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

Take a look at http://www.tirerack.com . Go by tire size button , enter say 275 60 17 it will bring up a bunch of tires that size . Then select oh say the Hankook then click on it then on specs it will show that size and anything else in that tire in the spec charts.

The 275 60 17 is the size I have on my Tahoe , it's 30" .

My concern is if it will tuck up in the fender without the wheel back spacing being just right.

I've got 31 10.5 tires on my '56 and 8" white spoke wheels and they will rub the fender when loaded because of the std. backspace.

All that said don't buy wheels and tires until you have measured twice then a third time. You will need to be sure what will work and look good.

As for looks , 26" tires would look lost in the fender opening .

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

Dan
There's a Tractor Supply in Norco.
http://www.tractorsupply.com/?cm_mmc...-Google-_-1750
A little closer than Santa Barbara.
Kim

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

Dan, I bought an 8.8 in 3.55 for my 59 with an LS and 4L65E , I think that is going to be about perfect. Your mileage may vary, looks like your builders has the upper shock mount at the same location as mine, just not sure that is adequate clearance. But I don't have a ton of experience with coilovers either.

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

Nut Case,
Here you go, as requested and from both sides. Let me know if it shows whatever you needed to see.
http://i832.photobucket.com/albums/z...psezewu9q4.jpg

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

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

Tuesday, January 22, 2017

Several things happened today:

#1 The R&P were pulled from the rearend and Robby was in process of installing/setting up the 3.73's. This oughta give me a little more umph. Pleased they got right on it.
http://i832.photobucket.com/albums/z...ps7mr9zd5i.jpg

#2 I decided to have the stock cam swapped for an LS7 cam (most likely). According to Mike this should make about 80 more horsepower and more torque taking my engine from about 330 to about 410 hp. Torque from about 350-360 to about 440 ft/lbs. All without changing highway mileage of about 22-23mpg .... PROVIDED I don't stick my foot through the floor board too many times, of course. Lol.
But seriously, Mike has built a LOT of LS engines of various types in both naturally aspirated and forced induction modes. The engine is already set up with Z06 exhaust manifolds and Holley aftermarket induction so there will be no other mods necessary to support the swap other than going to double valve springs. The LS9 cam is slightly better according to him IF I ever decide to go turbocharged in the future....I doubt it. The LS7 cam is slightly better suited to a naturally aspirated engine. I'm excited about this and its just one more example of the slippery slope these builds can lead to.

#3 I made the final selection of color today after seeing this sample panel:
http://i832.photobucket.com/albums/z...ps23ys8zeg.jpg

It's Honda Milano Red. Both ends of the panel are the same color but the top has six coats of clear on it, the bottom only 3. Yes, it has a lot of orange peel. It hasn't been color sanded/polished and won't be - it's just a sample afterall.

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

Very nice color.
Kim

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

I'm looking forward to seeing that paint on your truck. I'm looking at a similar color for my build. Corvette precision red. Red just looks so damn good on these older trucks!

3 things make or break these builds: Paint, wheels, stance. All of which are subjective.

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

That Color is going to look really nice!

Allen

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

Color looks great Dan!

:uhmk:

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

Thanks for the kind words you guys!

I'm NOT going to put the deluxe stainless trim on the cab. For anyone who read this thread earlier on, you know I LIKE shiny (ha ha) but I want to keep it simple and I don't much like the idea of holes in the body - even though it'll never see a conventional hose & bucket washing and likely little or no rain after its done. But I may use the "chrome" lock strip in the back window rubber and the chrome trim around the windshield only.

It's occurred to me to handle the dash a little differently since I'm not installing the '55 car dash afterall:waah: Maybe paint the lower half another color and also the strip around the cab. Like this:http://i832.photobucket.com/albums/z...psd4arax0h.png

Possibly a rich off white or a champagne.....but these are only idea at this point. I'm going to live with it awhile as a completed project and decide later.

Ideas, suggestions, opinions appreciated.

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

Hey Dan,

Always liked how you did your door panels! maybe the accent with the champagne
color into the door panels also? just a Thought!
I am sure its going to look great when its done
Excited for you and cant wait to see it in color.

Allen

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

Oh thanks Allen. Yeah, I really ended up liking my Sage green/Celery combo back in the day too. This for those that don't remember/don't wanna go back 5 years (eek!) on this thread:
http://i832.photobucket.com/albums/z...a/DSCN0891.jpg
So much that I briefly considered doing the truck permanently in it. I wouldn't have regretted it, just that I love red. Oh well.

