Veteran HAMBers please chime in……. ’57 Chevy Convertible in 1957-1959

I have a ’57 Chevy Convertible that I am looking to do something not of the “norm” or at lease something that is not seen too often today, if at all possible. Although I like the looks of the way it came from the factory, this is not a look I want for my car (not really into originals). It currently has the original 283 power pack engine & powerglide and I don’t mind using them if I need to.
I was wondering if some of you “veteran” HAMBers can chime in and help me with a couple of questions……

1) Money not being an object, what would a modified ’57 Chevy look like back in 1957-1959 (i.e. what kind of engine set up would I have??, what would my interior look like?? Etc….).

2) What was the “ultimate” look for a Chevy back in those days??


Any info would be much appreciated pics would even be better……Thanks in advance!!!!

 

Black steelies with whitewalls.. Maybe a purple paint job with a white interior and white drop top..

 

This one left a big impression on me, from the little pages:





Nowadays, however, I'd probably go with something cleaner:






Check Rikster's great site, for other vintage builds.
http://public.fotki.com/Rikster/11_car_photos/customcars_i_like/chevy_custom_cars/57-chevy-customs/

 

"Money no object" under the hood a Latham blower would not be "of the norm". One of the pieces I dreamed of back in the day, still neat, still above my budget.

Ed

 

Money no object-- A Corvette fuel injection would be the ticket.

 

My dad took the Belair trim out of the rear quarters, used a wagon rear bumper to move the license plate off of the trunk and used Plymouth wheel disks- will see if he can find a pic of it.

Also, the fuel injection was the "hot new item", but was finicky at best for those first few years. The 280 horse with the dual 4's was the way to go.

 

money no object ..... Call foose.
i had a 57 with factory fuel injection , real sweet.

 

There was a convertible class for stock car racing back then. Being into the Black Widows, I've always thought those dirt track prepped convertibles looked really cool!

HRJ

 

Tube grill and Lancers !!!! Tom (Tired Old man)

 

Thanks for all the great feedback so far!!!......the pic of the silver blue hardtop is something I can go for. As far as engine I was thinking a multi-carb set up only because I know nothing about an early model FI unit.

Any have some pics of custom engine compartments?? Anyone know if they were painted body color, white, or black??

 

*LOL* Sorry I meant "money no object" back in '57-'59, I can only dream of having enough money for someone like Mr.Foose to work on my car....

 

Pics Please!!!!

 

What are "Lancers"??? Any pics??

 

The last picture posted hs Dodge lancers on it. 1957- ussually has a gold in color Knights(lancer) head on the center cap. Looks like they added a chrome bullet.

 

Lowered about 2 inches in the rear with a continental kit and bubble skirts.

That's the way I remember the one owned by a classmate in our senior year.

 

I am with lawman ,Button Tuck,Porter mufflers,cut outs,4-speed

 

here,s my 57 chevy conv. that i had in finish in 63 270 hp 283 4speed wagon back bumper sorten side trim 57 plym hup caps and the new style narrow white wall and 62 ss bucket seats and roll&pleated gut

 

Buick grille like in the black and white pix was high end. Olds Fiestas were super but I have a friend who put Buick Skylarks on his new 57 hardtop when it was new and he still has it with them on it.

 

This was "money is no object" in '57. "The El Morocco"

 

Thanks for the pics!!! Can you enlarge them so I can get some details??

 

OOooooo.....That's a bit much for me It's the same color as my car though.

 

Anyone have custom engine compartment pics???

 

That might be the coolest 57 I've ever seen...sweet! Thanks.

 

A true 50's custom

 

Lose the front bumper, change the grill to a CalCustom tube . Drop the rear at least 1-2 inches, raise the front the same. Strip all the hood ornaments just leaving the golden"V". Skirts, Baby Moons on chrome reverse. Chrome Cats eyes on the headlites. Wolf whistle horn. Dual quad set up with Corvette valve covers. Long skinny shifter on a 4 speed. Scallops ala Dutch style, blue dots, glass packs, on and on.

 

All that money and time and they couldn't even put the side trim on straight, what a waste.

 

57 Buick grille, 59 Cad bullets for taillights, white (or 2 toned) rolled & pleated (or button tucked) interior, 348 tripower, 'vette 4 speed. Paint would be a light, bright color and don't forget the record player.

 

Some cars do well with more major customizing, but the '57...I have never seen any major changes to the exterior of one that were actually an improvement. Maybe nosing and decking, or doing something different with the hood rockets, but with this model I always thought less was more. Good luck with your project, though. I'll be curious to see what way you go with it.

 

I too am building a 57 convert.
I am thinking chrome reverse rims for a start.
Some of the early wheel covers could be added as determined by rim size chosen.

 

KrazyDeuce, Here is a close up shot of a real 57 Dodge lancer.Tom (Tired Old Man)