A couple of weeks back we finally got our project moved home. Someone started a restoration a while back. We discovered many parts in plastic bags with labels which really will help. The fenders and front bumper, grill and hood were included. This is a father/ son project that will take a lot of time but we're now on our way. First order of business is removing the leaky gas tank! Front drivers side floor needs replacing and other than that, she's pretty solid for a 52. Odometer shows 35,000 and the front suspension is hardly worn so I'm guessing that is right. The car was originally maroon with a black top and sometime during it's life someone painted her red and black.
Great project! He's lucky to have you for a dad. My son, now 24, helped on several projects begining when he was a kid. Now he has his own projects - a 62 Nova and an OT chevy truck. I'm thinking this is time well spent....
I have a set of nascar truck arms to install and a 10 bolt needs to be purchased. Chevy 6.0 V8 with corvette heads and 700 r4 automatic unless I can find a 6 six speed. Debating 2 4's or fuel injection. Our plans are to put white walls and steel wheels and lower the car in the front and rear slightly. Tuck and roll inside. My son loves the fifties cars and the looks of them. I like the power of that engine combo, so away we go. Debating on painting it back close to original. Probably will go with cheater white walls in the rear unless we change our minds to diamondback radials all around. We're a long ways off from that right now. Our neighbor just spent $55,000 on a restoration of a trailer queen 55 so I thought we'd give him a friendly run for his money with a lot less funds.
Nice looking 52. The 6.0L and 700R4 is OT and not HAMB friendly but it is how you want to build it that really counts. Should be a nice project with your son. I'm kinda partial to these body styles also.
I know but that's our plan for now. We may change our minds. It's early in the game. Lots to think about! So many ways to go from here.
The Jalopy Journal
