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History IDs on these custom cars from the '50s?

Discussion in 'Traditional Customs' started by Oliver Wang, Jan 31, 2025.

  1. Oliver Wang
    Joined: Dec 14, 2023
    Posts: 24

    Oliver Wang

    These are two photos of the Jr. Dekoiyos, a car club formed by students at San Fernando High School in the mid/late 1950s. Tad Hirai, who worked at Valley Custom in Burbank, was a member. He likely helped to customize the cars in these two pics.

    The first photo, I'm fairly certain, is a customized 1955 Buick Century but please correct me if I have that wrong.

    I'm not sure about the cars in the second photo but at least the first 2-3 cars all appear to be identical models.

    Thanks! unknown.jpg janm_CJT.13_1_a.jpeg
     
  2. Tim
    Joined: Mar 2, 2001
    Posts: 19,444

    Tim
    Member
    from KCMO

    They are 46’ fords
     
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  3. RodStRace
    Joined: Dec 7, 2007
    Posts: 7,324

    RodStRace
    Member

    LOST ANGEL, 41 GMC K-18 and Okie Pete like this.
  4. Tim
    Joined: Mar 2, 2001
    Posts: 19,444

    Tim
    Member
    from KCMO

    The two furthest away have the trim around the windows. 46 only. Also the side trim is 46 only. If you look close the trim on the fender is in a different place in regards to the blister in the fender side than the closest car

    the closest is a 47-8 it has the 47-8 side trim and marker lights, trim on the fender is in the correct position for that year also. Does appear that it might have a 46 grill however. Hard to really tell in that photo

    I originally mistook the glare/ reflection on the fender of the closest car as the marker light of a 46
     
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  5. Tim
    Joined: Mar 2, 2001
    Posts: 19,444

    Tim
    Member
    from KCMO

    Shoot there are 4 of them lol the one in the way back is likely a 46 also.
     
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  6. RodStRace
    Joined: Dec 7, 2007
    Posts: 7,324

    RodStRace
    Member

    Standard club issue! :p
    EDIT: Tim, that's a good way to have plausible deniability. "It wasn't me officer, it could have been any of the guys around here with a 46."
     
    Last edited: Feb 1, 2025
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  7. Uncle Ronn
    Joined: Mar 23, 2015
    Posts: 144

    Uncle Ronn
    Member
    from Modesto CA

    That Buick is Perfect!
     
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  8. The Buick is Tad Hirai's car, he worked at Valley Custom Shop in the 50's.
     
    Last edited: Apr 3, 2025
  9. manyolcars
    Joined: Mar 30, 2001
    Posts: 9,517

    manyolcars

    My favorite line from the Henry Gregor Felsen books, "it wasnt us, officer. You know, all these old black coupes look the same. "
     
    RodStRace likes this.

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