Converting a "Shoebox Chevy" form a 4 door to a 2 door

[@stwhite5135]

I started watching this video by saying, "I'll just buy a two door." But I was amazed at the jigsaw pieces and how they went together. Thanks for the photos and congratulations on completing a project like this.

[@MEANlowGREEN]

Thanks for sharing this with the world! I'm glad to see people are doing this type of projects. I did a much less involved conversion changing my '63 C10 pick-up from a long step side to a short step side then finally to a short fleetside a couple of years back. I love it now and it just looked weird before. Keep up the great work!

[@jeffreymerrill4449]

I have many hours as a sheet metal fabricator. I'm impressed. One suggestion,put jackstands under suspension not frame. My dad was a collision frame repairman,that was one of first things he taught me. God bless

[@JohnSmith-bx1mp]

Your dad is right,i have seen that mistake,far too many times,also put the stands,as far outboard as is practical,especially on control arms. God bless you as well.

[@BTrapr40]

Awesome video & music. I’ve been wondering about this since I’ve been shopping for 62-64 impalas, but only finding 4 doors. I knew it was possible If you changed the doors to coupe doors. Your video just made my dream more attainable. Thank you 💪🏽

[@FRANKSBESEK]

You did an amazing transformation here. I really enjoyed the video and explanation. A four door from then is far more desireable than any number of doors these days. All manufacturers make these days are scrap metal to begin with. Replacement parts are pretty lame also ! Thanks for the share.

[@driverslqqk7940]

That was actually you really have some craftsmanship there looks great you did a fine job and you showed us really the nuts and bolts of what it takes to do this very nice 57 four door to a two door sweet

[@hillbilly55chevy]

Hi I done the same thing but I had a rusted 2 door that I could use the parts from for my 4 door.I think you done a super job.

[@campingwiththeadamss8552]

GladI found this video. I am getting ready to do my 4 door this winter and was looking for an outline as a guide.

[@MrDjh66]

Totally amazing you are a true master craftsmen I totally look up to men like you

[@mikegoble9931]

just watched your video. really appreciate your information on some of the steps to take to convert a 4 door to a 2 door Thanks

[@bigblockstang9368]

True shoe box name originally and accurately belongs to the 49-51 Ford's. Ford was the 1st non fat fender car, and it was given the nick name shoe box because tires and wheels were hidden under body and was the first of the big 3 to design a car without a fat fender look, and the rest we're followers. Just a history lesson to the young bow tie followers.

[@oscarpark1523]

I think this is really great. Don’t understand all the trash talk. They’re still pretty good craftsmen.

[@oreokookie1000]

I admire your welding skill.....AND your deal- making ability

[@Peaches-N-Mango]

i REALLY like the colours and the look after the conversion, good work!

[@krisberglund6361]

Super nice job! You sure made it look easier than it really is! Great job!!

[@alfredquinton9593]

Like how it was a 57 being worked and when done showed 55s and 57s, with some 2drhdtps thrown in

[@510mauricio]

thanks you just inspired me to get the closest thing to my dream car 4 door 1957 chevy and make it what i want a 2 door lol excellent video

[@snoopu2601]

Thank you for sharing very instrastine glad you took step by step photo's 👍 The 4 door are in now everyone is trying to pick up a old 4 door car of any type.

[@labrd41]

I can believe that only because the 2 door models are becoming so short in supply. Maybe 4 door hardtops enjoy some popularity, but we're talking about sedans here. I personally would have a hard time restoring or hot rodding a 4 door car, but different strokes for different folks.

[@snoopu2601]

@@labrd41 true , I guess I help many people restore all type's of diffrent car's truck's Station wagons stuff I wouldn't put my money into. This guy was very dedicated to make his car into a two door. They sale every part of that car in after market parts. Even the front doors. Pretty much most of the common Chevys the only after market parts they don't sell is Cadillac parts you have to hunt or make the part.

[@fiddlerpin]

@sgtlzy I take offense at that. I am doing a body off restoration of a low mileage 57 chevy 4 door. The price I paid for the car was nowhere near the cost of a 57 2 dr coupe or sedan. My 57 when finished will drive just as good or as fast as a 57 2 dr and I will have built it for alot less cost. It's the exact same car from the doors forward and from the back doors backward. Hell I can even get into the back easier.

