Photochop

[60Crown]

Damn good eye.

That means you also found one of my cut lines.

Unfortunately that was merely a saved image on my computer. Can't recall where it was snagged from. Perhaps someone else will.

[mdeanr]

hehe i couldnt miss the roofline.

[60Crown]

Another thread got me thinking what can be done with roofless procars. Through neglect, damage, stupidity - sometimes even Shriners, several are lost. Hmm... I can't be the only one that would like a cool shop vehicle even IF it sways from the original intent. Overseas shipping containers repurposed into homes can be creative, fun, and ingenious. Why not try to find a use for a fubar'd coach that will not be stock again?

Decided to start with a '58 Superior. Since a clear side view wasn't available, I opted for a factory brochure.



Looking at the roofline maybe a Thunderbird roof cut could work? Grafting one on with a body drop and we're off to a decent start.



Wonder if an El Camino roof would work?



Naw. Disproportionately too short for such a loo0Oong chassis unfortunately. However, the overall lines (and width) match up better than the reverse angle original. Say...wait a second! What about shortening a '59/60 Buick/Cadillac/Chevy 4D HT roof? Their wrap around glass has considerably more depth. Besides, nobody wants them. Next quick rendering:



Same product base equates to less work swapping. The rear body still looks too long, even after sucking up more bed space for the cabin.



Grafting stretched '57 fins echos cab glass while giving the illusion of a shorter wheelbase. After another wheel swap and adding airbags - my interest is piqued to make a more realistic photo with more accurate proportions. Factory advertising in the '50s was always lower and longer - making cars appear sectioned and stretched. This is adding to the problem.

Off I went to a junkyard laden with '50s-'60s heaps. Found what I was looking for:



This time I used a '58 Superior combo as a base and took more time:



Actual pieces parts to scale (more/less). Using the flat top roof actually chops the top about 3". Perhaps better, the windshield has an almost identical footprint yet lays the glass back almost 5". Wheels make a considerable difference. This version includes 24s up front and 26s out back. Also helping - I stretched the wheelbase from 156" to about 158" to center the rear wheels in the wells. Overall length is 251" (before '59 taillights). New crew cab dually pick up trucks have an overall length of 246"-252" by comparison.

The bed length in this configuration is 8'2". Bike sits high because the raised floor would be level over a massive rear frame "Z". Too bad the lighting doesn't match the car. Looks like it grew back there.

Thoughts? Pro/con?

Allow me to interject that this project is more than random renderings. I've recently acquired my next project: a rust-free roofless '58 Superior. Also scored a cheap nicely running late '80s GMC Sierra to drop in a 350/350 with disc brake conversion. (365 Caddy turns and will be shelved for now.) Additionally snagged a late model pick up bed ribbed floor already.

Still need to find a '57-'58 rear bumper (or at least bumper ends) if you know of one in a yard. Although reasonably priced, the white '60 Buick shown above has a broken windshield, so I could use a different parts car in Central Texas (Larry?).

Certainly more revisions are to come. Looking forward to ideas and suggestions.

Now to locate some dealers needing neon work to horse trade for air bags and wheels... Without those items this could be done on a limited budget.

New thread will showcase build progression when it starts.

[hotroddwayne]

Hey Atti... maybe the new Hot Wheels flower car will give ya some ideas... if it hasn't already?
They did a nice job on this one... hard to find around here though.

[pyro]

59 & 60 4 door cadillacs are up there in prices. They are still cool cars.

[Dr.Feelgood]

IT HAS BEGUN!

[Cary_L]

Nice job on the 53! I just found some yesterday.....now to find time to do something with it. It's sitting here on my desk looking at me. (the purple pics look familiar)

[Otto Baron]

Before editing the photo



After unwanted elements removed.

[60Crown]

Another hybrid - this one sporting an additional 2" chop on the roof swap. 22" front, 24" rear. Partially de-chromed and smoothed.

[hotroddwayne]

Nice job on the 53! I just found some yesterday.....now to find time to do something with it. It's sitting here on my desk looking at me. (the purple pics look familiar)

Finally found some of the Hot Wheels flower cars today... bought all of them they had @ Wal-Mart

[Dr.Feelgood]

i found more too! they come 3 in a box it seems. i was thinking of converting and selling on ebay!

[Abnorml]

If you start selling them, please let me know, I'd like to get a couple.

[60Crown]

Been working on some Hot Wheels flower cars for the last couple weeks at a glacial pace as time allows. Since short wheelbase procars do nothing for me...



My vision becomes clear.



Building decks. No, I'm not a modeler.



Bodyworked, painted, cleared, assembled, detailed. Need a break from glue fumes before heading back to finishing decks on this initial batch.

No clue how these ended up in this thread either.

[hearseboy]

shaved, smoothed, lowered, etc...

That's what I'm talkin about!
-Watch out Tom (I know you're lurking)

[60Crown]

James D in Germany modified one of my earlier attempts. Good job!



He should at least provide tips at metalflake...