56 Cameo build
 

I am just getting into a 56 build for a daily driver. I have all the origional fiberglass to make it a Cameo.

This is my second build, as I have a 40 truck with pacer front end, 350, 9" ford rear, saginaw 3 speed, etc. It looks origional but everything but the sheet metal has been changed. I've been driving it for over ten years and decided I had better get started on another truck before it"s too late. I have some good friends who are very talented and give me help and advice. This is a great hobby.

Back to the 56. I'm posting some pictures and hope to keep this going, but I'm not going to be as quick as some of you.

We installed an elcamino front clip ( I knew the guy that had it and was in good condition), did the motor and transmission mounts with dummy block and transmission, put the c-notch in the frame, installed the blazer springs and rear, and cut the cab for the big rear window.

I have a summit tank, new leather seats donated by a good friend, steering column, and a few other things collected.

I'm going to have a ton of parts to sell along the line, ( pretty much an entire front clip,cameo bedsides with brackets, doors, tank, etc)

I hope to get the cab in good shape and mounted over the winter.

I enjoy this site and hope I can contribute to what you all have started.

Re: 56 Cameo build
 

Sound like it's going to be a sweet ride, but I gota ask, your selling your Cameo bed? Are you not going to keep her a Cameo?

Re: 56 Cameo build
 

Looks good so far how about some sheet metal shots. Are you going with a step bed?or cameo?

Re: 56 Cameo build
 

I have 2 sets of Cameo sides with brackets, so I will sell one set. I just stumbled on to the second set which is a little better, so I swapped some stuff for it.

Re: 56 Cameo build
 

Looks like a good start to an interesting build.


Brian :cool:

Re: 56 Cameo build
 

Looks like this will be getting interesting, be sure to keep us posted on your progress.

Re: 56 Cameo build
 

what year is the clip from? it looks like a 80' and a very nice job. i had a 56' cameo 25 years ago and if the trim had been in better shape i would have kept it. keep the pic's coming and the 40' is sweet also.

Re: 56 Cameo build
 

It was an 81 El Camino. The guy that did the install built modifieds for years and is soo meticulas. He did all the underneath work on the 40.

Re: 56 Cameo build
 

It's been a while but I know how you all like pictures, so here is my progress to date. Got the big back window panel through Paul's GMC parts. Finishing the bottom door hinges before we get started on that. Does anyone know of anyone making the bracket for the cowl where the top of the fender bolts?

Re: 56 Cameo build
 

Do you have a link to Paul's GMC Parts web site?

It's kind of hard to tell from the picture but it looks like the back panel is spot welded on? I've always wondered how much work it would be to convert one to a big window.

Re: 56 Cameo build
 

Just go to GMCPauls truck parts and it should come up. The only problem may be the bracing under the panel is different around the door jam. I got the roof, window, and back panel inside and out for a big window. I just got the new outer panel so I wouldn't need so much body work. You would also need the inner panel which is available.

Re: 56 Cameo build
 

Hi from the Reading Pa T Brown, looks liek a good start tothe project. I myself will be a proud owner of a 57 w/ 56 front sheetmetal in about a week. Oh its a project, it will be need floors, lower hinge work, cab corners. my plan to set it all on a 88-94 swb chassis, if i had the cash i would be interested in the spare side you got will have to see how things go, but keep us updated tho with the pics

Re: 56 Cameo build
 

Here are some pictures of the big back window install. Notice the piece you need for the inside that you won't have without a big window cab donor.
need some more work on the door jams before welding it in.

Working on the floorboards that were installed by the previous owner. He left a few pinholes.

A trip to the sandblaster with the fenders and doors. I have five doors to choose from, I hope I got the right ones.

Anybody know where I can get the blocks on the sides of the cowl for the top bolt on the rear fender? Also the brackets in the windshield opening that the windshield rests on?

Re: 56 Cameo build
 

its looking good, glad to see ya back at it, just keep the pics coming

Re: 56 Cameo build
 

Can you show me some pics of what parts you need for sheet metal I have a few cabs going to the crusher....

Re: 56 Cameo build
 

Lookin good!

Re: 56 Cameo build
 

Look at post #9 , 4th picture down. The small piece that goes on top where those holes are. I had to make some for my cab.

