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

tbrown5079 · 11-25-2007, 10:06 AM

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.

CAL 58 GMC · 11-25-2007, 11:05 AM

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?

FRENCHBLUE72 · 11-25-2007, 11:18 AM

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

tbrown5079 · 11-25-2007, 12:38 PM

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.

entourageguy · 11-25-2007, 02:21 PM

Looks like a good start to an interesting build.

Brian

72BlckButy · 11-25-2007, 04:42 PM

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

55dude · 11-25-2007, 05:20 PM

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.

tbrown5079 · 11-25-2007, 08:02 PM

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.

tbrown5079 · 01-09-2008, 03:54 PM

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?

magsnubby · 01-09-2008, 04:21 PM

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.

tbrown5079 · 01-09-2008, 04:53 PM

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.

pugs · 01-09-2008, 05:07 PM

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

tbrown5079 · 02-03-2008, 10:54 AM

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?

FRENCHBLUE72 · 02-04-2008, 12:13 AM

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

Tri5Nerd · 02-04-2008, 01:00 AM

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.

Quote:

Originally Posted by FRENCHBLUE72

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

tbrown5079 · 02-05-2008, 06:58 AM

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

CAL 58 GMC · 02-04-2008, 12:46 AM

Lookin good!

FRENCHBLUE72 · 02-05-2008, 09:24 PM

Let me look and see what we have .

FRENCHBLUE72 · 02-08-2008, 09:13 PM

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

tbrown5079 · 02-08-2008, 09:45 PM

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.

tbrown5079 · 02-16-2008, 03:28 AM

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?

PBFAB.COM · 02-17-2008, 11:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tbrown5079

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.

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.

Daniel U · 02-18-2008, 09:34 PM

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

tbrown5079 · 02-19-2008, 09:03 AM

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

pugs · 02-19-2008, 10:39 AM

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

11-25-2007, 10:06 AM	#1
tbrown5079 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Blairsville, PA Posts: 301	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. Attached Images

11-25-2007, 11:05 AM	#2
CAL 58 GMC Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Clovis Ca. Posts: 3,311	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? __________________ Classic Trucks Link http://www.classictrucks.com/feature...uck/index.html 1958 GMC.Project Build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=162816 1966 Chevelle Build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=443576 Video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=prrNKo8F7Zw#GU5U2spHI_4

11-25-2007, 11:18 AM	#3
FRENCHBLUE72 PROJECT 7DEUCE Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: GRANTS PASS OR Posts: 21,608	Re: 56 Cameo build Looks good so far how about some sheet metal shots. Are you going with a step bed?or cameo? __________________ GO BIG GREEN GO DUCKS MEMBER #6377 72 k-5 daily driver 6'' lift 35'' 350-350-205 slowly getting rust free. Project "7DEUCE" check out my build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=267665 Tim Powell..R.I.P EastSideLowlife..... R.I.P..

11-25-2007, 12:38 PM	#4
tbrown5079 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Blairsville, PA Posts: 301	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.

11-25-2007, 02:21 PM	#5
entourageguy Yellow truck club Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Barrie Ontario Posts: 2,080	Re: 56 Cameo build Looks like a good start to an interesting build. Brian __________________ ................................................................ Brian ...... My hub garage address http://www.hubgarage.com/mygarage/59apache I gue$$ everything has it'$ price ALL GONE NOW *59 Chev Apache* *PRAISE THE LOWERED* 350 700r lokar shifter power MII front end, shockwaves tilt, 4 wheel discs 4-link and bags 10 bolt limited

11-25-2007, 04:42 PM	#6
72BlckButy Tot Roddin' Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Mid-MO Posts: 24,461	Re: 56 Cameo build Looks like this will be getting interesting, be sure to keep us posted on your progress. __________________ -Nate 1969 CST SWB - Project Blank Slate (4.5/6" ECE Static Drop, 6-lug disc brake upgrade (manual), Billet Specialties Vintec 20x8.5 255/40 (F) 20x10 295/40 (R), 250 I-6) 1960 AMF Skylark - Tot Roddin' (Lowered with custom frame; soon to include custom push bar and interior) 2008 Silverado CrewCab 1LT (5.3L, 3:73, 4x4, LT1, Z-71, Towing Package)

11-25-2007, 05:20 PM	#7
55dude Registered User Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: tacoma wa. Posts: 1,037	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.

