Projects Rescued an original California stock 51 Chevy

I can tell you from experience: when chopping a top. less is MORE!
Talked to Barris in '55, he was vague about instructions (advice) 'til his then magnificent girlfriend Shirley overheard some conversation: my '36 3 window I was chopping.
George was...less than enthused, kinda 'shined me on'.
Shirley: "George, this young man (I was 13) is your future. Tell him, give him an answer!"
I was thrilled...George finally advised, "If you think 5 is the 'answer', cut it 4. You can alsways go more, but backing up is hard..."

I thanked the starlet Shirley, (she was beautiful!...and smart...)
I then on Monday cut the windshield 5-1/2", and the back 6"!
Welded up, it looked like a tank. That time...shoulda listened!

 

Oh wow I can relate..thats awesome so young and with a ‘36 3 window, thats really cool at ‘55 and till today a ‘36 3 window is rare. I also got a chance to stop by George’s NOHO Shop a couple times when I was 20-22 always learned something when having a conversation with him, he even signed a shirt and wrote my name on it. its in a display case in my living room now. And for the chop ill be sure to cut less first. Wish I could see a picture of how it looked like when you chopped it.

 

I hope you heed the above advice. Like I said before...6" is an extreme chop, and could easily ruin the car!

Here is a cut-down Dodge grille in a nice '53.
https://www.customcarchronicle.com/...olet-sedan-full-kustom-for-sale/#.XWvpvFB7mV4

 

There was/is an article in an issue of Rod and Custom (little pages ) on this exact modification (53 cad hubcap mod). essentially trim out the back and tack on 49-50 ford trim ring. They're both stainless so tacks won't tarnish.

 

Image by edcodesign posted Feb 7, 2018 at 8:32 PM

Cool car good luck !

 

Well the ‘51 has been down for a while now the transmission is making loud noises while in neutral and sometimes when in gear so I stopped driving it around the block but I like to have the project running so its easier to move around so I bought a similar transmission but in working condition from a parts car. I started unbolting everything off the trans got the Ujoints off and now im stuck on trying to slide out the trans. Its just me working on this so any tips/info would be helpful. I have to slide the trans back to clear the mainshaft from the front but also have the driveshaft behind it. Ill be going back to it in the next few days when I have time so feel free to leave any suggestions on how to take the transmission off.

 

I believe you have to disconnect, unbolt the rear and slide it back on the leaf springs...my best guess...You won me over with the grille....best wishes on your dream car..thanks for sharing

 

Buy factory service/repair manuals.
Why not use the information the factory sent to the dealership mechanics?
They are not that expensive and you may find them handy for other questions as you work on the car

 

You should be able to slide the rear half of the U-joint back and lower the torque tube, then pull the ****** back and out.

 

PS. bolt the tail piece back to the ****** for better clearance of the U-joint

 

pretty sure those are Fleetline rear windows on both those cars

 

6" chop will ruin that car.