Autoshop Classics
Auctions
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Old Car Super Highway
Frank Devine
Custom Cars
When building Custom Cars other than Street Rods, performance is second to appearance. The objective is to be sleek, low and sinister. The front end is slightly higher than the rear and resembles an angry wild beast charging down the boulevard baring its chrome teeth, seeking to devour anything in its path like a metal panther stalking in the concrete jungle.
The interiors are an outrageous display of tuck and roll, metallic whipcord and retro space age instrumentation. Full wheel covers with spinners are preferred over specialty wheels. Done correctly front wheel covers look like an osturizer gone wild. Wide whites glide over black top with hypnotic appeal. The finish is a sea of flames over candy apple colors that glow through a pearl essence mist. The concealed exhaust system must have a vicious rumble and a nasty back rap as blue flames pour through chrome plated fish tips or jeweled deflectors. Dimly lit blood red tail lights simulating rocket fire, fade quickly into the night leaving only the distant roar of a raging road monster.
1940’s and ‘50’s cars dominate this category of old car activity, late ‘30’s cars can sometimes be of interest too but, more often these days the hulking giants of the sixties are making the biggest impact on the customizing scene. Just remember, when you choose a car to customize your creating something individual to your taste. Although there are a few text book examples out there proven to be safe investments most customizer’s do their own thing, this can prove to be risky sometimes.
For example, you may decide an extremely rare and valuable car lends itself to your style of self expression. Maybe you don’t know the treasure you stumbled on is worth more in every aspect including money than what you may ultimately create. You may think this unique creation is cool but, when the time comes to sell it and let’s face it people, almost every car eventually gets sold. Public opinion may be very different from yours.
If there’s a chance you’re creating something only you will want down the road, it would be wise to make sure you’re not destroying something of tremendous value. I’ve heard customizer’s say they love to see restorer’s get upset about their choice of cars to customize. Well, NOT ME, the rare times in life I have been an idiot, I didn’t want the rest of the world to know it! And I certainly wasn’t proud of my stupidity. If the car you pick isn’t odd or controversial as to wheater it should be used for customizing, it’s probably o.k. and the praise for your achievement will also likely be much greater, so will your satisfaction.
Ford’s, Mercury’s, Chevy’s, Buick’s, Olds, Mopar’s of the 40’s, 50’s, and 60’s are great candidates for customizing. Four doors are perfect because of utilitarian advantages, low cost to acquire. Restorers won’t hate you, and some really cool styling opportunities not available with two door models. Pickups are fun and easier because everything comes apart separately. For advice or to send in a photo of your car please e-mail me at fdevine@autoshopclassics.com.
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