Would like to get as much info as possible. I've been following the recent Fleetline chop, and they seem to be pretty similar, with some slight differences, such as angled B-pillars, and trunk extending all the way down below bumper. I've chopped a 54 ford before, but this one looks much more difficult, I'm just trying to make up my mind, if I should go chopped. I luv the way a chopped car looks, so maybe I'm just rying to convince myself to go ahead with it
How about some Hamber opinions on this grill. Being I'm too cheap to pay $350-$400 for a used grill, and then possibly get it re-chromed, I had some of this grill screen from a late model Cadillac, a formed it to match the original grill. What do ya think, too modern?
Hey buddy, since nobody with any knowledge or experience has read this yet or else doesn't wish to reply, I will....fwiw. I REALLY LIKE our '48s the way they are. Mick and I have talked about chopping the fastback and have kept up with the chop the guys in Detroit did. I think the roofline is really good from the factory all the way to the bottom of the trunk lid, and as you said the B pillar is kickin the way it is now, although they did do a good job I just don't get real excited about all the compound curves created on the insides of the back fenders the way they did it. I know I couldn't do it as well and would end up with a major Kluge on my hands if we tried it. How about just shaving the door handles, front fender trim, hood trim and ornament? With your custom grill that might all blend in and work well. I agree with you that the grill material looks a little too modern for the '48, you need some Byooik teeth or even a Chevy grill might work. Another thing you could do is just slam it to the ground and put side pipes below the running boards. I was thinking about doing that on mine. Someone had a post about copper headers and I thought copper lakes might look real cool, especially with satin black paint on the body. But whatever you want to do, I will be following closely and reading any posts and viewing any pictures you provide. Good luck.
i have some photos [on my home computer] of Brad Davies' 48 Olds fastback. It was chopped about 3-4 inches and looked wicked...big job but you need to contact Kenny "Choprods" here on the hamb for details
I agree Oldsguy, I really like the stock lines too. I was even gonna keep the door handles, and some trim, just to keep the car looking more stock. But ya have to admit, they look real COOL chopped!
I hear ya, personally, I am going to keep the trim around the windows, I think that outline from the a pillar to the c pillar is very ***y. And the door handles are cool too, I am keeping mine as well. I was just suggesting shaving stuff for you as an alternative to chopping. Who knows? If you were to do it and I liked it.........
A buddy of mine chopped a '48 Olds coupe, but of course that is a little different than a fastback. I'd have to vote no on the grille. Sorry. Do search on 48 Olds, cause another guy had the same problem. Or is that you?
You need to get yourself an Olds grill. The grill treatment will make or break the whole look of the car. If you can find a decent one for $400, that IS a good price. No one says you have to have it replated right away. Save your pennies and have it done a few years from now. I waited 3 years to be able to afford to replate mine. My grill was expensive but it is the highlite of my car and I have not for one second regretted spending the bucks on it. I did eat alot of mac and cheese and ramin noodles last winter though. Also, there is a HAMB guy who I know has a few extra 46-48 Olds grills. I'm sure once he decides his grill treatment he'll put his extras up for sale. He always is fair with his prices.
Yeah, that was me. But I was gonna try and use a grill from a modern car, this grill I made and formed from modern materials, but it still looks modern.
I think your right, this car needs the original grill. I already made this grill, so maybe I'll just keep it on for awhile, and see what kind of criticism I get, until I can find a good original one .
I think that chop would be much more difficult than on a early 50's fleetline and I have to agree with hotrodladycruiser, the Olds grill can't be improved on, that really makes the car. That's my 2 cents for what it's worth.
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