[elky] Re: OT (as usual) 1953 Chevy floor pans
- From: Chris Lindh <chris@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- To: elky@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
- Date: Wed, 1 Dec 2010 14:26:01 -0500
People are faking patina like that car has, so I agree the purchase
price is right... I still worry about how much rust a 53 year old car
from Michigan would have. Does it run? If you have time I would
search out forums where other guys are restoring those year cars...
find out the common problems & unavailable parts.
I agree about focusing on what you want to do, you'll be happier and I
believe people are more productive (and prosperous) when they enjoy
their work.
On Wed, Dec 1, 2010 at 1:53 PM, Ray Buck <rbuck@xxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
> I looked around and found a lotta different floorpan metal. I'd have to do
> more to see which is to be avoided, etc. I've gone the route of "bolt-ons"
> and understand the amount of cut and paste required. As far as the pans are
> concerned, I've done it before and the biggest hassle was cutting the old
> stuff out. But that was before I had an air chisel. I used a Sawzall but
> couldn't use it everywhere. Anyway, I know it'd be a picture puzzle thing
> but nothing that a little bit of welding couldn't deal with.
>
> As far as rusty projects...well..is there any other kind? At least not in
> my experience.
>
> Right now this is a 50-50 deal. I may and I may not do it. And I may not
> do it until March.
>
> I've given a lotta consideration to the photo business. I only make money
> on the salt flats. Add to that the fact that Miller Motorsports Park
> appears to be headed toward a motorcycle and off-road-based deal...well, it
> looks like I'm gonna be cuttin back. It's like I've explored the
> possibilities and now I'll focus on what I want to do and where I can make
> money.
>
> As far as the Monte project, that's still on the front burner. It will need
> to take priority to get it ready to race on the salt. But if things should
> happen to work out with the 53, it'd end up being a "diamond in the rough"
> cruiser with the existing faded paint/patina on the exterior and with a
> little luck, the stock 235 and 3 on the tree still in it. I'd have to
> replace the seats and get a new windshield, but that's the majority of the
> visible stuff. Bleeve me, I know the hidden stuff can kill ya. I learned
> that with every project I've ever undertaken. But at the same time, I've
> enjoyed all percent of 'em. The enjoyment factor can't be factored into
> cost, nor can the "vacation" cost of the trip to pick it up...it's in
> Michigan. But that would give me a chance to visit some friends and do a
> road trip. I've had worse trips and I'd use a 2-axle trailer...none of the
> flat-towing deal.
>
> So there's the story. If I were to get it into driveable shape...well, I
> know there's a market for it. Just being a 2-dr virtually guarantees that.
> I also know it's a huge undertaking, and if I had half a lick of sense, I'd
> probably tell myself to forget it. But it just keeps showing up in my face
> and at the price ($800) I can hardly dismiss it out of hand.
>
> r
>
>
> On 12/1/2010 10:55 AM, Chris Lindh wrote:
>
> I do not have a source for sheetmetal. I bought fenders, inner
> fenders & core support for my '68 Chevelle, and the horror stories
> you've heard with Taiwanese sheetmetal are all true. Each piece may
> look correct, but when you attempt to put it all together the bolt
> holes don't line up (and this is bolting all the NEW parts together).
> Luckily the car and parts are now in paint jail... out of sight...
>
> That's why you see the vendors grading the sheetmetal now, good, fair,
> etc. Keep customers expectations low.
>
> Back to your question it appears '53 floor pieces are available, but
> not entire floor pans. If you decide to purchase I know a couple
> people at the restoration companies...
>
> That said... rusty projects take an inordinate amount of time, money
> and patience. I won't tell you not to do it, but I would suggest
> mapping out the whole project, then double or triple your estimated
> budget. My Chevelle is relatively rust free, but I don't want to
> think about what I've spent or will spend before it's done.
>
> With your Monte project, the photo biz, etc., is there time for
> another project? and if it's a '53 would a rust free '53 make more
> sense, even though it would be significantly more expensive?
>
> Not trying to be negative (Abandon hope all ye who enter here).
>
> Chris
>
> On Wed, Dec 1, 2010 at 12:35 PM, Ray Buck <rbuck@xxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
>
> Chris: can you get floor pans (and a trunk pan) for a 53 Chevy 150 2-dr
> sedan? I think they otta be the same as a BelAir. If not, the BelAir pans
> otta be close enough that they could be made to work (they might be a coupla
> inches longer.)
>
> I've found one that just keeps cryin out to me and...well, the price is such
> that I'm just about at the point where I can't let it go to the shredder and
> it might even be a profitable turnaround...if not something I could drive to
> cruise nites. I'm sure the ol debbil hisself is pushin me from behind, but
> I seem to be lettin him. :)
>
> r
>
>
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>
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