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#1376 |
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Corona, California
Posts: 7,998
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Re: Danny Boy is BAACK! w/ '55 Big Window
Nice trucks.
The LS engines make a ton of HP without a lot of mods. I think you'll be very happy. Kim |
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#1377 | |
Senior Member
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Location: Glendora, CA
Posts: 6,338
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Re: Danny Boy is BAACK! w/ '55 Big Window
Quote:
I agree they make a lot of power even stock. I'd never really looked into LS engines. I just figured they were out of my league somehow. I'm impressed with the four bolt/canted main bolts, the deeply skirted blocks, etc. The more I look into them the more pleased I am with my choice. Definitely NOT "traditional" looking but I think I'll get all the reliability and power I need and still have decent mileage out of it. I haven't been this truly excited about a vehicle in awhile! Take care of that back, buddy! We want to see you at upcoming cruises and shows.
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'55 Big Window Shortbed, Drive-It-&-Work-On-It slid down the "slippery slope" to a Frame-Off Rodstoration! LQ4/4l85e/C4 IFS/Mustang 8.8 rearend w/3.73's Dan's '55 Big Window "Build" - Well, Kinda! |
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#1378 |
A320 Pilot/USAF Retired
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Charleston, SC
Posts: 2,622
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Re: Danny Boy is BAACK! w/ '55 Big Window
Looks like its all coming together Dan, can't wait for more updates!!
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JJ My 1957 build: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=334552 http://www.trifive.com/forums/showthread.php?t=22037 Instagram - Chuckdriver57 |
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#1379 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Corona, California
Posts: 7,998
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Re: Danny Boy is BAACK! w/ '55 Big Window
Quote:
thanks for asking. A lot of guys don't like the looks of the LS with the coil packs on the rocker covers but personally I think they look O.K. with a little paint work. Kim |
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#1380 | |
Senior Member
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Location: Glendora, CA
Posts: 6,338
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Re: Danny Boy is BAACK! w/ '55 Big Window
Quote:
Right now I'm leaning toward relocating the coil packs out of sight and using the Holley low rise or medium rise aluminum intake as its "cleaner."
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'55 Big Window Shortbed, Drive-It-&-Work-On-It slid down the "slippery slope" to a Frame-Off Rodstoration! LQ4/4l85e/C4 IFS/Mustang 8.8 rearend w/3.73's Dan's '55 Big Window "Build" - Well, Kinda! |
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#1381 |
Senior Member
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Location: Glendora, CA
Posts: 6,338
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Re: Danny Boy is BAACK! w/ '55 Big Window
September 3, 2016
An update for later: Corvette rotors/calipers won't allow use of my 15" vintage Torq Thrust knockoffs. Too bad! I'm going to go up to 17". I don't like "forklift-low profile tires" but I think I can get 50 or even 55 series on 17" rims and I can live with that. The Torq Thrust II rims all have the curved, shiny painted spokes I don't especially like. I'll continue to look for 17" TT's w/straight spokes, but I am considering others. My truck is no longer anything like the "shop truck" it once was. The whole look will be different. It won't have the handling but compared to the straight axle/leaf springs it'll FEEL like a Pro Touring to me! ![]() I'm considering polished Salt Flat style rims and I also found a U.S. Mags rim called a Rambler. It looks like a high dollar one piece forged rim (to me) but it's fairly affordable for a set of 17x7's & 8's. Pic's posted below: Polished Salt Flat style ![]() U.S. Mag Ramblers w/ gray spokes ![]() U.S. Mag Ramblers w/chrome finish ![]()
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'55 Big Window Shortbed, Drive-It-&-Work-On-It slid down the "slippery slope" to a Frame-Off Rodstoration! LQ4/4l85e/C4 IFS/Mustang 8.8 rearend w/3.73's Dan's '55 Big Window "Build" - Well, Kinda! Last edited by Dan in Pasadena; 09-04-2016 at 12:54 AM. |
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#1382 |
Senior Member
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Location: Glendora, CA
Posts: 6,338
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Re: Danny Boy is BAACK! w/ '55 Big Window
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'55 Big Window Shortbed, Drive-It-&-Work-On-It slid down the "slippery slope" to a Frame-Off Rodstoration! LQ4/4l85e/C4 IFS/Mustang 8.8 rearend w/3.73's Dan's '55 Big Window "Build" - Well, Kinda! |
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#1383 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Clear and Still Idaho
Posts: 509
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Re: Danny Boy is BAACK! w/ '55 Big Window
Danny Boy
This is your baby, do it like you want, what ever floats your boat. I'm with you I like 50-60 ratio tires, and I have the vette IFS/IRS as well, so the old school won't fit. Check out some Foose see if anything looks good and fits the budget. Thread is great, good stuff. Keep on keepin on Nut Case ![]()
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#1384 | |
Senior Member
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Location: Glendora, CA
Posts: 6,338
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Re: Danny Boy is BAACK! w/ '55 Big Window
Quote:
I kinda like the idea of having full Corvette suspension under our vintage bodies. Then again, I ask myself, why? I theoretically would like to be able to very occasionally tow a boat which I could do with the regular rearend with air shocks. Not sure I could do that with IRS.
