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1954 Chevrolet Fleetline - Garage Scene - CRM Tech - Do Try This At Home (cont.)
The car's radical underpinnings will be matched only by the extreme subtlety of its body modifications. The top is not chopped, but has been de-crowned above the driprails, lowering its profile by about 5/8-inch. Both the hood and decklid are lightly wedge-cut, while the front wheel openings are raised slightly and the rears reshaped to better match the fronts. Headlight eyebrows from a '55 Chevy grace the front fenders, while the taillights have been given a traditional french. A modified '56 Chevy front bumper and '55 rear will eventually bookend the Chevy, and Doug tells us it will get custom brass side trim that mimics the original stainless. They're still deciding on a final paint color.
The car's interior is being set up with a mix of later-model GM components, starting with a '55 Chevy dash. Bucket seats from a 2000 Cadillac Eldorado should keep Wes comfortable, while a Pontiac G6 shifter with tap-shift capability is sure to make the driving experience a spirited one.
Unlike the one-week wonders Chip helps create on the "Overhaulin'" TV show, Wes's Chevy has no set deadline, although Doug says he'd like to see it completed for this summer's event season. "One of my goals for the '54 was to see Wes go down the track at Indy [at the Goodguys Hot Rod Nationals] this summer," Doug says. Stay tuned to Custom Rodder and we'll let you know if they make it.
The '55 Chevy headlight eyebrows are probably the most noticeable body mods. A host of other subtle changes include a de-crowned top, wedge-cut hood and deck, and reworked wheel openings.
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A '55 Chevy dash is the oldest part in the updated cabin, which will be outfitted with an array of later-model GM components.
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The car's design evolved as its construction progressed. The original taillight plan was to use stock chrome housings that were machined thinner....
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...Now they're frenched in a more traditional manner.
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The Chevy's custom-built floor has a raised transmission tunnel and wider inner wheel housings to accommodate the updated drivetrain.
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How many gears does one car need? The Mark Bowler-prepped 4L80E overdrive automatic is outfitted with a Gear Vendors under/overdrive unit. This effectively creates eight forward gears, and makes the 4.10:1 rearend gears positively freeway friendly.
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| SOURCES |
Foose Design
17811 Sampson Ln.
Huntington Beach, CA
92647
www.foosedesign.com |
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© 1998 - 2008
