Rod or Restore this 54 Chrysler?

[Stoga]

I have this old 54 Chrysler Windsor Deluxe 2 door coupe. When I bought it, I kind of had plans of dropping a 440 in it, painting it black and going for it. But I've had a few people tell me these cars are fairly unusual, and this one has a Powerflite 2 speed automatic, making it more so. So I'm not sure what to do, it isn't cherry, but it isn't a total rag either. Here's the pic, if I can get it to show, tell me what you think?

[GUAM SS/T]

Rod It!!!!!!!!!!!

[COLORMECLONE]

I GOT ME A CHRYSLER,ITS AS BIG AS A WHALE, AND ITS ABOUT TO SET SAIL.ROD IT!!!

[scredneck]

ROD IT!!!!

[DFA]

Personally I'd say restore it. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE rods, but I also love to see cars in original condition. If a car is this rare, it'd be so much more valuable restoring it to original specs. I'd then turn around and find another, less rare car and rod that one.

Just my thoughts... I love seeing rods, but I equally love seeing restores (especially the rare ones).

[ChristianCuda]

I would do both with it. Number one drop in the 440 and 727 Torqueflite. Number two restore the rest of the car to original. Three keep all the original Drivetrain. You may need to swap out the rear end also with the 440. Then Cruis in and say its the rare 440 54 Chrysler only one ever made.

Christian

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Http://ThunderRacing.Knudstrup.net/

68 'Cuda 383 Best of 8.363@83.78 in the 1/8mile which is a mid 12 with a 1.89 60ft
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69 'Cuda Race Parts Car
76 Duster 273 recent transplant
95 Neon 2.0 SOHC best of 16.96
84 Dodge Ram D50 transplanting 360

[Stoga]

Just some additional info, the car was orignally lt blue with a white top, if I restore it, it will be put back to all original colors. Also, if the car is rodded, it will NOT get subframed, I think the original 54 Chrysler suspension should handle a v8 just fine. I'll be honest and say, that this project won't be started until I get my garage done sometime next year, and that yellow 68 Roadrunner you can just barely see the hood of, gets put on the road first. When I bought the 54, I thought it was in better shape then it was, big surprise, eh? It's going to need completely gone through anyway, especially considering the condition of the wiring and interior. I don't have production figures handy, but don't think it's all that rare, unless the powerflite automatic makes it so. One last thing, if I do rod the car, it will be in black primer at first, then entirely gloss black later. Don't think I'll flame it or anything, it looks intense enough as it is.

[COLORMECLONE]

Stoga,just remember,anybody can restore a car,but it takes a REAL MAN to cut one up!LOL. good luck with it.

[GUAM SS/T]

I think it would be perfect in Black with a red and black interior all put back to originalish condition with a 2-4bbl or 6pack on the 440 turning through an A-518 overdrive heading back to a Dana or Ford 9inch with 4.?? gears. I would keep the body very similar to stock. In short, restore the outside and interior and stuff the hood and underside with a serious ROD

[WEDGEMAN3]

STOGA,
I really believe that Windsor would make an
incredible Street-Rod ! Your gonna have some fun with it no-matter what you decide.My vote
(no recount please)is for the ROD.I know youll do Mother Mopar proud either way.
How about a look at the RoadRunner ?!?

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WEDGEMAN3

[wildman]

I'm with ChristianCuda and GUAM SS/T, RESTORE THE "LOOK" inside and OUT but the drive train max OUT! What would it have been called in the old days, a "SLEEPER". Big and looking slow but really awesome and all GO. Good luck!!!!! HOW ABOUT A LOOK AT THAT ROADRUNNER, can we get a BEEP BEEP????/

[wildman]

WEDGEMAN3, I spent about half my life in Bakos. Moved to TN in '93. My brother still lives there in SW area. Had my two Roadrunners there years ago. Just wanted to say hey!

[ram100]

My vote is restoration. I don't like the rod look that some people give their cars. They are very very nice, but I love restored cars much much more.

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1988 Dodge Ram D100, 3.9 V-6, Throttle Body Fuel Injection, Chrysler A-998 Transmission, Chrysler 8.25 Rear with 3.54 gear, Hercules Step Bumper 1200#tongue/12000#pull, Reese Hitch 750#tongue/7500#pull, Hopkins "Quick Connect" Trailer Plug, Hopkins trailer circuit breaker, Kenwood AM/FM Stereo CD player, Pioneer 5 speaker system, Mohawk aluminum cap(painted to match truck) with custom installed PM red/yellow marker lights and PM third brake light, 2 sets of Custom Cut Floor Mats Red and Burgundy, Custom Built Lighted Cupholder/Console with control switch.

[WEDGEMAN3]

Wildman,
Right back at ya Buddy. Its good to run into people from your own areas on these boards.You say your brother lives in the southwest.... that area really has developed
since you left in 93'. I live over in the Northwest.The wife and I moved into a new home last september(99')Bakersfield is really
starting to look like a Big City. Alot more Hot Rods and Street Car action too !! I just picked up a 68' Dart GT ...,were gonna stuff
a 440 in her....,Street/Strip car. More street than strip im sure ! Its so Damn hard to leave em in the garage ,just sittin there all quiet.My kids love going out and cruzin the Burger spots so ill always have some company. Take Care.

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WEDGEMAN3