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

Thanks Dave! I should know the answer but is there somewhere on the tags a code for its factory color? Or was this still too early for that?


PS: I went back and looked at the VIN and it looks like its the 20,063rd truck built. That's a LOT of damn trucks built. No wonder they are still all over the place. Also, I assume that's its number from the LA plant, right? They didn't keep running track of them coming out of each factory - no computers to tie the factories together in those days!

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

You mean, "If-a-little's-good-a-lot-is-better" doesnt apply here?! Lol.

Yeah, I didn't know if there was anything to be gained from using it. Maybe a little less heat soak coming into the cab?

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

Thanks for the info!! Hoping to set engine and trans this weekend. It appears to have plenty of room.
Mark

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

In the top of that link it says: "The second section, all numeric, is the plant production number, with the first truck built at a given plant receiving the number 001001."

So I assume it was #020063 minus 1000 to come out of LA that year.

Might be too early for paint, My '59 has a tag on the front driver pillar with a specific "Paint" line item, 704A is Sherwood Green.

I think the color you chose looks great! Truck is really coming together nicely!

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

Dan,
That color is fantastic and never being sanded yet? Wow, it's beautiful. :metal:

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

Thanks so much. I'm really happy with my choice so far.

I'll check in at both shops today or tomorrow. Nothing had been done on the chassis as of Tuesday. Hopefully some progress has been made by now.

In the body shop I expect the underhood and possibly the miscellaneous interior parts I dropped off the other day have been sprayed in color too.

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

Thursday, March 9, 2017

No invoice this week (Good!) so no progress (Bad!) but the trans crossmember is finally back from powder coating today.

I thought you guys might like to see some of the other cars/trucks in the shop. Mike JUST got in this '58 short Fleetside. Apparently the owner has had bad luck with shops. It's been under construction over 5 years(!) and still isn't complete. Mike is to fully complete it so the owner can drive it home. Needs mostly interior reassembly and wiring, debugging. It's a conventional small block and four speed manual:
http://i832.photobucket.com/albums/z...pshujazg8a.jpg

Mike liked the backpacking on the rims and wanted me to see them. 245/45x17 in front and 275/40x18 in the rear. Coddington Junkyard Dog rims, I think. Personally, I prefer the same diameter rim front & rear.

Originally, I wanted to use my 15" Torq Thrust wannabe's - they can't fit over the calipers.
16's do but there's no selection in 16's anymore.
So on to 17's, BUT the rims I want come in 7's & 8's only & low profile tires don't give enough height a decent RPM at 70 MPH. I want to be in the low 2000's at 70 with 3.73 ratio when I drive up to see my granddaughter (220 miles).

So I MAY have to consider 18's (ugh).
I can get rear rims in 9's & 10.5's making my tire height over 28".
I like more sidewall on older vehicles. I'd use 275 or 295/40's. I'd prefer 50's but only seem to come in winter tires or SUV/Crossover tires.

Anyway:
http://i832.photobucket.com/albums/z...pskcvxbr1j.jpg
I think the lip on these is a bit too deep. Younger guys can't get a wide enough lip. Gotta know when to "lift the brush" - and I may well have (far?) exceeded that already! Ha ha

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

Other cars currently is the shop (this is NOT all of them). There's a Mucielago (sp?) in there too.

1966('67?) SS396 Chevelle. Probably a clone but I didn't ask and don't care. Still a great car:
http://i832.photobucket.com/albums/z...psuflazwwh.jpg

A non-frame off rodstoration '61 or '62 bubbletop with an LS:
http://i832.photobucket.com/albums/z...pshr0sofdu.jpg

http://i832.photobucket.com/albums/z...psqze3c1lv.jpg

Same early Mustang fastback has been there awhile. I'm not a Ford guy and wouldn't choosethese rims for it, BUT admit I like early Mustangs. This one is immaculate up close:
http://i832.photobucket.com/albums/z...psoyzqm9mu.jpg

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

A couple complimentary photos because i like them!

I think the olive interior with rich cream exterior is very attractive. I'd look for the Fleetside spear chrome for it too.
http://i832.photobucket.com/albums/z...psoqihgoou.jpg

This chrome bead lock AND deluxe cab trim doesnt look as overdone as i tend to think it would. Maybe its because it jazzes up the white body, i don't know.
http://i832.photobucket.com/albums/z...psxzsonpdq.jpg

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

Speaking of lifting the brush, go with 18s! They are the sweet spot imo. I believe the wheels on the fleetside are Boyd coddington "smoothies". I would seriously consider hitting up Chris Coddington for a genuine set. Just down street...

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

Who is "just down the street"? Chris Coddington? I wasn't aware.

