Bastardized 1959 "Coronet" build

[3175375]

I like how the rear glass line follows the roof, but it doesn’t ‘flow’ right into the rear deck/fenders to me. Maybe it needs to stretch in the center of the glass further into the Dutchman panel.

However, from your comment that you don’t want another 11 year project, I can see the justification to leave it.

Chuck Barris would do something besides leaving it alone…

I think the car deserves something different. I just don’t know what right now.

 

[wetskier2000]

I like how the rear glass line follows the roof, but it doesn’t ‘flow’ right into the rear deck/fenders to me. Maybe it needs to stretch in the center of the glass further into the Dutchman panel.

However, from your comment that you don’t want another 11 year project, I can see the justification to leave it.

Chuck Barris would do something besides leaving it alone…

I think the car deserves something different. I just don’t know what right now.

He most assuredly would.. Prolly use the 59 windshield and cut the roof off another car.

I'll try to expose some more blue tape "glass" today...

 

[wetskier2000]

Ok, 2 inch chop instead of 4. More "glass". A huge improvement IMHO. Still a little goofy with the targa top removed, but I can live with that... Sorry Chuck...

 

[3C's & a D?]

What do you plan on doing for rear glass? And do you have the '59 glass? I'm sure you're aware many top chops use the original glass, lowered into a recess. Might be a good exercise to gently place into position if you have it.

 

[wetskier2000]

Gently, LOL... I do not have the 59 rear glass, uh well, I did have it until I knocked it off the roof and found out exactly how many Ziplocks a 1959 Coronet rear glass fits into. None of the typical rear glass chop methods will work here. Not only is it chopped 2 inches, but the B and C pillars are also leaned in. I think my only option is Lexan but I am going to chat with my glass guy this week...

 

[1970cat]

if it were me , i'd put a curve on the top of the glass to match the curvature of the deck lid

 

[wetskier2000]

if it were me , i'd put a curve on the top of the glass to match the curvature of the deck lid
View attachment 687189

It will....

 

[wetskier2000]

I sliced the real roof panel down the middle then cut it to fit the new shorter side-to-side dimension. That went pretty well. Then I placed it where the tinfoil had been and guess what... Yup, a damn bump.... Back to the drawing board...

 

[mopar preferred]

Well, that's what it needed to correct the view from the rear. Progress.

 

[Just Carbs]

Ok, 2 inch chop instead of 4. More "glass". A huge improvement IMHO. Still a little goofy with the targa top removed, but I can live with that... Sorry Chuck...

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I think you will get something close to this exact setup it to work with the windshield as the windshield is. It looks good with the fin and hood angle.

 

[livininharrow]

i absolutely luv what you are doing on this project. have you considered lowering the assend a couple inches if it is possible? i am trying to picture it with a lower back end. the inside of the rear fender maybe being level with the axle center.

 

[wetskier2000]

I have thought about that on occasion when I see these Exner beauties lowered all the way around. I'd have to mess with the stock Corvette suspension to lower it. Maybe air bags some day?? In the meantime, I did put ridiculous rake on the car on purpose.

 

[mopar preferred]

An exterior Targa band to disguise the hump?
Pic borrowed from another thread.

 

[wetskier2000]

I think I mentioned an early 60s Imperial stainless targa band to hide the seam. I hadn't thought about it disguising the bump. That's brilliant.. Can someone ID the car above?

The bump is almost gone with a little more tweaking. Now I have to get brave enough to cut the roof along the former rain gutters... I is ascahed...

 

[3C's & a D?]

That's about a 1976 Royal Monaco with the St. Regis roof.

 

[mopar preferred]

I think I mentioned an early 60s Imperial stainless targa band to hide the seam. I hadn't thought about it disguising the bump. That's brilliant.. Can someone ID the car above?

The bump is almost gone with a little more tweaking. Now I have to get brave enough to cut the roof along the former rain gutters... I is ascahed...

Wouldn't even necessarily have to be stainless, even a body color band might do.
Absolute crazy thought --- illuminated plexiglass band. Like edge lit, or something. Is that even a thing?
Just me and the cat home now. Sometimes the mind wanders into strange territory while otherwise unoccupied.

 

[wetskier2000]

Wouldn't the lit edge plexiglass be akin to undercar neon? LOL!

Some good news today... Turns out I didn't need to spend thousands of dollars on fancy, shcmancy coilovers or air bag systems to address the tire rubbing the fenders issue. Seems C5 Corvettes have adjustable mono spring systems. A few turns of a bolt head and voila, front end is 1/2" higher and no longer contacts the fenders despite some hooligan driving. However, it might be wise to fix the traction control sooner than later as the car is very tail happy. Prolly doesn't help that I extended the rear frame 18" while shortening the front by 6-8".

Also, my wife finally drove Boris. Its essentially her project car but she kept on with the requirements... "Its gotta have a horn, Tires can't rub, where's that clutch pedal extension? Well, I finally met all requirements but the last one (yet) and she agreed to drive it. Well, the **** eating grin on her face as she waled thru the 6 speed gearbox told me I succeeded. WIN!

 

[twostick]

Love it

Wouldn't the lit edge plexiglass be akin to undercar neon? LOL!

Some good news today... Turns out I didn't need to spend thousands of dollars on fancy, shcmancy coilovers or air bag systems to address the tire rubbing the fenders issue. Seems C5 Corvettes have adjustable mono spring systems. A few turns of a bolt head and voila, front end is 1/2" higher and no longer contacts the fenders despite some hooligan driving. However, it might be wise to fix the traction control sooner than later as the car is very tail happy. Prolly doesn't help that I extended the rear frame 18" while shortening the front by 6-8".

Also, my wife finally drove Boris. Its essentially her project car but she kept on with the requirements... "Its gotta have a horn, Tires can't rub, where's that clutch pedal extension? Well, I finally met all requirements but the last one (yet) and she agreed to drive it. Well, the **** eating grin on her face as she waled thru the 6 speed gearbox told me I succeeded. WIN!

Love it when a plan comes together.

In my case tho, the plan has usually come together before I realized there WAS a plan...

Kevin

 

[wetskier2000]

Got brave enough to cut the side metal... Pretty happy with the results. That's where the roof will be!

 

[wetskier2000]

...and without the targa top...