My 56 Handyman build - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**oldiron** · 11-13-2017, 07:47 AM

I have owned my 56 Chevy 210 Handyman wagon for over 45 years and it is getting it's first real rebuild. Since my body metal work consist of making dents I twisted Livrat to do the body work and paint. Attached is a video from the early years of owning it to July of 2017.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BqJ6NA1LKwE

**Clyde65** · 11-13-2017, 05:01 PM

I love old wagons! I’m in for this!! Nice car too!!

**Advanced Design** · 11-15-2017, 03:42 PM

Very nice car! Tagging along for the rest. Video showed some great pics and work being done.

57larry · 11-15-2017, 11:26 PM

very nice looking wagon. I have a 57 wagon for the past 39 yrs

hotrodelrod · 11-16-2017, 09:02 PM

Love the old wagons! Im along for the ride.

**oldiron** · 12-04-2017, 08:06 PM

Updated progress from July to December.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zLhIPPHyn00

**Advanced Design** · 12-04-2017, 10:13 PM

Nice metal repairs!

**oldiron** · 12-29-2017, 11:50 PM

More progress on the drivers door.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2KCr0KBg1co

**oldiron** · 04-09-2018, 05:48 AM

Well not much has been done on the wagon due to unforeseen medical issues with Mark. His health is more important than the wagon.
I have brought the frame home and will be working on it as my health will allow. ( Tough getting old and you mind still feels as a recycled teenager and the body feels like a wore out 90 year old).
Here are the last pictures taken and a new shorter video.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9y-6ddpBTkM

**oldiron** · 07-04-2018, 01:59 AM

Well Mark is recovering from his operation and hopefully will be back soon. Mean while I have decided on the color combination. Here it is. This a Utube video of a ad for this 56 that is For Sale. This car sold so the ad should be OK. If not please remove it. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GaNP...DG4L2f&index=3

Zoomin · 07-08-2018, 10:31 PM

It's so nice to find an actual car to see the colors. I swear, picking colors is the hardest part of a project for me.

Gonna look awesome - Handymans are special.

**oldiron** · 08-15-2018, 03:30 AM

Started on the frame today stripping it after being media blasted.

**oldiron** · 08-18-2018, 01:29 AM

Little bit more done. Test fitting suspension before painting.

**Advanced Design** · 08-18-2018, 10:25 AM

Going to be nice! Where did the control arms come from?

**oldiron** · 08-19-2018, 06:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Advanced Design

Where did the control arms come from?

Speedway.

**mongocanfly** · 08-19-2018, 07:21 PM

that's shaping up nicely....gonna be a sweet ride

**oldiron** · 08-20-2018, 05:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mongocanfly

that's shaping up nicely....gonna be a sweet ride

Hope so. It's been in the garage for far too long. I need to get it back on the road before I'm buried in it.

**oldiron** · 08-28-2018, 03:45 AM

More progress. Brake lines, rear brakes and sway bars.

MP&C · 08-28-2018, 07:23 AM

Nice work!.. While you have the headliner out might I suggest using an inspection mirror and light to inspect inside the roof perimeter where it attaches for any lurking rust scale. Better to find before any paint goes on... Condensation over the years inside the roof of all these old vehicles seems to start those rust areas from inside-out.

**oldiron** · 08-29-2018, 04:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MP&C

Nice work!.. While you have the headliner out might I suggest using an inspection mirror and light to inspect inside the roof perimeter where it attaches for any lurking rust scale. Better to find before any paint goes on... Condensation over the years inside the roof of all these old vehicles seems to start those rust areas from inside-out.

Robert, that was the only place there wasn't any rust. Thanks for the suggestion. I thought I had a pretty rust free car until it came back from the media blasters.

Nut Case · 08-30-2018, 03:52 AM

Handyman

I had a 57 4 door standard station wagon. My first car in 1967, what fun, I found a 63 vette 327 fuelie heads with carb. Good memories.

Strong work. In #18 above there appears to be a welding/plaza ma cutter with two tanks. Is this one or the other or a combined unit? I have a 20 year miller mig, great machine glued lots of metal.

Just wondering what this might be.

