Well here we go again going to try and document this one, as I seem to be slacking in that department lately. So I picked up a 53 Cranbrook from a buddy that he had done a bunch of work with and now it's my turn. This is what I started with. She is in definite need of a hair cut The old motor went south and they got this one in but haven't finished buttoning it up, but I think I'm going to take the easy route and small block this one as I want to road trip her this year. She's actually got a pretty rock'n interior so not gonna change anything on that front really might redo the door panels but that's about it. Man my camera sucks but you get the idea going to change out the tank and rebag the back. I did this for him last year but it's not low enough for me and going to go with a notch. Started stripping the interior in preps for a haircut. Snip Snip... BOM much better. Still working on figuring out a rear window as the original no workie no more. Start sticking stuff back together. Still needs a little work but will be fine for now. B pillars now, going with the leaned posts. Now if there is one thing I've learned is you always start with the passenger side lol lots of trial and error here but happy with the outcome. On to the door frame. Tacked in for now still have to finish er up as it was getting late.
Finishing up with the B pillars Drivers side Now the back window was having problems finding something that fit. The original just looked broken with the new profile. Tried a 49 Chrysler I had and a Chevy one all looked broken or to big. I did have a 41 Ford though an it looked ok, so I went with it. Figuring out the new profile Getting there Vent window old vs new Still have to do a "little" adjusting of the garnish mouldings haha Motor mocked in, steering is an issue and I couldn't find a manifold that works.
So I made up some headers. There not pretty got a little lazy with these, but they should work. Splash some paint on stuff to make it presentable even though I only open the hood to check oil or work on it haha.
Lookin good...I like. Always had a soft spot for Plymouth Cranbrooks. My Mom and I were almost killed in our '53 (1956), got T-Boned by a drunk one sunday night when we went to get a dozen donuts down the street. I envy anyone who can tackle all that work. I kinda like the Frankinstein look with the patches and spot welds Keep posting all the work photos.
Looks good and it's cool to see a car off the beaten path. Keep up the good work! Posted using the Full Custom H.A.M.B. App!
looking good! Nice to see 53 Ply get the redesign treatment they can be very cool looking! here is a razor blade photo shop I did for a guy he is now on his way to making it happen. Keep up the great work can't wait to see it done.
There was one of those little 2door Plymouths sitting in an empty lot in the OK in the hometown of Wiley Post for many years, maybe still is. We saw it for decades on our way to the Chickasha Swap Meet. Maybe I'll check it out a little closer this time.
Thanks pretty pumped about this car. Been a while since I've got the bug to do another custom. Will be trying to get some more done on it this weekend maybe. Been spending most my free time getting the Merc ready for the GNRS as we are hitting the road next week for the big road trip.
the top is an huge improvement, but the front end not ! hope you will change it...even back to stock would look better
Just noticed that I haven't updated this and really hate it when one never sees how the car finished out. So here we go. My boring motor choice 350 Chevy. Building of the fuel tank
Next was the rear quarters the choice was between caddy and dodge. Went with the dodge as the Caddy quarter dwarfed the car and I only had one quarter panel haha.
Next was on to the front bumper. I know some don't like it I thought it was kinda neat but missing something so I added my touch to it. Then I started the body work, then farmed if off as I didn't have the patience for it. We traded some work and I got the car back in primer. I then began the joys of block sanding. Then we got some Base on it. Started laying out the scallops.
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