My Project 56Chevy1300

[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.

[Wizard]

NICE job....
Did you weld the frame with a stick welder or a MIG welder ?
I have started to put a 73 Camaro clip on my '57 truck but am still trying to figure which would give the best weld ?
My concern is that the original frame is put together with rivets, and welding on it might cause it to crack.
Gary.

[5Mike7]

Kind of off topic to your build, but any chance you could snap a closeup of the "1300" fender emblem and post it?

Nice truck BTW

[56chevy1300]

I bought a rebuilt 350 from a local builder. I had a high performance cam installed, otherwise she's stock; picked up some valve covers, oil pan and timing chain cover from a wrecker. Added a Edelbrock Performer RPM manifold, MSD "Street Fire" distributor and HUGE 8.5mm "Super Conductor" wires. The engine builder painted the block with Dupli-Color Cast Iron high-heat paint -- I liked it so much, I painted everything the same color. I still need to pick up a new carb (most likely an Edelbrock 4 barrell 600 cfm).

[56chevy1300]

Interior pics...steering column from an 81 Chevy van (only 30 bucks!), gas pedal from same van, guage pod mockup, recovered stock bench seat, Grant GT steering wheel.

[56chevy1300]

Hi 5Mike7! No problem...so should I keep the emblems or shave them?

[5Mike7]

Originally Posted by 56chevy1300

Hi 5Mike7! No problem...so should I keep the emblems or shave them?

Thank you sir!.


Keep'em, I'm a nut for chrome.

I'd chrome my shorts if I could get away with it

[56chevy1300]

Misc pics...wiring harness; new rotors; wheels & tires -- American Racing Ansen Sprint 17x7 w/215/45's front & 17x8 w/245/45's rear in a 5 x 4.75" bolt pattern.

[Sweet&LowPro55]

truck there !!! Wish I had taken pics of my '55 before I stored it ,DARN it !! Happy Holidays ...

[56chevy1300]

Progress pics...I have about 12-15 hours invested in the front frame horns thus far. One of my rookie mistakes includes cutting the truck framerails way too short, now I'm paying the price by having to bridge the gaps. Merry Christmas by the way! My wifey got me a new welding Helmet!

[Texasdeere]

Great looking truck! Let us know how the helmet works out. Always wondered how those auto-darkening helmets worked.

[Texasdeere]

Almost forgot. The engine colors look great!

[CAL 58 GMC]

It's all looking really great! You might want to pre-fit your steering box for clearance. Here's a picture of mine and as you can see the tight fit near the the front frame rail.

[pgf545]

Nice Christmas present, you are going to love it. I have one and it is one of those tools that you say...Why didn't I get this sooner.

Your truck is really looking good and I like that engine color also. The Accessories really pop against it.

Bernie

[56chevy1300]

Hi guys...thanks for the comments! The helmet works great...auto-darkening is like first class...you've never go back to coach after that! Thanks for the pic, CAL 58 GMC, I looked over your thread a fews times to make sure I was doing mine right. Progress pics...lots of grinding and welding in between the drinking!

[Igotachevyor2]

progress is coming along great on your truck keep the pics coming i will be using them as reference when i do mine. i have kinda hit a wall with rebuild on mine until it warms up a bit my shops a lil breezy with it having no walls,doors or a roof for that matter lol

[56chevy1300]

Thanks...but I don't think a guy from Tennessee can complain to a guy in Canada that its too cold to build trucks! Progress pics: I took some time today to test-fit my sheetmetal...so far so good! Also to give you an idea of ride height, I mocked my wheels in place.

[pgf545]

Looking good. I am not going to complain about the weather today because I was working in a t-shirt.

Bernie

[56chevy1300]

Just a few more pics of the frame horns and also some of the fender gaps...will have some work here when the sheetmetal goes on for the last time.

[caino59]

nice project

nice truck to start with ;oP


i'd keep the emblems for now and worry about body work much later...

[pgf545]

56, I was noticing on the first page that you ordered some new motor mounts. I was wondering why not go with the factory mounts since you already have the frame from the camaro?

Bernie

[CAL 58 GMC]

Looks great! I found I had to cut more off my inner fenders to clear the A-arms. You might want to test fit them with the A-arms on. I really like the why it's turning out, good job!

[56chevy1300]

Hi pgf545! Well, I'm following an instructional video and this is my first build, so I didn't think I could, also the subframe is from a pontiac, I thought I couldn't use the pontiac mounts. So I'm learning as I go! And thats a big reason I'm posting my progress here, to get advice from you guys!

Hi Cal 58 GMC, thanks for the advice, I did test-fit my steering box and I cut just enough out of my inner fenders to clear my subframe towers for the moment just to test-fit the sheetmetal.

I am a little concerned that my crossmember is a little low...I think my install is similar to yours, how much clearance are you going to have at ride height?

[CAL 58 GMC]

Originally Posted by 56chevy1300

Hi Cal 58 GMC, thanks for the advice, I did test-fit my steering box and I cut just enough out of my inner fenders to clear my subframe towers for the moment just to test-fit the sheetmetal.

I am a little concerned that my crossmember is a little low...I think my install is similar to yours, how much clearance are you going to have at ride height?

Sorry it took a bit to get back with you. I have Air Ride's shockwave bags up front. With the bag full I have about 5 inchs of clearance from the crossmeber and when they are empty I have about 1.5 inchs of clearance. If you have stock springs and spindle you should have about 8 inches of clearance. I had two inch dropped coils at first but it was'nt low enough for me.

[Jebb1978]

56Chevy- Thanks for the detailed photos, I have yet to add the frame ends to mine. That truck is going to be sweet!