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

Fredo, I got the photos from the guy and I don't think they're all that much better than mine are. They'd have to be very up close shots to see if they have any pin holes and the pix are not that close. My relative in Phoenix isn't a car guy so I can't rely on his judgement. I'm gonna pass but you MAY still have interest.

Again, if you PM me your email I can forward the pix.

Called Airgas this am for purchase price on a cylinder w/MIG gas - $199. DOH! But I suppose once I've got it I can start repairing my doors...and a bunch of small holes, etc
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Re: Danny Boy is BAACK! w/ '55 Big Window
 

You guys are making me feel better. I thought I had the only truck where some PO had welded the hinge to the door. This must be more common than I thought.

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

We ARE kidding, you DO have the only one!:lol:

But seriously, I wonder what the reason was that a lot of guys did that? I assume people hung their weight on the door over & over and caused more wear on the driver's side, but I'd have guessed the top hinge would be more an issue than the bottom.

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

Dan
The initial price of the tank can be pretty expensive.
I get mine refilled for around $30.
Kim

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

Thanks Kim. Yeah, I asked the guy how much of the $199 was tank and how much was gas? He said $150 for the tank and $36 for the gas. I found a 56" tall tank full of MIG gas (supposedly - how do I tell?) for $160 on Craigslist. The guys SAYS it passes hydrotest so that sounds like a damn good deal but I admit I know nothing about this stuff. Do I even WANT a 56" cylinder of MIG gas? Stupid question coming: does it lose effectiveness? Any reason I shouldn't want to have that much...I'm not going to be doing THAT much welding.

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

Dan, the gas in the bottle on CL should be fine. If the bottle is still in hydro you can tell by the dates stamped into the metal near the neck. I believe hydro is required every 10 years. Either way that last time i took a bottle in for refill it was out of hydro. They charged me and extra 12 bucks to take it in. They just rotate bottles so you'll get one that is good to go.
Yes you can always use more gas so if you can find a big bottle for that price it sounds like a pretty fair deal.

I just got back from buying a new MIG welder, I'm officaly broke now. Thanks for the heads up on the doors. I guess I'll join you and Pass too.

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

"We ARE kidding, you DO have the only one!"

Just had to tell me that, didn't you, LOL.

I suspect that the reason many of these trucks have broken hinge mounts is because some PO tried to adjust the door by closing it on a block of wood.

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

Well Danny nice start good luck and have fun!

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

Ok, well I finally took at least one more picture to close out a previous in process shot; this one:

Before:
http://i832.photobucket.com/albums/z...a/DSCN0253.jpg

During:
http://i832.photobucket.com/albums/z...a/DSCN0263.jpg

After:
http://i832.photobucket.com/albums/z...a/DSCN0316.jpg

Not perfect by any means but a lot better than the Before shot and cheaply, DIY done.

Oh, and a gratuitous shot of the um, er "speed equipment" I added today:lol:
http://i832.photobucket.com/albums/z...a/DSCN0315.jpg

More to come...eventually. We bought a new-to-us boat, 22 ft. Centurion Elite Bowrider in great low hour condition from a fireman - we know how they usually keep their toys, huh? So I am distracted for the moment but I will post more soon. Just thought I'd do a minor update to the thread.

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

The wheel turned out real nice.
I like the old wheels in these trucks.
kIm

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

Thanks Kim,
I also have a "necker" knob or suicide knob for it but it turned out not to fit. I thought it would have been a nice retro touch. Not sure if I'd have left it on but I wanted to try it. Turns out it's for a wheel with a fatter rim - damn.

Oh and yes, the rest of my cab still looks like crap, ha ha. It's a low priority right now as I continue on the exterior sanding and priming. Still many things to get done just to say it's truly reliable but I'm working on it.

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

Dan, nice work on that steering wheel! Ignore the boat and get back at that truck HA!
I'll be at the L.A. Roadster Show at Pomona on Sat.
http://www.laroadsters.com/shownews.html
I might be able to find a few bits I need for my 59 there.....like a decent hood hinge.
Will you be there?

