Custom Cars
One of the things that keeps me up at night is looking at a vehicle and suddenly realizing that I can improve its looks. A quick search on the Internet results in a sideview that I can modify in one of my graphics programs in my special way.
Some of the modifications are very subtle but result in a transformation from a cludgy won't-look-twice-at vehicle to one with interesting lines. Here's a few of the vehicle's that I've photoshopped:
1957 Chevrolet Extended Cab Pickup
I like the late 50s Chevy pickup trucks but find the cabs are too small. I was wondering what an extended cab pickup would look like and how I would build one.
I would take a long bed stepside, put a short bed on it and extend the cab by using the window frame from another set of doors. It would look pretty nice
1961 Thunderbird Fastback Hardtop
I had thought of this for many years and created this 1961 Thunderbird hardtop using the roof from a 65 Ford Fairlane. Little did I know that there is a concept car called the Thunderbird "Italien" that did this decades ago. I think that my roof lines are better.
Stock 1964 Ramber American Convertible
Fastback styled 1964 Ramber American Convertible
It's quite amazing how the looks of the 64 Rambler American convertible change with a fastback styled rake to the C pillar. It turns a run of the mill car into an aggresive muscle car. This would be simple to do.
Stock 1948 Chevrolet Styleline
Sectioned 1948 Chevrolet Styleline
I've always like the roof lines of the 1942-48 GM cars (Chevys, Olds, Pontiacs and Buicks). They have an aggresive rake to the B pillar and it looks like the roof is factory chopped. I would like to section about 4 inches out of the middle of the car to lower it. It would be a major job but well worth it.
1957 Buick Caballero Hardtop Stationwagon
1957 Buick "El Camino"
I was looking at a picture of the 1957 BuickCaballero station wagon and thought that it could be transformed into an "El Camino" style pickup truck. The rear window worked well but the rear door waist bend would have to be moved forward which really lengthens the look. Havne't decided if this is a good thing.
1983 Mustang Convertible
The 80s Mustangs are quite plentiful but the style is very boxy. I think that by chopping the windshield on a convertible and redoing the rake on the C pillar, you can really improve the attitude of the Mustang. Plus there are many very nice body kits that you can add to it. I would add a small trunk lid spoiler and an aggresive chin spoiler.
1954 Chevrolet Topless (read text to find out more)
1954 Chevrolet Convertible with a Carson Top
This 54 Chevy was for sale locally and it is a very beautiful car. The surprising part is that it was originally a 4 door hardtop! The rear doors were welded shut and the roof cut off. They did a great job. Unfortunately, there was no convertible top for it. I quickly photoshopped in a Carson top with an aggresive rake to it. It dramatically improves the look.