If anyone remembers how I painted the raised rib on the door panels silver, it's occurred to me to have the door panel chromed then only allow the raised rib to be exposed. Sorta/kinda duplicating my old look. Then use a champagne or rich cream on the inset of the raised rib and the lower part of door in red carpet or the same champagne/cream to match. Anyway, just ideas floating around in my empty skull!

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

That color is going to look great! The cream and red usually make a beautiful combo.

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

Thanks. Not SURE I'm going to do it, but thinking about it. Since it's a dark red I wonder if cream is the right color or something else? Time will tell.

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

I think you are on the right track with a Cream, Beige or even the champagne color
Kinda the Beauty of the Red you picked out, it really looks good with an accent color,
I think the Chrome highlight detail you did would look KILLER with the red you are going with and an accent color! Its going to look Good Dan.
just my 2cents,
Allen

I always admired the chrome accent you did and already have thought of it on my two trucks!

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

You realize the "chrome" accent I did on my door panels was just rattle can paint, right? I remember being almost embarrassed to post it. But I liked it so I figured, "What the hell!" ha ha.

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

Yes Sir, Chrome in a Can! Lol I think it looked good and complemented
the interior, Hell, look at the Guys who accent the sides of the Cameo Trim in paint! The one truck that comes to mind is the Orange Custom with the side's
that look like a Belair datail all done in paint from front to back!

Your's you did looked Good Dan.

Allen

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

Nothing like a little cheap faux bling. IF it "works" lol

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

I think the truck is going to turn out GREAT regardless of the paint scheme.

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

Dan, I'm enjoying following your build. It's going to be extra nice, and aren't you happy now that you decided to just do it. That red paint is going to keep you from getting noticed, NOT!!. I'm like you about the shiny stuff, I want it all. I have the cab trim already bought but I'm also having second thoughts about installing it. I'm going to ask my son if he can come up with a better way to install it maybe using panel adhesive inside the trim somehow.. I'll just use the shiny lock strip if he doesn't get the trim mounted.

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

Dan, whats the fill for the fuel tank going to look like? trying to pick out a tank for my '59, thanks for any help.

Mark

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

Hi Russ! Thanks for posting.
I've been thinking about mounting the deluxe trim without drilling holes. I have an idea but it may be hard to picture from a written description.

Whatever tape they use to mount badges on modern cars is pretty amazing stuff. I thought about using small thin blocks of aluminum with this badge tape on both flat sides then sticking these blocks where the factory holes would go. The tape on the face of the blocks would adhere to the INSIDE of the back of the trim so it would still be tight to the body surface.

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

It'll look like this:
http://i832.photobucket.com/albums/z...pszvpl5pe9.jpg

This is JJ's (ChuckDriver). You can't go wrong copying the stuff he does. He's not finished, his truck is in-progress but whether it's who he had graft in his clip, the color of his Rally wheels, his Impala dashboard or the color he chose for his bedwood, you won't go wrong following his lead.

I may get to this before he does but I'm going to rout the wood slightly to allow this fill bowl to sit flush with the wood surface. And I'm going to polish both this bowl and the gas cap. Tanks, Inc. Asks $30 for the bowl but I strongly suspect your local Lowe's or Home Cheapo sell kitchen sink drains for garbage disposals that are the same thing and probably sell for less than $10.

Most guys use one of these or a billet door:
http://i832.photobucket.com/albums/z...ps7avyis2l.jpg

I LIKE these & I like the billet doors too. But everyone ones them so i want something littel different. It's why i did my door panels as i did, painted my stock gauge clusterface green to match the way my truck used to look, etc. Before I get blasted for "Everyone is doin an LS" - yeah, you're right. But only SBC's have the nickname "belly buttons" And yes, red an five spoke mags have been done to death. I reserve the right to be in to use with my female side in building my truck and to be totally illogical!

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

HAHA, you're right! do it the way you want and to heck with anyone's opinion! Can't wait to see it finished.

Mark

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

Me too I'm telling the painter & Mike it's GOTTA be done by April 1 - start of baseball season. But being in construction and working to schedules constantly I know it'll likely slip. If it's TOTALLY done and at home by Memorial Day I'll be happy to have it for the entire summer.

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

You're to kind Dan, thanks!

I'm just trying to keep up with you now!!

I thought about the deluxe cab trim for awhile too. My truck had it at one time, as the holes are already in the cab and drivers door. I have a repro-set that I've been holding on to for years, seem to do that a lot!