[@vitosanto3874]

To say this Guy is good is an under statement ,but as a retired Auto body man and shop owner I for the life of me could never work in the cluttered environment that he does, it's a testimonial to his talent and skills.

[@GavinJLang]

I would love to do this to a new charger. Since chargers should NEVER have 4 doors.

[@bootran4054]

A custom rod shop owner I chatted with said he's done 2 door conversions but not with tri fives and the hardest part was getting the back windows to roll up right - you literally have to make your owns parts to make it work is what I was told

[@fiddlerpin]

You guys are forgetting one thing. You cannot change the body tag or serial plate or the title to a 2 door sedan. Anybody buying it in the future will know that it has been modified structually.

[@deanwhite4190]

Neat, I love two door cars. That's what I bought as long as the automakers made them. Cars used to be available in several body styles, 4 door post sedans and 4 door hardtops, 2 door coupes and 2 door hardtops.In most cars back in the day the 2 door hardtop had the most eye appeal. They also made 2 and 4 door station wagons. But nowdays the only 2 cars made by US automakers are the Mustang, the Challenger and the Camaro. All three cars are hardtops, cars with doors that have no metal frame around the window glass. In my opinion the hardtop was the best kind of two door. I never had a two door car with a roll down back side window. Mine either had flip out back side glass, a fixed glass or GM collanade style of the seventies and side opera window in a 1985 Buick Regal Limited. My how times change.

[@mrpoolplayer6379]

Great Conversion... ingenuity personified. if there's a will, there's a way... Necessity is the Mother of invention...

[@scootergeorge9576]

...whatever you say, make it a cliche...

[@HawklordLI]

Interesting how the car transformed back and forth from a 57 to a 55 to a 57.

[@gilmurrell8789]

And to a HARDTOP!

[@TairnKA]

It's magic. ;-)

[@Robocoppat]

I thought the same thing..only on KZbin!

[@waynewilliams5802]

@@TairnKA gcgb

[@TheSpiker4sure]

as a 75 year old car guy, I've heard of shoebox Fords (1949 thru 1951) but never heard anyone refer to a Chevy as a shoebox.

[@jessebaca2750]

Spike You’re absolutely right spike

[@ScoutPL]

As a 57 year old car guy, I believe you. and I've heard of 55 to 57 Chevys referred to as shoebox Chevy's since I was about 8 years old.

[@jessebaca2750]

Dave Newman It’s always been referred to Ford I believe it’s 1949 to 1951 and it doesn’t include Mercury’s by the way I have a 1951 Merc👍🏼

[@alfredquinton9593]

And as a 61 yr old car guy I've only heard of 55, 56 and 57 chevys referred to as shoe boxes, none other

[@joeking6081]

As a 46 year old car guy, Spike you are correct. 49-51 Fords are Shoebox's. 55-7 Chevy I've never heard of being called a shoebox. While we're on the subject, for the love of God would these "I know more than you guys" PLEASE stop calling any 55-7 Chevy wagon a Nomad. As an owner of a 56' Nomad, they are NOT the same.

[@brian55lvr]

why did it start as a 57 then change to a 55?-----just pics you had?

[@mikecondoluci53]

NICE JOB MAN LOOKS LIKE LOTS OF WORK BUT WELL WORTH IT

[@DownRange1776]

See you both on the HAMB this is awesome! I was just thinking about starting a thread on the HAMB when I found this video. I wanted to ask what and how to do it. Great work and looks awesome!

[@57griffin]

Nice job and video, I too had a 4-door 210 once ... its now a 2-door 150 ;-)

[@andrews582]

How about leaving it with four doors on one side, and two doors on the other? Great at car shows!

[@igotajopamerica3040]

After watching this, I'm going to get one of my kids Pinewood Derby cars we built and look at it while drinking a beer. 🍺

[@rayrayrayray4708]

Your kids don't want you anywhere near there pinewood Derby car while your drinking lol

[@johnsullivan6709]

Cool vid. My 55 has been made from a 4 door into a 2 door as well as having a 4 1/2 inch roof chop and radius back guards. 4 bar and tubs to come

[@MtM2253]

HawklordLI. Not only that it also magically transformed from a sedan (or what dummies call a post) to a hardtop in the final product photos. A hard top (for those that don't know) is the one without the post. Like the yellow one at the end.

