1956 Chevrolet 3600 Project - Pictures

[Daleo56]

I was lucky enough to find a cheap 1956 Chevrolet 3600 project truck here in Southern California for $650 on April 13,2013. It was missing the bed, engine, trans, interior and steering column. Since it was out of the California DMV system they need to inspect it and weigh it as a complete truck so now I am piecing it together so I can title it.

Since I bought it I have spent another $1,000 on a used 57' longbed (it is too long so I have to cut it), used tires and rims, a steering column, steering wheel and transmission. I already have a 56' 265 I want to use so I will bolt it all up this weekend and see if I can get it weighed.

Once I get title I just plan to paint it myself and use it as a shop truck. I want to keep it as close to stock looking as possible and just have fun building it with the wife. We already have a bunch of 56' Chevrolet cars so this is the perfect project for us.

[Kabwe]

Hey Daleo56

Its good to see that you are a member here also (this is BAM55). Keep the pics coming.

[Daleo56]

Originally Posted by Kabwe

Hey Daleo56

Its good to see that you are a member here also (this is BAM55). Keep the pics coming.

Thanks! Joined up today 'cause Will mentioned the site. I figured by the years in the name that it was not my kind of place but it looks cool so far!

[Dan in Pasadena]

Originally Posted by Daleo56

Thanks! Joined up today 'cause Will mentioned the site. I figured by the years in the name that it was not my kind of place but it looks cool so far!

Oh, you're friend of Bam's? You're not welcome here

Kidding, obviously.

Well, at least you're starting with a truck that is rougher (right now) than mine, AND you're close by! I'd love to stop by and maybe blab a little.

Bam's truck is so bad ass already that I'm afraid to show him my pile. NOt cause he'll judge it but because then I'll want to do what he has done and I don't have the ability....yet!

Seriously, welcome. I saw your photos, thought I recognized the mountains in back and quickly went to your I.D. to see if it really was the San Gabriels. Hope to meet you soon. Best, Dan

P.S. If you ever need a hand, drop me a PM.
P.P.S.S. Likng the little I can see of your '56 car. Can we see some photos?

[Daleo56]

I am hoping this truck project continues to go fast as I will have some free time once one of my other cars goes to paint.

Originally Posted by Dan in Pasadena

Well, at least you're starting with a truck that is rougher (right now) than mine, AND you're close by! I'd love to stop by and maybe blab a little.

Let me know when you have time to talk. I rent some shop space with some friends in Duarte and am moving the truck there tomorrow so rusty will be available for viewing.

Originally Posted by Kim57

I see a 56 in the garage and possibly another Tri-5 under the tarp. Kim

I have five 56's and now the 56' truck in various states and locations. One two door and four different model four doors. I take two of them to various shows, two are in "frame-off" land and the one in the garage is done with paint and in final assembly. Busy busy and never enough space or time ;-)

Originally Posted by 18tahoe

hay Daleo56 and Bam just someone else from the other site, been working on that 55 truck for the wife. Jeff

Jeff, we met at Rick's house last year. Glad to see we run the same circles!

[SCHRUMGMC]

Keep it up !!!

Liking the Truck

[Kim57]

Welcome.
Looks like a good start.
I see a 56 in the garage and possibly another Tri-5 under the tarp.
Kim

[18tahoe]

hay Daleo56 and Bam just someone else from the other site, been working on that 55 truck for the wife. Jeff

[Dan in Pasadena]

Hi Daleo,

Man,
You've got some addiction to '56's, huh? Let me help you with that and take that tasty red over white job off your hands. Strictly for therapeutic reason, of course! Lol.

The reason I chose my '55 is cause my Dad had a black '55 two door hard top Belair he bought off the lot brand spanking new. He drove it daily til I turned 16 then gave it to me.

Of course I didn't have a brain in my head and didn't really want it. This was 1972-73, I wanted a van - UGH! So he put it the "Pennysaver" and gave it away for $450! It KILLS me to this day to think about it. That car was absolutely cherry. Maybe SOMEday I'll be able to afford another one.

Dropping you a PM on your offer. I'd like to meet you and see some of your stable.
Posted via Mobile Device

[Highsider]

Boy, did I love 55-56 Chevys around 67-70 when I was a high schooler*.
Your collection look great!

* then in '68 when i was 16 I bought a '55.2 panel instead.

[Dan in Pasadena]

Originally Posted by Highsider

Boy, did I love 55-56 Chevys around 67-70 when I was a high schooler*.
Your collection look great!

* then in '68 when i was 16 I bought a '55.2 panel instead.

I turned 16 in '70 so I'm right there with you on age. I had my Dad's '55 and a buddy had a '56 post model he had Earl Scheib paint fire engine red then put Pep Boys chrome reverse and baby moons on it. Man, that car is PERFECT in my memories of those days.

I TOTALLY should have kept the '55. No schit - I STILL dream about driving it and I'm 58 now! I'd already replaced the shocks - $6.99 ea. Monroe-Matics from Sears w/my employee discount , U joints (the needle bearings came out as dust....literally), pulled the front suspension in Auto Shop at school and pressed in new A frame bushings, put in new ball joints - all by age 17 and on a $1.90/hr job at Sears paint department. Man, those were the days.

