whats the history/story behind "taildraggers"? i like the look and attitude of these cars alot and was curious how it all started. i'm gonna be getting my '56 royal lancer this weekend and thought some "inspirational" pics of some mid-50s cars (they dont have to be mopars) draggin rear bumpers would be kinda cool to get some ideas for my car. i did a search and found a thread with mostly fat-fendered cars and not a whole lot of the mid-50s cars. is there a reason that most are of the earlier vintage? -ncg
btt - anyone got pics? I haven't seen a lot of 50s taildraggers. The style was really popular with later 30s and 40s cars but I think that the styles had changed in the 50s and 60s with the bigger cars to just have them low all the way around. I have 50 Fleetline that I chopped, and I'm going for a taildragger stance, with the rear fenders shaved clean and the tail lights in the bumperettes. I haven't seen anyone who's done it (although I'm sure I can't be the first). So maybe we'll get some pics...
The style came and went a bunch of times during the era that we contribute to traditional rods. I think it was most popular with the custom crowd pre-war and a lot of the '50s body styles didn't really lend themselves well to the style. That's not to say that it wasn't done and it probably had a lot to do with the area where you lived as to wether it was the in thing to do or not. I can think of a lot of '50s model cars that would look pretty smooth layed back on their tail and some that would just look dumb that way. On into the mid to later '60s some of the street racers at least in the NW were dumping the rear and leaving the front alone. They called it a power rake and many thought it was good for traction. Sticky lifter a slope back sedan would be an excellent choice for ass draggin' and I have seen a few done that way over the years.
I don't know what you mean by Taildragger, exactly. In the late fifties some people used the accepted custom style of the forties and early fifties on contemporary cars. But mid fifties American cars are heavily influnced by the custom guys like Cushenberry, the Alexander Brothers, and of course the King of the Kustomizers, George Barris. You don't need much to give them the notion of speed and visual movement that the Taildragger look is about. In fact, IMO, skirts and a down in the back stance seldom work for a car as late as yours. After saying that I want to make a possitive contribution. Take a photo of your car, cut the body at the wheelwells and bottom of the car to seperate the wheels so you can play with the stance. You might change your mind. That Lancer could be a really nice mild custom. I suggest you try a California French Rake. Down in front a lot and the rear a bit less. With the fins, it'll look right. You're starting with a pretty neat car there. Good luck with it.
Check out http://www.kustomsillustrated.com they have alot of kustoms from the 50's I wouldn't really call them taildraggers. buy an issue and see what you like and go from there
hey thanks for the replies. yeah, i didnt know for sure if it would work on my car with the fins, but i do like the "stance" it gives. it will definently be lowered all around (though i dont know if it has torsion bars or coils in front?) i have seen a couple early 50s chevys dropped heavy in the rear, and i think the rear fenders help with this kinda stance. i'll have to cut up a couple pics and maybe post a "photoshop" request on here and see what everyone comes up with. thanks if ya have any pics, feel free to post 'em up. ncg
knuckle, that chop looks great. hmmm, i'd have to find a pair of skirts then. not too bad though. those links have alot of good pics on them. thanks guys ncg
I always wondered what brought this style about. I remember when mini trucks were all the rage 20 years ago, and they were easily lowered by just cranking down the front torsion bars. I would see full size trucks lowered only in the rear(not including trucks in magazines) and figured those guys didn't have the skill/money to do the front.
This is all I have on this computer but I have over 4000 pics on discs at home of mid 50's "taildraggers". Might not be exactly what you are looking for....
kustom55, is that your car? if ya got time later, please send me some of those 4000 pics you got at home. or just post 'em here. you all can plan on seeing/hearing the '56 Mopar at "Back to the 50's" this june, in St.Paul, MN. i'll post up some pics this weekend when i get her home. -ncg
Your car will have coils in front and parallel leafs in the rear. Sorry I didn't get back to you on it, but I still have that back seat if you need it.
Here's a mid fifties Ford Coupe, a '53 owned by Buzz Mohr (a H.A.M.B. member) when it was blue and the color now.
Historically,,,I believe the taildraggin' style was very poplular in the west coast & among the mexican or latino crowd. Zootsuits or pachucos. The chevy became popular due to its affordable nature. The lean-back,,,,low n slow appearance also reflected their way of life & personal style. Many cruisers in the late 40's & early 50s,, could not afford expensive lowering methods--So often times sand bags were used to drop the ass - givin the low and slow, cruisin feel. I too hope to make my chevy a "tail dragger" as well.I am slso interested in seeing a few of those "4,000" taildraggin pix,,,but in early chebby models. -nick
Damn, I really should re-read most post for errors....I meant 400 not 4000. I started to go thru some discs last night, just limited on time
Taildraggers? The above pictures are of cars lowered all around, aren't they? I detect no rake from front to rear at all. The front tires are all jammed up in the wheelwells.
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