56 truck front valance sheet metal

[my56chevytruck]

I know this isn't the norm, but i am wanting to know if anyone has filled in their front area (on any trifive chevy trucks) below the grill support between fenders? I know most run bumpers but I'm wanting to do something different and Indiana isn't requiring bumpers on hot rods, or they're not enforcing the law. I'm posting a picture to show where I've made a so so template to illustrate what I am attempting to do. of course this will be done with sheet metal and painted. your thoughts and or ideas are appreciated. thanks.

[mdpaulson1]

love the idea, have scene only a few done that way, here's a link to one as I couldn't figure the paste and copy today. I just did a google search of 56 chevy truck images
http://jimcartertruckparts.com/image...%20feb2004.jpg

[my56chevytruck]

Originally Posted by mdpaulson1

love the idea, have scene only a few done that way, here's a link to one as I couldn't figure the paste and copy today. I just did a google search of 56 chevy truck images
http://jimcartertruckparts.com/image...%20feb2004.jpg

Hey thanks so much, great picture. I appreciate your help. I've never seen one like this before, which is the reason why I'm considering. looks nice,

[l78vetteman]

Agree with the idea of removing the front bumper. I worked over my front pan to flatten the kick out in preparation for smooth front...


Here is a picture of a finished truck that look very nice with smooth front.

[my56chevytruck]

Originally Posted by l78vetteman

Agree with the idea of removing the front bumper. I worked over my front pan to flatten the kick out in preparation for smooth front...
Attachment 1576535

Here is a picture of a finished truck that look very nice with smooth front.
Attachment 1576536

so what you did was to cut off the front kickout?? that really looks good and very clean to. This picture of your truck just cemented my opinion of doing this vs a front bumper, thanks, I'll be sure to keep this picture handy.

[l78vetteman]

FYI - the black truck is not mine. Saw it at a car show - very nice!

I did not cut off the kick-out, I reformed it. Here are a few pictures - let me know if you would like more detail.

[my56chevytruck]

Originally Posted by l78vetteman

Agree with the idea of removing the front bumper. I worked over my front pan to flatten the kick out in preparation for smooth front...
Attachment 1576535

Here is a picture of a finished truck that look very nice with smooth front.
Attachment 1576536

thanks for your pictures and explanation. I really like this idea. I'll work on this during the upcoming winter, brrrrrrrrr.

[hogfarm]

Did you weld the grill support piece to the fenders? making front clip one piece?

[hogfarm]

I likle the smooth front,but front bumpers are required in Washington State

[l78vetteman]

This black truck is one that I saw at a show. It has the grill support welded to the fenders for a super smooth look. Here is another picture.

[my56chevytruck]

Originally Posted by l78vetteman

This black truck is one that I saw at a show. It has the grill support welded to the fenders for a super smooth look. Here is another picture.
Attachment 1589146

l78vetteman, that truck looks great. If you can send me more pictures I'd love to see them. I'm thinking of cutting off the kick out, not sure.

[l78vetteman]

One more picture of the black truck and also a rat rod truck that looks kind of fun.

[my56chevytruck]

Originally Posted by l78vetteman

One more picture of the black truck and also a rat rod truck that looks kind of fun.
Attachment 1590904

Attachment 1590905

Pretty cool. I really like that black truck. that's a lot of motor in that "rat rod" truck I bet.

[l78vetteman]

Ya, I think the black truck has a couple inch chop top which looks really nice too. I should have taken more pictures of it!

[my56chevytruck]

l78vetteman, thanks for all your pictures and help!!

[hogfarm]

I take it the front of the frame as cut off?

[l78vetteman]

yes - it was a front clip frame modification

[hogfarm]

After thinking about this for a couple of weeks,I decided to go for it.now I have a new valance,bumper,and chrome grill I'm not going to need

[l78vetteman]

Sounds good - post some pictures of your progress!

[my56chevytruck]

Originally Posted by hogfarm

After thinking about this for a couple of weeks,I decided to go for it.now I have a new valance,bumper,and chrome grill I'm not going to need

Hey hogfarm, keep me informed, I'm having shoulder surgery today so I won't be working on the truck. good luck.

[hogfarm]

I got the material,need to get that in heated shop

[my56chevytruck]

hogfarm what gauge steel are planning on using? typing with one hand sucks

[dsraven]

somewhere a square body guy is crying.......
hey my56, what type of surgery did you have, rotator cuff, arthroscopic? in a sling for the next 6 wks? just had that myself, tore up bad. got the sling off a wk ago. just be carefull not to use it because those little cords holding your muscles onto the bone can tear through the muscle and you take waaay longer to heal up, besides the pain issue. good luck.

[hogfarm]

yea sorry to hear about your surgery,I thought about cutting up the 74,It was giving to me,there was not much left.I wanted it for the 350 and trans for my 41 coupe project,guy took everything else,just left cab and bed.Not sure what gauge the sheet metal is but guessing 16ga

[dsraven]

less than 16, 18 maybe? doesn't really matter if thats what ya got, right? haha