[Highsider]

Originally Posted by Dan in Pasadena

I turned 16 in '70 so I'm right there with you on age. I had my Dad's '55 and a buddy had a '56 post model he had Earl Scheib paint fire engine red then put Pep Boys chrome reverse and baby moons on it. Man, that car is PERFECT in my memories of those days.

I TOTALLY should have kept the '55. No schit - I STILL dream about driving it and I'm 58 now! I'd already replaced the shocks - $6.99 ea. Monroe-Matics from Sears w/my employee discount , U joints (the needle bearings came out as dust....literally), pulled the front suspension in Auto Shop at school and pressed in new A frame bushings, put in new ball joints - all by age 17 and on a $1.90/hr job at Sears paint department. Man, those were the days.

Great memories!
My favorite '55 at the time was Scheib yellow, straight front axle/leaf springs, sat level with big meats in back.

[57ToyBox]

Awesome find.
Congrats on your new project

[Maximus]

Nice collection! I have 5 projects but they are of various makes/models, I can only imagine how many parts you have collected. I was soooo luckey to find 1 pair of great fenders for my truck. I couldnt imagine being in the position where I need to find like 3 good sets of the same fenders lol. ( i guess Tri-five parts can always be got from Danchuk if you arent trying to get original steel)

at least the learning curve on the cars gets a little easier. When you reassemble the same thing on 3 previous cars, the 4th and 5th time are easy as pie.

Keep us posted on the 56', are you keeping the 8-lug gear or taming it down to 1/2 ton equipment?

[Daleo56]

Originally Posted by Maximus

Keep us posted on the 56', are you keeping the 8-lug gear or taming it down to 1/2 ton equipment?

I want to keep the stock suspension and 8 lug set up.

And yes, I have a house and garage full of parts! I think I have restore at least three of everything and am now adding truck parts.

[sqrlnts]

Holy sheep****, I like the way you decorate!

[mechanixman]

Ditto
I'm still trying to pick my jaw up off the ground.

[Daleo56]

Yeah, I sure have a lot of parts, and that is just one room. I have a great wife and she is very supportive of our hobby.

I do need more parts actually and have noticed some truck pieces are harder to find. I would really like the V8 core support and radiator extension piece. Original steering column parts are hard to find too. I also am looking for one of those old diamond plate wrap around bumpers. In addition it seems finding 3/4 ton hub caps is near impossible along with with suspension and driveline parts.

I know the majority of the parts are made for the 3100 shortbed big window. I guess I will have to mix and match.

Thank you all for the support so far and the welcome to the site!

[Dan in Pasadena]

Originally Posted by Daleo56

... I also am looking for one of those old diamond plate wrap around bumpers...

Oh man, that kills. I gave away this bumper to the scrap yard! I put an ad on Craigslist but I never got a single call on it. DOH! I'd have much rather given it away to someone who would have reused it than the couple bucks I got for it in scrap. Sorry.

[18tahoe]

Tim I still have the colume out of the 55 pick-up, was a three speed, not sure it will work but if you want it let me know. Jeff

[Daleo56]

Originally Posted by 18tahoe

Tim I still have the colume out of the 55 pick-up, was a three speed, not sure it will work but if you want it let me know. Jeff

Can I pick it up from you at Hot August Nights?

[Highsider]

Cool.

[Dan in Pasadena]

Tim, Why does the DMV have to "weigh & inspect" it? Is it because its not been licensed in a long time? I get inspecting, but why weighing?
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[Daleo56]

Originally Posted by Dan in Pasadena

Tim, Why does the DMV have to "weigh & inspect" it? Is it because its not been licensed in a long time? I get inspecting, but why weighing?
Posted via Mobile Device

The truck had not been registered since 1995 and it must have the VIN plate and basic structure of the truck inspected at the DMV, AAA or a CHP location. I took them a picture of the truck and the supervisor said it needed to have a bed, doors and drivetrain in it to be inspected. We tried to counter argue but to no avail however they did say it did not need to be running.

Also, because trucks are considered "commercial" here in California it needs to be weighed for GVWR. It can be done at any public scale so I just need to trailer it down there once I get the rest of it put together. I am hoping I am done with the last of the larger items and can get this registered next week.

Not bad for about 15 hours of total work with the wife and I over the last week.

[Dan in Pasadena]

My truck was more complete than yours but it had not been registered from '91 to 2010 when the guy I bought it from registered it. The VIN plate WAS in place so maybe(?) that's why he didn't have to have it inspected?

Also, trucks don't HAVE to be licensed as "commercial" in CA. If you put a shell or hard tonneau on it you can license it as a car and avoid the commercial fees. Not that this helps you much as you intend to use it as a shop truck. I only know this because I have an
'08 Crew Dually 4x4 with HUUGE registration fees and the AAA guy counter guy told me. Of course why does anyone have a dually except to carry heavy stuff? I told him thanks but no thanks.