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

Fredo,
Honestly, I didn't know the Roadster Show was going on Saturday. My kids told me there was a show going on Sunday for Father's Day and after checking out your link (thanks) its the same show. So, yes I'll be there but only on Sunday.

Actually, the boat is nearly pristine. Just have to sand the teak swim step & oil it. I already crawled all over it inspecting, cleaning, waxing, etc.

I DO have to dig/form/pour a slab adjacent to my driveway to improve access. I have a small work shop behind my garage and we'll need to widen the opening so we can pull the boat all the way in. All good stuff I like doing, but all stuff that keeps me from working on the truck in the short run. What's going on with your truck? Can you post some pic's?

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

Dan rust repair is the word of the day...week...month?
I do have a few pics I'll post up tonight after work.

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

Man, people are sooo...I don't know....odd? I've got a line on what seems to be a very nice used grille for my truck for $150 - excellent price. Seller is out of area and wants to add shipping charges; also fine. He quotes me shipping plus insurance (fine) but wants to charge me $3 for gas to go to the P.O. twice (WTF?!)

Is it me or does that just seem cheapazz? He coulda just included that in the overall price; how would I have known? But he breaks it out like that and it makes me wonder how this guy will be to deal with? If I send money (money order or cashier's check) into the "great void", how do I know he won't just pocket it and screw me? I know better than to offer Paypal as he'll want me to cover his fee's!

Also, Maybe its just me (probably) but if a person lists a price and says "firm" I buy or I don't, I don't negotiate. If they say "obo" I make an offer - don't then get upset because I offered, just say "no" if its less than you're willing to take...you COULD HAVE said "firm". Geez. Just voicing my frustration. Don't know if I'm gonna do this deal with this guy or not.

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

Minor update: Vacation on a houseboat has kept me off the truck but hoping to get a little done this long weekend. Picking up a used Lokar TH350 10" shifter today. I wanted the longer 16" or 23" but for only $75 vs $200+ for new I'll not complain. It's missing the push button knob but I figure a replacement ought be cheap enough. Pic's coming later.
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Re: Danny Boy is BAACK! w/ '55 Big Window
 

It's really looking great Dan, good luck with it.

Any updates to the motor? I know you said the chrome was shot, just wondering if you dived back in there with some new bling

Thanks,
Sam

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

Hi Sam,
I bought some "Motor Coater" from KBS coatings in Chevy orange (I'm now kinda wondering if I shoulda gone with black?). I also bought some new, but old school looking finned aluminum valve covers but haven't made up my mind on what air cleaner I want? I'll likely end up with the matching finned-down-the-middle air cleaner. Installtion is all to come as I want to thoroughly clean and paint it belfore adding the bling. Looks like azz right now! lol.

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

nice project.... what did you use on the steering wheel ??

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

Thanks Bob,
Funny, I started off using Rustoleum Pro both pri
er and gloss black but it sprayed too much volume and wasn't coming out nice. I switched to sme cheap-azz OSH house brand gloss black I happened to have and it went on waay better. It's a cheap job no question. If I'd done it with automotive paint I'm thinking a touch up gun with small tip would be necessary, but I'm no painter by any means.
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Re: Danny Boy is BAACK! w/ '55 Big Window
 

Dan
what did you use to patch up the steering wheel ?? My wheel is in similar condition, and yours looks nice.... I like the way your doing your project... I kinda did my backwards by taking it all apart. You get to drive yours around and enjoy it.

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

Yeah, I did the "blow it apart" thing before and after agile I just felt a little overwhelmed and defeated.

On the steering wheel i used a Dremel tool to widen the cracks a bit - NOT any more than you need to get the goop deep into the cracks. I used JB Quik Weld but only because I had it. I'd recommend using regular JB Weld if you're gonna go buy it. Form with rat tail file then sand, sand, sand, did I mention sand?! I put about 5 coats cause of the trouble with the Rusto Pro bit you can get away with maybe 2-3
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Re: Danny Boy is BAACK! w/ '55 Big Window
 

That is sweet, thanks.. I have some of that stuff around... I will check it out.

