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Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 2
Grease Monkey
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OP
Grease Monkey
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 2 |
Help! We inherited a 1954 chevy station wagon from my father in law. It has over 400,000 miles on it. He bought it in 1960 as a second car, and gave it to my wife. Who used it in high school. The car has been parked since 1982 and the front end suspension and all linkages are relatively worn out. However, the body is in good shape. We would like to know if anyone has put the body from a 54 chevy wagon on a newer chassis like an (ex:) Impala, camero, van, truck or other. I would like to find a 1970's + chassis engine and transmission that would work for this. We would also make the car 12 volt. Does anybody know of any new models that this could be done with that would fit the 1954 chevy body?
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Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 79
Shade Tree Mechanic
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Shade Tree Mechanic
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 79 |
crc,
There are many ways to do what you are talking about. Most of them take lots of work, man hours, and experience to accomplish (or a ton of time and money if you have to pay someone else to do it).
If your car is in decent shape and you just want to get it on the road, I'd suggest you look at rebuild kits available for your stock front end.
If you want to build a rod, you'll probably find more information on other web sites that cater to rod builders. Most guys here restore or maintain original or close to original cars.
Good luck with your project.
DCMatt 1952 Styleline Deluxe Station Wagon
What becomes of the day for those who rage against it?
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Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 113
Shade Tree Mechanic
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Shade Tree Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 113 |
Nicely said, DC Matt  :cool2:
I am going to grow up someday!
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Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 2,576 Likes: 2
ChatMaster - 2,000
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ChatMaster - 2,000
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 2,576 Likes: 2 |
agree 100 % with DC Matt. rebuiling your 49 to 54 chevy/53 to 62 vete front suspension is easiest and least expensive route. if you're gonna street-rod the old wagon, then more exotic front suspnsions the way to go.mike
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Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 2
Grease Monkey
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OP
Grease Monkey
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 2 |
DC Matt:
Regarding my 54 Chevy Wagon. Thannk you for the great advice. I will take it. Can you or anyone else recommend a place to get rebuild parts? The steering box is also in bad shape.
CRC
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Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 113
Shade Tree Mechanic
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Shade Tree Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 113 |
All right Folks here is your chance to help a newbee.....
I am going to grow up someday!
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,157
ChatMaster - 2,000
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ChatMaster - 2,000
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,157 |
crc, welcome... you might want to start by perusing the posts in the "vendors & suppliers - parts" forum under "mr. goodwrench": vendors vendors such as the filling station, chev's of the forties, or even napa auto parts should get you going in the right direction...  epi
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Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 79
Shade Tree Mechanic
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Shade Tree Mechanic
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 79 |
crc, Start with this link: http://1951chevymanual.web1000.com/ (Thanks to Capt. Hardy!) It's a copy of the shop manual for '49 - '54 Chevrolet. This should give you a better idea of what your looking at. Check Kanter Auto Parts, Chevs of the 40's, The Filling Station. These all have on-line catalogs with most of the stuff you'll need. Take your time and have fun. DCMatt See my wagon at: www.geocities.com/dlevault/52wagon.html
What becomes of the day for those who rage against it?
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