Slightly altered '51 Chevy Fleetline.

Good to see Cody on the ball at least.

Haven't touched the Chev, so hope the paint is now OK for sandin'

After much anguish and even more sanding, I think I may have just saved this one....



Now the question remains, do I risk it and attempt more kustom paint tricks or just leave it and move on?

Howdy, Carps. I'm dazzled by what I see and would love to see more. From that angle,seeing just a bit of the front,it looks just fine. I can't really say whether any more would detract from the over all appearance or not. In most situations, I'm of the"less is more" school.As I see it, your design is subtle enough that it doesn't draw the eye away from your body mods. Long winded way of saying; I think you've got it,Bud. A really sweet look you've got there. Best to you. Bill

I agree with Bill. You've nailed the look and style that makes a unique statement. You'd only be experimenting now. Let it be Carps - finish it and move on.

I'm inclined to agre, although I think maybe a coat of the copper colour in the coves and it's done.

Maybe a fine red pinstripe on the outer edge of the copper border to finish it off.

Good luck with it,Carps. I'm rootin' for you. Later.Bill

Sounds too hard if you ask me, it looks good the way it is, but, if you think you can pull it off, go for it.
I'd just hate to see it really go bad now from here.

Got all 23 fingers & toes crossed for you Carps...

Well, it seems all those crossed fingers worked and after all the anguish it's been saved, although I decided on green for the pinstripe.



Foil, clear-coat and striping are done plus a few odds and ends to make the body complete. The engine bay is painted & ready to assemble , so all that's left is the interior.



Spent some time grinding the windscreen to make it fit, now to cut apart the backlight and side windows.



For a Stovebolt, the engine oesn't look too shabby and I've added some non kit chrome details. Once I get it wored I'll add some pics of the donk and interior for you to laugh at.

Looking sweet mate! It's turning out real nice. I have used that gunze pinstripe masking tape a few times without any problems. You just have to make sure that it is pushed down properly and thoroughly so it doesn't bleed under. its only very thin so its really important to make sure of it.

Glad you have been able to save it!

Really really nice, the pinstripe sets it off beautifully.

that's one very cool custom lead sled

Spent a bunch of time cuttin and sandin't the windows so they all fit like they were made for the chop top. Got some more grinding to do on the front fender inner aprons to make them fit behind the grille, then I can stitch it all up and call it done! WAHOOOOO!

Sumthin I saw somewhere prompted me to add a little sparkle to the inside, so I chrome foiled and flaked the dash.



In hindsight I do wonder why, coz I doubt once it's all buttoned up, that much of this stuff will be visible.



But hey, I guess that's apart of being the nutty model builder, eh?

That interior is a model all of it's own. Bonza!

Howdy,Carps. Your interior is a treat. What did you use for the patterned parts.Really sets it off nicely. Also;what's the plate on the package shelf? Looking forward to the engine,too. This will be an award winner for sure,Bud. Take care.Bill

Thanx guys.

Bill, the upholstery 'fabric' is a decal from Model Car Garage, they have some neat Kustom patterns plus others that mimic '50s and '60s fabrics. It's a little tricky to apply and requires copius ammounts of decal set/sol but it's worth the effort. I've also learned that once it's set, sealing with a couple of coats of clear (satin or flat) will make sure it stays looking good for a long time.

The bizzo on the package tray is a Kustoms of Los Angeles club plaque. It'll also have the traditional dice hanging from the rear vision mirror.

The engine bay has been cleared of all wiring and clutter, however the Stovebolt remains although it has a little more chrome work than the kit offered. The plan is to keep it clean and simple under the hood.

In the true Kustom spirit, the chassis and undercarriage is basic flat and satin black, since this puppy is for cruisin, not cleanin.

Looks awesome Carps
Call me weird but i think a foxtail would suit aswell

Thanks,Carps.My 1/1 cruisers were that way as well.Nice body work and paint. Serviceable intriors,little if any engine chrome,just the biggest,cheapest junk yard engine that we could get in there. Big inch,stock caddies were a favorite.I appreciate your detailed response. Best. Bill

WOW Carps, that is looking very, erm...how can I put this...ethnic?

Thanx Bryce, I'll take that as mission acomplished!

If you review any of the publications from back in the day you'll notice that the names usually give away the 'ethnic' appeal in Kustoms, folks linked to the most famous Kusoms included The Ayala Bros, Johnny Zaro, Nick Matranga, Bob Hirohatta, Johnny Zupan, etc.. Even the Barris Brothers were the offspring of Greek migrants to the USofA....

The engine was detailed to match the car ........





And then installed in the cleaned up and gold flaked engine bay.



Just about to fit the top radiator hose. fill her up with coolant and head out on the first test drive.
I'll park it in the showroom when I get back.

I've been waiting for this,bud. Right on the money!Really suits it. did you run pipes,Too?Great work .man.Just great.Best,Bill

Yup, dual pipes with Smittys, tucked em up under the rear pan, cos two on one side didn't look right, but the note is sensational.