Keep on keepin on

NC

**oldiron** · 08-31-2018, 08:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nut Case

In #18 above there appears to be a welding/plaza ma cutter with two tanks. Is this one or the other or a combined unit? I have a 20 year miller mig, great machine glued lots of metal.

Just wondering what this might be.

Keep on keepin on

NC

Argon and helium. For welding aluminum.

**oldiron** · 08-31-2018, 08:20 PM

The engine is now located but the drag link hits the oil pan. Looks like we are going to notch the pan for clearance.
The engine is a 355 cid with a 700R4 transmission. The engine dyno'd at 411 hp and 406 torque @ 5200 rpm.
Welded in the rear shock cross member mounts, the rear sway bar link mounts and the transmission cross member mounts. Trying to figure out a good place to locate the rear end breather assy. the frame or the shock cross member.

**mongocanfly** · 09-21-2018, 08:09 PM

Nice!....looking real good...

**Advanced Design** · 09-23-2018, 11:57 AM

Yep, very nice work!

11-13-2017, 05:01 PM	#2
Clyde65 1965 Chevy C10, 2005 4.8L/4l60 Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: DFW Texas Posts: 8,545	Re: My 56 Handyman build I love old wagons! I’m in for this!! Nice car too!! __________________ Clyde65 Rebuild of Clyde http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...84#post8338184 69 Aristocrat Lo Liner build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...84#post7561684 *support our troops!*

11-15-2017, 03:42 PM	#3
Advanced Design Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Oblong, Illinois Posts: 7,028	Re: My 56 Handyman build Very nice car! Tagging along for the rest. Video showed some great pics and work being done. __________________ Doug Advanced Design’s 1977 Blazer Build Advanced Design's '48 'Burb Build Mrs Advanced Design's '72 Suburban Advanced Design's 56 BelAir LS swap

11-15-2017, 11:26 PM	#4
57larry Registered User Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Indianapolis Posts: 1,161	Re: My 56 Handyman build very nice looking wagon. I have a 57 wagon for the past 39 yrs

11-16-2017, 09:02 PM	#5
hotrodelrod Registered User Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: berryville, va Posts: 129	Re: My 56 Handyman build Love the old wagons! Im along for the ride.

12-04-2017, 08:06 PM	#6
oldiron Designated Grumpy Old Man Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: arlington, washington usa Posts: 3,095	Re: My 56 Handyman build Updated progress from July to December. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zLhIPPHyn00 Attached Images __________________ Never let the truth get in the way of a good story 71 Chev 1/2 ton 4X4 LWB Fleetside SOLD http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=361222 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1LgREwtDfaA 68 Chev 1 ton flat bed http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0bO8szzlD4A 56 Chev Handyman Wagon http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9y-6ddpBTkM http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lbLzZ7zY8wA 56 Chev Belair http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=410667 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xoW0Ei7ZNIg

11-13-2017, 07:47 AM	#1
oldiron Designated Grumpy Old Man Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: arlington, washington usa Posts: 3,095	My 56 Handyman build I have owned my 56 Chevy 210 Handyman wagon for over 45 years and it is getting it's first real rebuild. Since my body metal work consist of making dents I twisted Livrat to do the body work and paint. Attached is a video from the early years of owning it to July of 2017. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BqJ6NA1LKwE Attached Images __________________ Never let the truth get in the way of a good story 71 Chev 1/2 ton 4X4 LWB Fleetside SOLD http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=361222 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1LgREwtDfaA 68 Chev 1 ton flat bed http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0bO8szzlD4A 56 Chev Handyman Wagon http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9y-6ddpBTkM http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lbLzZ7zY8wA 56 Chev Belair http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=410667 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xoW0Ei7ZNIg

12-04-2017, 10:13 PM	#7
Advanced Design Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Oblong, Illinois Posts: 7,028	Re: My 56 Handyman build Nice metal repairs! __________________ Doug Advanced Design’s 1977 Blazer Build Advanced Design's '48 'Burb Build Mrs Advanced Design's '72 Suburban Advanced Design's 56 BelAir LS swap