[@justinw523]

I knew it could be done but never seen it, there's ALOT of 4door shoebox's where I live and now I'm gonna try it and build me one!!!!!! If I get stuck or give up least I know where to take it to get finished HAHAHA

[@johnwade5747]

By showing the pics of a HARDTOP(pillerless) car in some of the views,you may confuse some of the folks studying this to do one themselves.Cool job,though!I'd probably get impatient!haha!

[@robertolsen4140]

I built a hot rod 55 Chevy 2 door. post in the 60's . I would love to find a builder and do another one.

[@Mr4827k]

Nice,It is more fun to weld the back doors shut, cut the window posts /door tops and roof off, then move the roof line forward. Reattach the roof then cut and weld the window posts. You get an overly long trunk but a very cool body with small rear opera windows And curved tops on the doors. I did it once.

[@hillbilly55chevy]

Hi I done a 4dr to 2dr last year but I had a rough 2dr doner car. great video great imfor.

[@Trifiveguy]

so there are 2 cars right a 55 and a 57 and couldnt you use a b pillar from a 2 door sedan so you dont have to modify the latch area on the doors that would save a little time if you had the parts that is !! nice job!!

[@deanmalinko3561]

Cool video, great music as well!

[@paulbains9152]

Do a nice matching and finishing job on any curves and folds inside the jams and doors . Ive converted tailgates to power windows , and thats the first thing judges at car shows look at .

[@biscaynenick]

I'm almost done with a 60 Biscayne 4-dr sedan to a 60 Impala 2dr htp. Yep Sport Coupe. Long trunk and short low hardtop roof.

[@neilperry2224]

I'm a fan of the tri 5 chevys, but favourite models are the 55/6/7 nomads and the four door pillarless sports coupe.

[@pleasuretrip]

Hahaha.. I was gonna ask the same exact thing. If you can change the whole car like that then you are good! LoL. I like how the orange 55 is left as both. Not too many 55 chev 3 doors driving around.

[@rontegtmeyer8293]

Just saw this. Had a accident with my 56 Chevy fenders hood and grill replaced all with a 55 fenders hood and grill. So it can be done. It was fun to do those were the days🚗😃

[@1968DodgePolara]

Now you got to find some how to say its a 2 door on the title.You could do a retitle on the car and say you lost it and say its a 2 door that way but in the long run the Vin # will tell the tell

[@johniorio7951]

In connecticut, at least, they have some law about a composite vehicle- I think its even cheaper to register as a composite, but theres an inspection

[@STEVEM730]

Restodan made a 57 two door convertible out of a 57 four-door hardtop.

[@michaelnaisbitt1639]

Steve Duval How did he retain the structural strength needed in the body when roof was removed. Have been told that it's very difficult to convert a large 4 door car to a convertible because of loss structural strength A two dr car much easier to convert

[@labrd41]

If I remember correctly, there was a Pontiac involved.

[@snoopu2601]

A friend of mine turned a 51 4 door Mercury into a chop 2 door. It was a lot of work I told him he should have left it a chop 4 door.

[@lestermiller2717]

I have done this a few times with Packard’s my favorite cars. Chopping a top, Z- en a frame, shaving doors all that stuff. After stripping the interior don’t take body off frame that is important. Weld several pieces tubing across the inside of body. That will hold it straight while the top is being cut off or a new one made.

[@ChrisSmith-pm4nm]

I actually did this with a shoebox which I later converted to a litter box.

[@Laffy1345]

Lol..meow

[@victordovalina6412]

That's some funny shit buddy.🤣

[@robertordewald8678]

U r da Cats meow dude!

[@tuske427]

Very cool video, thanks for posting! Who knew it was that easy to do. (and I don't mean that it's a 5 minute job, but that many of the 4 door parts can be reused like that minimizing expense and parts..)

[@trickster57]

G'day Darryl Love the video. Just joined the H.A.M.B. after seeing your vid. Been considering doing this to my '57 for years. Now it's in pieces again, so if I can find a couple of doors in Aus...who knows?? Catch you at the Jalopyjournal Cheers Trickster Catch you on the

[@rogerc.roberts4705]

Have yet to see articles or videos on this subject that addresses ALL the conversion process. You left out all mention of how the rear quarter windows were adopted.

