one guy suggested I switch my spindles out to a camaro and bring the track in 1/2" on both sides, which I am thinking about... the other idea is run a different offset wheel.... which I also have, but they aren't as sweet looking or vintage looking as the slots....

So... I was thinking about radiusing the front fenders? What do you guys think?

 

[soltz]

IMHO

The slots work best for the car, if you can make them work [cl
Pix from the show [cl

 

[AZRodDave]

The slots work best for the car, if you can make them work

Yeah, I agree. You could go with a Gasser stance, but probably not your plan. That body is so gorgeous I wouldn't cut it, so if you can move the wheel in and leave it alone, that would get my vote.

 

[Old Iron]

One of the members on here cut 1" out of the lower a-arms to narrow the track width on a Chevy pickup AD.
You might do a search to see if you can locate or maybe another member can guide you to that thread.
Here's a pic off google too.
The only place this was moved was the ball joint pocket. 3/4"

 

[christcrusader13]

just a little photo-fender work

that would be removing just a touch of the fender....[S

the 1st is the fender with a little more of the existing curve... the 2 is how it sits now

 

[AZRodDave]

Ah, I see. Not so bad, though I personally love the line of the original fender. Tough choice for sure !!! Sure do love that body style.

 

[JBailey]

Here's a link to the thread OI spoke of...
http://www.ratrodsrule.com/forum/showthread.php?t=30932&highlight=narrowing+control+arms

I would try camaro spindles first, as I'm sure there's a wrecked one to get parts from pretty cheap lol.

 

[Torchie]

that would be removing just a touch of the fender....[S

the 1st is the fender with a little more of the existing curve... the 2 is how it sits now

Radiusing the front fender would be fine in my opion CC.
I would draw it out on the fender in chalk first though as I think that you may have a bigger gap on top of the tire than the photo shopped? version shows.
When I used to do this I would use a flexible length of wooden towel clamped to the front and back edges of the wheel opening. Then with a little adjustment to the arch, find what looked to to me.
Some guys use a string around the front sprindle and a maker tied to the end to make the arch as well.
As far as the bumper brackets go I would just look for some thing from any early 50s Gm as they are going to need modifactions to fit the chassis anyway.
Or you could make up yor own as they won't really be seen so the could be fab'd out out of heavy wall tubing and welded together instead of being bent.
Torchie.

 

[sawzall]

Is the car sitting at final ride height? If not I would use the other wheels that you have during the build stage, until you know the final ride height then you would know what to alter....the fender or the wheels or the A arms.

 

[soltz]

Love the car and the slots, changing spindles is a snap if that will make it work[S I say go for it [P

"dann hacken sie" [

 

[Sam_Fear]

Widen the body??

I say shorten the A-arms.