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Build File · 003

1949 Buick
Roadster Conversion

This 1949 Buick began life as an unassuming four-door sedan before being transformed into a stunning two-door roadster through extensive custom fabrication. The owner felt the rear quarter panels did not properly follow the vehicle's flowing lower body line — creating a visual imbalance when viewed from the side. To correct this, Wayne's Rods West designed and fabricated extended lower rear quarters along with completely hand-crafted trim pieces that seamlessly continue the Buick's elegant body contour.

Each component was carefully formed from 18-gauge steel, ensuring the new panels maintain the same character and appearance as the original bodywork. Once finished and clear coated, the custom metalwork will blend naturally with the rest of the vehicle — appearing as though it left the factory that way. For serviceability, the entire custom fender skirt assembly is removable with just two bolts, allowing easy access to the rear wheels while preserving the car's sleek, uninterrupted profile.

#1949Buick#RoadsterConversion#CustomFabrication#18GaugeSteel#HotRodCulture#WaynesRodsWest
The original 1949 Buick 4-door sedan
Before — This car began life as a 1949 Buick 4-door sedan

Build Progress

Underside view — rear quarter extension in bare metal on the lift
Underside view — rear quarter extension in bare metal on the lift
Underside profile — custom lower quarter panel following the body line
Underside profile — custom lower quarter panel following the body line
Side view on stands — extended lower quarters tacked into position
Side view on stands — extended lower quarters tacked into position
Rear three-quarter — full roadster profile emerging in bare metal
Rear three-quarter — full roadster profile emerging in bare metal
Passenger side — lower quarter extension flowing with the body contour
Passenger side — lower quarter extension flowing with the body contour
Rear quarter close-up — hand-formed panel fitted and clamped
Rear quarter close-up — hand-formed panel fitted and clamped
Lower rear section — custom trim piece following the rocker line
Lower rear section — custom trim piece following the rocker line
Fender skirt attachment — removable two-bolt mounting hardware in place
Fender skirt attachment — removable two-bolt mounting hardware in place
Rocker panel detail — hand-formed 18-gauge steel trim clamped for fitting
Rocker panel detail — hand-formed 18-gauge steel trim clamped for fitting
Driver's side — full lower quarter panel fitted and metal-finished
Driver's side — full lower quarter panel fitted and metal-finished
Rear lower body — custom panel matching the elegant Buick body sweep
Rear lower body — custom panel matching the elegant Buick body sweep
Rear quarter extension — panel work complete, ready for metal finishing
Rear quarter extension — panel work complete, ready for metal finishing
Rocker and lower trim — chrome-finished lower accent strip in place
Rocker and lower trim — chrome-finished lower accent strip in place
Front lower quarter — forward extension blending with the front fender
Front lower quarter — forward extension blending with the front fender

Completed Build

Driver's side profile — bare metal roadster stance on the apron
Driver's side profile — bare metal roadster stance on the apron
Rear three-quarter — completed custom bodywork, whitewalls, convertible top
Rear three-quarter — completed custom bodywork, whitewalls, convertible top
Full side view — the finished roadster conversion outside the shop
Full side view — the finished roadster conversion outside the shop
Lower body detail — custom quarter extension seamlessly integrated
Lower body detail — custom quarter extension seamlessly integrated

Custom Door Panels

Hand-formed aluminum door panels featuring bead-rolled speed lines, riveted speaker bezels, and sculpted armrests — all metal construction designed to complement the Buick's elegant roadster conversion.

Door panel concept — silver vinyl with zebra-print armrest insert, early design phase
Door panel concept — silver vinyl with zebra-print armrest insert, early design phase
Panel fitted to door — diamond-stitch upper insert mocked in, bead-rolled lower section
Panel fitted to door — diamond-stitch upper insert mocked in, bead-rolled lower section
Bare aluminum panel — riveted speaker grilles, bead-rolled speed lines, window regulator pocket
Bare aluminum panel — riveted speaker grilles, bead-rolled speed lines, window regulator pocket
Finished panel installed — brushed aluminum lower, diamond-stitch black upper, riveted detail
Finished panel installed — brushed aluminum lower, diamond-stitch black upper, riveted detail

Build Manifest

Year / Make1949 Buick — 4-door sedan converted to 2-door roadster
ConversionFull 4-to-2 door roadster transformation
Lower QuartersExtended rear quarter panels — hand fabricated to follow original body line
Material18-gauge steel — matched to factory body character
Trim PiecesCompletely hand-crafted to continue the Buick's elegant body contour
Fender SkirtsRemovable full skirt assembly — two-bolt access for rear wheels
FinishClear coat over bare metal — will blend naturally with original bodywork