Projects 57 Belvedere 4 Door Gone Mad

I like it! Good vision man

 

best thing that ever happened to a 57' 4dr. keep us posted on things as i will agree you really have tons of creative insight, far more than me.

 

Aw man, Christine's sister is gonna be pissed with that chivvy motor in there . . . .

 

I Love it!! ....but i think a HEMI would add super KOOLNESS to this hotrod...

 

Looks good so far....
Those rear axle spring perch mounts....I'd run a short, but perpendicular gusset (front to back) on both sides (in front of and to the rear of) of the perch mount.

 

Thanks for pointing that out. I hadnt thought of it and I think you are correct about the gussets.

Also, I really appreciate everyones comments, input and interest. I must say I am enjoying this more than any other project I have ever tackled.
Thanks for the support guys!

Got the transmission crossmember built and the floor bracing almost finished this weekend. Had a bunch of that around the house stuff I had to get done this weekend also, been putting it off lately, so I didnt get near as much done on the car as I would have liked to. Should have more progress pics to post up later this week though.

 

Update with a little progress. Built the transmission crossmember. Just a piece of 2 x 4 tubing, some thick wall round tube to sleeve it for the bolts and some brackets I found in my parts bins. Maybe a little overkill on strength but I figure it sure cant hurt. Havent actually attached the transmission to it yet but do have it bolted in the car.

Brackets from the trusty ole parts bin:


Give em a little trim and they are good to go:



Tubing for sleeves, just happen to have 2 scrap pieces just long enough to cut into 4 sleeves. Maybe I keep to many "scraps" around but sometimes they come in so handy.




Cut, trim, drill, weld, grind and you have a trans crossmember:

 

The floor structure is almost complete now and also got the brake pedal and master mounted this weekend.

I cut out the pieces I had put in for the trans tunnel support and just replaced it with a solid piece. Figured it added strength and I dont have to try to cover it with sheetmetal. Since i dont have a way to roll sheetmetal this seemed like a big plus.

 

Now onto the firewall structure. For the transmission opening I took a piece of 1 x 2 tubing and gave it some relief cuts.



Tacked it in place and tacked all the relief cuts so it would hold its shape.
Welded up all the relief cuts but had a problem. Even though I just welded some and let it cool so I wouldnt warp it or anything it shrunk up and was curled up about 4 inches to small when I went to weld it in the car. Sooooo, more relief cuts and opened it back up some. Once it was back to the right size I tacked a piece across the bottom edge of it to hold it to the right size and welded it back up.



Welded it in and welded up the remaining structure for the firewall. Just need to skin it now.

 

i must say-i really like this a lot.

you've got a great vision for sure.

 

Wow!!!! I could use a lot of words that I probley could't spell right and it wouldn't describe how cool your project is, Rave on!!!

Do you think youll "skinny up" the stock front end? Something done with the stock nose? Hope so!!!

 

What a great build and a fitting beginning for a 4 door!

 

Cool project! I look forward to follow this one!

 

very cool. i know how you got inspired by the atomic punk and one or two others as i have to. please dont keep us hanging to long for updates as i cant wait to see more.

 

Man, you guys are getting on it. I dig it.

 

im sposed to be working late and even bunked off from our club meeting tonight to get unfinished work done, but after reading this thread, i got a little carried away.........

 

Cool drawing kiwipackard, I dig it! And thanks for the positive input guys, I appreciate it all!!

 

Hey, I have a 241 Hemi that is looking for a home...... For sale for some easy money, grand takes 2 engines... That would look great in that car..

 

So what are your plans for the front end on this? I am getting ready myself to start a similar project over the winter. It is something I have been gathering parts for I have a set of those Imperial Lights from the early 60's for mine but I am now not sure if I am going to use them. But anyways your project is looking very cool and I will have to keep an eye on it to see where you end up. Congrats on doing it not many people dare to take on such drastic projects.

 

This gives a new meaning to NO FEAR!!!! Really drastic project, can't wait to send the end results....Nice job!

 

just goes to show you.......dont have to spend 40 grand on a 32 5-window to have a cool hot rod. very inspirational post ! Nice work !

 

Is there a name for this type of car?
Skinny car
Skinny rod..............

 

Absolutely fantastic, thanks for the progress updates. The only bad thing about this is, the number of guys who totally don't have a clue who'll build schlocky, scary rip offs of the idea. Keep posting!

 

Nice lines. I like the wedge ideas, too, but you've probablly progressed beyond that point. Keep up the great work. This is going to be slick.

 

This is a very cool build. As much as I hate seeing Exner cars being cut up, I have to say that what you have going is very outside of the box and I like that. At least you aren't building yet another Deuce like everybody else. Not that I have anything against the Deuce, I just think it has been way overdone.
I also like the fact that you used a more door instead of cutting up a coupe. I can't wait to see how it turns out. So good luck and I look forward to seeing your progress.

 

Racrdad, it has a HEMI!

 

I need my Fix!!
UPDATE THIS BUILD OR I'M GONNA START CHOPPING OFF MY TOES ONE AT A TIME !
LOL lol LOL lol LOL.

 

We are going to tag team it this Saturday, I will make sure he takes some pics! Come on Saturday!!!!!!

 

Is anyone interested in starting a post with links to all of these cool converted rods? Also to include concept artwork. I would also enjoy a frame / chassis / drivetrain discussion for these rods.