Here's what I've got - two 1948 Chevrolets. One is a Stylemaster coupe with title. It's a roller, with the front sheetmetal and rear fenders already off the car. Interior has everything except door upholstery. Windshields and both door glasses are cracked. Front floor needs replaced, but it is intact. The area around both taillights needs work. Frame and suspension are stock and intact. The other '48 is a Fleetline Aerosedan. No paperwork, and has been off the road since at least 1958, according to the tag on the back. No glass, seats, or hood. Rest of body is decent, with a dented LR fender. Floors are so-so. Front has been clipped with a Nova front & discs, and has a later rear axle (5-lug) under it, so a rod project was started at one time on this car. Neither car has an engine or tranny. Both have decent grilles (one has a '46 grille). The Aero has the LR trim pieces that need to be worked; otherwise, the trim appears good. My Dad owned a black '48 Aero in the late '70s, and was one of my favorites of his. I've owned each body style before and really like them both, but I can not afford to build up two rods! Getting a title on the Aero would not be a huge deal in OK, just time-consuming. Which to choose? There are far less Aerosedans around than coupes, and the Aero-specific parts are all there. Plus, it's had the chassis mods already (though I have not inspected the quality of that work!). So, here is my little dilemma: If YOU were in my shoes, what would be your preference, and why? In either case, I plan on running a big Chevy or GMC Six in it!
I had both an aerosedan and a coupe for about seven years. The aerosedan had a '54 235 and the coupe has a mild 327. I liked both cars a lot but I had way to many cars and was offerd a bunch of money for the fleetline, so I let it go. I've since been offerd the fleetline back to trade for my coupe but I like cope better now. If you want a lowrider/ custom you should build the fleetline. If you want more of a hot rod build the coupe.
Aero's are the "rarest"...coops are plentiful...you'll see less Aero's at any rod run...besides, a sedan can hold several adults with plenty of room. If it's the farthest along, I'd do it...getting a "title" isn't that tuff...contact Broadway Titling Service in Las Vegas...that'll cost you $130 but it's worth it for less hassle at the DMV. There's a lot of speed equip. out there for a Jimmy six...even for a lowly Chevy six there's plenty...and Aero's make great sleds... R-
Sounds like you have all the reasons to build the Aero, and none to build the coupe. You have to satisfy yourself not anybody else. Besides, if your Dad is still around get him involved, if not build it as a tribute to him.
Oklahoma does not recognize and will not accept paperwork from Broadway, or any other title service. Getting a title through the state costs about the same, so that is no biggie. I came across the Aero about a week after getting the coupe, and originally looked at it as being a parts car for the coupe. Now that I see what is good on both cars, the Aero would be the easier of the two to do. BTW, the back glass is IN both cars, and are hard to find good for both, as well. I'm picking the Aero up on Saturday. I bought the car just from a few pictures. That'll give me a chance to look at it closely and put my hands and eyeballs all over it. So... If the Aero is everything I'm hoping it is, and the clip on it was done properly (or can be fixed, if needed), then I'm going to build the Aero - not so much as a low rider, but more of a hot rod. Should be a fun car to do! I am wanting it to be a drivable car before the SW Street Rod Nats, presumably in OKC again next year!
I personally would do the Aerosedan, they're by far my favorite, and with a '46 grille which is also my favorite. However, I'd only do it if you were going to use all the stainless trim and chrome on the car. I don't like fastbacks that are hotrodded and shaved.
Once I get the car in my driveway, I'll be able to make that determination. I know for certain that the LR fender stainless is going to have to be worked or replaced. I like the trim on the Aero, anyway - it's one of many of the appeals of the car. Hell, have you seen a customizing kit available for PT Cruisers and Chevy HHRs??? It incorporates EXACTLY the same style trim on the front and rear fenders! According to 1948 production figures, there was only about 2,000 more coupes in all three models together (including business coupes) than Aerosedans built, total. Quantity aside, the Aero is going to make one nice ride! Oh, and I told my Dad about this car - he is pretty excited! It's a shame he's on the Coast, and not in Humidity Hell with me to do the car! Henry, both of your cars are slick! My wife likes the Aero, and my sons like the coupe! NOTE: Poll added. Thanks!
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