Re: Danny Boy is BAACK! w/ '55 Big Window
 

Just finished reading through this whole thread.

Dan you are doing an incredible job tidyin' this ole gal up. And I can tell you are having a ball, too! Looking forward to continued updates!!

Re: Danny Boy is BAACK! w/ '55 Big Window
 

iF I were smart my truck could be driving down the road rather then in the late stages of going back together, and not being healthy enough to finish it.

Re: Danny Boy is BAACK! w/ '55 Big Window
 

1st: Thanks for reading through all my blabbing! She WAS pretty fugly when I started, huh? lol

2nd: Thanks for the kind words. You've nailed it - it's not a build, its simply "tidying" her up as best I can until she undergoes a full "face lift" after I retire; about 5-6 years. But I'm gonna drive her every dry weekend until then and she's gotta look good (to me) til then!!

Thanks again!

Re: Danny Boy is BAACK! w/ '55 Big Window
 

Nothing too exciting today. I'm trying to get to the point I can install the door weather stripping I already have.

Here's what was in my door bottoms! (Streamlight flashlight just for scale)
http://i832.photobucket.com/albums/z...psce8f6a01.jpg

No wonder there is some rust through, though surprisingly very little. I've got a spot approximately 3/4" x 3/4" on the driver's door lower front "skin"

On the bottom of the door there are two spots about 1/8" and 1/4" each. Here's a (crappy) photo of the door interior:
http://i832.photobucket.com/albums/z...ps444386bb.jpg

Okay, so WHAT'S my plan:

1. Treat interior door bottoms with Ospho: I tore garage towels into 6" strips, soaked w/ Ospho & laid in door bottoms. Let it soak overnight.

2. Drill four small holes in corners of rust-through and cut out rusted metal in prep for welded patches. (I'm a terrible welder but no one will ever see these patches so it's a good place to practice!)

3. Paint door bottom interiors w/ KBS Rust Bullet (sitting on a shelf a year. Hope it's still good!)

4. Paint exterior w/ KBS too. Finish coat, allow to cure and install new weatherstrip

Re: Danny Boy is BAACK! w/ '55 Big Window
 

i've been away for a few days. I vote for the scratch guards bud!!! They really add some class to the handles, and the seem to suit your truck. I like your blingy Chevrolet lettering on the tailgate too, never seen that done before.

Re: Danny Boy is BAACK! w/ '55 Big Window
 

Here's another shot of the door interior AFTER 24 hrs soaked in Ospho.
http://i832.photobucket.com/albums/z...ps6b10861c.jpg

As you can see, the rags I used didn't press down into the cracks well (shoulda thought of that) so some rust is left. I put some in a spray bottle and re-applied.

The crust-iness is where the metal was damaged by the rust but is now neutralized. Believe it or not its very solid, not near holed-through at all. But for whatever reason (where the trash accumulated?) there ARE a couple holed-through spots but they are very small and totally solid around the holes. I will attempt to weld them up using my Hobart Handler 140 with .030" fluxcore - just cause I already have it. If it blows through or is a problem I'll bite the bullet and go buy an ArCo2 bottle from Airgas and of course some .023" solid wire. I'll use a copper backer bar of course.

The whole thing will look a lot better once its in gloss black KBS. I'll post a photo of course. I only plan to paint up the first 4"-5". All comments/suggestions appreciated.

Re: Danny Boy is BAACK! w/ '55 Big Window
 

Nothing got done today on the doors because I got THIS chrome grill from a member here who shall remain nameless. I had errands to run this morning but did manage to get this and the front panels & bumper back on.

http://i832.photobucket.com/albums/z...ps8558191d.jpg

I'm re- IN LOVE! ha ha. I can't help myself, I like chrome.

I suppose it's not THAT noticeable to anyone else but it pleases me. My buddy says putting this much chrome on a rattle canned truck is like dressing up a wrinkled old whore with red lipstick and lots of jewelry! He made me laugh, but I don't care.
http://i832.photobucket.com/albums/z...ps721b5f05.jpg
It's a Chinese repop grill and doesn't truly fit for **** - but I don't care. No one but people like us would ever know. Love is blind you know! ha ha.

Re: Danny Boy is BAACK! w/ '55 Big Window
 

Sure looks good from here. I just wish I had that much chrome on my truck. I know someday I'll get my nice shiney parts for Clarance J. For now he's gotta be satisfied with just paint. I noticed the holes in the hood for the badge. What are your plans for that? I took mine off years ago and filled them, but now I'd like to replace it. Your truck is looking great. It would mean more chrome on the front.

Re: Danny Boy is BAACK! w/ '55 Big Window
 

Thanks!

I've always intended to install the hood ornament. I even have one but the chrome is very dead. I'm kinda liking the way it looks without one though. Opinions please!

