VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND NEWER 1949-1954 1950 fleetline engine change and suspension mods.

I own a black showroom original 1950 Fleetline Deluxe 2 door with 34k miles. I want to improve the car's performance and would like to know what would be the best engine that would bolt in to my mounts and 3 speed tranny. Also, are there any bolt-on suspension modififcations to improve handling and who supplies them? Thanks for the info. Jim

Speaking for myself ..... you may want to modify a showroom condition car with only 34K miles, but your thoughts will not generate many suggestions for modifications here.

The VCCA is dedicated to the PRESERVATION of these old beauties.

Being that your car is way above what is found out there today, enjoy it as it is ..... or sell it to me.

Wow, you have a beautiful car that is capable of cruising at normal highway speeds, why would you want to modify it? If you want a street rod why not find one that is not so pristine and do a complete "rod job", interior, body, and chassis modifications and sell the beautiful original to a collector. It is your car and you can do to it what you want but they are only original once!
Best wishes,

I hope you will reconsider your thoughts. Original is best. As suggested, buy a modern car to modify.

In another discussion a larger tire size was suggested as a better handling tire. Perhaps new shocks might also help. Some minor changes to the engine may help performance slightly, but I agree with others that if you are looking for a major change then another vehicle would be your best bet.

I agree. That is a nice original car so keep it stock. Your vehicle will cruise nicely at 65 MPH with the original engine.

My 48 Fleetine,does well in most all driving conditions,I am sure your 50 will do the same.The only change I would make on the 48 would be a set of radials

I have a '50 Styleline and drive it a good amount in the summer. The only change that I have made is to put radial tires on it. I have gone through the brakes and steering but kept things as the car was manufactured. If everything is done right you won't have any problem with modern traffic. Don

I have driven my 1950's in the summer from Denver to the Middle West Meet in places like St. Joseph, MO and Stillwater, OK at or slightly above the highway speed limit. One 1950 has radial tires, the other does not, and other than that, both cars are stock. I drove the four door sedan to the top of Pikes Peak, 14,110 feet above sea level, this June. They don't have the goodies my 2013 Chevrolet Equinox does, but they are fun to drive!

First, I deeply encourage you to keep it stock. You should be able to run fast enough for most situations and by merely add a little more time to the trip, if necessary. As the others have advised, it may serve to get a lesser car for hotrodding or whatever.

Second, I have a 50 convertible and I'm contemplating installing a 261 (which in appearance resembles a 235 and the 235 resembles a 261). You get the picture. In addition, I have a 50 Power Glide differential that I may install in any case. The differential torque tube and gears will not easily reveal the change.

Again, do what you want with your car. But, still, it is a shame to change them out to something different. That's why I'm reluctant to make the change in mine. There is a lot to be said for the pleasing feeling you will have in honestly answering when someone asks you if the car is original or not.

Best,
Charlie