My wife has been wanting a 50-53 Chevy. We were out a couple weeks ago doing some things when she spotted a car for sale half way down the driveway of someones house. I turned around and went back, it's in my blood. It was a 1950 Chevy DeLuxe, 2dr. We looked at it, she definately like it. And this is coming from a woman who only interest in cars is that hers starts and gets her to where she wants and back. For her to show interest in ANY car is a huge event. Anyway, we left and hummed and hawed over it. Really didn't have the money. After some talking, we decided to juggle some funds around and get it. The car was only 10 min. from our house, what are the chances of finding another car exactly what she wants this close to home?? You don't see a 50 Chevy everyday unless you have one in your own driveway/garage. Not ready for the build yet, she wants to keep it looking stock with some nice wheels, modern FI V-8 and auto ******. It is currently a 6 cyl. with 3 on the tree, which she has NO interest in trying to drive. Shift linkage keeps getting stuck in nuetral. A couple questions if anyone can answer. 1. How can I determine which 6 cyl it has? 216? or 235? 2. Anyone recomend places for parts? I found Cl***ic Chevy parts, Chevs of the 40's, and The Filling Station. 3. Any other tips/suggestions for this car? This is the oldest car we have ever owned.... Thanks! Ron
Nice Chevy! Judging by the two bolt valve cover it's a 216, unless someone swapped the head. If you go to www.stovebolt.com you can verify me, they have an area to run the casting numbers and know for sure. Kanter and Yogi's sell upgrade kits for your chevy. Keep in mind when you put in a sbc and modern transmission you'll also have to put in a new rear axle, the existing one is a torque tube drive line, not a drive shaft. I'd bet next will be disc brakes (unless it's already been done) and upgraded handling. I just went through all this, my recommendation is to get a mustang 2 ifs kit instead of rebuilding the original suspension like I did.
nice purchase do whatever it takes to get momma happy behind that wheel best place to find parts is right here in the "cl***ified" section good luck!
Thanks guys! I was looking at the Mustang II set-ups, looks like it may be the way to go. Drums on all 4 right now, will be getting disc's when the time comes. I'll be going right through this thing once our other house sells.
Looks like a good score!! I would wager it's a 216 engine by the looks of it. Does it run and drive??? I would say get it running and driving safely, and run it as is for a while. Split manifold and some twice pipes, muffled or not, a set of wide whites, and you are good to go. Everyone dishes on the front suspension, but I like 'em as is. It's the same front end as Corvette ran until 1962 - exactly. How bad can that be? These cars make killer g***er's too. The front end is easy to lift. Get the girl on wheels, she'll love it. Try www.truckandcarshop.com they have some killer prices on parts if you need other than what you can source here, I think you'll like 'em better than the other two you mentioned.
Nice Car!!! You have a couple of options on the ******. If you want to keep the 6 and go automatic call Buffalo ent. @360 652-7684 He makes and adapter plate to bolr a early 6 to a th-350.You have to cnvert to opendriveline though. Another smart upgrade is to 51-54 brakes. They are MUCH better that 49-50. Also check out www.chevytalk.com. they have a board dedicated to 49-54 Chevy cars. Alot of good info there. Good luck! Todd
Nice car, sure looks like a very solid ride. As for the linkage getting stuck in neutral, I'll bet the arms on the column just need some adjusting. That seems to be a common problem. I would take Todds advice and visit Chevy Talk - Chevrolet Forums for the Enthusiast you will find an amazing amount of help there. As well as a nice bunch of guys! Dominic
I'm no expert on inline's, but i did do some research when i bought my 53. I *thought* the easy way to tell the 216 from the 235 was the side cover on the block. A 235 side cover stop's at the head where the 216 will go to the base of the valve cover. The two bolt valve cover dosn't mean it's a 216. I have the original 235 in my 53 chevy and it has the two bolt valve cover. The 53 manual trans 235 was a babbit motor ( no insert bearings or full oil pressure) and ran the two bolt valve cover. I'm having a hard time seeing exactly what the cover look's like though..Does it look like this one???? If so, 216.. If the tin cover stop's AT the head, 235. I've done business with National Chevy ***ociation for part on my 53. I've had great luck with both part's and service.. Anyway, that's a good looking car you have there..good luck with it! Tony
I got a Nova front end for sale in the cl***ifieds... I THINK those two match up nicely if ya want to "subframe" it.
Thanks. She runs and drives great, starts right up, cruises down the road with ease. The speedo is off a bit, at about 45mph, it reads 70.... Really were not ready to get the car now, just one of those deals that you really can't p*** up, especially here in Maine. Body is solid, frame is solid and it runs. Got the original wheels to the car also, no hubcaps. I have some other questions too. Body tag info, anything online to decode it? Edit: Found some good info. on body tags, etc.... Thanks.
Looks like a nice starting point for a great ride!!I'd just do what it takes to get it driveable and enjoy it untill you can make the changes to it.Enjoy!
WOW! Nice Chevy. Looks original right to the plug wires. The advice on the 216's right side lifter cover going all the way to the valve cover is right on. Not many original cars in decent shape like that. Taking that fine old iron apart is not my idea of improving that car - but it's yours - do what you like! Powerband
sorry to say this but i think it will give you nothing but heartache. the best thing you can do with it is sell it to me cheap. i am used to this kinda pain...don't wanna see you suffer. looks like the start of a real cool hot rod. listen to people that have been there. DON'T let anyone talk you into chopping it, cool as they will and do look. a stocker with a good late model V-8 and 4 speed auto ****** will be your friend for years to come. don't know about the fuel injection part unless you are ready for the whole computer switch. whatever you do, enjoy the car. later dude chuck
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