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

Dan, my truck had the original glass and rubber gasket in it when I got it, and that looks like my original one to me. If it is the rubber for the stainless trim it will have a slot that would be about 3/8ths of an inch deep. You might try sticking a thin object into the indention and see if it is actually a slot or just an indention. Nothing wrong with SoffSeal as I think they make a lot of the rubber products that are available for antique vehicles.

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

Thanks for the kind words on my build...but...

UGH! UGH! UGH! on possibly having to remove and reinstall the glass! Not having seen it I’m curious why the trim has to be installed in the rubber in advance? Is there no way to install it now, after the fact?

Of course I’ll be check the rubber to see if it’s a line or a slot. I bought it at The Car and Truck Shop locally and they sell both the standard and deluxe rubber. The counterman may have given me the deluxe and I didn’t know to check it. Too bad now because it’s been installed with sealer and would have to be cut off, so tough t!tty for me I guess.:waah:

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

Hay Dan What's up ?

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

Reassembly at body shop. Slow......as......water.....torture:lol:

I made the mistake (I guess) of going back to work as a consultant after being retired since the end of 2017. I’m hating getting up to an alarm clock again, the commute. But it’ll maybe replace some of the money I spent on the truck. It got away from me as I’ve mentioned here before and I spent more than I ever intended.

Truck is all together to look at it. Some trouble with attaching door latch actuators to Altman latches as you may have seen on a separate thread I posted. Ended up grinding the peening off the fasteners on the stock latches to spot weld them on the Altman latches.

All glass is in, interior trim. Glove box and a few misc pieces to be done before hooking up tail lights, 3rd brake light in rear window, having upholstery finished. Just takes forever. Thanks for caring enough to ask. Believe me, when there’s anything to show, I’ll take pictures and post them.

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

Update sometime this week ?

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

Still in the shop, Glen. But thanks for remaining interested. I may stop by this afternoon though.

When I FINALLY get it back for good I'll take some pictures in some scenic spot - no idea where. I'll be out of town the next couple weeks but I plan to tell the painter I want it back for good when I get back.

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

Tell the painter we are waiting for pics. He doesn't want to see us when we're angry:devil:...Jim

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

lol

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

So I stopped by the painter's today and told him I will be back to get the truck October 11 or 12. Basically, everything he can do is done except putting the chrome lock strip in the rear window rubber.

I will have a little work to do when I get it back but not much: Side, hood & V8 emblems, mount the tail lights and rear license plate, etc.

I'll be making an appointment with the upholsterer soon but I know from last year that he does a lot of work for the SEMA show each year so I assume he'll be busy with that again this year and I will have to wait my turn in about November. Anyway, that's it for now.

PSW: Pics of the exterior; hopefully in some picturesque place, as soon as I get it back. Interior pics later.

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

Hope to see some pic's soon Dan!!

:uhmk:

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

Thanks JJ,
I’m in France as I type this. On a walking tour of a small village along the Seine. I’ll be back next week to pick up the truck and pictures will be coming shortly thereafter!

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

You will enjoy it Dan, this much I know...

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

OK so I’m back from vacation and went to check on the truck this morning. Marcoz was working on the final polish and the truck should be ready the day after tomorrow for pick up.

Obviously I need a front bumper and I’ll try to get that tomorrow. I also need longer rear wheel studs for for the spacers I’m using though I can get by with what I’ve got temporarily.

It still needs carpet and headliner, AC charged, tail lights connected and I’m sure a few more things but the majority of the work is “done” for now.

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

For some reason the site doesn’t wanna let me post more than one picture on that first post. I’ll try again now.

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

Wow Dan, Truck Looks Beautiful!!!!! Very Nice Sir!

Allen

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

Thanks!

I’m not sure I like the wheels. Well, actually I “like” them but I’m not sure they’re right for the look I’d really like it to have. A bit too blingy. They’re 17’s because I need something that will clear the Corvette calipers. 16” would but there is very little selection of both wheels AND tire sizes in 16’s anymore.

When I get it home I will see just how close 15’s fit and if it would be possible to do minor grinding on the calipers to allow them to fit. If so, I’ll have my vintage 15” Torq Thrust knockoffs restored and use them instead.

A lot of guys put 20’s on these trucks - I’m NOT one of them. I prefer taller, traditional sidewalls on vintage vehicles. I’d like 60 series tires ideally. What’s on it now are 235/55x17’s. Here’s a pic from when it was in process and the front calipers hadn’t been installed. The rims obviously need restoration before I’d use them but you’ll get the idea.

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

Truck looks great.
Good luck with the wheels.
Kim

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

Dan, truck looks suuuuuper...Jim

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

Truck looks amazing Dan! It's been a long road, but you're almost done!!

:uhmk:

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

Thanks for all the kind words guys!

It’s been a long road. It would have only been longer if I’d done the work like all of you have. I can’t claim much credit for how it’s turned out except spending the money. I haven’t (& wont!) total receipts because I’d probably faint!

I’ll continue to post as the small stuff starts getting worked off and of course I’ll finally “pose” it some picturesque place for a few shots.

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

Stopped by the paint shop and was surprised to see this. He wasn’t satisfied with the fit of the grille (good) so he removed/replaced it and in the process chipped the body work slightly (bad) so it’s sanded and masked for a touch up of front panel. DAMN.

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

Danny

You and I share the same like for 60 series tires, Because the C-4 requires a 17" rim not many tire companies have 295 / 60/ 17 for out trucks.

That color is fandamtastic!!!!! Right arm!!!!! Outa State!!!! :haha:

Strong work.