12-29-2017, 11:50 PM	#8
oldiron Designated Grumpy Old Man Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: arlington, washington usa Posts: 3,095	Re: My 56 Handyman build More progress on the drivers door. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2KCr0KBg1co Attached Images __________________ Never let the truth get in the way of a good story 71 Chev 1/2 ton 4X4 LWB Fleetside SOLD http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=361222 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1LgREwtDfaA 68 Chev 1 ton flat bed http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0bO8szzlD4A 56 Chev Handyman Wagon http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9y-6ddpBTkM http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lbLzZ7zY8wA 56 Chev Belair http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=410667 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xoW0Ei7ZNIg

04-09-2018, 05:48 AM	#9
oldiron Designated Grumpy Old Man Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: arlington, washington usa Posts: 3,095	Re: My 56 Handyman build Well not much has been done on the wagon due to unforeseen medical issues with Mark. His health is more important than the wagon. I have brought the frame home and will be working on it as my health will allow. ( Tough getting old and you mind still feels as a recycled teenager and the body feels like a wore out 90 year old). Here are the last pictures taken and a new shorter video. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9y-6ddpBTkM Attached Images __________________ Never let the truth get in the way of a good story 71 Chev 1/2 ton 4X4 LWB Fleetside SOLD http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=361222 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1LgREwtDfaA 68 Chev 1 ton flat bed http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0bO8szzlD4A 56 Chev Handyman Wagon http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9y-6ddpBTkM http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lbLzZ7zY8wA 56 Chev Belair http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=410667 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xoW0Ei7ZNIg

07-04-2018, 01:59 AM	#10
oldiron Designated Grumpy Old Man Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: arlington, washington usa Posts: 3,095	Re: My 56 Handyman build Well Mark is recovering from his operation and hopefully will be back soon. Mean while I have decided on the color combination. Here it is. This a Utube video of a ad for this 56 that is For Sale. This car sold so the ad should be OK. If not please remove it. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GaNP...DG4L2f&index=3 Attached Images __________________ Never let the truth get in the way of a good story 71 Chev 1/2 ton 4X4 LWB Fleetside SOLD http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=361222 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1LgREwtDfaA 68 Chev 1 ton flat bed http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0bO8szzlD4A 56 Chev Handyman Wagon http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9y-6ddpBTkM http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lbLzZ7zY8wA 56 Chev Belair http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=410667 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xoW0Ei7ZNIg Last edited by oldiron; 07-04-2018 at 02:06 AM.

07-08-2018, 10:31 PM	#11
Zoomin Man of Mini-Talents Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Oklahoma City, OK Posts: 4,295	Re: My 56 Handyman build It's so nice to find an actual car to see the colors. I swear, picking colors is the hardest part of a project for me. Gonna look awesome - Handymans are special. __________________ Steve Project - Ruth 66 Skylark Project - Lola 60 Biscayne Project - Iron Ox 54 GMC 100 Project - Darth 69 Camaro

08-15-2018, 03:30 AM	#12
oldiron Designated Grumpy Old Man Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: arlington, washington usa Posts: 3,095	Re: My 56 Handyman build Started on the frame today stripping it after being media blasted. Attached Images __________________ Never let the truth get in the way of a good story 71 Chev 1/2 ton 4X4 LWB Fleetside SOLD http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=361222 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1LgREwtDfaA 68 Chev 1 ton flat bed http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0bO8szzlD4A 56 Chev Handyman Wagon http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9y-6ddpBTkM http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lbLzZ7zY8wA 56 Chev Belair http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=410667 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xoW0Ei7ZNIg

08-18-2018, 01:29 AM	#13
oldiron Designated Grumpy Old Man Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: arlington, washington usa Posts: 3,095	Re: My 56 Handyman build Little bit more done. Test fitting suspension before painting. Attached Images __________________ Never let the truth get in the way of a good story 71 Chev 1/2 ton 4X4 LWB Fleetside SOLD http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=361222 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1LgREwtDfaA 68 Chev 1 ton flat bed http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0bO8szzlD4A 56 Chev Handyman Wagon http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9y-6ddpBTkM http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lbLzZ7zY8wA 56 Chev Belair http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=410667 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xoW0Ei7ZNIg

