Matt's 56 3600 4X4 Build

[mvitale27]

Yes, the kit I got from Dave at Hollister Road is set up for a rear fill behind the license plate.

[57chevyman]

You have any new pics of fuel tank install?

[mvitale27]

Originally Posted by 57chevyman

You have any new pics of fuel tank install?

Sorry, haven't installed it yet. Plan on getting back working on the truck this week.

[Trucknut57]

Have you figured out the height difference for the front / rear yet?

I was thinking instead of raising the rear 4", what about lowering the front 3"?

They have 3" lowering front springs, they are de-arched a bit but have the same number of original leaf's. This way the front isn't spongy and wobbly.

[OldChevysRule]

Matt,

Any progress on the truck? Also, do you have any relatives in Mississippi? I have a friend whose last name is Vitale. His immediate family is in Biloxi/Ocean Springs area.

[mvitale27]

Hey all, been awhile since I've posted. Didn't get much done for a long time but I've been back at it again. I'm having trouble uploading pics to the thread but I'll try again tomorrow.

Truck is back on 4 wheels with the front and rear suspension completely redone except shocks. Also, go the motor (without heads) and trans in the truck too.

[mvitale27]

Here's one pic from today.

[mvitale27]

... and another

[mvitale27]

front end...

[BOXER957]

Glad to see you're back at it. I'm waiting to see what you come up with for steering. I'm doing the same build but with a 59 cab...didn't look right on a lowered hotrod frame with 4 headlights but looks totally bada$$ as a lifted 4x4....now just need to find a 55 to put on my Camaro clipped,spring flipped hotrod frame....Looking Great so far, keep up the good work.

[mvitale27]

Thanks. Steering is one of the next things I'll be working on. I want to use the CPP power steering kit that uses the original mounting locating, but I'll need to figure out a good setup for drag link etc. I removed the original steering arm from my knuckle knowing it wouldn't work. I have seen some alternative steering arm options around. I need to do some more research.

[BOXER957]

I have the cpp kit and haven't been able to figure it out...we need a steering arm that has a vertical mounting hole landing in front of the axle. The one on the axle we're using lands horizontal behind the axle leaving about 6-8" for a draglink that even if I could find one short enough the 2 angles would bind on turning. I hope you have better luck than me. If I find out something that works I'll let you know.

[mvitale27]

looking back i think i mounted my engine too far forward. the harmonic balancer is almost hitting the front factory crossmember. would have to modify the crossmember to run any belts. thinking my best option is to relocate my engine and trans custom crossmembers about 3-5 inches towards the rear. thoughts?

[mvitale27]

another question I have for you guys is the best way to repair the "eyebrow" where the windshield meets the roof? Replace the whole roof or piece it together with patches?

[mvitale27]

I moved my engine back about 3.5 inches and up about a half inch. There is plenty of clearance now and I think it is sitting in a much better location. I will post some new pics soon.

[mvitale27]

Installed my mustang tank yesterday. I am happy with how it came out.

[mvitale27]

Change in the motor build. I am going to use some Vortec heads from a 5.3 LM7 I had sitting in the garage. Sending them out for machining this week. Ill post some new pics

[mvitale27]

Going to be mocking up all my sheet metal this week while I’m waiting on the heads to be done. This is the fun part!

[mvitale27]

Heres some pics of my recent progress

[mvitale27]

Rebuilding my door hinged this week and then hanging the doors. Finally ready to brace the cab and start the metal work. And Im still waiting to get my vortec heads back from the machine shop. Next time I post pics Ill try to resize for better quality. See ya'll soon

[mvitale27]

[joedoh]

thats a big girl!

[Purcell69]

That is coming along nicely!

-Joe

[mvitale27]

Going to rebuild my door hinges today. I cant find any pics or how-to's. Any help guys?

[dsraven]

when I did my hinges I took a pic to remember how they look, then dissassembled, sandblasted, welded up a few really oblong holes, drilled the holes to accept a common pin and bushing set, then primed and assembled. you really need to watch the pin and bushing set because they can be a poor fit from new. maybe better to find a tight fitting bushing and pin then ream them after they are installed.

I had a spare cab that was bent badly so I cut the eyebrow out of it and welded it into the cab I am using. the eyebrow part wasn't available at that time. not sure about now. drill through the spot welds and be aware there is lead filler on each corner at the top of the A pillar. I cut the inner panel and outer panel out and installed as a unit. there are also reinforcements in the cab corners in that area on each side so be careful of what you cut into there. they are around the visor mount holes and you will likely see the spot welds from the inside.