[@1219husky]

seen 4 door 56 at a swap meet guy removed rear door handles which doesn't distract the eye , painted car a beautiful red and white absolutely beautiful 4 door tubbed car! 4 doors can be made to look cool ! just sayin.

[@TheSkoto1]

I wished you would tell me where i can find a $500 4 door??

[@rickg.5171]

This came out great. I've seen people take the short cut by welding the rear doors and bondo filling joints but it's a shit looking two door in the end.

[@paulbains9152]

I agree , Ill spend a lot of time cutting and pasteing pictures before I start . Ill even take it off-stock to get a look Im happy with . Its even more fun to add almost stock moldings that look original . Ive spent hours , wandering around auto wreckers with card board patterns , looking for something to modify . Theres nothing worst than staring at it finished , thinking , wished Id done that .

[@paulpetry3675]

Fabulous! now do awway witth the turoquoise background and white lettering

[@mikeries8549]

Next week watch the conversion of a dodge Durango into a 1-ton duelly.

[@peterd7603]

I always wondered if someone would do this, the bodies are so close it's a sensible conversion. But how did the paint end up on a hardtop? The conversion shown was sedans.

[@JSBIRD69]

Great job!! My 8 year old sister did the same thing. Yours is a little better than hers though.

[@robertordewald8678]

Thanks for the video. If you use a 2 door door jam this then would make things a lot easier and repeatable if you have to replace a door later on. How much effort is involved in making the rear windows work properly or is it best to mount the rear glass without the regulators? I'm better thinking and doing than typing!!

[@50023boy]

Cool Video, Looks Great!

[@savageman7047]

the letters are to light can't really see them in beginning

[@bigalturk1]

Very well done, thanks for the video!

[@randyedwards3244]

As stater, it's not a "How To", rather it's a "It Can" As stated by others, it's really sad seeing a 4 door shoebox with the back doors "Bondoed" shut - especially with a great paint job and cracks in the Bondo. I know a guy with a '58 Impala - 350, 4 speed car. I asked regarding the 2 - 4 door issue and his reply made a lot of sense. Driving the car, as he's concerned, does the number of doors really matter? He's still driving a '58 Impala, the dash looks the same, it cost far less than a 2 door and finally - it's his car and he's happy with it. We should all agree that's the most important part - that he still has back doors that work!

[@60chevyjim]

they never made a 4 door 58 impala

[@mototoad1242]

​@@60chevyjim he died Jim.

[@omsirut]

very easy I did this in 20 minutes with nothing but wire pliers and screwdriver

[@jazzpup8288]

The a team did it with cactus and speaker wire

[@lobmin]

WHAT You can actually get a 4 door tri five chevy for 500 dollars over there??

[@DeezNuts-dz6ui]

i got a 2 Door Post 55 Chevy with Title and a Pickup load of extra parts last fall for $ 1,200 Cash

[@ragtopcat70]

Very cool vid, thank you for sharing this...

[@fiddlerpin]

@machone7I You would have to find a junked 2 door and move the serial plate to the new 2 door car. The frames also have the serial number stamped on them on the top under the driver side door. You can't make new serial plates. It's illegal

[@60chevyjim]

on a 55 -57 the serial # dosen't tell you anything about it being a 2 or 4 door .

[@fiddlerpin]

@@60chevyjim Sorry I meant the model plate. The model plate on the firewall pass side does. In New Jersey "can't speak for other states" If your title says 4 door you cannot have it changed to a 2 door.

[@60chevyjim]

@@fiddlerpin yes the cowl tag tells you just about everything about a car , where i lived in pa. you can get a reconstructed title . but i now live in north carolina where the dmv is real hell for people who build custom cars .

[@yellowsnow4free]

Awesome video, and great tutorial. I need to keep my eye out for 4 doors now! 1 thing I don't think was addressed though. At 4:16, I noticed the frame for the rear window. If I was ever to do this conversion, I'd want it to be the most factory-correct I can make it. Any tips on the rear window frames?

[@ffej980]

i own an original 55 chevy 2-door...that is right and tight...but i have no problem with converting 4-doors...you can find 4-doors in great shape...all things considered...i would convert a 4-door also

[@raeguerrero79]

The H.A.M.B is legit shit these guys are a group of talent

[@myhotrodtv]

Nice job converting the 4dr into a 2dr.. oh by the way I just became your 680th subscriber

[@mototoad1242]

He's no longer with us.

