My plan would be to blow it apart and make it as nice as my skills would allow without losing any of the style it has, looks right it just needs a good shining up.
Yeah, sure. Blow it apart and repaint everything it has. New chrome, new everything. Just like it had been built from a fresh Brookville body. (in case you can't see my sarcasm, I do not hope this happens)
that thing is amazing! Mike is a good dude, I got some stuff from the Kennedy Bros through Mike while he was there. Those guys always have the most amazing stuff.
1951 plates...wouldn't that be 70...no matter...I'd just get it running, certified and drive it...Yabba Dabba Doo...California Gold that is...I guess you had something to Hang Your parts on while you were snapping those shots...
If it were yours, what would your next step be? —Joey Ukrop Put a flatty and transmission under the empty hood, do what's necessary and drive it like I stole it! I sure wouldn't want to change anything for the sake of change. It took many years for the car take on the look of time. HRP
All mechanicals freshened up, and I can't believe I'm thinking this, but keep its original as found honesty.
Long time ago, someone had a damn good eye of what a hot rod should look like. I'd clean it up and drive it as is.......it's perfection in my eyes.......and along these lines: Credit: Dan Greenberg
I would get it running and drive as it is for awhile but ot would have to come apart for paint and a interior eventually.
As said previously, get it running and driving safely. Hopped up flathead V8 under the hood, or maybe an OHV-converted 4-banger.
When did the rectangle logo SW gauges become available? Is this car really untouched since that 1951 plate expired or were a few things added to it to make it more complete?
Blow it apart, stop all rust, rebuild all suspension & mechanicals, fresh black paint frame & underside, hop up 4 banger, bolt on sheet metal as is & drive the hell out of it.
The big logo SW gauges premiered in 1954/5 with curved glass. They evolved to flat glass in the next couple years. Then went to the still common small logo in 1958. I'm not sure when the full-width gauge panel was introduced, but I do know it was before 1962. Cause that's what Milner's coupe had when the movie was made in 1962.
"By the time I had arrived, it was already being prepped to head to Minnesota for a fresh lease on life." Minnesota, eh? This might entail some detective work! @RICH B @titus I can tell you for sure that the buyer, unfortunately, wasn't me! The OHV converted banger power idea mentioned does sound cool though. As usual @J.Ukrop , great post.
First thing I'd do is start a search for all the former owners, and photos of the car, see if it had any Dry Lakes runs to its credit. Full house 4Banger under the hood, blackwalls and some hubcaps that match the age of the rest of the car. If the new owner wants to sell the rear spreader bar, he can send me a PM. Bob
It better have a great story so I could sell it for a lot of $$$$$$ to some rich collector and pad my 401K. Too old for anything else.