Project 59 Fleetside
 

After a couple of years building I finally have a few pictures worth sharing. I have learned a lot of what not to do and will likely learn much more to come as the build continues. My biggest inspiration at this point is likely Wes Drelleshak's 59 fleetside.

Many thanks to those who have helped me get this far!

Re: Project 59 Fleetside
 

As you can see I started with a rust bucket step-side, long bed with plans of a short bed fleet side that is able to handle the road and put the power to the ground

Re: Project 59 Fleetside
 

Here are some of the progress pictures from shortening the rails to convert to a short bed.

Re: Project 59 Fleetside
 

More of the rails...

Re: Project 59 Fleetside
 

Now for the second gen camero front end install. This was possible after hours of reading this forum the HAMB and watching a video I purchased from Rob at No Limit Engineering. I am happy with the results but would be happier if I had purchased a wide ride kit from Rob.

Re: Project 59 Fleetside
 

This is a little bit of insurance with a fish plate and my twist on the second gen IFS install.

Re: Project 59 Fleetside
 

Some of the components after sandblasting, new bushings, and fresh paint.

Re: Project 59 Fleetside
 

Now for the C-Notch and mock-up of the full floating 9"...

Re: Project 59 Fleetside
 

Here is where I learned to steal with pride as the bracing for the chassis is stolen directly from the design on Wes Drelleshak's truck.

I also was testing out the fit of the 18" wheels.

Re: Project 59 Fleetside
 

Here are some pictures to show the 295 35 18s I hope to run. Tight fit on the front as you can see.

Also visible is the C6 calipers and 14" rotors from Kore3. I will be removing the corvette logs as this clearance is required to clear the wheels.

Re: Project 59 Fleetside
 

Working in a one car garage you need to have the ability to roll the project in and out but the further the project moves along the heavier she is getting and the less I want to roll it.

Re: Project 59 Fleetside
 

Now for the power....

I started off with an aluminum block 5.3 from a 2009 Suburban that had a bad lifter but as we all know its easy to let scope creep get the best of us. I wanted to do a build that could eventually be turbo charged but also right out the gate have plenty of torque to get the big girl moving and moving fast. It didn't take long and I ditched the LSX path for a BBC 496.

Here are the pictures from the engine build process. My engine builder took 12 months to finish it but when he did the experience of hearing it fire off for the first time was priceless. You can't mistake the sound of a 496 Stroker!

Re: Project 59 Fleetside
 

Very pleased with the look of the Jones Racing Products Serpentine Drive.

Re: Project 59 Fleetside
 

Here is current status as of Today. More to come...

Re: Project 59 Fleetside
 

Welcome.
Very nice looking stuff so far.
Kim

Re: Project 59 Fleetside
 

Thanks Kim! I just read through your build and am blown away at the work you have invested. Awesome Job!

Would love to know how high your frame rail is from the ground. I think I need to go lower but am not a huge fan of drop spindles...

Re: Project 59 Fleetside
 

Is your trailing arm setup a kit or did you adapt a 60s truck trailing arms and crossmember to your 59's frame?

Re: Project 59 Fleetside
 

Its for a 67 C-10 from CPP if I remember correctly. I can look for the documentation tomorrow to confirm if you like. i had to cut some out of the cross member width wise to make it work but i think it looks good and have read good things about the design. I believe Nascar still uses this setup.

Re: Project 59 Fleetside
 

Not sure what the final height will be. I don't have the tires I'm going to run on the front yet.
Kim

Re: Project 59 Fleetside
 

Just read this.
Very nice frame!
Great work so far, I subscribed!

Re: Project 59 Fleetside
 

Very nice build!!! have the same front clip, and I like the 496 too and can totally relate to the sound of a stroker! good luck with the build and Ill be watching too.

Heres my 496 boat motor startup first time.

https://youtu.be/wi1kLIyw5_U

Re: Project 59 Fleetside
 

Great job on the frame and subframe installation! Really nice. Thanks for sharing.

Re: Project 59 Fleetside
 

Here is the first time I was able to hear my engine fire up. Sorry for the crappy iPhone audio. It was an awesome time!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fay_...ature=youtu.be

Also is the dyno Sheet....

Not very impressive to some but it will be a reliable engine with plenty of torque for me.

Re: Project 59 Fleetside
 

Groeten ! En bedankt voor de vriendelijke woorden !

I really like your build as well! Nice headers!

Re: Project 59 Fleetside
 

Your boat is amazing and super fast based on the huge smiles.

Do you think my dyno sheet is reasonable for a mild 496?