56 truck front valance sheet metal

[my56chevytruck]

I know this isn't the norm, but i am wanting to know if anyone has filled in their front area (on any trifive chevy trucks) below the grill support between fenders? I know most run bumpers but I'm wanting to do something different and Indiana isn't requiring bumpers on hot rods, or they're not enforcing the law. I'm posting a picture to show where I've made a so so template to illustrate what I am attempting to do. of course this will be done with sheet metal and painted. your thoughts and or ideas are appreciated. thanks.

[mdpaulson1]

love the idea, have scene only a few done that way, here's a link to one as I couldn't figure the paste and copy today. I just did a google search of 56 chevy truck images
http://jimcartertruckparts.com/image...%20feb2004.jpg

[my56chevytruck]

Originally Posted by mdpaulson1

love the idea, have scene only a few done that way, here's a link to one as I couldn't figure the paste and copy today. I just did a google search of 56 chevy truck images
http://jimcartertruckparts.com/image...%20feb2004.jpg

Hey thanks so much, great picture. I appreciate your help. I've never seen one like this before, which is the reason why I'm considering. looks nice,

[l78vetteman]

Agree with the idea of removing the front bumper. I worked over my front pan to flatten the kick out in preparation for smooth front...


Here is a picture of a finished truck that look very nice with smooth front.

[my56chevytruck]

Originally Posted by l78vetteman

Agree with the idea of removing the front bumper. I worked over my front pan to flatten the kick out in preparation for smooth front...
Attachment 1576535

Here is a picture of a finished truck that look very nice with smooth front.
Attachment 1576536

so what you did was to cut off the front kickout?? that really looks good and very clean to. This picture of your truck just cemented my opinion of doing this vs a front bumper, thanks, I'll be sure to keep this picture handy.

[l78vetteman]

FYI - the black truck is not mine. Saw it at a car show - very nice!

I did not cut off the kick-out, I reformed it. Here are a few pictures - let me know if you would like more detail.

[my56chevytruck]

Originally Posted by l78vetteman

Agree with the idea of removing the front bumper. I worked over my front pan to flatten the kick out in preparation for smooth front...
Attachment 1576535

Here is a picture of a finished truck that look very nice with smooth front.
Attachment 1576536

thanks for your pictures and explanation. I really like this idea. I'll work on this during the upcoming winter, brrrrrrrrr.

[hogfarm]

Did you weld the grill support piece to the fenders? making front clip one piece?

[dsraven]

less than 16, 18 maybe? doesn't really matter if thats what ya got, right? haha

[hogfarm]

One more thing I did not consider,I want to be able to remove the inter fenders.But the 58 should be easier than the 55-56 or 57,just one more thing.Have got nothing done today,just moving snow

[Kim57]

Should look real nice when done.
Kim

[my56chevytruck]

I've not posted anything as to my truck and the front valance I've recently put on. After having shoulder surgery, I had to put off for a few weeks doing any work on this project, but I'm back on it now. Having to do this by myself, you can see the fancy use of duct tape I used to temporarily hold it in place. I had a buddy come by yesterday to help hold in place and mount a few screws to keep it where i wanted it. I did not cut off the lower part of my radiator support, I kept this this on and followed the contour with the 16 gauge sheet metal I had bought. I've welded in moreso to make the area as smooth as possible after grinding it down. So heres what I've done recently. Had to stop grinding, I need to buy new wheels to finish it off and start on the body work of this.

[Kim57]

Looking good.
Take it easy with the shoulder.
Kim

[hogfarm]

Very nice.as you see from my pictures my 58 is easier to do than your truck,the valance area is smooth,no bump

[my56chevytruck]

Originally Posted by hogfarm

Very nice.as you see from my pictures my 58 is easier to do than your truck,the valance area is smooth,no bump

Hi hogfarm, yes, I never thought about that. How's yours coming??
Morrie

[hogfarm]

Well...my front clip is headed to the body shop this weekend,my body guy has a full time job , so he does body and paint on the weekends,so little slow.He was going to paint cab last weekend but did not make it

[my56chevytruck]

Originally Posted by hogfarm

Well...my front clip is headed to the body shop this weekend,my body guy has a full time job , so he does body and paint on the weekends,so little slow.He was going to paint cab last weekend but did not make it

what body work and paint color are you going with??

[Kim57]

I like how that is turning out.
May have to ditch my front bumper seeing as i wont have a rear one.
Kim

[my56chevytruck]

Originally Posted by Kim57

I like how that is turning out.
May have to ditch my front bumper seeing as i wont have a rear one.
Kim

I too don't have a rear bumper and that was the reason I chose not to use a front bumper. FYI, i bought this 16 ga steel from a local scrap yard.

[hogfarm]

Morrie
Did you decide to put a roll on the bottom?if so how are you going to do that?

[my56chevytruck]

Originally Posted by hogfarm

Morrie
Did you decide to put a roll on the bottom?if so how are you going to do that?

I'm flipping back and forth about rolling the front valance. I was thinking of making a bracing of (2) 1" pipes welded together on each end longer than the valance and putting it in between. then with the help of a good friend and say (4) pipe wrenches roll it under. Maybe 1/2"?? Just thinking out loud.

[my56chevytruck]

Well, I'm done with the welding, grinding and now the body work. Had to do some body work to smooth out the body to the sheet metal I've attached. still uncertain about rolling under the lower front lip, but I'm leaning towards leaving it alone. Of course primer and paint is next. that'll be when the temperature increases!!

[Kim57]

Came out real nice.
Kim

[my56chevytruck]

Originally Posted by Kim57

Came out real nice.
Kim

thanks Kim, I appreciate the kind word. How you coming along?? Stay in touch.

[hogfarm]

Kim
I looked at your entire build thread this morning,very nice.I'm on winter number 2 for my 58 and 54 is still not finished.I retired at 60 years old,been the best 3 years of my life.How did I ever find time to go to work