11-25-2007, 08:02 PM	#8
tbrown5079 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Blairsville, PA Posts: 301	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.

01-09-2008, 03:54 PM	#9
tbrown5079 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Blairsville, PA Posts: 301	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? Attached Images

01-09-2008, 04:21 PM	#10
magsnubby Registered User Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: fresno,ca Posts: 448	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.

01-09-2008, 04:53 PM	#11
tbrown5079 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Blairsville, PA Posts: 301	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.

01-09-2008, 05:07 PM	#12
pugs Registered User Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Hamburg Pa Posts: 1,153	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 __________________ I don't do thing cuz I can, I do it cuz someone told me it couldn't be done...

02-03-2008, 10:54 AM	#13
tbrown5079 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Blairsville, PA Posts: 301	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? Attached Images

02-04-2008, 12:13 AM	#14
FRENCHBLUE72 PROJECT 7DEUCE Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: GRANTS PASS OR Posts: 21,608	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.... __________________ GO BIG GREEN GO DUCKS MEMBER #6377 72 k-5 daily driver 6'' lift 35'' 350-350-205 slowly getting rust free. Project "7DEUCE" check out my build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=267665 Tim Powell..R.I.P EastSideLowlife..... R.I.P..

02-05-2008, 06:58 AM	#16
tbrown5079 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Blairsville, PA Posts: 301	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 Attached Images



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02-04-2008, 12:46 AM	#17
CAL 58 GMC Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Clovis Ca. Posts: 3,311	Re: 56 Cameo build Lookin good! __________________ Classic Trucks Link http://www.classictrucks.com/feature...uck/index.html 1958 GMC.Project Build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=162816 1966 Chevelle Build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=443576 Video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=prrNKo8F7Zw#GU5U2spHI_4

02-05-2008, 09:24 PM	#18
FRENCHBLUE72 PROJECT 7DEUCE Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: GRANTS PASS OR Posts: 21,608	Re: 56 Cameo build Let me look and see what we have . __________________ GO BIG GREEN GO DUCKS MEMBER #6377 72 k-5 daily driver 6'' lift 35'' 350-350-205 slowly getting rust free. Project "7DEUCE" check out my build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=267665 Tim Powell..R.I.P EastSideLowlife..... R.I.P..

02-08-2008, 09:13 PM	#19
FRENCHBLUE72 PROJECT 7DEUCE Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: GRANTS PASS OR Posts: 21,608	Re: 56 Cameo build Sorry I dont have those parts wish I could help ya out.. __________________ GO BIG GREEN GO DUCKS MEMBER #6377 72 k-5 daily driver 6'' lift 35'' 350-350-205 slowly getting rust free. Project "7DEUCE" check out my build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=267665 Tim Powell..R.I.P EastSideLowlife..... R.I.P..

02-08-2008, 09:45 PM	#20
tbrown5079 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Blairsville, PA Posts: 301	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.

02-16-2008, 03:28 AM	#21
tbrown5079 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Blairsville, PA Posts: 301	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?

02-18-2008, 09:34 PM	#23
Daniel U Registered User Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Central Coast, CA. Posts: 1,202	Re: 56 Cameo build Always been a fan of the Cameo's. I'll be watching for progress pics! __________________ Mom's 1954 (TBI 5.7/700R4/14 bolt 4:10) 5 Chevrolet window 3/4 ton long bed Pick up build thread ->http://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vboa...d.php?t=228674 My 1954 (TPI 5.7/700R4/10 bolt 3:73) Chevrolet 5 window 1/2 ton short bed Pick up build thread->http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...3&goto=newpost 1960 (400/T350/?) Apache 10 short/fleet side-big window 1973 (TPI 5.7/700R4/14 bolt 4:10 w DANA 60 front) Chevrolet Cheyenne 4X4 2013 (Vortec 5.3/6-speed 6L90 automatic) Sierra LT CREW CAB Doing my part to warm the globe

02-19-2008, 09:03 AM	#24
tbrown5079 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Blairsville, PA Posts: 301	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.

02-19-2008, 10:39 AM	#25
pugs Registered User Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Hamburg Pa Posts: 1,153	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 __________________ I don't do thing cuz I can, I do it cuz someone told me it couldn't be done...

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