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

I went with the finned look, here's a pic of mine to give you an idea of what it might look like


http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b3...k/IMG_0859.jpg

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

Dan, I just found and read this whole thread. Very enjoyable!! That's a Great truck you got goin there. I will enjoy watching your progress. Also I was relieved that your broken bolt turned out to be a pin, and the steering wheel looks great to. SUBSCRIBED!!!!

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

Ooh, sorry for the length but I'm excited. I've been meaning to take my truck to a little shop in a poor part of town a buddy swears by run by 2 old farts (older than me). He said, "You'll know it's our kinda place as soon as you get there AND...they're cheap too."

There was a PERFECTLY restored '63 split window Vette, a '69 Camaro - same quality, a very nice '67 Chevy 3/4 ton, & an over-the-top Jeep CJ in shop/yard. Shop was closed for lunch, we went to eat & came back to find my truck in the shop w/hood up.

Guy immediately says, "Youre having heat saturation problems with starting, huh?".
Yes, how'd you know?
"Your starter is right above your collectors, did you know that?"
Told him I'd recently bought it and brought it for that very reason, and other stuff.

Long(er) story short, having dizzy upgraded w/Pertronix, carb work (It WAS rebuilt before I
bought it but something is wrong, giysays it doesn't respond to tuning at all(!) Timing is very retarded. New plugs & plug wires. Shop guy noticed the camel hump heads and rumpety-rump cam and said it's going to come alive when he's done with it. I'm stoked. Just had to reltate it all
go so excited I headed over to The Truck Shop and bought a rear bumper lit, fan shroud, and bits & pieces.
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Re: Danny Boy is BAACK! w/ '55 Big Window
 

Stopped by the shop where my truck is to drop off the fan shroud & a new gas cap to find my carbuerator is MAJOR varnished up. Mechanic had pulled it and was working on it. Turns out the Holley intake manifold was unbelieveably gunked up and it's a single plane-bad for my purposes. I went and bougt a new Edelbrock dual plane, new volts & the adapter plate for the Holley carb. That added $189 to the already high estimate

on the way home the shop calls to tell me they drained the radiator and it's about 90% blocked. Needs t be boiled out and rodded, IF it's worth repairing. Gotta wait til radiator shop sees it. Another $125+/- Its getting expensive but ought to run GREAT when done. I can't wait! Pix as soon as I get it back.
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Re: Danny Boy is BAACK! w/ '55 Big Window
 

Thanks for the update Dan. Sounds like the shop is doing a nice job for you. Hope you can it back soon and put some miles on it!

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

Hi Chuck/JJ,

Just got a call from the shop that my radiator isn't worth fixing; it's Swiss cheese. Their radiator guy is quoting $400 for a brass/copper replacement with the auto trans cooler built in. Currently, I have an auxiliary cooler mounted in front of the stock radiator.

I'd like to put one like yours on it, one that doesn't stick up above the core support. But I'm getting concerned about cost of installation as the shop will have to do it. Can you tell me (show me?) EXACTLY what's involved? NOt the fan mounts, I can do those later.

I'm also looking at stock replacement radiators in aluminum. I know they're "not as efficient" but I asked the mechanic and he said he's always had good luck/good cooling with them. I may post a "Show me your Radiators" thread to get opinions.

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

dan, i will soon be getting me one of these aluminum radiators for my 57. its a direct bolt in.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/RADIA...Q5fAccessories

leonard

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

Dan, sounds like the shop is checking it out good. You should be running good enough to make a test drive out to the east coast when you get it back. Stop by and show it off.
Steve

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

Hi Leonard,
I saw and liked that one but I'm kinda leaning toward THIS one:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Chevy...item5ae159c01e

...IF I don't find a deal on a cross flow, below-the-core-support radiator because of the stamped original-appearing tank AND if you read the description the seller makes a good case for two rows in aluminum vs. 3 rows based on tube size. I'm no engineer but square inches of contact area is hard to argue with...to me. Please feel free to offer your opinion.

Anyone else also.

P.S. to Steve, Thanks for the kind words. Yes, I'm real pleased with this shop so far. It's not their fault the truck was allowed to sit from '91 to '10...just too damn long. That's why the heavy, heavy varnish in the carb/intake, the radiator rusting away and assorted other stuff.

