Howard Clarkson's 1951 Chevrolet

Photo by Walt Dibble

Photo by Walt Dibble

Photo by Walt Dibble

Photo by Walt Dibble

1951 Chevrolet Bel Air restyled by Valley Custom for Howard Clarkson of Santa Paula, California that he purchased brand new. The front fenders were extended 2 inches and the headlights were frenched and fitted with 1952 Mercury rings. The hood was shaved and the corners were rounded. A peak was also added to the hood which extended into the grille shell. The shell was molded to the fender panels and the original front bumper was replaced by a 1952 Cadillac front bumper with the center section removed. The Dagmars were backed by a wire mesh grille. The rear fenders on the car were extended 6 inches and fit with 1953 Lincoln lenses which were frenched in. The deck trim and door handles were shaved and operated electrically. The rear bumper originated on a 1952 Pontiac. The exhaust tips were molded in to the bumper. The gas neck was removed and repositioned behind the license plate.

Once the bodywork was completed the car was painted blue and white. To get the right stance the A-frame was reworked in front, the spring eyes were reversed in the rear, the frame was C'd, and the car was fit with 3 inch blocks in the rear. In order to get the car even closer to the ground, the body was channeled 5 inches over the frame.

Magazine Features

Custom Cars March 1958