Bill Taylor's 1949 Chevrolet

Photo by Marcia Campbell

Photo by Marcia Campbell

Photo by Marcia Campbell

As it appeared in 1957, when Bob Lawrenburg of Rapid City, South Dakota.

1957

1949 Chevrolet designed and built by Barris Kustoms for fraternity member of Sigma Nu, Bill Taylor. Rushing between U.C.L.A and work, it took nine months for Bill to complete the car. Barris Kustoms let their customers to help out to do work on their own car to save money. All the chrome on the body sides doors, hood and deck lid were removed, the doors were operated by push buttons hidden by strips under the doors. Inside, the push buttons for both deck lid and doors were placed in the dashboard. The headlights were mounted in a rimless flush opening. The front was fit with two tubular rubber mounted grille bars in steel frame that were attached to the body by spring-mounted bolts. The grille could then be bumped without giving shock to the body. The hood and fenders were faired to match the new grille. Barris built tubular rear fenders that housed a set of round 1950 Oldsmobile tail lights. The stock rear bumper was replaced by a 1950 Oldsmobile, cut and fitted to the Chevrolet body. To get the right stance, the car was channeled 10 inches in front, and 4,5 inches in the rear. The front springs were heated, cut and reshaped and the sub-frame was sectioned. Lowering blocks were mounted and the spring leaves were de-arched.

The 4 inch chopped soft top was built over a steel frame by Gaylord's Kustom Shop, and featured a removable three piece panoramic window which was easily removed by unsnapping the padded top. Gaylord als did the interior work on the car, which consisted of gray-purple and bone white antique leather with grey carpets. The interior fit well together with the two-tone purple and lavender metallic lacquer dashboard with chrome trim. Once the bodywork was done, it was covered with 25 layers of purple lacquer. The build was complete by adding dual spotlights and Cadillac Sombreros.

In Rod & Custom January 1957, the car appeared in reader's custom department, "Out of the 48" section. According to the story, the car hands several times since its completion, until it ended up with Bob Lawrenburg of Rapid City, South Dakota. Judging from the pictures Bob sent to Rod & Custom, the car was still in a great condition, and it appeared exactly as it was when it was first done for Bill Taylor.

Magazine Features And Appearances

Hop Up August 1951
Popular Science October 1951
Custom Cars Trend Book No. 101
Trend Book 105 Restyle Your Car
Hop Up March 1952
Rod & Custom January 1957