'55 to Life

[upon1]

Well I've been hanging around this forum for a while and have gotten some really good ideas and inspiration for my new project. Its a first series '55 that was bought new by my uncle then my dad purchased it from him in the '70's. This old truck just kicked around the farm hauling fuel, parts and whatever else for the last 30 years or so. I have always known I would rebuild it one day but never sure what direction it would take. I have since brought it home and started tearing it down piece by piece. So far I have ordered the ultimate slam ifs from scotts hotrods as well as a triangulated 4 link for the rear and some engine and tranny mounts. I want to really drive this truck when its done so am going the 5.3l gen III route and 4l60e tranny. Not sure if I will leave the body and paint the way it is right now since the body is still in great shape or go all out with it the first time around. Look forward to all of your comments and help along the way. The '86 was my last project that i just sold and will probably regret later but you know how it goes with time and space.

[upon1]

some more

[1lo67]

That looks like it will clean up nice....keepin my eyes on this one

[Slmd92DIME]

Looks like a good project... keep us posted

[bobinbc]

Looks like a typical hay hauler from Saskabush, no rust , no dents, all there, I mean really- where's the challenge???

Just kidding looks like a great start and it's in good hands

[xpickup]

upon1, Nice looking truck. Should be nice with all the upgrades. Can't wait to see it come together.

[upon1]

Well still waiting for my parts to show up so I thought id keep tearing it down in the meantime. I got the box off last weekend and most of the interior out, now I thought would be a good time to fill the 50 or so holes in the firewall. Still need to find a rearend and debating on a 4x4 s-10 or a camaro?

[LEEVON]

I'd go for the camaro, S-10's even 4x4 are still kind of narrow. Plus the camaro bolt pattern will match your Scott's IFS or any other aftermarket IFS. I picked up a 3:42 posi camaro 8.5 10 bolt for $250. Plenty strong.

[Kabwe]

Its looking really good.

[lwilliam22]

Is the yoke centered? Looks a little off probably an optical illusion. I love your build awesome work.
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[Mike Bradbury]

Looks like you have learned welding on the farm too. Welds look really good. The brackets for your Heims look a little narrow. There needs to be some spacers or the rotation will bind on the brackets.

Can't wait to see the progress.

[upon1]

Originally Posted by Mike Bradbury

Looks like you have learned welding on the farm too. Welds look really good. The brackets for your Heims look a little narrow. There needs to be some spacers or the rotation will bind on the brackets.

Can't wait to see the progress.

Cycled the suspension all the way up and down on both sides and the heims still have room to rotate.

[upon1]

Well it was quite a productive weekend and one major milestone acomplished. Started out by getting the motor and trans mocked up after measuring and checking clearences a hundred times but its in. Looks like the steering shaft will be a little interesting when I get to it, pretty tight there. Also had to cut the firewall a bit to clear the trans hump but I expected that. Today I pulled the cab and got some more boxing done on the frame with 3/16" flat bar and got the trans mount tacked into place (ran out of gas for the welder). The plan this week is to yank the engine out, strip the frame and finish up the welding on it then clean it up for paint. Still have to figure out what im doing for a fuel and air tank as well as brakes.

[upon1]

Good eye, all ford 8.8 diffs are offset to the passenger side but that's what u-joints are for.
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[Fat Mike]

Originally Posted by upon1

Good eye, all ford 8.8 diffs are offset to the passenger side but that's what u-joints are for.
Posted via Mobile Device

I have 96 mustang 8.8 that is not offset. It is equal on both sides.

[upon1]

Its been a while since I had a chance to work on the truck but i did get a little more done this past weekend. I built a driveshaft loop and got that in and was pleasently surprised that I wont have to notch the back of the cab, just clearence the pinch weld a bit. I found a driveshaft off an s-10 at the wreckers and got the conversion u joint and proper flange for it and turned out to be the perfect length too. Also picked up a 19gal fuel cell and got it mocked up. I decided it would be a good idea to throw the cab back on and see if I could get my steering figured out, what a pain that was. I had a nice set of hooker block headers bolted on but quickly found out that was a no go so I stuck with the camaro manifolds for now and its still pretty tight. The motor mount has to be cut apart and moved way forward as well make a mount for the support bearing. It seems like the small stuff always takes a long time.

[upon1]

Well I finally got all of the work done on the frame for now and it should be ready for paint. Also had to make some exhaust flanges since there were none to be found around here.

[PurdueSD]

man , i wish you were closer. I'd love to have that open drive rear axle.. 55 first is the only year for that.

[upon1]

Its been a while since ive spent any time with the old truck but have made a bit of progress lately. Got the frame in por-15 and a couple coats of chassis saver. Got the suspension back on and the engine and trans in. Looks like it'll be time to start spending some dough again and find the parts for the fuel, air and brake systems.

[Scottshotrods]

Looking good man!! We got some killer deals for air and brakes.Hint hint

Justin

[upon1]

Well i blew the dust off the frame last week and started doing a little work. I got the brake lines and fuel system plumbed, trans cooler installed and finished welding up the floor and trans hump. I decided to do the fuel system right and use all braided nylon hose and an fittings but they do add up mighty quick.
I also ordered my air management that I cannot wait to get.
I still need to decide on a m/c booster setup. What year of s-10 are you guys robbing the pedals and brackets out of?

[upon1]

couple more

[youngrodder]

Who's air management did you decide to go with?
Nice progress...

Marc

[Wheelie]

Yup my 8.8 off a tbird is offset just a hair too. Your making quite a bit of progress and it looks good!

[Wybrow]

Looks great dude, excited to see it all back together.

What are you doing for wheels?