My Project 56Chevy1300

[56chevy1300]

It all started when I bought my first Truckin’ Magazine when I was 13. That was 20 years ago.

I’ve always liked the styling of the 55-59 Chevys and GMC’s and wanted to build something my way, but not from stratch. So I found this 56 Chevy pickup in October 2005 that was restored back to stock by the previous owner.

My plans include updating the drivetrain and suspension by dropping in a 350 V8 with automatic, Camaro IFS, Camaro rear axle, 17” wheels, power steering and power brakes in an attempt to build a reliable daily driver.

I’m already into my project 14 months, so I have lots of progress made.

I will be looking for advice and input as I go along.

Enough babble.

Enjoy the pics!

Ross

Here are pics of the back-to-stock restoration done by the previous owner:

[67-72chevyman]

Thats a good lookin truck, I always liked the "task force" style trucks, especially the 55-57s.

[Jebb1978]

Beautiful truck! Can't wait to see what she looks like when your done.

[texascowboy593]

I like it!

[56chevy1300]

Thanks guys. Jebb, you are one of the guys that inspired me to start my own thread!

Here are pics a few weeks after I brought her home.

The color is called "Medium Juniper", an GM color of the 50's (from what I'm told).

This was the previous owner's retirement project. I told him what my plans were for the truck and he was okay with it!

[56chevy1300]

I hate to separate the original motor from its home but its gotta go!

[dwcsr]

Nice work!!

[56chevy1300]

First I tacked a 34" length of 1" ID square tubing across the frame at a specific point (22" from the axle centerline) to help stabilize the truck frame and act as a reference point for all measurements; then sliced off the front frame section (10" from the reference point -- square tubing) to make way for the Camaro subframe; now I'm officially beyond the point of no return! Part of the front frame section will be used as boxing plates and the front 12" or so will be welded onto the front of the Camaro subframe.

[56chevy1300]

This subframe is from a Trans Am. I don't know the exact year, I bought it from a wrecker. It features a quick ratio steering box and a huge 1 1/4" sway bar.

[texascowboy593]

Nice! Keep those pics coming!!!

[56chevy1300]

After completely disassembling the subframe, I sent it out for acid dipping and sandblasting...best $90 I ever spent! I pre-cut the frame at both ends before dipping.

[56chevy1300]

As soon as the subframe returned home, I sprayed it with epoxy primer/sealer.

[56chevy1300]

The next step was to take out 1 1/2" out of the rear frame ends so that the subframe will fit inside the truck framerails; fit like a glove the first time (the truck framerails have been widened 1/2" on each side).

[Jebb1978]

Wow, dejavoo? Looks like mine just a few months back. Looks like a nice clean job so far. Keep em comming. That swaybar is rediculous! I love it!

Thanks for the props, it's funny to me that my thread is anyone's inspiration to start one because Cal58GMC was my inspiration to get started.

[56chevy1300]

I know Jebb, it gotta weigh between 25 and 30 lbs! Here are pics of the trans crossmember and spring perches being removed...probably the toughest task so far.

[56chevy1300]

So tell me if I'm posting too many pics (I probably have a thousand!).

Okay, before the subframe went it, I smooth the firewall (there were about 30 holes to fill!). I triple checked to make sure the truck frame & subframe were level and laid the welds.

[CAL 58 GMC]

Nice job on the install of your Camaro subframe! Keep those progress pictures coming.

[entourageguy]

Never too many pictures ....................
Brian ....

[poncho_villa]

You make it look so easy. Your good planning is what does it. You gonna leave the battery tray in place? Are you going to have the power brake booster on the other side to balance the appearance?

[56chevy1300]

Hi Guys! Thanks for the comments. I really like the clean firewall look but don't want to put the battery on the frame; if I move it, it will be going in the bed...any suggestions? The brake booster & master cylinder will be mounted on the frame in the stock location.

Here are pics of the front framerails. I cut 12" off the front and 11" off the rear. The front frame ends will be mounted to the front of the Camaro subframe and the rear ends will be used as boxing plates (I've already prepped them in the photo); they fit perfectly!

[56chevy1300]

I tacked in a reference bar to help locate the front frame horns. The bar was welded in so that its level with the top of the stock truck framerails.

This pretty much brings you up to speed with my subframe install. Much of my Christmas break will be spent welding in the frame horns and test fitting the front sheetmetal.

[Bishops Trucks]

Real nice looking work. We love pictures, keep them coming.

[Daniel U]

^What he said
l
l
l

[55 on bags]

looking really good keep up the good work

[56chevy1300]

Okay, time for some parts pics...this is my order from CPP: polyurethane suspension components (everything but the center link), motor mounts, axle kit, frame-mount power brake booster kit & trans mount.