I have found several references to companies that used to make Fiberglass frontends for 49-52 Chevy cars, but have struck out trying to locate anyone still making them. Does anyone know of someone still making them, or have one from an old project laying around? I'm thinking the 51 needs a flip front and glass is the obvious choice. Finding one is way easier than if I have to make a mold and create one.
Just a quick update. Apparently US Body in Lakeland Florida makes fenders and a hood for ate 49-50 Chevy. The difference between that and the 51 is minimal and they will work. Anyone have any experience with them? They are about 4 months out on orders. They also make doors and a trunk lid. Not that I should need to lose weight to hit my target ETs.
When it comes to fiberglass it can be a real crap shoot. I've owned fiberglass parts that were amazingly well done, and others that looked like ripples on water. Some take far too much work if your car is street driven and you want the glass to look as good as steel. Some is far to thin for race use, and some so thick they weigh more than steel! I suggest you do a search on Google for "US Body fiberglass" and read what people say at various forums. I just did it and sounds like hit and miss on satisfaction.
I have also found some of the mixed reviews. But we all know that some people complain if their soup is hot and their ice cream is cold. And some people will give great reviews even if the product doesn't warrant them. The company offers both race weight as well as heavy duty fenders. I'm not looking for race weight, nor do I want the other extreme. I would rather find something quality made that will not require a ton of rework to make it look right and be functional as a tilt front. The hood will need some work regardless since it needs to clearanced for the blower. It would be nice to find someone that has used or personally seen this company's products to get an honest assessment.
IIRC the 49-50 fenders & the 51-52 are different in the front where the grille bolts up. I don't think your 51 grille will fit the 49 fenders without some work. I could be wrong, but I have a 49 & a 52 I can take a look & see.
Maybe buy the hood by itself first, I mean a guy can always use a removable hood to access the engine compartment. If you like it then order the fenders afterwards and make your one piece tilt.
You might call VFN Fiberglass in Addison, Illinois. https://www.vfnfiberglass.com/site.html I know they've made a lot of stuff, your rod may be among them. Talk to Frank.
Thanks. I’ll call them Monday. They don’t list it on their website but still worth a call. And they are almost local. Edit: Called and spoke to VFN. They do not make the parts for a 51 and they don't do custom work any longer. They searched their database and came up with US Body as a source. Might have to start with using the metal parts for initial concept and seeing how I like the flip front concept. I don't need to reduce weight, so it is starting to sound like the best option.
Best wishes for your search. What I can add is that new fiberglass parts are a little bit ''soft'' and can twist & warp as they set up. Years ago, I bought a 'glass bumper from AI Fiberglas in Maryland. I didn't put it right on the car, and it had a warped spot as a result of how I stored it.
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