08-18-2018, 10:25 AM	#14
Advanced Design Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Oblong, Illinois Posts: 7,028	Re: My 56 Handyman build Going to be nice! Where did the control arms come from? __________________ Doug Advanced Design’s 1977 Blazer Build Advanced Design's '48 'Burb Build Mrs Advanced Design's '72 Suburban Advanced Design's 56 BelAir LS swap

08-19-2018, 07:21 PM	#16
mongocanfly Post Whore Join Date: May 2015 Location: Alabama Posts: 14,663	Re: My 56 Handyman build that's shaping up nicely....gonna be a sweet ride __________________ Mongo...aka Greg RIP Dad RIP Jesse 1981 C30 LQ9 NV4500..http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=753598 Mongos AD- LS3 TR6060...http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...34#post8522334 Columbus..the 1957 IH 4x4...http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...63#post8082563 2023 Chevy Z71..daily driver



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08-28-2018, 03:45 AM	#18
oldiron Designated Grumpy Old Man Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: arlington, washington usa Posts: 3,095	Re: My 56 Handyman build More progress. Brake lines, rear brakes and sway bars. Attached Images __________________ Never let the truth get in the way of a good story 71 Chev 1/2 ton 4X4 LWB Fleetside SOLD http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=361222 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1LgREwtDfaA 68 Chev 1 ton flat bed http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0bO8szzlD4A 56 Chev Handyman Wagon http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9y-6ddpBTkM http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lbLzZ7zY8wA 56 Chev Belair http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=410667 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xoW0Ei7ZNIg

08-28-2018, 07:23 AM	#19
MP&C Registered User Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Leonardtown, MD Posts: 1,647	Re: My 56 Handyman build Nice work!.. While you have the headliner out might I suggest using an inspection mirror and light to inspect inside the roof perimeter where it attaches for any lurking rust scale. Better to find before any paint goes on... Condensation over the years inside the roof of all these old vehicles seems to start those rust areas from inside-out. __________________ Robert

08-30-2018, 03:52 AM	#21
Nut Case Registered User Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: Clear and Still Idaho Posts: 509	Re: My 56 Handyman build Handyman I had a 57 4 door standard station wagon. My first car in 1967, what fun, I found a 63 vette 327 fuelie heads with carb. Good memories. Strong work. In #18 above there appears to be a welding/plaza ma cutter with two tanks. Is this one or the other or a combined unit? I have a 20 year miller mig, great machine glued lots of metal. Just wondering what this might be. Keep on keepin on NC __________________ Been there, wrecked that

08-31-2018, 08:20 PM	#23
oldiron Designated Grumpy Old Man Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: arlington, washington usa Posts: 3,095	Re: My 56 Handyman build The engine is now located but the drag link hits the oil pan. Looks like we are going to notch the pan for clearance. The engine is a 355 cid with a 700R4 transmission. The engine dyno'd at 411 hp and 406 torque @ 5200 rpm. Welded in the rear shock cross member mounts, the rear sway bar link mounts and the transmission cross member mounts. Trying to figure out a good place to locate the rear end breather assy. the frame or the shock cross member. Attached Images __________________ Never let the truth get in the way of a good story 71 Chev 1/2 ton 4X4 LWB Fleetside SOLD http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=361222 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1LgREwtDfaA 68 Chev 1 ton flat bed http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0bO8szzlD4A 56 Chev Handyman Wagon http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9y-6ddpBTkM http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lbLzZ7zY8wA 56 Chev Belair http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=410667 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xoW0Ei7ZNIg

09-21-2018, 08:09 PM	#24
mongocanfly Post Whore Join Date: May 2015 Location: Alabama Posts: 14,663	Re: My 56 Handyman build Nice!....looking real good... __________________ Mongo...aka Greg RIP Dad RIP Jesse 1981 C30 LQ9 NV4500..http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=753598 Mongos AD- LS3 TR6060...http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...34#post8522334 Columbus..the 1957 IH 4x4...http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...63#post8082563 2023 Chevy Z71..daily driver

09-23-2018, 11:57 AM	#25
Advanced Design Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Oblong, Illinois Posts: 7,028	Re: My 56 Handyman build Yep, very nice work! __________________ Doug Advanced Design’s 1977 Blazer Build Advanced Design's '48 'Burb Build Mrs Advanced Design's '72 Suburban Advanced Design's 56 BelAir LS swap

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