55 TF Stretched Cab/Fleetside/LSx/Trailblazer Frame

[ricott]

I have always loved the looks of the short wheelbase 55-57 chevy pickups, especially those that used a Fleetside bed from a 58/59. I have been following a number of builds on this Forum for the last 2 years and plan to incorporate many things I liked from their builds into mine. My 23 year old son and I built a 1966 GTO restomod for him (6.0 LS engine/T56 tranny/frame off ) over the last several years, and that car is a blast to drive. I am currently working on a 1958 Corvette restomod (ls1/T56/Corvette Correction frame) for me and the wifey (details of both builds are in my signature link), but I wanted a daily driver/weekend cruiser for me. I decided over a year ago to replace the S10 Pickup used as my “Home Depot / Auto Zone/ occasional commuter” parts chaser with a 55 Task Force, and have been collecting parts for this build since that time.

While the primary focus in 2014 will be working on the 58 corvette, I am off from Christmas until January 6, and wanted to use some of that time to begin actual work on the truck. I probably will work on this project through the month of February (easier to cut /weld in a cool/cold garage than to do fiberglass work), but the work (and pictures) will slow down after that as I go back to work on the 58 corvette.

I have acquired the following parts:

1955 Big Window truck body/frame (body is real rough –but the title is clean!!!)
1955 small window Cab and doors (good shape)
1958 Fleetside Bed (short wheelbase - rough)
1958 Fleetside Bed (long wheelbase - rough)
1959 Impala Dash
5.3 / 4L60e pullout from a low mileage suburban.
2003 Trailblazer ext frame (129 inch wheelbase) and related parts (truck was a low mileage rollover – has 3:73 limited slip)
Trailblazer oil pan/exhaust manifolds, and other parts to install V8

The plan is as follows:

1. Stretch the Task Force cab 6 inches through the doors and an additional 2 inches between the “B” pillar and the rear glass. (Thanks BOMP – in the 60-66 forum and Shadow1967).
2. Use the 2003 trailblazer Frame and the 5.3 / 4L60e pullout to achieve updated steering, brakes, suspension and drivetrain. (Thanks – Dug224)
3. Shorten the Trailblazer frame from 129 inches to 123 inches to accept the stretched cab.
4. Use the short wheel base Fleetside bed, and use the rough long wheelbase fleetside bed for repair metal and for custom parts.
5. Pancake the hood approximately 2 inches. (Thanks- Kabwe)
6. Install 1959 Dash (Thanks – Chuckdriver and Shadow1967)
7. Use 1955 Chevy front bumper (Thanks- Chevyrestoguy)
8. Use 58/59 chevy bumper for rear (Thanks – Shadow1967)
9. Use late 80s/early 90s pickup bed for bed floor and inner walls. (Thanks SGTUSMC)
10. Build custom tailgate. (Thanks – Yukon Ratrod)
11. Extend the Fleetside spears into the doors. (Thanks Drag’n 59 on the H.A.M.B.)

I would love to drive this truck, even if it looked to be in “Rat Rod” condition, in 18 months. I hope to have the project painted/finished by June 2017. I’ll post plenty of pictures of the build. I will leave you today with the pictures of the various parts assembled for this build.

I hope everyone enjoys the ride!!!

Ricky