Since a repop hood ornament is $200, I'll be waiting (yes, I KNOW I didn't intend to buy the mirror arms, the door handles, the grill OR the bumper, ha ha)

Can anyone answer these questions?:
I read somewhere that the '55.2 side emblems have a white painted background and the '56's have black painted backgrounds. Is that correct?
I'd also like to put the "V8" emblems on. I'm not certain if they came on the '55.2's? And I don't know exactly WHERE they go?

Re: Danny Boy is BAACK! w/ '55 Big Window
 

It looks great.

Re: Danny Boy is BAACK! w/ '55 Big Window
 

Thanks #9!

It's a "360 miler" now, ha ha!

(I had to look up Boulder Creek. Looks like a GREAT small town, really a beautiful area an a lot nicer than anywhere own here)

Re: Danny Boy is BAACK! w/ '55 Big Window
 

It's nice. It is right in redwoods.I live 5 miles from town on a hill in the redwoods. 42 years and still love it.

Miller time sounds right to me. Good tools do good work.

Re: Danny Boy is BAACK! w/ '55 Big Window
 

Sounds fantastic!

Re: Danny Boy is BAACK! w/ '55 Big Window
 

Looks real nice.
Kim

Re: Danny Boy is BAACK! w/ '55 Big Window
 

Dan the grille looks good on the truck, nice doing business with ya buddy!:ito:

Re: Danny Boy is BAACK! w/ '55 Big Window
 

Thanks Rudy. As you said, it doesn't fit great but I'm totally happy with it. Thank you again for thinking of me.

Lemme ask a question cause you said you have a bunch of parts:

Are the pegs on '55 vs '56 side emblems SLIGHTLY differently spaced?
I know '55 badges are 1 piece & '56's are 2 piece (I wonder why?).
When I had those badges I traded you I fitted to my truck and they were "off". Wondering if that's "correct" or a bad Chinese repop part problem?
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Re: Danny Boy is BAACK! w/ '55 Big Window
 

1955 and 1956 are different thats why the holes didn't line up.

Re: Danny Boy is BAACK! w/ '55 Big Window
 

Dan , the v8 emblems are the same for 55 & 56.

The 55 fender emblems are painted white and the 56 are black.

Someone wondered why the 56 was 2 piece, its so they didn't have to make whole new 'Chevrolet' part for each model number. I.E. 3100 3124 3200 3600.


Looking good so far.

About the handle type PW switch you can add a micro switch to the circuit to allow the drivers switch to operate the passenger window. Of course for this to work you would need to have relays in the circuit (recommended for extended switch life).

Re: Danny Boy is BAACK! w/ '55 Big Window
 

Ok thanks. Gonna go dig mine out and assess how bad they are? (I'm pretty sure the chrome paint would look like azz) which of course will have me counting my pennies!
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Re: Danny Boy is BAACK! w/ '55 Big Window
 

BTW those images are from the http://www.fillingstation.com

Re: Danny Boy is BAACK! w/ '55 Big Window
 

Thanks GR. I guess they were cost cutting even in those days, huh? But I like that they didn't get around to it 'til the year AFTER my truck!

The V8 emblems are cheap enough but I wouldn't put them on without the main side emblems. I also really like that the white background is a one-year-only thing. It's minor but that kinda stuff is cool...to me anyway.
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Re: Danny Boy is BAACK! w/ '55 Big Window
 

Task Force emblems 55-57 see above post for 55 & 56 fender emblems.

Below 1. 55 hood, 2. 56 hood 3.57 hood , Fender & door 'V'

Re: Danny Boy is BAACK! w/ '55 Big Window
 

I wonder why you could get the '56 hood ornament in either black-on-red or red-on-black? Was there a meaning to one vs. the other?

It'd be nice if the '55 came that way but easy enough to change I suppose.
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Re: Danny Boy is BAACK! w/ '55 Big Window
 

The top red bow tie with black background is the '55 the other is a '56.

The big one on the right with the black bow tie and red back ground is the '57

Re: Danny Boy is BAACK! w/ '55 Big Window
 

Yes, I already knew the larger more compact one is for the '55.

I guess I just didn't realize the re/black combo was year dependent. Duh, I SHOULD have because years ago I had a '57. Oh well.

Re: Danny Boy is BAACK! w/ '55 Big Window
 

dan

grill looks great!

Re: Danny Boy is BAACK! w/ '55 Big Window
 

Thanks Daze.

GR is trying to start trouble. I think he's a secret agent for The Filling Station or in my case, The Truck Shop. He keeps showing me pictures of shiny new chrome and being the chrome whore that I AM, I find myself thinking of ways I can afford to get it:bling2:

Re: Danny Boy is BAACK! w/ '55 Big Window
 

Come on you know you want it ...

Here it is, you know you have to have it ...

Cool, shiny, BLING !

Come and get it .... I know your hooked now !

Muhahaha ....

Re: Danny Boy is BAACK! w/ '55 Big Window
 

Ha ha, I actually do want some of that stuff but not the hood spears. Those are '57 only so my hood doesn't have the bumps they ride on.

