anybody have some pics of this incredible 49 chevy?

G-burg also. My buddy Manny Bastiao's 55 Merc. Built by Manny, on a Gran Prix frame, with 455 Olds in it. Bodywork by Donn Lowe, Painted by myself. It was then chopped, but not a very good job, couldn't put glass in it, so it had plexi windshield.

 

My old boss' 54 Merc. The real deal! Built in the 50's and survives today. Recently sold by Tico Torres (Bon Jovi) to my frined Bobby Barkoff, who is restoring it...though it was still pretty presentable as is!

 

How's this for HISSTORY! The clone of the Hirohata Merc, paired with the REAL Fred Rowe Merc. What movie where they in together? The Choppers?

 

Hey Marc when I was a kid I loved Mannys Merc,Come to think of it , I think this is the style that alot of the Scandinavian cats on the other post go for, I think well have to call Manny the Father of European customizing.

 

Didn't someone mention Lee Pratt? Here's his killer Chevy. The one that inspired me to put a "6" in my Chevy coupe after hearing him rap the pipes all over Holland MI, in 1990!

 

Can someone say chopped Fleetline? Actually, I think it's a Buick, but same body style.

 

Gotta keep the Ford guys interested, as well. Here's one of the nicest 52-54 Fords I've seen.

 

I believe this is the "Fordillac". Built by Les Cove in NJ (???) fot Jimmy Nolan, it was "discovered by Manny Basiao, who then purchased it for Donn Lowe. Donn began restoration of the car, but wound up selling it to someone else, although he did finish the car for him. Great lines on this original Hot Rod/Custom from the 50's!

 

Crummy wheels, but nice lines on this bright red Chevy.

 

Here's Rob Butler's Chevy, in primer. Now it's painted lavender and purple. I think Rob's wife, Debbie posts here once in awhile.

 

Jimmy Vaughn was out in Holland in '90, with his Killer lavender pearl Chevy, built by Gary Howard. Aboslutely gorgeous!

 

Lee Pratts 52 Chevy is now an all out so-cal lowrider with the roof hacked off and upholstry hanging over the doors. Fuckin abominable!

 

Hey Marc I know I m not doing my part on this post but Do ya have any old Renegades pics or very earlly Lead East Pics especially of Sammys car!

 

Y'know, I've been looking for my "first" photo album, the one with 83 Lead East in it. Haven't found it yet, but I'll post some pics when I do. I also need to go through some stuff that Tom Cooney (48 Ford w/59 Buick grill, later a 409 61 Chevy he got from the Schindlers) gave me...one of the original Renegades. I think there are some photos in that, as well.

 

Found another pic of the Garcia Ford in his latest disguise here on HAMB.





Pics are from HAMBer =mike= which once owned that cool 4-door Merc.REALLY! like the look of the rear on this one.Nice chop ! Color suits this sled perfectly !

 

Absolutely incredible thread! Thanx to everyone for sharing their photos and to those who are building these cars you fucking rock! Hopefully I'll get to see a few of these cars in person at the Leadsled Spectacular in Salina KS this year.

 

a post this great should be brought back to the top....let's see some more fleetline pics.

 

I believe that movie was "Running Wild".

BB

 

wanted to bring this post back up for some new pics and for some of the new guys to see what a real custom is all about... Im getting going on my 50 chevy again today and use this post for refrence about once a week. What other pice are there to add after a summer of shows...

 

what he said....

 

wow. this thread has given me a new idea for the chop on my 51 buick. since the sail panel/c-pillar on the buick is kinda skinny & the rear glass is shaped funny i always thought a hefty chop was out of the question, until i saw the pics of that chopped 51 chevy. i think i may be able to work a 51 chev roof onto the buick & still maintain the original beltline. what do you guys think?





this chevy is unchopped but you can see the similarities in the beltline & how the chev's roof seems like it would be easier to work with, having the rear side glass with a flat bottom rather than the curve like the buick.

 

My taildraggin 50.Got a new motor goin in next week!

 

Nice pics.

 

Jim, this car is incredible. classy not gaudy at all, just really clean lines and so smooth looking. The skirts look really good- don't you think, the way they just
fit in you know what I mean ? It just keeps the car going without any breaks in it, keeps the flow. Might look good to have skirts like that on at 41 Caddy ???
lls Linda

 

That looks really good, what kinda suspension do you have on it? I also like how you have the radiator fans set up, I need to get some more air through the engine compartment on my 54, do you have a picture of the engine area?

 

OK, maybe someone has allready mentioned it, since I'm just on page 8 of this long thread. But that shoebox is currently for sale in Norway

Think a norwegian dude bought it on Ebay.

 

I think i've found a little better pic of that Merc...



It's a great topic ! Can't stop looking at it !

Those Garcia's Kustom are sooooo cool ! Is the shoebox the personnal ride of Jo ? I love that car so much....prefer it in blue suede !

Keep on posting...please!

 

Yes,it is.Phenomenal car.Welcome to the Hamb by the way and thanks for the pic ! '49 dash looks cool in there.



Knock-out pic by Dave Lindsay taken at the Moon X-mas party not too long ago.Thanks Dave !

 

anyone remember why they joined the h.a.m.b., now??? I do...

 

Drag 'n' Shop can do no wrong. I need to hurry up and start and finish my piece o crap modified so I can buy a '49 chevy coupe. They build what Sam Barris would have built if he were around a bit longer. I love it. Great post.