Ronnie Leal's 1953 Chevrolet

Ronnie's Chevy next to Frank Livingston's 1949 Chevrolet at the 1957 National Roadster Show. Photo from the Ron Brooks collection.

1953 Chevrolet Bel Air Hardtop restyled by Joe Bailon of Bailon's Custom Shop in Hayward, California for Ronnie Leal. The body was shaved for door handles and unnecessary emblems, the hood was filled and the deck lid received the same treatment. The headlights were shaved and custom housings were made from sheet stock. The grille shell was reworked and the hood was extended down to the grille cavity. A clever combination of conduit pipe was installed in the unique grille shell. The front bumper was cleaned and simplified by removing the bolt holes, lending a smooth surface to this compartment. The side trim was reversed, a clever yet simple trick. The rear fenders were reworked in able to accept the 1956 Lincoln taillights.

Magazine Features

Custom Cars September 1957
Custom Cars October 1957
Trend Book 156 Custom Cars 1958 Annual