My Project 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:

Re: My Project 56Chevy1300
 

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

Re: My Project 56Chevy1300
 

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

Re: My Project 56Chevy1300
 

I like it!

Re: My Project 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!

Re: My Project 56Chevy1300
 

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

Re: My Project 56Chevy1300
 

Nice work!!

Re: My Project 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.

Re: My Project 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.

Re: My Project 56Chevy1300
 

Nice! Keep those pics coming!!!

Re: My Project 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.

Re: My Project 56Chevy1300
 

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

Re: My Project 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).

Re: My Project 56Chevy1300
 

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.

Re: My Project 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.

Re: My Project 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.

Re: My Project 56Chevy1300
 

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

Re: My Project 56Chevy1300
 

Never too many pictures ....................
Brian ....:cool:

Re: My Project 56Chevy1300
 

Re: My Project 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!

Re: My Project 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.

Re: My Project 56Chevy1300
 

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

Re: My Project 56Chevy1300
 

^What he said
l
l
l

Re: My Project 56Chevy1300
 

looking really good keep up the good work

Re: My Project 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.

Re: My Project 56Chevy1300
 

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:)

Re: My Project 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).

Re: My Project 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.

Re: My Project 56Chevy1300
 

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

Re: My Project 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.

Re: My Project 56Chevy1300
 

:c2: truck there !!! Wish I had taken pics of my '55 before I stored it ,DARN it !! Happy Holidays ...

Re: My Project 56Chevy1300
 

Thank you sir!.


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

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

Re: My Project 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!

Re: My Project 56Chevy1300
 

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

Re: My Project 56Chevy1300
 

Almost forgot. The engine colors look great!

Re: My Project 56Chevy1300
 

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.

Re: My Project 56Chevy1300
 

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

Re: My Project 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!

Re: My Project 56Chevy1300
 

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

Re: My Project 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.