[@jack002tuber]

A few years ago there was a place selling over a dozen red 57 chevies, all 4 door. I wish I'd seen this before they all were sold.

[@j.maxsering3728]

Outstanding metal work. Did you use a TIG, Mig or both during construction?

[@hazelwood55]

Or you could just buy one of the brand new 2-door bodies that they make, without a molecule of rust on them.

[@axtra92]

how fun is that?

[@harrylongballslol]

and his idea so he's gonna pay for the doors for ya

[@chriswhite2151]

If you have $17, 000 laying around

[@johnnywrench9669]

That is awesome , Everyone just passes up a 4 Dr and you think to save it.

[@CTX50]

Really great work!

[@number3665]

Great work man.

[@10secterror]

SUPER VIDEO!! Noticed at the 5:48 you show the yellow 2 door hardtop. Was that a 4 door hardtop conversion? If so do you have video of that conversion? Or even just some info may attempt if I can get info.

[@fiddlerpin]

@machone7I I don't really know how that would work. I know the new 55 chevy convertibles being made need a serial plate from a junker and maybe part of the windshield post installed in them as the serial plates are spot welded in.

[@luffy_804]

How did you get a quarter window in it?

[@kevykev38]

So end result is one side yellow and the other side blue?

[@floridamazdarati]

kevykev38 and red

[@R0yL33]

Doesn't the 2 door have a shorter wheel base as well?

[@TairnKA]

Of course the title still says it's a four door. ;-) I had a concept of installing a FWD Chevy drive-train "behind" the rear seat of a 66 Corvair convertible, then saw a video using a Fiero drive-train and suspension.

[@JohnSmith-bx1mp]

And?

[@TairnKA]

You end with a stock looking Corvair except it has two trunks, duel exhaust and better performance. Then in phase two the custom features are added. ;-)

[@rodolfodossantos9083]

Hi, I have a 210 chevy four doors and I want to do that job. Check ... how many centimeters is the front door of the chevy coupe? Thank you

[@machone7I]

@fiddlerpin i know making a new one its illegal, but cause somone said you could know if it was originally a two or a four door by looking at the serial plate i wondered if you could change the ones from a 2 door to a 4 door 2 door conversion so its legal and you cant notice it.

[@Doosterify]

I'm not a try 5 expert so I'm wondering about the wheelbase. Did the two door cars come in different wheelbases with one being the same as the four door?

[@redradiodog]

The wheel bases are the same. I put a two door body on a four door frame and it fit perfect. This was a 55 Chevy.

[@johnnygride2118]

Wow Nice job👍👍👍

[@ramanjitsingh534]

sir , i live in India but there are no such cars like it . can you please suggest and help me what doors should should i put in for front doors for a Contessa 1980. pls reply to it.

[@mdogg1604]

If the 1980 Contessa came in both a two door and four door model, the principles would be the same as shown in the video. If not, perhaps donor doors from a four door could be used to graft in a wider section to make a longer (wider) two-door. It's great to see custonizers from all over the world! Good luck!

[@ramanjitsingh534]

Thankx .

[@Dave31452]

Great job on the video. Now back to Chit Chat on Chevytalk to see who's making fun of Hillary....

[@pigscreen1]

Those $500 are now selling in Hemmings for as high as $50,000 I'd like to have a 4-door hardtop.

[@fattymcbennie]

Can you guys help me? I have a 57 four door post less. How would I do the two door conversion? Is it possible? Is it almost the same as this one in the video? Please help. Thank you

[@shanechandler1655]

You do realize the 4-door "Hardtops" are the rarest of the rare?...in lots of places they are just as expensive as the 2-door Hardtops! If you have one, put it in Hemmings, Autotrader, etc, or trade it for a 2 door.

[@JohnDoe-nv8gd]

damn you got a good deal for $500

[@68fastback123]

looks pretty legit good job!

[@donmiller4885]

Fantastic video thank you

[@jimstpierre4018]

He did so much more qork than was necessary...i seen it done with the back doors and ive aeen it done with replacement rear panels

[@joemonzano]

hardtop huh?

[@60chevyjim]

no hardtop

[@jdslick53]

Wow shoebox in to a chevy...cool

[@adoreslaurel]

Does anyone know what the price difference was in the 50,s for a 2 door as against a 4 door?