I debate the two kinds of window trim.

I ALWAYS hear the trim that goes IN the rubber is a total pain in the butt to install without damaging it. But I truly like it.

As for the trim that goes on the paint around the cab I'm not sure I'd want that AND the rubber trim. It strikes me as too much. Regardless, I've read here that the clips that attach it don't always hold it tight. And even if they did I'd be concerned that the holes for that many clips would eventually allow the re-start of rust.

Re: Danny Boy is BAACK! w/ '55 Big Window
 

:bling2::bling2:Come on Dan, you know you have to have those spears :) You can mount them on the fenders above the headlights .... Bling, Bling !

And to go with them you have to have these ! Muhahaha !

:bling2::bling2:

Re: Danny Boy is BAACK! w/ '55 Big Window
 

I'm gonna have to start calling you Dr. Evil!

Re: Danny Boy is BAACK! w/ '55 Big Window
 

:bling2::bling2:Psst, Danny,Danny you also need Theese ...

They're just what the Doctor ordered ..... Muhahaha Bling, Bling

:bling2::bling2:

Re: Danny Boy is BAACK! w/ '55 Big Window
 

"As for the trim that goes on the paint around the cab I'm not sure I'd want that AND the rubber trim. It strikes me as too much."

Dan, you aren't listening to me, LOL. How many times do I have to tell you: There's no such thing as too much chrome!

Chrome windshield trim is definitely in my future, and I already have the cab trim but haven't installed it yet.

Re: Danny Boy is BAACK! w/ '55 Big Window
 

Russ, Did you read the post (can't remember whose?) that said his didn't hold tight to the cab sheet metal with the clips provided? He ended up buying a different set of clips. Sorry I can't remember any specifics but I know someone posted about it in the last few weeks.

Yes, I DO plan to get the stainless tail lights!
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Re: Danny Boy is BAACK! w/ '55 Big Window
 

chrome used to be my favorite color. now I prefer painted pieces. But the wife's 58 GMC is going to have a TON of chrome hanging off the front of it. But for my truck, I'm all about low maintenance on the body

Your truck is really shaping up quickly Dan and is looking damn nice!!! thanks for keeping us up to date man.

I now have the entire body bolted on the frame again and am working on lining it all up as well as I can. This truck was in a few accidents over the years so it's not going to be perfect. You can check out the progress in the builds and projects section when you're bored.

Does anyone have install instructions for the spot lights? I got a genuine 50's spot light that works from a buddy of mine and think it would make a cool addition to my truck. I just want to make sure I drill the hole in the right spot

Re: Danny Boy is BAACK! w/ '55 Big Window
 

Dan, yea I read that post. It interested me because of the fact that I do have that chrome and it does look like it will be a PITA to install, so I was curious to see how his came out. Learning from others is one of the benefits of this forum. The clips I have look like they will hold it tight and might be the same ones he bought. I don't like the fact that there will be holes in the cab with apparently no sealer used when the factory did it so I'm going to see if I can get some silicone in the hole to seal it.

BTW, I already do have the stainless tail lights. Even if you don't want the shine, stainless is the way to go IMO. Now I want a new hood ornament after seeing the pics in this thread. It never ends.

Re: Danny Boy is BAACK! w/ '55 Big Window
 

The ones pictured are dummy spot lights, so no big holes through the body.

You might check you county maintenance garage and ask who installs their lights.

Re: Danny Boy is BAACK! w/ '55 Big Window
 

Yes, that has occurred to me too. It SEEMS like it would be a good idea, but I'm still not sure if I will even put the trim on at all. I need to see more truck in person at shows to decide.

I put new black tail lights on right after I got my truck. I bought the chrome mounting brackets but not the stainless housings - I don't know why:confused:. I'll probably get the stainless ones on my next trip to The Truck Shop. But I'm also thinking of going with the LED upgrade because I'm going to put my headlights on relays - which should brighten them up. I'm considering H4's too. Do you know if these lights just connect right up or do you have to install resistors, etc. to lower the voltage?

As for the hood ornament and the side badges? I'd love to have them but they're SO expensive I can't justify it right now. I'm also curious what having mine re-chromed would cost?

Re: Danny Boy is BAACK! w/ '55 Big Window
 

Oh Daaannn, Shop around for those tail lights.
I found them at http://www.speedwaymotors.com/1955-5...bly,25193.html
No Tax, Lower price and I got mine from them.

Re: Danny Boy is BAACK! w/ '55 Big Window
 

Good catch. I just checked the Truck Shop and at $32 I thought they were cheaper than Speedway....BUT....Speedway's price includes the LED's for $35. Truck Shop gets another $27 on top of $35 for a ridiculous $62 PER tail light! Yeow!

Thanks very much for cluing me in. I know lots of guys complain about the TS's customer service. I go there because I'm near it every other week when I go to visit my mother so no shipping and I can see the parts before I buy.