I don't think I want these rims. I actually kind of like them but not sure they're right for me. My real taste is the old fashioned gray spoke, machine lip 15" original Torq Thrusts. Since I cant use them I'm tending toward the next closest thing which for me is 17" Coy C5's with gray spokes. But if i were going to higher dollar rims they'd probably be Billet Specialties Legacy 2's.

As for 18" versus 17" tires there is just more selection in 18's (by far) and in general they're cheaper too. I assume because they sell more of them. I guess I'd be ok with 17x8's in the rear but I'd like 9's or 10.5's but to get those I have to use 18's or POSSIBLY get Coys to custom make wider ones, but again the availability of wide enough tires becomes an issue.

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

Here's the comparison. The Fleetside has the Junkyard Dogs....i like them. I think I like the Smoothies a bit better though.

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

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

Wheel selection is challenging....back when we had fewer choices...sure I will take the Cragar SS. Not many others available then.

Those wheels look very good.

Nice looking projects in the shop too. Appreciate the share.

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

Hey Dan, can I ask a big favor? If your guy there at the shop painted that bubble top, can you ask him what that color code is for the white? been looking for something specific and seen on a vehicle instead of a color chip. Thanks for the share!

appreciate it.

paul

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

Paul,
Sure I'll ask. I truly don't know if Mike's paint shop sprayed it or not. He used to use Marcos, the guy doing my truck til he established his own shop. Still uses him occasionally if he gets overbooked or behind.

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

Paul,
Color is original 1961 Ermine White, 886-93774-L. Mike's shop did not paint it.

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

Awesome Dan Thank You -

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

Your build is coming along nice. It's looking good.

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

Here's a link to a tire size calculator, you can put in different sizes to compare diameter and sidewall heights and it will also show which brand makes them!!


https://tiresize.com/calculator/


:uhmk:

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

Thanks very much JJ, super helpful!

I've been hand calculating diameters and then manually looking up tire sizes on Tirerack - tedious, slow and many times there wasn't a size made that I'm searching for.

Are the tires referenced on this site current?

PS: What do most guys use as a "rule of thumb" on max tire width on a given rim width? For example, an 8" wide rim converts to 201.6mm wide(25.2mm per inch). I assume I would use a tire that is approximately 1" wider than the rim, so 225mm though I know I can go somewhat larger. The question is how much larger?

I don't think I'd be too worried about going up to say 245 or even 255, but that's just a guess. I don't want ridiculously pinched sidewalls. I don't think my front rims/tires will be too much a concern. But the rears may. I'm considering a 9" rim and possibly larger.

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

A 245 will easily fit on a 8''rim. I have 235 on my front wheels which are 8".

Some tire sites state the min and max rim width per tire size.

:uhmk:

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

Thanks JJ. Yeah, I know the 245's will fit fine on an 8".

I'll most likely use 7's in front but 8's are a possibility. It's the rears I'm having trouble deciding on. I can get 9.5's if I wait 60 days - and I have the time.

9.5's would make the rim just under 240mm wide. So I could use 275's, possibly even 295's but I have to wait til the bed is installed before measuring to see if I have room. I don't want ANY rubbing, no fender rolling, no crawling over speed bumps or entering driveways diagonally. I'm too old for that BS.

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

these are both really cool but i would agree with you the smoothies are an older look to me, fits the truck better. Just me though.

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

Wednesday, March 15, 2017

No photos, just an update for my "Log."

Stopped by the bodyshop. The exterior of the cab, front fenders & hood will be sprayed this week according to Marcos - we'll see. Another week to dry, sand & the last three clear coats sprayed, etc.

The front fenders were guide coated, one had been final blocked prior to color. I'm glad I got to see this. I'd forgotten to ask about seam sealer so he showed me the whole interior of the cab had been sealed and another sealer used in the rain gutters.

At Mike's shop the master cylinder & trans crossmember had been mounted. He's reconnecting the fuel lines and bending/mounting the brake lines this week. We also discussed him fabbing the exhaust up to the rear axle. He'll wait to finalize it once the bed is done and mounted.

He and Marcos will coordinate directly to deliver the cab/front fenders to be mounted & doors & hood gapped so Mike isn't responsible if anything is chipped. I have to get new body mounts. I'll get out to The Car & Truck Shop for those.

That's it for now. It's progress. I'm still pressing for paint completion by April 1 - doesn't quite seem like they'll make it but close. Then the whole thing done by Memorial Day - we'll see!

