Project '54 5W Chevy HELP PLEASE!!

[Daniel U]

Here's a few shots of the interior:

Notice the cigarette lighter that will be in the ash tray for a cell phone charger?

And a shot showing the gear indicator lights.

The computer and the tweet wires hanging out.

A shot of the entire dash with the check engine light where the old choke was. The wiper/washer and headlight knobs will be swapped for the 47-53 factory ones.

[Daniel U]

The column got painted and will be installed tommoro. Now that the under dash wiring is complete, the focus will be the engine bay and inner fenders. Then Paul promises painted fenders and hood. I ordered the PS pump, alternator, distributor, etc as well as a few odds and ends. I hope to see it with glass soon!

[CAL 58 GMC]

It's all looking good Daniel! When will you have paint on the outside?

[Kabwe]

Its really coming alone nicely.

[Daniel U]

Thanks for the compliments guys. No telling how soon on the outside paint. Probably in a couple weeks, depending on Paul's schedule. My truck's his priority at his shop, but he's at a point in life where he can take off when he wants. He does excellent work, so I don't complain. I want it done correctly the 1st time.

[Kid]

Looking good Daniel, is your back bothering you after all that under dash work?

[Kid]

I just noticed your hidden brake lines on the door hinges, great idea, I wish I woulda seen that a couple months ago!

[Daniel U]

Originally Posted by Kid

Looking good Daniel, is your back bothering you after all that under dash work?

Paul Smeltzer from Paul's Mobile Metal Art in Paso Robles, CA. is finishing the truck for me. I got the green light from my wife to start this project before we had our son. My family is more of a priority than the truck. However, I still want a third driver for emergencies, so the '54 went to Paul's shop for completion. I feel pretty happy that it's in good hands. He has a 2 year waiting list, and does excellent work and understands what I'm looking for. I'm just learning patience as he has his own speed for the build. BTW, he did the hidden electric in the door hinges just before reading about it in a magazine. He truly is a metal artist. His small attentions to detail will go unnoticed by most, but I they make the difference to me. The bed ends, door latches, PW, and rear bumper brackets are just a few off the top of my head. I'll try to stop by later this week and snap some more pics. I've been doing OT to pay him and buy the last few parts. I may have to use my equity to finish this as my budget has come and gone. Oh well, I don't have any car payments.

[Daniel U]

For those of you fallowing this thread, here's a quick update with pics: The inside of the doors(being held by Paul),


ash tray, glove box, and A/C ducts are painted Polo green. The inner fenders have been undercoated.



The brake booster, hood latch, radiator, P.S. pump, water pump and acessory brackets are black. Although I didn't take any pics, the chrome 140 amp alternator came in with the windshield wipers. We also got the complete bumper kit for the doors, glove box etc. Paul picks up the chrome stuff tommoro. Here's a few more for the junkies:

Another shot of the engine bay

And finally a shot of the ported plenum for the TPI.

[Daniel U]

I stopped by the shop to snap off a few more pics. This will be the last update for the next 3 weeks. Paul's leaving town tommoro. I was pleased to see the inner fenders on and undercoated. The A/C ducts are out of the way. The hood latch was on as well as the doors for final fitment. We should get the TPI intake back with the rest of the chrome by the 1st of August. Paul promised the entire paint to be finished by 8-15-07. Here's the shots I got today:


Inner fenders left and right


Engine bay left/right


Dash left/right

Pass. side door fitted

A clean shot of chassis/tank and rear of cab.
Enjoy. Hope to have more in about a month!

[jkaylor68gmc]

Its looking really nice. Can you get me a high res image of the gear shift indicator deal you made above the clumn mount please. PM me for my e-mail if you don't care.

[Daniel U]

PM sent.

[texascowboy593]

I just love that polo green. Way to go!

[Daniel U]

Originally Posted by texascowboy593

I just love that polo green. Way to go!

Thanks Tex. I knew I wanted a dark green. When I found the GM match I was even happier. I saw a relatives '02 Suburban and got the code from it. I'm kinda bummed that I won't have any pics for a while, but PATIENCE seems to be the theme of this project. BTW, I've been fallowing your Tracy Lee. How are those brakes working out?

[Deabt54]

Man!!!! nice truck Danial. I hope mine is half as nice as your when I get her back on the raod.BTW where are you having your chrome work done. I need to have my grill rechromed. Chrome peeling off like a bad sunburn I'm about 2 hours north of you. Really like what you've done, gives me some ideas.....

[Daniel U]

Originally Posted by Deabt54

Man!!!! nice truck Daniel. I hope mine is half as nice as your when I get her back on the raod.BTW where are you having your chrome work done. I need to have my grill rechromed. Chrome peeling off like a bad sunburn I'm about 2 hours north of you. Really like what you've done, gives me some ideas.....

Deabt54- Thanks, the chrome is being sent to Bakersfield @ A/C Plating. If you ever come down my way with your truck, make sure you PM me or email me. I'd like to check it out. I should be ready for next summer's show circut. Maybe we'll bump into each other there.

[Deabt54]

Thanks for the info Danial, I'll make it a ponit to let you know when I'm down that way. I'll be posting the build as I go, going to a long one LOL. Hopeing to have her at least on the road for Pasa next year.

[Daniel U]

No problem, see you next year.

[Daniel U]

It's been a while since I've posted any updates. The '54 has set for a while. Paul's been doing an early Mustang(64-66) in the meantime. This has gave me a chance to catch up on some bills and knock out some overtime. He will get back to the '54 mid September. I'll post picks shortly after. He thinks we should be done before the end of Oct. We'll see

[lotussutol]

did you use AC plating? I have heard a couple horror stories on lost items from them...but I have heard some good things from them too. Just curious since I am in the area and will be needing some plating soon.

[Daniel U]

Yeah, A/C plating did all the chrome. I haven't had any real issues with them, but Paul has been doing business with them for years and makes his own inventory list. Then he checks it off as he picks up the parts. They weren't able to chrome my aluminum air runners for the TPI, and we did send the top of the grille back for re-plating. As far as I know, other than those 2 things, they've been good. I'm sure any company has bad days. Nobody is perfect. But how you treat your customers and deal with the complaints is a big deal to me. I used my original '54 grille(as opposed to a newer knock offs) and would've been bummed if they lost it as you can't replace OEM stuff. You might be close enough to drop off/pick up your stuff. You might have better luck that way. Just my .02

[pgf545]

Daniel, you wouldn't happen to have any pictures of how the front bumper bolts on would you? I am trying to get the frame cleaned up and have been welding unwanted holes and can't remember how the bumper goes on so that I can clean that area up.

Thanks Bernie

[Daniel U]

Sorry, I can't seem to find any. When I get a chance I'll try to get to the shop and take one. My brother seemed to think the 1st 3 holes were for the bumper brackets.

[Daniel U]

I talked to Paul today. Good news/Bad news. Bad news= He's another 2 months out on the Mustang he's working on, pushing my '54 out further. Good news= It gives me more time to catch up on my bills. Also the last bit of chrome comes in next week to include the: TPI, plenum, intake, runners, valve, covers, pulleys, etc. I should have some pics of that up next week.

[Igotachevyor2]

great progress hate to hear about your paint being pushed back