Hey guys
So Im New Zealand based and have been after a good old 40s/50s car to customize for some time.
Have finally found a car im rather interested in.
a 1952 Buick that is so well maintained its used for weddings. So straight, all chrome all electrics (stereo even) working, re-upholstered & carpets, and a straight 8 with manual trans thats been maintained and has been overhauled.
Now im wanting to do what a purest would have a heart attack over.
thinking of chopping the roof, lower it and throw in a V8 to make a leadsled.
Im after style and sound more than speed.
Im used to 70s muscle cars and don't have the experience at all with older cars, hot rods or leadsleds.
Before i go and invest a considerable bit of wedge / remortgage to start this project I have a few questions im hoping this well maintained and populated forum might help with.
i understand I will need go 6v - 12v if i do drop a V8 in it.
Engine:
After reading about here and else where I see the 53 that had the same chassis came out with a small Nailhead.
Further reading alluded to issues regarding steering, exhaust etc with V8s
Will a 53 fit a 364/401/425 nailhead? What issues am i going to need to face?
Dual exhuast. im thinking lake pipes but need check laws etc on them here (might just get for looks but not hook up)
Have never seen a straight 8 done up. How do they sound? Youtube clips are mostly crappy and inconsistent.
Front/rear end/ steering gear / breaks / lower
So what ever i do i will be lowering it.
its right hand drive.
I wouldnt mind power steering as it just makes the ride more enjoyable.
So if im dicking about with such things it may be best to just replace the front end?
V8 might need a new rear end anyway. recommendations. ( note im in New Zealand and we don't have a huge supply other than ford, holder, chev) think i read a Jag front / rear somewhere?
Any other considerations.
Chop top.
So ya the hardest part and might be a part i will either do and leave everything else other than lowering or just skip on.
Hard to find guys here that will do it. the old guys who could are not interested anymore and young guys never have done it and are after quick insurance work not full scale custom jobs.
lets just say ones who say "maybe" are quoting 10k+ just for the chop then glass.
So glass first any ideas of suppliers world wide who can supply and ship to the bottom of the world?
any considerations i may need when thinking about chopping?
im thinking 3-4inch front and what ever feels right at the back 4-6inch im guessing and laying the rear window down.
thought about welding up the rear doors but i kinda like the idea of 4 doors (yes i know not the norm).
So ya. As you see im looking at an expensive build. So would like some advice.
if you had a 52 4 door super whats in original condition and clean enough to be used for weddings.... and you decided to hotrod/leadsled it. What would you do.
Just got to work the ca$h out and get ideas.
Sorry to those who love there rides original.
thanks in advance.
Alex
So Im New Zealand based and have been after a good old 40s/50s car to customize for some time.
Have finally found a car im rather interested in.
a 1952 Buick that is so well maintained its used for weddings. So straight, all chrome all electrics (stereo even) working, re-upholstered & carpets, and a straight 8 with manual trans thats been maintained and has been overhauled.
Now im wanting to do what a purest would have a heart attack over.
thinking of chopping the roof, lower it and throw in a V8 to make a leadsled.
Im after style and sound more than speed.
Im used to 70s muscle cars and don't have the experience at all with older cars, hot rods or leadsleds.
Before i go and invest a considerable bit of wedge / remortgage to start this project I have a few questions im hoping this well maintained and populated forum might help with.
i understand I will need go 6v - 12v if i do drop a V8 in it.
Engine:
After reading about here and else where I see the 53 that had the same chassis came out with a small Nailhead.
Further reading alluded to issues regarding steering, exhaust etc with V8s
Will a 53 fit a 364/401/425 nailhead? What issues am i going to need to face?
Dual exhuast. im thinking lake pipes but need check laws etc on them here (might just get for looks but not hook up)
Have never seen a straight 8 done up. How do they sound? Youtube clips are mostly crappy and inconsistent.
Front/rear end/ steering gear / breaks / lower
So what ever i do i will be lowering it.
its right hand drive.
I wouldnt mind power steering as it just makes the ride more enjoyable.
So if im dicking about with such things it may be best to just replace the front end?
V8 might need a new rear end anyway. recommendations. ( note im in New Zealand and we don't have a huge supply other than ford, holder, chev) think i read a Jag front / rear somewhere?
Any other considerations.
Chop top.
So ya the hardest part and might be a part i will either do and leave everything else other than lowering or just skip on.
Hard to find guys here that will do it. the old guys who could are not interested anymore and young guys never have done it and are after quick insurance work not full scale custom jobs.
lets just say ones who say "maybe" are quoting 10k+ just for the chop then glass.
So glass first any ideas of suppliers world wide who can supply and ship to the bottom of the world?
any considerations i may need when thinking about chopping?
im thinking 3-4inch front and what ever feels right at the back 4-6inch im guessing and laying the rear window down.
thought about welding up the rear doors but i kinda like the idea of 4 doors (yes i know not the norm).
So ya. As you see im looking at an expensive build. So would like some advice.
if you had a 52 4 door super whats in original condition and clean enough to be used for weddings.... and you decided to hotrod/leadsled it. What would you do.
Just got to work the ca$h out and get ideas.
Sorry to those who love there rides original.
thanks in advance.
Alex