1952 Chevy Sedan Top Off Project Pics*

What's up guys, I'm new to the board and wanted to show you my new project. Last week I bought a 1952 chevy sedan that someone was working on and lost interest in. It has a 350 engine with a auto trans. Also has a nova sub-frame installed on it. Looks like it has a 60's dash as well. I have read many post where people say "you are F*&^#$ stupid if you cut the top off of a sedan" because of the amount of work that it will take to finish the project right and problem you will run into with the frame strength. Well, the guy I bought it from cut the top off... Was able to buy it for cheap and figured it would be a fun project.

I'll post pics below of the build process. I am in no way an engineer or a hot rod builder. I own and run a business that sells outdoor power equipment parts online so my welds ****! I'm looking for ideas and pointers throughout this process.

My goal is to build a reliable fun driving rod with a carson top. Not looking to make it a show winner.

 

You can do it......all night long...

 

This is how it looked when I got it home.



First thing I did was add some bracing to the frame and door post. Again I am not a engineer or frame builder so this might not be the best way to do it. Let me know what you think.



Last night I worked on the area where the guy hacked off the top. It was very messy and I had to clean it up. To give the open area the correct lines.


Then I welded some 1/2 electrical conduit on top of the area I just cut. To give it a nice curve. Will have the chrome OEM belt trim right under the conduit when I am finished. Then will have the carson top sitting right inside of the conduit I just welded in place.

 

Sorry for the small pics. Not sure why I can not post bigger pics.

 

I think you have a pretty sweet ride in the making. You are making lemonade out of a lem...er orange.

 

i agree. i think its gonna look great. keep it up. even tho i prefer lemonade.. ill make the exception and go for the oranges here.
chris.

ps. if you go to "Go Advance" you can upload your pictures there they will be larger.
chris.

 

Thanks guys. It's going to be a fun project.

 

I certainly hope you're going to get rid of that grille color...

Taking someone else's failed project and making it your own, and practical, is always a way of showing off proficiency, whether you run an outdoor power equipment shop or not...

R-

 

Once I get all of the body work done that will be the first thing I paint! ha No clue what the guy was thinking about when he painted it.

 

Looking cool dont be shy with the pics the more the merrier!!

 

Sure will. Trying to get the exhaust finished up then install the front bench seat. One problem I have is that the bench seat does not have rails. Will need to figure out what I'm going to do about that.

 

Just to give an update. I finished the trim going around to the p***enger door. I also made a sheet metal panel to cover the area behind the seat. Will take some pictures this weekend and post them. Next I'm going to do some grinding and sanding to clean up my welds and prime those areas.

 

you need to place a brace under the door striker area that will prevent the door from flying open BAD and keep the body flex to a min. Nice ride what do you have in mind for kustom treatments

 

Looking good man... glad to see you repairing the old girl. Keep up the good work.

 

Thanks, well really not sure what my end goal is. At first I wanted to paint it flat black with a carson top and keep it kind of rough. But after putting some work into it I might give it a nice paint job and do the rest of the car show quality. Not sure yet.

Question for you guys. Trying to figure out what to do about this belt line trim. I'm welding this electrical conduit to the top of the rear as you can see in the picture. Right below that is where the belt line trim should be install. I do not have the upper rear belt line trim and found some online but it's going to cost around $200 for the rears. Do you think I should just fill in the holes and not use the trim?


Use the belt line trim?

Don't use the belt line trim and fill in the holes?

 

I might have the trim pieces. Shipping them could be a problem because of their shape. You can have them but will probably have to come get em. Jim

 

Yea they do have a weird shape to them. Just checked and you are about 6 hours from me. A little to far to drive. If you ever find a box they would fit in PM me and let me know how much you want for them. Thanks!