Phil's 55 Chevy Truck

[Callook64]

Hi all,
I'm new here, my name is Phil.
My truck was purchased in California this summer, it's my first owned V8 car.
I'm really happy to be the new owner of this truck. I was waiting for so many years!

It had to be restored in the 90s, but the last owner has made no maintenance.
The truck is iactually in a mid good condition and need a lot of work to be a nice car

I have already changed the left front wheel bearing. He began to weld to the spindle !!
The steering column has a lot of free play.Motor mount are out of order, etc ...
Wiring the harness needs to be reconditioned, no parking brake, exhaust make too much noise...

Let's play the pictures:

[Callook64]

More pictures :

[Callook64]

Under the truck :

[Callook64]

Look at the tires, when I bought the truck !

[Advanced Design]

Welcome Callook64. Great looking truck that just needs some attention. Have fun with it!

[Kim57]

Welcome.
Hopefully the previous owner was honest to you about all that needs to be repaired.
Looks like a decent foundation to start with.
Kim

[Callook64]

Hi all ,

After 10 months of daily use, I finally decided to get to work a little on my Chevy Truck.

1st step : removing of the bed floor.
It was relly not easy ton remove this "f...g" big sheet of 5mm steel. It weighs about 200 pounds !!!




I would like to drop a bit the rear suspension, so that the frame becomes horizontal.
What's the best way to do it ?
C'notch on the frame ? A little ? More ? Put the rear end from below to above the springs ? How many inches it will do? Or simply move the springs anchors a little more higher ?

Thanks for your help.

[lv2tri2]

Nice truck, good project, like the color.

[Advanced Design]

Welcome back. Easiest way to lower the rear is to place the axle above the springs. Are the springs sagging?

[59chev]

Flipping the rear above the springs will net you about 6" of drop but you will need to c-notch the frame to clear.

[Callook64]

To reach a good stance, I just need to lower the rear of only 3 inches.

@ Advanced Design : I don't know if they are sagging or not, but you can see on the pics, they look like a wave. I think one leaf was removed by a previous owner.

[Advanced Design]

Originally Posted by Callook64

To reach a good stance, I just need to lower the rear of only 3 inches.

@ Advanced Design : I don't know if they are sagging or not, but you can see on the pics, they look like a wave. I think one leaf was removed by a previous owner.

Yes, I noticed the wave and if the truck were mine I would address that with replacement springs. A drop may be part of that solution and I defer to members with more knowledge on the 55.2 trucks.

[Callook64]

I've a 350 crate engine on my truck.
But I don't know where and when it was purchased.

I plan to buy a cam, a summit k1103 cam. Before that, I'd like to know what's in my engine, without disassemble it.

What I know is following:
350 crate engine, purchased in the' 80's-90's
Edelbrock intake maniold and carb
Nice ceramis covered exhaust headers
Engine has a number: 5 GM en mexico 10066086

Anyone can help me , please ?

[ChuckDriver]

Looks like a solid project. I would have a close look at the rear leafs for sure!

[Advanced Design]

Originally Posted by Callook64

I've a 350 crate engine on my truck.
But I don't know where and when it was purchased.

I plan to buy a cam, a summit k1103 cam. Before that, I'd like to know what's in my engine, without disassemble it.

What I know is following:
350 crate engine, purchased in the' 80's-90's
Edelbrock intake maniold and carb
Nice ceramis covered exhaust headers
Engine has a number: 5 GM en mexico 10066086

Anyone can help me , please ?

Is it possible the number is 10066036?
https://answers.yahoo.com/question/i...3164909AAysDm3
Found this through Google...

And, whatever casting / part number, the engine internals may have been changed during repairs or a rebuild.

[Callook64]

The number I can see on the engine case :

[Callook64]

Here, is a picture of the wiring harness in my truck.
Can everyone say me, who is who ? I've several electricals problems, but I don't know which output corresponds to which fuse

I think it's a Wiremaster wiring kit from the 80's or 90's.
Where can I found information about it ?

Thanks,
Phil

[JML55]

Originally Posted by Callook64

Here, is a picture of the wiring harness in my truck.
Can everyone say me, who is who ? I've several electricals problems, but I don't know which output corresponds to which fuse

I think it's a Wiremaster wiring kit from the 80's or 90's.
Where can I found information about it ?

Thanks,
Phil

C'est pas tres beau ca. I would just start over with a new wiring harness.

[II_Slow]

Crazy how it looked almost perfect in the first couple of pictures before you showed the bad stuff. Guess that's how they do it on ebay and craigslist!

Personally, I like that ride height. A little rake to it is perfect to me (a little higher in the back than front). The whole truck sort of has an old school look to, like the snap tonneau cover and wheel/tire combination.

But those springs do look flat to me as well. I would certainly start with new springs before making any other changes to the ride height. Just see where it sits with new springs and plan accordingly. Probably lose those airshocks as well - first time I'm seen those in years!


Bet that truck really stands out in France. True American classic.

[Advanced Design]

Phil, I agree with Jean-Marc. If you are keeping the truck and want it safe plus dependable use a new wiring harness kit.

[ChuckDriver]

Looks like one from here. Had on in my 36 Plymouth years ago.

http://www.affordablestreetrods.com/...=cat/cat76.htm

[Daze57]

i have to say that truck is v v nice -- it does need some attention but it looks like you have a great foundation to start with !
i agree with the others change out the springs and definetly a new harness - the one in there now may cause you new probs .....at least with a new harness (if you do it yourself) you will know what is what .
stat with one task at a time ----safety first !!!!
i do like the ride hight --looks really nice ..imo .
sooooo welcome aboard sir --have fun with it and make it safe .