Looking to do my first frame off full restoration and wanted some input on chopping the top,hood, and trunk. Have been following a few Hambers and other trying to figure out if a chop is worth it. To me it is however I'm new to this world and want to ask question before I cut anything. Also what can I do with the suspension to upgrade it to handle about 550hp? Any help will be great.
These Sedanettes have great lines from the factory. Usually they look outstanding with a mild shave and a good stance (lower in the rear, but not on the ground) If youre really skilled you can make a good chop on one of these, as long as its tasteful and not too much. But in my opinion, its kind of a waste of time since they look so damn good to begin with.
NOT everything needs chopped...and a sedanet does not need chopping. They look good the way they came from the factory...!!! I have a '48 Sedanet as well...it'll be my next project after the '60 Chevy two door wagon I'm putting together...here's the build thread:http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=785551&highlight=the+2nd+best+60+chevy AND, here's my '55 Cadillac build thread: http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=329070&highlight=the+best+55+caddy+build R-
they look way better unchopped. they loose all that nice stainless side window trim which messes up the lines. there's not a bad angle on the whole car in stock form.
You have picked one of the cleanest, most beautiful things ever designed in my book..by 1950 Cadillacs lost their sleekness, their slim waistline, got squattier and dumpier (like me)..Ken, Lux, Kurt and Ed did all the mechanicals on my 48..they put all the hardware from a 70s big block Trans-Am underneath it..the frontclip worked out really well, sliding just flush inside the stock Caddy frame allowing for two feet of attachment weld, no butt welding..very strong..easily handling the 519 ci Eldorado engine built by M.T.S..I agree with the other guys, when you stand back and look at the car, a leetle lowered, more in the back with skirts..Perfect!..I'm busy doing all the cosmetics, MaxiLite, dents, sound deadener, might french the headlights, I have a 55 Chevy one-piece bumper with no uprights..etc..I betcha this yacht will turn a low 13..see ya at Little River this summer..
Second or is it thirded the don't chop it comments - perfection from the factory. I may be a little biased though
chopped sedanette are sexy as hell if done properly ...but are looking like shit if not , so if you think you can't, don't do it ! anyway, here is how to do it http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=643541 not exactly the same lines, but you've got the idea
While you are deciding that not chopping it makes sense.Id suggest not taking that body off the frame either...... Ive seen a lot of cars end up killed by RESTORATION DAMAGE....IE.[Parts in boxes and labled baggies and sold for 10 cents on the dollar!] The only reason to do so would be if the floors and cross sills were real bad,and if they are not its a wasted effort. It can be cleaned adequately to paint and preserve the underside without removal of your body....The only part not being able to clean is the areas under the body mount washers and rubber pads. Most often ,even when you remove an old car body you wil find these areas still remain painted and clean from the factory installation! you can really get into a can of worms needlessly here if not careful.
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