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'55 Big Window Shortbed, Drive-It-&-Work-On-It slid down the "slippery slope" to a Frame-Off Rodstoration! LQ4/4l85e/C4 IFS/Mustang 8.8 rearend w/3.73's Dan's '55 Big Window "Build" - Well, Kinda! |
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#1385 |
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Corona, California
Posts: 7,998
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Re: Danny Boy is BAACK! w/ '55 Big Window
Both those rims are very nice.
I like the salt flat style in a flat gray finish. Kim |
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#1386 |
A320 Pilot/USAF Retired
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Charleston, SC
Posts: 2,622
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Re: Danny Boy is BAACK! w/ '55 Big Window
Rim choice is always the hardest! The gray Ramblers look nice!
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JJ My 1957 build: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=334552 http://www.trifive.com/forums/showthread.php?t=22037 Instagram - Chuckdriver57 |
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#1387 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Clear and Still Idaho
Posts: 509
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Re: Danny Boy is BAACK! w/ '55 Big Window
Danny Boy
I try to use this rule of thumb from my wise father. "When you think of buying a truck think of how you plan on using this truck for 95% of the time you have it, then tailor the truck to work best in that light." But then there are times you do as you darn well please. My plan on my build (as soon as I can bring it back to life) is to go for handling and ride. I have a 02 Tundra for towing. So no towing for my build. I plan on using 17" rims (not yet picked out) to fit the vette calipers, and try to find the highest ratio and the widest foot print possible. Keep on keepin on Nut Case ![]()
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#1388 |
Senior Member
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Location: Glendora, CA
Posts: 6,338
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Re: Danny Boy is BAACK! w/ '55 Big Window
Thanks Nutcase, PM sent.
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'55 Big Window Shortbed, Drive-It-&-Work-On-It slid down the "slippery slope" to a Frame-Off Rodstoration! LQ4/4l85e/C4 IFS/Mustang 8.8 rearend w/3.73's Dan's '55 Big Window "Build" - Well, Kinda! |
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#1389 |
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: phoenix az
Posts: 723
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Re: Danny Boy is BAACK! w/ '55 Big Window
I have been off the forum for a while.
So sorry to hear about your mother. She raised a good son. (one interested in task force trucks) but hey, your dad had a part in that too. Looks like you are getting closer to that $50 K number every day. ![]() Time to upgrade your garage with bells and whistles. (literally) for security. I have another friend still in california that tells me that custom cars and trucks are being stolen by the hundreds and shipped off to foreign countries. The ads for the stolen vehicles aren't even shown in this country. Not to add paranoia, just an ounce of prevention..... Keep it up Dan, looks like you are going to have that killer truck soon.