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

wow dan, that is a great looking radiator. i like how the top tank looks factory.... i may get this one instead of the other.
thanks.

leonard

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

Dan,

I had my radiator custom made by Griffin here in SC. It's mounted by sitting on a lower plate that mounts with the Rad support mounting bolts and a top plate that I drilled and bolted the the top bar of the Rad support.

I did mine a few years before this company started selling a kit that looks AMAZINGLY similiar to mine!


http://www.usradiator.com/index.php/...-radiator.html

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

JJ,
First, thanks so much for the link. I simply love how the radiator looks on your truck. So clean and just "right".

I did a search and found a reference to a board memeber who retails for U.S. Radiator who said the radiator cost $369. I called U.S. Radiator yesterday and was told $499 and I wondered why the steep price jump? Now I see why: It's a complete kit. The guy on the phone didn't explain that at all. But he DID say that it would take them 3 weeks to build/deliver.

Much as I'd LOVE to have this I simply can't afford the time. And honestly, I need $500 added to my current bill at the shop like I need a hole in the head.

So I think I'm going with a fabricted 3 row aluminum radiator I found at a local place. Frankly, what this radiator has going for it is that it IS local and I can go pick it up today.

I hate having to do things on my truck other than exactly how I want to, but the cost is about half and it's immediate, so....

I'll post pic's once the work is done.

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

I hear what you're saying. If you can get a good deal on something local it would probably be smarter.

You can always upgrade later after you've enjoyed crusing it for a while!!

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

Well, today was a series of good and bads news. The shortest version I can offer is I bought a "55-59 Chevy Truck radiator" from an eBay seller who has a warehouse locally because I was in a bind for getting it to my shop today. Turned out to NOT be anywhere near a bolt in. I (my mechanic @ $$$/hr!) would have had to fabricate mounts for it and chop up the fan shroud I just bought for it. I took it back expecting a fight but they were cool and even acted as though it was a common complaint....it probably is! I'm going with an original copper/brass unit afterall.

My new finned air cleaner arrived today and I had to/wanted to buy a chrome thermostat housing-mine crumbled when they took it off. I also dropped off my old school finned valve covers at the shop since they're changing the intake anyway. Later, the shop called me and (get this!) ASKED if they could touch up the Chevy orange on my block since we are changing out so much of the appearence parts?!! "Hell Yeah" was my answer. I stoppped off after work and it looked pretty good. I probably will not get the truck back til mid week next week. Pic's will be posted, of course!

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

This gives me hope for my 55 big window that I have not been able to turn a wrench on since I was in high school...20 years ago :( I have had many projects come and go since then. maybe it will be a retirement project (?)

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

Dan, bummer on the radiator. It's a shame that things are advertised to fit but seldome do. You'd think they would have the class to say "Can be made to fit" at least you'd know what you're getting into.

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

Fredo, Are you goingto the Brothers' show tomorrow afterall? I'm not sure if I can make it...obviously, my truck won't make it-DOH! MY mother-in-law's 89th birthday is today and we're throwing a Quincineira-like party for her (that's like a coming out party to those who don't know) since she was involved in a major car accident earler this year and her neck was broken! Didn't look like she was gonna make it for awhile, but she's finally fine now. Family is in from other parts of the country, etc. I REALLY want to see everyone's stuff tomorrow, but don't know as of now.

That radiator I returned had the tiniest filler neck and cap on it - seriously, a garden hose wouldn't have fitted in it! Glad I returned it. I REALLY want a rad like ChuckDriver's setup. SO damn clean looking. But the kit is a bit over $500 from U.S. Radiator and it'll wait til other stuff gets sorted out.

Wideside72, my '55 is sorta/kinda MY retirement project. I'm 56 soon to be 57 and I won't retire for about another 5 years but I intend to keep it long term. Ironically, I graduated high school in '72 and was driving my Dad's purchased-new '55 Chevy two door hardtop Belair. I didn't want it of course. I gave it back to him to buy a '66 Chevy van - WHAT an idiot!! He sol it for $450...and it was perrrrfect! Kills me everytime I think of it.