Re: 56 Cameo build
 

Hi Frenchblue. Thanks for the response. Here are the pictures of what I need. I'm missing three of the windshield clips on the passender side. I can make the blocks for on the sides of the cowl if I have to.

Tbrown

Re: 56 Cameo build
 

Let me look and see what we have .

Re: 56 Cameo build
 

Sorry I dont have those parts wish I could help ya out..

Re: 56 Cameo build
 

Thanks for the effort. If anyone has an old cab thats not good enough to use maybe they could cut them off for me. I may go to a windshield installer to see if he has any ideas. I was working on the cowl last night, putting in some patches. It's coming together.

Re: 56 Cameo build
 

Worked on the rear cab panel last night . Got the roof attached and everything fitting pretty good.

How do you guys fill the gaps on the rear corners? I don't think I'm missing anything, but you could stick your fingers up through the opening. I think when it was new there would have been a heavy cardboard panel behind the seat but was that all?

Re: 56 Cameo build
 

RE: windshield clips. if you cant find the replacements, talk to a windshield shop about flush mounting it using s-10 molding and rubber support blocks. a lot of folks use them in other type street rods and it might would work here, based on the shape of the channel the glass fits in.

Re: 56 Cameo build
 

with the gap you mentioned, did ya put new inner cab corners in also

Re: 56 Cameo build
 

I am sure I can help you out on this one. Shoot me a PM with your number and I will call you on Monday. I have a few of these cabs that I am using for parts.

Re: 56 Cameo build
 

Always been a fan of the Cameo's. I'll be watching for progress pics!

Re: 56 Cameo build
 

I haven't seen any inside rear corner panels shown anywhere. Am I missing something? Help me out if you know of any.

Re: 56 Cameo build
 

maybe im wrong onwhere you mean,try to post a pics of the area. this is what im talking about look at pics, 1st 2 are of the inner cab corners 3rd pic of one in place on my cab

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c3...0847-216SM.gif

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c3...0847-215SM.gif

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c3...a/SANY1502.jpg

Re: 56 Cameo build
 

Thats definitely what I need. Where did you get yours?

Re: 56 Cameo build
 

i ordered mine from Jon at tri-pro automotive in NJ, he is a member on the board here and a good guy in my book www.tri-proautomotive.com

Re: 56 Cameo build
 

I put them in my truck. If I was to do over I would not put these in and make a piece that went from the floor to the cab, and a support to the bottom of the outer cab corner. Reason is this is a perfect place for rust to start... holds a lot of stuff between the inner and outer corners.

Re: 56 Cameo build
 

any updates.

Re: 56 Cameo build
 

Hey, thanks for the interest. I have been working right along on the 56. I sold the 40 I had done before so I would have more time and incentive to have something to drive. The body work on the cab is 99% complete and I got the fiberglass sides blasted so we can start on them. A friend comes to my house 1 night a week and helps. I should say I help him with the body work. The rest of my time I spend trying to keep ahead of him. I have my single window kit and really appreciate the guys doing the videos on youtube. thats going to be a huge help. I changed the rear end to a 69 chevelle 62" 10 bolt so I don,t have to tub the bed or run wide spacers. I also got a LS engine and transmission from a 2007 GMC. I talked to Jesse at WaitForMe Performance and am sending the harness to him. We are putting the motor in this week. Then it goes to my other friends who will install the steering column and brakes. We can work on the bed at my place while its' gone.
I have to say thanks to all of the people on this site who have helped me in many ways and I deserve 20 lashes for NOT POSTING PICTURES!
Again, thanks for the interest and I will get some pictures posted.

Re: 56 Cameo build
 

if you have any problems on the window install shoot me a pm

Re: 56 Cameo build
 

Time for some picture updates I believe.... ;)


:wop:

Re: 56 Cameo build
 

Looks really Good man....!

Re: 56 Cameo build
 

Here are a couple of pictures I promised. The new latches and handles and the LS in place.

Re: 56 Cameo build
 

I'd love to get a Cameo bed for mine!! Nice work, keep the updates coming.

Re: 56 Cameo build
 

You can buy most of the parts here:
http://carolinacameoconversions.com/

K8O

Re: 56 Cameo build
 

You got to love the Cameo. My buddy has one, I've always wanted one.