1957 Chevy 60's Street Custom

[Dennis]

Fresh off the workbench and on the shelf is my 1957 Chevy traditional 60’s custom. I dropped the ball on keeping the WIP thread here up to date but I've continued to chip away until its completion last night. This is my first attempt, ever, at creating a custom so I had to pretend like I knew what I was doing. I also don’t have much for parts resources for 50’s cars so I had to do what I could with what little I had. I didn’t look at any reference material, just made it up as I went. I do know that a lot of early customs were all show and no go so I wanted to create a car that could haul ass as much as it looked good. Even though it is technically a Custom, the Hot Rod influences are definitely there, Hope you all like it. I have to say that I couldn’t be happier with how it turned out. I’ll have to try another some time!

- AMT 1957 Chevy Bel Air Hardtop

- Kit provided custom rolled front pan and scalloped headlight housings molded in.

- Stock grill bar modified by removing big center crest and adding material to extend ends out to edges of opening. Chrome redone with Molotow pen.

- Fender peaks, side trim, emblems and handles shaved.

- Hood gunsights filled and shaped.

- Rear fin and taillight treatment of my own design using the kit provided custom lenses.

- Kit provided rear rolled pan modified and molded in.

- License plate flush fit into trunk lid.

- Kit provided option “409” engine block/transmission. Cylinder heads, Offenhauser valve covers, hi-rise dual intake, factory cast headers, water pump and belt drive from AMT ‘62 Chevy Bel Air. Chrome air filters from Revell ‘70 Nova. Generator with adjusting arm from Revell ‘57 Chevy’s. Parts By Parks wired distributor. Detail Master #1 fuel line and fittings with scratch built T fitting.

- Modelhaus chrome reverse wheels with spider caps. AMT Parts Pack tires and slicks.

- Interior uses kit provided custom bucket seats, roll bar and alligator mascot. Custom steering wheel from AMT ‘32 Ford Victoria. Separate chrome handles from Revell ‘37 Ford Pickup/Panel Delivery trucks.

- Chassis has no detail, curbside style. Chrome exhaust tips from Revell 1940 Ford’s.

- Tamiya “Champagne Gold” with their clear coat, polished and waxed with Adam’s products. Interior is Tamiya “Dull Red” and Semi Gloss Black. Window and rocker trim detailed with Bare Metal Foil.

[Mr. Metallic]

You just couldn't help yourself, could you? Had to get that "GO" flavor in there, couldn't go full custom.

That being said , you did a great job of subtly mixing in the speed parts. To a casual observer they probably wouldn't notice the slicks and roll bar. They would see a really tasty custom with nicely done mods.

[cturner]

VERY cool Dennis....I'm not a big fan of "hot rodding" a custom..but you did it gracefully. Looks cool!

[chepp]

That's a fine custom. I like the go/show appearance.

[41chevy]

One of, if not the best 57 custom I've seen so far. Your taillight and fin treatment looks excellent! Roll bar and slicks are subtle, barely see them initially. Fantastic work. Paul

[Bernard Kron]

I like the customizing work a lot, especially the frenching on the headlights and the fin treatment ending in the smoothly integrated tailights. The "show/go" aspect didn't particularly jump out at me as it seems to have for others - probably because it seemed in keeping with the relatively conservative metallic paint. What really did jump out at me is the precision and flawlessness of the execution. Way to go!

[RodBurNeR]

very nice! very clean body work too!

[skip]

Another Beaut’ Dennis, not always a fan of “Custom” Tri-Five Chevs but I wouldn’t mind seeing this one done full-size. Hard to improve on classic looks and most fall short on improving them by a mile, this one is tastefully done, well thought out where everything works together! Then there’s the paint, don’t think you could have chosen a better color, almost looks like a lime gold in those pics, all that much better!

[spex84]

Turned out awesome!
I like the basic paint-detailed interior and 60s show n' go inspiration. It has that sober "mild but wild" flavor. The grille bar was a good choice, very timeless; in fact I can imagine this same car done 80's smoothie style or even '00s pro touring, with minimal changes.

I'm jealous of that shiny polished paint job, very nice, and much needed on those big ol' slab sides.
In my mind's eye, I see this car with '56 Chevy 210 side trim (just the spear)...I wonder how that would look. Will have to keep it in mind for a future project!

[Dennis]

Sept 1, 2021 13:51:07 GMT -5 spex84 said:

Turned out awesome!
I like the basic paint-detailed interior and 60s show n' go inspiration. It has that sober "mild but wild" flavor. The grille bar was a good choice, very timeless; in fact I can imagine this same car done 80's smoothie style or even '00s pro touring, with minimal changes.

I'm jealous of that shiny polished paint job, very nice, and much needed on those big ol' slab sides.
In my mind's eye, I see this car with '56 Chevy 210 side trim (just the spear)...I wonder how that would look. Will have to keep it in mind for a future project!

Thanks, man! Ive been doing pretty good with painting the last few years, finally getting results I’m satisfied with. This is, by FAR, my best paint job to date. After I polished and waxed it I went out in the sun light and couldn’t believe how good it looked and there’s not a trace of body work in it. That said, I’m strongly feeling like doing a primer or flat finish on a quick hot rod build to give my nerves a break, LOL!

[Deleted]

Superlative! Paint & body work are excellent, & the entire build rocks!

[lo51merc]

Dennis. You sir, can build customs. Period!
Gary

[Mr409]

I might be a bit late to the party, but that '57 turned out excellent! "Hot Rodding a Custom car" is a good idea and you were able to combine those two things into one beautiful model very nicely. Great job!

[SteveMilberry]

That is SO SMOOTH !! Looks fabulous.

[sharp]

WOW!!!! She's a beauty!! Paint work looks awesome!!