I have been trying to locate my dads old 55 chevy drag car. Not having much luck on that, but I did have an idea for a chrismtmas gift. I thought I'd find a die cast 55 chevy and build it as his car was built. A friend had a 55 chevy american grafitti 1/18 scale, and it had a tilt front to boot. Well I took it all apart, removed the hood scoop, filled the hole in the hood, removed the bumpers, built little push/nerf bars for the rear, swapped the rear tires and painted the chrome wheels black. The front wheels I took of an 1/18th scale convertible camaro, painted them to look aluminum and painted the centers orange to match what showed in the pics we found of my dads car. I cut the bench seat down to make a single bucket seat, built the front suspension to get it up as well as raised the rear some to clear the new meats! I also mixed up some colors and had it painted to match his car. I have afriend who letters race cars and he did the lettering on the front fenders as well as the replica of the giant STP decal my dad had on his car. I'm sure dad will like it, and hopefully before too long I'll either find his car or construction will start on a full size replica. Here are some pics of the car he had, and the die cast version I built.
Now that is a Christmas present with some real thought and feeling. I am sure your Dad will really love it. You have scored some real points there ! 41 Dave
Thanks guys for the replies. We just got back home from my parents house....my dad loved it big time. It actually made him cry!!! He knows I'm trying to find his old car, and that soo far have had absolutely no luck. I told him that this "replica" was just to let him know I think a lot of him, and that his raising me around cars, work, and racing was the best way I could ever imagine being raised. I told hime I'm still going to try and find his car, but as soon as I can get back to work I'm gonna start building a real replica of his car....just incase his is no longer around. This christmas was extra special to me, not only did my dad like his gift, he told me it was "priceless" to him and he was very proud of me. That is huge coming from my dad....my sister was as suprised as I was. Well we got totalking about his old car, and about when he sold it. We have narrrowed it down to 1972. While trying to figure out the years he built and raced it, he asked me if I'd want to go look through the trophies out in the shed as they have dates written on them. Of course I was excited as hell at this chance as I've been trying to get at them for years. I had asked my dad years ago if I could get them out of the shed and take them home to put up in my house or shop and he told me no. That he wasn't gonna waste the time to dig them damn things out!!! Well, tonight, not oly did I get a chance to see them again and read the writing on the bases.....MY DAD GAVE THEM TO ME. I cannot say how great I feel right now. This is by far the best christmas ever. Merry Christmas everyone. Al.
man that's cool sound's like you had a very Merry Christmas.. Merry Christmas and happy New Year.......Butch
Definitely a cool Christmas for your Dad. Wait till you drag in a 55 for him next year. Lippy (waited a long time to get another one) in Ks.
Thanks guys. Yeah, I hope that I can find his car....it would be too cool. Right now, I'm leaning towards starting on a clone build. Can't start on it until al least late spring due to other projects/work that is being done to pay bills! I've got a lot of parts for the uild....but having his car would be the best. Thanks again for the compliments. Al.
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