That really is a nice looking car! I would probably never build a car with a Connie kit, but the fit of yours is so nice, I would certainly leave it for a while (along with lowering blocks, skirts of your choice, and a full face tire cover). Here is a rear shot of the Monteleon car. Interesting to note, Monteleon's previous ride was a full radical custom Barris built '41 Ford. This Ford represents a true turning point in custom history, and, like it or not, is truly iconic.
I'm pretty surprised this thread has hit page three without any mention of Sy Gregorich's Alexander Brothers-built '55. Tons of great custom touches on this one that I undoubtedly place in the "iconic" category. Photo from Kustomrama.
Thanks, GV. Here's the other end: It's actually a '56 Fairlane Victoria, but I like the '55 Customline side trim and grille, so... I'd like Roothawg's car as low as it will go, no Conti kit or skirts, some kinda nice hubcaps. Everything else is fine as is.
My two cents. Sell the continental kit to the guy at the cruise night with the fuzzy dice and three outlet lakes pipes. Lower it as planned. No skirts or lakes pipes, wide whites, full period appropriate hubcaps and Merc wagon tail lights. Maybe a simple clean grill change and focus on a nice interior job. Guess that was more than 2 cents. Lee
That's kinda where I am at Lee. Funny you say that, it has a "dice theme" from the PO. Also, this thing has peep mirrors. I see no place where there were ever mirrors mounted. Were these dealer installed items? Did they have nutplates or sheetmetal screws?
If you ordered factory mirrors, they were shipped in the trunk and installed by the dealer. They mounted on the fenders with sheet metal screws. The clamp-on peep mirrors were for the cheapskates... LOL.
So the obvious question now is, what were the coolest custom mirrors ever made? I remember seeing some that reminded me of a ray gun. Can't remember where I saw them.
Somebody say "Cop Car"?? This was an Indiana State Patrol car out of Indianapolis. It originally was a Mainline P code (312) with 3 speed std... Now, it's a 428 4-speed. This is custom in my book. Sent from my SM-N910V using H.A.M.B. mobile app
rear view by 55Brodie posted Jul 11, 2013 at 7:37 AM I don't know if it qualifies for iconic but this was mine.
Yes, iconic in the evolution of the American street scene. By the 60's cars like your impala were making a big impact on America's car culture. Muscle, became coveted. Cars like your customline were what I would call transitional vehicles. Guys that could not afford a goat or 409, would seek out these mid 50's 2 door mild custom's, and with a little attitude adjustment, had street cred. I love that era of car. Have you noticed a lot of the 50's gassers had custom lights, grills and minor body work?
Here's my 54' Mild. Bought it this way. Placing a new motor in it other than that it's just begging to be driven.
Look at this car very closely. Slight rake, Lincoln caps, no lakes, no skirts, no continental kit, perfect. Simplicity works every time, it's not a matter of all that it needs, it's a matter of Just what it needs...
Who can I sell the Continental kit and original Tbird basket wire caps to? What's the best place for those items? Ebay? I don't have a clue how to unload that stuff or even know what fair market value is on it.
Yankee Pacesetter Tri-bar mirrors are always a good choice! https://www.google.com/search?q=yan...bZgKjNAhVR-mMKHUo7CxIQsAQIRA&biw=1280&bih=575
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