Classic Cars : Classic Nation

To Chop and Tub, or Not to Chop and Tub…

January 11, 2008 – 8:24 pm

That is the question. I keep telling my dad that he needs to customize the 50′ Fleetline with a good old’ chop and tub job. He isn’t so convinced. He likes the idea of keeping it more original, and making it a “rat rod” with flat black paint and red steel wheels.

Here is what we are working with. So as you can see, there are a lot of directions that this project can go; Hot rod, rat rod, custom, ect. My personal opinion for this rig, is to yank out the original engine and drop in a 350/turbo 350, put air bags on it, chop it, tub it, paint it flat black, throw on some custom wheels and call it good. Here is a nice start for a project similar. I really like the stance that this car has. The chop looks great on it too.

Here is the alternative: Keep the original engine in it, paint it flat black, put on the red steel wheels… This example doesn’t look bad either, but it is all a matter of opinion.

Here is my question for you. If you had this car, and money was no object (be reasonable), what direction would you take this car if you planned on keeping it and enjoying it as a weekend driver?