Our barn find

[Daddy'O]

I paid for the 5.3 and the 4L60E last night. Should have them in the shop with in the next 2 to 3 weeks (having the trans R&R'ed). I also pulled the trigger on several front suspension components from CPP this morning.

I've got a several things going on over the next couple of weeks so it will be the 1st of March when I can start tearing things down on the wagon.

Looks like this is going to turn into a build thread, so I think it should be moved to the alternate tinkerings forum.

[davischevy]

Man I wish I had known. I placed an order with CPP yesterday. We could have asked for a volumn discount.

[Daddy'O]

Do they do that? If so, then we need to talk. I'm going to be ordering a bunch of stuff.

[davischevy]

Any time I order, I try to order everything I can from one vendor and I'm not afraid to ask for a discount.

If you watch ebay you can usually save on individual parts, and get free shipping. CPP has a 500 box on ebay right now for $389 and I paid $419 yesterday. If you order individual parts start a spreadsheet and keep track of what you have ordered. I almost ordered two lower steering column covers a few minutes ago.

I have a store room full of parts I ordered two of. Most of those parts are NOS so I tell myself they are an investment.


Besides you normally save on shipping.

[Daddy'O]

Got some personal crap out of the way this week.

Also got the front bumper pulled. Hope to have the front clip and engine/trans pulled this weekend.

We've got several parts coming in tomorrow. Things are starting to move along. Will post progress pics next week.

[davischevy]

We are here waiting.

[drewskiren]

Yeah, waiting.........

Just kidding

[Daddy'O]

Made some good progress the last couple of days with help from some great friends.

[Daddy'O]

More.....

[flashed]

That poor unmolested 55 ,shame on you ,nah ,lets see more .

[Advanced Design]

What a nice solid car! Did it come apart pretty easily?

[Dieselwrencher]

It looks really clean as you tear it down too! That's awesome! I love your shop too!

[Daddy'O]

Originally Posted by flashed

That poor unmolested 55 ,shame on you ,nah ,lets see more .

I know....I do feel a little guilty. But when we're done she's going to be on the road for many more years. And a lot more fun to drive.

[Daddy'O]

Originally Posted by Advanced Design

What a nice solid car! Did it come apart pretty easily?

I spent about an hour last week taking the bumper off and most of the front clip hardware. Me and two of my friends hit it yesterday and within two hours had the clip, motor/trans out, and then having ice cold adult beverages. Only broke one ground bolt. Everything else came out easy and clean.....scary. The wagon is stupid clean.

[Daddy'O]

Originally Posted by Dieselwrencher

It looks really clean as you tear it down too! That's awesome! I love your shop too!

Thanks!

[flashed]

I cant wait to see more of this one ,I will always love a nice 55 build ,especially a wagon .

[MP&C]

Boy, that's a nice solid car to start with as a project. Congrats on not having to start with extensive rust repairs..

[Daddy'O]

Originally Posted by MP&C

Boy, that's a nice solid car to start with as a project. Congrats on not having to start with extensive rust repairs..

Thanks, we are very lucky indeed to have found a car with such good bones. I've been following your thread on the '55 wagon - Beautiful work.

[Daddy'O]

I’m going to relocate the rear leaf springs with a pocket kit so we can run wider wheels. While I’m at it, I was thinking of adding adjustable traction bars. Anyone think the traction bars are worth the money, time, and effort?

I’ve also got a question for you Doug. Where did you place your PCM/ECU in your ’56? Same question for Larry and John if your ‘55's has/had a LS.

Thanks!

[Advanced Design]

Wayne, the pcm is attached to the close out panel behind the right front tire. There was just enough room for the pcm to fit there.

[Daddy'O]

I’ve seen others in this location too but for some reason it concerns me. Have you had any issue with the elements, mainly water? Would you mind posting a pic? Thank you Doug.

[flashed]

Mine was powered by a mild 350 so Im no help to you .

[Advanced Design]

There was a PCM failure at 2,000 miles after the build. It wouldn't do a crankshaft relearn. Was it because of the position? Don't believe so though it could have been. It has been fine since. The PCM is sealed up and designed for underhood use in factory applications. I don't have any pics though it would show the PCM with a fabricated strap on the firewall side of the panel. Not pretty.

[Daddy'O]

Thanks for the info Doug. I know the ECU is a sealed design, my concern is putting it in what I think would be a vulnerable position. But this seams to be the location of choice for these cars.

Any thoughts on the traction bars?

Thanks again!

[Advanced Design]

When I get the shop arranged around and the 56 on the lift I will see if I can get a pic. It will be awhile as the Burb body is currently hanging on it. I too wonder about the location and effects from vibrations. The firewall or inner fender could be an alternative if you don't want it hidden.

My 56 doesn't have traction bars and it works fine for how I use it. If I was drag racing and had spring wrap / wheel hop I would get one. Other folks probably have other experiences or suggestions to share.