Question Customization

Discussion in 'Cosmetic & Restoration' started by Dogfather, Feb 1, 2012.

  1. Dogfather

    Dogfather Retired Medic

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    Is it wrong to Change the Factory Style of your Wagon?

    I really Like the Tail Fins on some of the Older Wagons? Would It be wrong to Change My Body Style?

    If I have come to believe that My Wagon is Now Rare due to not being liked all that Much so all the rest Have been Crushed.... Would it be wrong to Change it to my Likings?
     
  2. ModelT1

    ModelT1 Still Lost in the 50's

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    Being rare does not seem to matter with many vehicles. For instance, I have an old motorhome which less that 350 were produced. Even though we have our own club and internet group, few seem to want to buy one when for sale.

    As with any vehicle, only those who have one, or at least love them, seem to really care how rare they are.
    If and when I get time and money I will dump the Corvair engine in my rare motorhome and go with a modern engine and drive train. At the same time I will not hesitate to change the interior and exterior to suit my fancy.

    I still believe in keeping the basic looks. But in the case of many old car and wagons I wouldn't mind chopping, channeling, adding or removing fins, changing lites, or anything to make it look the way I want it. it's mine and I'll do whatever I want with whatever vehicle I have.

    Sometimes to customize makes a vehicle more desirable. Sometimes no one but you wants it. Keep this in mind when you add Caddy fins and duel headlites to a 1952 Whatsit!:clap:
     
  3. Stormin' Norman

    Stormin' Norman Well-Known Member

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    Oh man! That's a tough one.

    Why not cruise these brochures and see what turns your crank?
    http://www.lov2xlr8.no/broch1.html

    I recall that the 1965s have almost rectangular taillights, so I checked out the post 1975 Caddys but they lost their fins by then. Henry Js are too small and not graceful for your car's straight lines. Sure would be a challenge, for sure.
     
  4. hotrodprimer

    hotrodprimer New Member

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    I'm the kind of guy that never cared about the rarity of the car or the resale value in the future,what did matter is if I could be happy with a factory original car and that never interested me.

    I have been building and hot rodding cars since my teens and changing things to suit my taste,most of the time my custom ideas worked,a couple didn't but those experiments always gave me experiences that have improved my craftsmanship and gave me the confidence to tackle more challenging projects.

    BTW,before the intro police get up in arms,I posted a intro and got a message that it had to be approved. :confused: HRP

    http://public.fotki.com/hotrodprimer/hotrodprimer-1/
     
    Last edited: Feb 1, 2012
  5. Stormin' Norman

    Stormin' Norman Well-Known Member

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    Corvair Motorhome??? Are you kidding?

    I had a 62 Greenbrier Corvair pickup. Weiands? made a kit to install a 283 or 327 on the transaxle, and then I installed the small Corvette alluminum rads in the vented sides using water cooling. Popped wheelies in every gear except reverse! :rofl2:

    Other companies still make similar kits for Buick engines, etc.:
    http://corvaircenter.com/phorum/read.php?1,43869
     
  6. ModelT1

    ModelT1 Still Lost in the 50's

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    :Welcome:hotrodprimer. You're here now and hope you continue to post. Add some more photos of your 54 wagon. My second car was a 1954 Ford 2-door customline that I customized. I started out learning to customize. but also did some total restorations. Way more fun to alter and make it your own. The 54 Ford had a rear role pan and electric doors and trunk using VW solinoids. Anyone can drive em stock!:clap:
     
  7. ModelT1

    ModelT1 Still Lost in the 50's

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    Yea, mine is the 22' UltaVan. Pictures on other posts. :camera:
    ultra_hobby.jpg
     
  8. Stormin' Norman

    Stormin' Norman Well-Known Member

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    Yea, mine is the 22' UltaVan. Pictures on other posts. :camera:
    ultra_hobby.jpg [/QUOTE]

    Impressive! I never knew they existed! No demand in Canada, I guess.:thumbs2:
     
  9. Jim 68cuda

    Jim 68cuda Well-Known Member

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    Personally, I think if the changes are done tastefully, and you don't get too radical, then the change could have wide appeal. But I don't think a radical alteration of the body such as adding fins, would work well with the body style. It would make it look like its trying to be something its not.
    But, maybe replacing the tail lights with a slender vertical type tail light recessed into the trailing edges of the quarters, could make a tasteful custom touch that could suggest the appearance of fins.
    Sometimes looking at the custom ideas on the model kit builders gives you a few custom ideas for your own 1:1 ride.

    Heres the custom version of the original release of the AMT 1/25 scale plastic model kit of the 65 Fairlane hardtop.
    I like that grille, but I would guess you would need to at least be able to remove sections of the grille that are in front of the headlights.
    [​IMG]

    http://public.fotki.com/drasticplas...instruction_sheets/amt-5/amt-65-ford-fairlan/
     
  10. Muskrat

    Muskrat New Member

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    I am converting my '64 full size 4 door wagon to a 2 door that chevrolet never made. I am more excited to finish it than my true '64 SS. Do what you want the way you want it. As I was always told "If you wait until you can afford it, you will never be able to afford it. If you don't get it the way you want it, you will never like it.":cheers:
     
  11. Dogfather

    Dogfather Retired Medic

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    well I'll Be Hornswoggled and tied in a Knot!

    Thanks Folk for taking the time out of your Day to Give me a Push in the Direction I was thinking of going in the first Place.

    I could not have asked for Better Answers.

    So I will and Not worry in the least. With an Air ride Suspension and 12 inch Subs with some Mild Graphics I'm sure one of the Grand kids will want it after I'm done with it.

    Arn't kids Lucky today? There are so Many of us that didn't have but want our kids to have.
     
  12. Movinman

    Movinman Member

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    It's your car, do what you want to it. Personally, stock is boring. Go to any car show and after looking at 25 Camaro's that all look the same, tell me how you feel. These cars are an extension of our personalities as far as I am concerned, and suble changes here and there will only enhance the vehicle and make it stand out from the crowd. As for value, regardless of rarity, you still have to find someone willing to dig into their pockets and drop the dough. Not an easy feat in 2012, no matter what make or model. Make the car yours and enjoy it.
     
  13. ModelT1

    ModelT1 Still Lost in the 50's

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    I never knew they existed! No demand in Canada, I guess.

    Actually Stormin' Normin there are a lot of UltraVan owners and members in Canada. :thumbs2:

    By the way dogfather my 55 Chevy 2-door handyman is a 210. It has been restored original............ Except for Nomad rear quarters, Bel Air trim, paint, tires, wheels, interior, engine, tranny, rearend, and a few other things.:rofl2:
     
  14. knighttemplar

    knighttemplar New Member

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    Well

    I have this thing about private property...
    It is your longroof...bought & paid for by your labor...
    do whatever the heck you want to with it.

    I was thinking that if I could fabricate a couple of Nomad Tail fins they would look cool on the back of my Dub wagon... :)
     
  15. Bigg84

    Bigg84 buick fiend

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    By all means man, do what you like. To me, fins are the best styling idea EVER. haha :2_thumbs_up_-_anima
     

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