Nut Case

:thumbs:

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

Nut Case - I've been told a 16" rim should fit over the C4 calipers. I've not found much selection of either wheels or tires in 16's anymore. Once I get the truck home I will try to install a 15" rim and see if it's possible to do minor grinding on the caliper body to allow them to clear.

I have the Tor Thrust knockoffs in the picture above and I have a set of 15x8 GM Rally wheels. Either of which I will consider using (sometimes) if they fit.

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

Dan - I think what you have looks really good and not too "blingy". Even tho they may be 17's, the combination of satin finish and your taller sidewall makes up the look and IMHO, one needs larger diameter tires to fill the wheel wells. Just some feedback from one who likes more the old school look.

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

Dan,

My opinion is meaningless, but I like the wheels pictured in post #2653. I prefer a little less sidewall. I also don't think they make your "blingy."

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

Thanks for the opinions, guys! NO, your opinion is not meaningless. Maybe they're worth MORE than someone I see at a show, a neighbor, etc. because here you're anonymous and can say you hate them if you like. Guys on this forum know and like these trucks have a more meaningful opinion to me. Though of course I will be living with it so I will make the final decision.

As soon as I pick it up for good and can really consider what; if anything, I will do about the wheels. I'll take some pictures in various places and poses and "live" with them awhile and see how I feel then.

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

WOW that is looking killer!! love the red you picked.

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

I love the color, looks like you dipped the truck. great job.
what color is that anyway? is it a stock color on something? not doing red so don't worry about me copy catting. I just like the color choice. it looks a foot deep.

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

Thanks and I wouldn’t care if anyone else chose the same color. It’s 2012 (and later) Honda Milano Red. The darkest red I could find (that I liked) that wasn’t burgundy or metallic.

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

One of the last things to be installed on the truck is a new (repop) front bumper, brackets, etc. See the pic. I think he installed it upside down and I’ve asked him flip it. He said he HAD installed it the other way and it looked worse to him.

What do you guys think? To me, they have a short bend and a longer arc bend. I believe the shorter bend goes on top. Is this how you guys think it should go?

Ive thrown in a couple pics of how it looked before. Granted, it was a different bumper but I’m sure it was a repop too.

PS: The bumper had a million hand prints all over it. That’s why it looks blurry in the photo.

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

Hey Dan,

The way it is Pictured is Correct.

The Short Bend goes towards the Bottom (Some Guys like to be different and like it flipped
upside down) But all four of your pics are the correct "Factory OEM" Way.

Looking Very Good by the Way!

Allen

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

Really? You feel pretty sure it's right as is?

I thought it looked a little odd but of course the truck was never as low as it is now.

Anyone else have an opinion on this?

Thanks Allen.

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

100% Sure

BUT I am suffering from to much Teflon on my Brain Nothing Sticks anymore!
but i have been living and breathing these old 55-9 Trucks for many years and all that info is still retained!!!!
LOL. Hahahaha

It Looks Good Dan!

Allen

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

hey dan
i also want to say your truck looks amazing !!! i know its been a long road ---- hopefully you can make it for years on that road .
front bumper is correct --- looks great !!

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

Yeah the way you have your bumper is factory correct. To flip it using the stock brackets in the stock holes the top doesn't line up correctly - you have to do some modifications. Mine is in the stock orientation now but will be flipped eventually as will be the rear one also.

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

Ok, thanks guys! And thanks for the kind words too.

Best, Dan

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

Truck looks great.
I flipped my bumper because I felt it fit the body better. Was able to get it closer.
Made my own mounting brackets.
Kim

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

Dan the truck is looking great.

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

Wow, I’m flattered. Kim & Bam you have some of the absolute best chops of all the talented guys here. Thank you SO much!

So far it’s about a 80-20% split of paying others (too damn much) vs. me doing any meaningful work so my truck isn’t in the same class as yours but I’m gonna love it.

I checked on her today, they were installing the rear window chrome lock strip but it got messed up. The “chrome” is a foil over the rubber/plastic of the lock strip and it started to separate. I’ll have to R&R it myself later. But I have the special tool and I know how to do it (as badly) as they know.

Front bumper stays as they originally installed it. I think the reason it looked odd is it’s WAY lower than it was before.

Today:

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

Good news - Bad news - Goodish news.

1. Picked up my truck today. YAY!!!

2. Drove it 2 miles and Dakota Digital HDX indicated no oil pressure, red warning light & buzzer came on. I immediately pulled over, spoke to Mike the engine builder, had it towed home cause his shop is full

3. Once home, Mike asked if it made any noise when pressure dropped? No. Says Ls oil pump is driven off the front of the crank and that if it had really dropped the lifters are very sensitive and would immediately start clacking. There was none of that.

4. At home I started it and the pressure immediately went to 40 psi and went up to 45 psi. I drove it into the garage, no warning light or buzzer.

5. Tomorrow I’ll try to check the pressure using an analog gauge if I can find the port. He says the port is metric but they use a brass 1/8” pipe thread adapter on the top center rear of the block similar to an SBC. Can anyone confirm?

6. Mike says he’s built two more cars with DD HDX instrument panels that have thrown erroneous codes. One pressure, one trans temperature. Fingers crossed it’s just that.
- Yes, it has plenty of oil.
- The oil is as-new appearing
- No burnt smell to it.
- Temp was running near 225 right when I saw the warning light but Mike says the LS does tend to run about that temp. Again, can anyone confirm?

Anyway, she’s currently a beautiful, dream fulfilling paper weight!