If you don't want to drill the holes I think the 3M trim adhesive would do the trick. You could probably fill the back of the trim in a few spots with JB Weld or another product called All-Metal? Just put enough to keep a slim gap between the trim and the paint.

I found another interior shot for you.

:uhmk:

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

Hi JJ,

Ha, your mind and mine are in tune in a lot of ways. I have that EXACT same photo saved in my "Interior Ideas" photo folder. But thank you of course for posting it for me.

Not being kind, I just like pretty much everything you do on your truck. Looks like the owner installed the Dakota Digital VHX series gauges too - which I like but not sure about veering so far from the stock "look".

P.S. A blob (nicely done of course) of JB Weld inside the deluxe trim would probably work and would certainly be easier than my aluminum block idea - good thinking. That said, chances are i wont install the trim but will install the chrome lock strip. Personally, I dont care for using both. Sometimes you just have to know when to "lift the brush" and i already fear I've done too many things.

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

Friday, January 24, 2017

The front & rear suspension is installed for the final time. New leaf spring pins were installed with new zerks and greased.

The rollers on the rear - are only 14's so I was shocked they fit. I have to go with 17's up front to clear the calipers otherwise I'd put 15's back to get a taller sidewall height.

The new 3.73 ring & pinion is installed and properly setup and the Moser aluminum differential cover is on.

The Holley intake and throttle body are permanently installed - the fuel rails will be shortly. The EGR flanges and assorted junk have been shaved from the exhaust manifolds. They'll get a little more smoothing then go to Jet Hot for silver ceramic coating.

http://i832.photobucket.com/albums/z...ps4hpgzegl.jpg

http://i832.photobucket.com/albums/z...psr2grlgab.jpg

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

http://i832.photobucket.com/albums/z...pspgxa2m9m.jpg

http://i832.photobucket.com/albums/z...psoh4umsbd.jpg

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

Stopped by the body shop to see if Marcos wanted the small interior items since he is painting the cab interior first. Things like glove box door, ashtray, kick panel vents, door & windshield garnish molding. He said it'll all get painted later.

But the entire cab is sanded and ready for color. It SHOULD get paint next week (fingers crossed).

http://i832.photobucket.com/albums/z...psb2ce1dcu.jpg

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

Looking real good.
Kim

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

Dan, looks great, closer each day...Jim

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

Its all looking good Dan!!

:uhmk:

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

Thanks JJ,

1. Master cylinder needs to be reinstalled, the bracket has already been fabbed.
2. Brake lines &
3. exhaust still have to be fabricated.
4. Fuel lines are done, just need to be hooked up.
5. Some very minor welding on exhaust manifolds & some sanding.
6. Serpentine system installed but it's Holley so it's close to stock.

I THINK that's all until the cab is done and remounted on the chassis. I must be forgetting things though.

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

The list is getting much shorter!

Have you fit the Altman latches yet?

:uhmk:

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

Yes, a long time ago. I THOUGHT i posted photos but not sure now. It's been months.

BUT....I guess I ordered the wrong kit because there was some reason (I forget now why) that required we cut the right angle off the door panel. Maybe there was a kit specifically for Task Force trucks, and i didn't buy that one? I bought mine several years ago and it sat uninstalled for unite awhile. Anyway, its installed and worked great!

Has yours been reliable? Are you happy with it?

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

Wednesday, March 1, 2017

Just an update w/progress photos to keep my "Log" up to date.

Only the serpentine system had been installed as of yesterday. The shop is full of other short term work now and since my body isn't done yet I guess there's no reason to rush. Feels like Chinese water torture to me!

As an aside, I finally sold my 10 bolt rearend the other day for $50. Not much but saved me having to take it somewhere as scrap. That MAY happen to my straight axle and leaf springs though. Too bad as it's already upgraded to tapered roller bearings and 5x4.75" lug pattern by the original owner. Oh well.

Buyer of the 10 bolt had a buddy drive down from Bakersfield it pick it up so he must have really needed it. The gas cost more than the part.

http://i832.photobucket.com/albums/z...pswzit5ztx.jpg

Closeup of the AC compressor. I LIKE shiny, what can I say? The alternator, serpentine mounting brackets and intake manifold will get polished or chromed later. Too many unknown costs right now so saving some cash for awhile.
http://i832.photobucket.com/albums/z...pshhzvbx0t.jpg

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

Looking good.
Kim

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

Looks great...Jim

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

More progress!

My Altman latches are giving me a hard time right now, the drivers door handle is binding for some reason, will look into it next week!

:uhmk:

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

Looks good Dan. Is that Holley accessory drive?