norms 55 chevy pu build

[washington blue]

The story goes something like this. About 25 years ago my wife's grandpa (Rolf) was going to move to town as he and his wife were approaching 90. They owned this 55 Chevy pu.

Rolf had gotten it from his son (my father in law) who bought it in about 58 or 59 to drive back and forth to work at the local John Morrell plant in Sioux Falls SD. After about 10 years my FIL decided to trade for a newer Pu, when Rolf heard this, he bought it from his son to use as a farm pickup.

For the next 20 years it lived a hard life on the farm and also served as a shop truck because Rolf was a mechanic and did repairs on neighbors equipment and also did tractor work in his shop, overhauling engines or fixing what-ever was wrong with them.

When Rolf decided to move to town I asked if he might consider selling the 55 to me. He told me when he was done with it I could have it. About a year later the 55 came home to my house.

When I got the 55 it was a long box but Rolf had a 55 short frame that he was going to build another pickup from but had not gotten to it, so I brought that short frame home too.

The picture shows what I drug out of a corner of my shed after a 20 year slumber. I had done some work to it before putting it away which I will show in future pictures in future posts

[washington blue]

If the moderators wish to move this to builds feel free to do so.

[Kim57]

Welcome.
Looks like a real puzzle to start with.
Kim

[washington blue]

Originally Posted by Kim57

Welcome.
Looks like a real puzzle to start with.
Kim

Thanks for the welcome, it has not been long since I discovered this forum. Tons of info here to help me with my build.

Took the pickup all apart 20 years ago and put the cab on a short frame, then things came up and I put it in a corner and left it. Now I will have to re learn everything about it.

[Advanced Design]

Interesting history on the truck! Did you go into the farming business?
Tagging along on the build. Have fun!

[washington blue]

Originally Posted by Advanced Design

Interesting history on the truck! Did you go into the farming business?
Tagging along on the build. Have fun!

Thanks, Yes, farming is what I do, so the truck might not be quite as pro built as one done by a pro shop but I am going to do my best.

[washington blue]

Since I had put the cab on to a short frame I needed to get a short box. Last summer I bought a short box that had been turned into a trailer.

I know I could buy all new stuff for this thing but the challenge for me is to use old stuff as much as possible and do my best to save it.

Cool Vega tail lights

[washington blue]

Decided to take the pu box trailer apart and put the pieces I will use inside. Got a little help from my daughter.

[washington blue]

This winter I started to fix some rust and dents in the box.

[Nut Case]

Washington

That little gal look very knowledgeable/skilled. She needs leather for her hands and feet. Don't want to scar those young fore arms.

She's a keeper, kill her 1st suitor, the word will get aroung

Look to be a great build.

Keep on keepin on

Nut Case

[Russell Ashley]

That looks like a lucky find on the trailer, plus it has the steps you will need. It still has the original emergency brake mechanism in it too.
I'm glad your daughter is interested in helping, It's good to see family members involved with a project. Looks like she knows what she's doing.

[washington blue]

Originally Posted by Russell Ashley

That looks like a lucky find on the trailer, plus it has the steps you will need. It still has the original emergency brake mechanism in it too.
I'm glad your daughter is interested in helping, It's good to see family members involved with a project. Looks like she knows what she's doing.

Thanks, Yes I will definitely need the steps and they are in perfect shape too. Good eye catching the E brake mechanism, I have so much to learn, glad you saw that I will be keeping this in mind, thanks. Norm

[washington blue]

This corner of the box had been hit so I had to do some straightening.

[Advanced Design]

Nice fix on the box! You have some serious length clamps there.

[washington blue]

At some time someone had backed into something and dented and bowed the end gate. I was able to remove the dent but the gate will always have a slight inward bow.

[Kim57]

Repair looks real good.
Kim

[washington blue]

This fender had gotten a bend in it during storage so I had some straightening to do.

[washington blue]

The front edge of the fender did not align with the step so I cut it and got it better. 20 years ago I made patches for the front lower edge of both fenders and they are still ok. The passenger side did not need any work to align with the step.

[Kim57]

Nice work.
Kim

[washington blue]

Got the front end loosely put together. Lots of aligning to do when the doors are put on.

[ChuckDriver]

Great project!

[washington blue]

Originally Posted by ChuckDriver

Great project!

I hve been looking at your build and all I can say is "wow"

[washington blue]

I found on the passengers door a rusty hinge pocket, so I searched other builds and decided to fix with a plate.

[washington blue]

I got the hinge pocket welded back in and it is rock solid now. I found just a little bit of rust just below the pocket which I had to fix too. If there is any more rust I won't know until it is sandblasted.

[ChuckDriver]

Originally Posted by washington blue

I hve been looking at your build and all I can say is "wow"

Thanks!