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

Friday, March 17, 2017

Marcos decided he should have painted the firewall when he painted the cab interior. He went ahead and sprayed it this morning. Said the cab exterior, front fenders and outside of hood will likely get sprayed Monday. I was hoping they'd be done today...but I'm pleased some got done this week.
http://i832.photobucket.com/albums/z...psetxr06c7.jpg

I keep trying to accurately capture the color. It doesnt photograph well. The Sun makes it look too orange, flash makes it look too bright. But this shot is very close:
http://i832.photobucket.com/albums/z...ps4f0it8ju.jpg

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

The brake lines are nearly all bent and mounted. I'm very pleased with how clean Mike works. Here's the master cylinder lines in:
http://i832.photobucket.com/albums/z...ps7mhzmiuk.jpg

These little stand offs will be TIG'd and minor touch up done:
http://i832.photobucket.com/albums/z...psutrhjoob.jpg

http://i832.photobucket.com/albums/z...psv5utqqsd.jpg

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

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

Dan, love the color, line work is outstanding...Jim

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

Thanks Jim. I know nothing about bending brake lines but I know neat and a "thought-out" appearance. These pass my uneducated eye test.

I noticed one line appears to touch the rearend vent but the stand off isn't welded yet so I assume it'll be moved over a bit.

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

Beautiful color.
Kim

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

Looking really nice!! Can i ask a question? Did your builder "clock" the rack and pinion so the fittings point forward or is that a different rack than you started with?

Thanks,
Mark

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

Mark,
I'm not sure what your, "is that a different rack than what you started with" question means?

The rack was purchased from Flat Out Engineering along with their crossmember. Mike buys rebuilt racks from them because theirs have been reliable and are priced competitively. As for the clocking of the rack, I assume it's clocked the way it is on a C4 Corvette, but I don't know Vettes so I'll ask and get back to you. Sorry I couldn't tell you more right away. -Dan

EDIT: I just texted Mike and he says the rack is modified by Flat Out.

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

Hey Mark, I believe Flat Out's Rack&Pinion have been re-clocked
I have their Front kit on my 58 with the Stock Rack from the 85 vette
and i had to re-clock mine.
Pretty easy, pulled the two pins in the center and was able to move the outer casing putting
the line's from their Vertical position to Horizontal position, Now i just need to address the need for new lines.
Allen

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

Thanks guys, mine fits the way it is, but i wondered if i should re-clock? Do HAVE to change the lines or can you reconfigure the stock ones?

Mark

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

You can re-clock the stock Corvette Rack, Yes,
You will probably need to make new lines to fit, i am finding their is no way to re-use Or Bend mine to the shape in were they need to go.
The lines on mine wont fit to were they need to go and i am afraid if i bent them they are going to leak, so with that i am in search of making a new set that will fit.

Allen

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

^^interesting^^

Just as an aside I will mention that one of a couple things that held up all my plumbing getting completed last week was Mike needs to order some metric O rings for the lines. In hindsight I can't recall for certain but I THINK it was for the lines exiting the rack.

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

Hey Dan, couldn't remember if you were running rear discs also - but if so, why run your lines on the rear end in lieu of up and out of the way on the frame crossmember? I know drums are, due to hard lines running all the way to wheel, where discs allow the flex line at the wheel. Running mine soon and thinking of the layout a bit.

Cheers, Jim

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

Hmmm, I don't know the answer. Preference I suppose.

Obviously, you have to have flexible lines to deal with the motion of the suspension and that will happen whether the hardliners are mounted on the rear end or on the cross member as long the flex lines connect the parts that move with the parts that don't!

MAYBE it's that Mike is more used to plumbing a chassis with rear drums than discs - I don't know. I'll see him later this week and can ask him if you'd like.

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

Thursday, March 23, 2017

Exterior color.....FINALLY! This has 3x base coats and 3x clear coats. Was sprayed Saturday and has been drying since. Will be sanded and 3x additional clear coats sprayed, then final cut and polish.
http://i832.photobucket.com/albums/z...ps8vbek7lw.jpg

The cab is dusty as hell but I wiped off the corner where the gas filler used to be. Remember this has NOT been cut/polished yet. It's right out of the gun. I'm really really happy with it.
http://i832.photobucket.com/albums/z...psvfwqbkpk.jpg

Mike and Marcos will coordinate to return the chassis to the paint shop for the cab to be remounted. If it won't be ready right away, I'll pick up the chassis to get it out of Mike's way. He has his own '58 Corvette to work on and customer's cars.

After the cab, doors, front fenders and hood are remounted and gapped it can go back to Mike's for wiring and to get the engine running/tuned/debugged. Then once the bed is done it'll be mounted and the exhaust finished all the way to the rear bumper.

Stopped by Mike's shop and the final hydroboost plumbing was being done. Here are some progress pictures. The driveshaft has been ordered. The exhaust manifolds still need some minor tig welding before sending for coating. That's it for the chassis.
http://i832.photobucket.com/albums/z...psgzj3nyss.jpg

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

Jim,
Mike said every car with live rear axle he's ever done has had the hardline mounted to the rearend housing. The flex lines from rear axle housing to calipers is jut for ease of servicing later.

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

Wow, that paint is nice! You gotta be pretty pumped. Looking like you might be driving it this year?