Glad you're still here

48builder · October 26, 2022, 07:06:33 PM

It's been a long time. I joined this forum probably 20 years ago, and glad to see some of the same names, like enjenjo and WZ JUNK. I started building this crazy custom '48 Chevy sedan in 1997 and then kids, career, military deployments, etc. got in the way. I'm back at it now and want to get this thing done.

It started as a 2-dr sedan. I chopped the top 2" in the front, none in the back. Then I had a coupe sitting here so I took the doors from it and grafted the sloped B pillars on. Rather than slant the windshield post or the rear window I decided to cut the car in half and shorten the body. A LOT of welding. Rounded all the sharp corners, pie-cut the hood 3/4". Put a moon-roof from a ford taurus in because my wife wanted it.

Put a front clip from '87 Grand Prix, rear suspension is from the '95 Z28 donor car that also provided the LT1 and tranny, steering column and brake booster.

Built the pictured dash and center console. The dash includes the modified center chrome piece. The console was built around an Old Trofeo box. Hundreds of hours getting that all squared away.

Now it's time to get all the little things done so I can get paint on it. I don't like the mirrors on it now (guys on here tried to talk me out of them) so I just ordered some Billet Specialties round mirrors.

I'll be looking for advice and hints just like the old days if y'all don't mind.

Walt

kb426 · October 26, 2022, 07:44:12 PM

I think the only thing you need is a cheering section to keep you going.

chimp koose · October 26, 2022, 08:37:02 PM

Keep us up to date . Love to see pictures . Looks to be a nice car you have there .

Bruce Dorsi · October 26, 2022, 08:58:47 PM

Hi, Walt - it's been a long time since we visited!

Lots of nice memories of Burlington, Syracuse, & Marcellus.

We hope all is well with you, Shawn, & the rest of the family. ...Do your kids have families of their own now?

enjenjo · October 26, 2022, 10:22:29 PM

I like what you did with the dash.

idrivejunk · October 27, 2022, 08:29:15 AM

Thought you were before my time but the mirrors ring a bell. Welcome back, enjoy and good luck.

jaybee · October 27, 2022, 09:36:47 PM

Good to see you again, welcome back. Looks like a pretty solid project, Please share more as you work.

48builder · October 28, 2022, 08:45:20 AM

Nice to hear from y'all. The project is starting to take shape. One of the biggest problems has been finding parts I stashed somewhere 15-20 years ago and then remembering what I was planning. At one point I had all the interior wiring in place but bow have to start all over again. Can't find the left front quarter window regulator nor the little window garnish molding clips.

Just had cataract surgery and doc says no welding until my new UV-adjustable lenses have been adjusted, which means another 4-6 weeks. Finding other things to do that don't require the welder.

Bruce, great to see you're around. Shawn and the family are well and yes, we are heading to Maine next week to see Geena's daughter Nova, who at 2 thinks pulling my finger is the funniest thing in the world, which it is. I hope Luce is still well and we'll have to plan a get-together.

Enjenjo, I had a piece of 16-ga rolled to match the curve of the original dash, then I welded in the center section where the grill goes, made openings on the ends that match the shape of the Camaro gauge cluster I am putting behind it. The glove box door uses the stock hinges, highly modified, but they work great. I'm guessing I have about 200 hours in the console and dash.