Figured it was time I finally shared my project here. I’ve been quietly collecting parts and planning out this build for a while now. The car is a 1954 Ford Crestline Skyliner — the gl***-top hardtop that’s been sitting since around 1980 after a front-end collision. I’m bringing it back to life with a mix of traditional hot rod styling, mild custom touches. The goal isn’t a perfect restoration, getting it down in the weeds just right. Powertrain is still up in the air, but it’ll definitely stay Ford. I’m do***enting the whole thing on YouTube under @ChadleyBuilt, but this thread will be the no-fluff version — just good old-fashioned progress, fabrication, and real garage work. Hoping to get it drivable by next spring
Had to do some drip rail repairs recently. Total pain, but turned out better than I could of hoped for.
Another photo dump, Been pretty busy on it. getting the body back to a sound state, Front quarter panel patches, rear quarter panel patch, p***enger side door rocker panel replaced. I have one more body mount to repair, and 2 lower front fenders. then body work can get started.
Ain't rust fun! Looks like you have it pretty well under control. When I was a kid my dad had a buddy that had a 54 239 and 3 speed with the old Gene Fechter porter mufflers. Was a sweet sounding machine! Ok back to work!
Started some body work last weekend, a little too humid today to do any body work, so I cut and buffed out the gl*** top I scored awhile back. It had been in storage for decades so it had random scuffs and s****es. Not 100% perfect, but pretty dang nice considering its age. Very happy with how it turned out. Also test fitted the new rubber for it. The 56 Olds 88 taillights showed up today as well.
My 1953 Ford Victoria had the same body support rust yours had. You did a much better job repairing it than I did! when you say “cut and buff” the gl***, what is that process and what materials? Looks fantastic by the way!
The insert isn't gl***, it's plexigl*** so you use materials suitable for plastic. The biggy is using a buffer with a 1800 or slower RPM.
Thank you very much. It was a nerve racking process to do this to 70 year old plastic, but it turned out great. Started with 1000 wet sand, stepped up to 2000, then 3000 then 5000. then followed up with 3M 3 step buffing kit, used with a wool pad on step 1, then used a foam orange pad on the other 2 steps. light pressure all the way.
Well, found a 54 Lincoln Capri front bumper and grille I am going to narrow for the Skyliner. Oh yeah by the way she got a hair cut.
The Jalopy Journal