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#1390 |
Senior Member
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Location: Glendora, CA
Posts: 6,338
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Re: Danny Boy is BAACK! w/ '55 Big Window
Thanks for the kind words Coupeguy. Truthfully, mom didnl't have anything to do with making me a Task Force truck guy - dad did that. I "helped him" swap out the 235 for the 283 he put in it (I handed him wrenches) and later he swapped that out for a 348.
Dad's been gone since 1990. He was only 66 when he passed and I'll be 62 soon so it's feeling like he died VERY young now. But mom raised me otherwise and she did a good job otherwise. Yeah, the price on this originally-intended-to-be-a-shop-truck is going way up. I always wanted a beautiful one and I never thought I'd be in a position to have one. Now I just hope this comes out like I have in my mind's eye. Time will tell.
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'55 Big Window Shortbed, Drive-It-&-Work-On-It slid down the "slippery slope" to a Frame-Off Rodstoration! LQ4/4l85e/C4 IFS/Mustang 8.8 rearend w/3.73's Dan's '55 Big Window "Build" - Well, Kinda! |
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#1391 |
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: phoenix az
Posts: 723
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Re: Danny Boy is BAACK! w/ '55 Big Window
You'll get there. Problem is that yours is finally going to be prettier than mine...............
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#1392 |
Senior Member
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Location: Glendora, CA
Posts: 6,338
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Re: Danny Boy is BAACK! w/ '55 Big Window
September 12, 2016
Ok, I'm out of town but "Mike" sent me this photo today as a teaser and I am stoked about it. The Flat Out crossmember has been mounted and suspension parts fitted. Obviously, the rack isn't in yet and I can't tell for certain if everything has been welded out yet but it looks good to me! ![]() He also told me the engine was torn down and there were no issues, all is good. It's been honed, re-ringed, new bearings and seals installed. Awaiting new head bolts from GM to finalize the rebuild. The trans has been torn down too and no issues were found. I opted to go with a Mustang 8.8 rearend instead of rebuilding my 10 bolt, which will give me four wheel discs and I THINK limited slip. Not that I really need either but the rear discs will look better if I end up going with those spoked wheels above. Man, the "slippery slope" is slick as hell! I'll be back in town shortly and will check in then with more photos.
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'55 Big Window Shortbed, Drive-It-&-Work-On-It slid down the "slippery slope" to a Frame-Off Rodstoration! LQ4/4l85e/C4 IFS/Mustang 8.8 rearend w/3.73's Dan's '55 Big Window "Build" - Well, Kinda! Last edited by Dan in Pasadena; 09-12-2016 at 02:24 AM. |
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#1393 |
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Corona, California
Posts: 7,998
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Re: Danny Boy is BAACK! w/ '55 Big Window
Going to be real nice when finished.
Kim |
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#1394 |
A320 Pilot/USAF Retired
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Charleston, SC
Posts: 2,622
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Re: Danny Boy is BAACK! w/ '55 Big Window
Wow, that's coming together fast!
__________________
JJ My 1957 build: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=334552 http://www.trifive.com/forums/showthread.php?t=22037 Instagram - Chuckdriver57 |
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#1395 |
Senior Member
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Location: Glendora, CA
Posts: 6,338
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Re: Danny Boy is BAACK! w/ '55 Big Window
Thanks Kim, thanks JJ!
I'm honestly REAL excited, I haven't been this excited in a long time over anything. I was talking about building a '55-'59 since I was 25 and that was long ago, unfortunately. I had a small window '57 20+ years ago that had been a Navy vehicle and then a school district truck. I had no MIG welder then, few tools but got it running nice even if not all that cosmetically nice. Had to lose it during the divorce 16 years ago front my high school sweetheart and swore I'd get another and it would be nicer. Getting close feels like revenge, somehow! Lol.
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'55 Big Window Shortbed, Drive-It-&-Work-On-It slid down the "slippery slope" to a Frame-Off Rodstoration! LQ4/4l85e/C4 IFS/Mustang 8.8 rearend w/3.73's Dan's '55 Big Window "Build" - Well, Kinda! |
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#1396 |
Senior Member
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Location: West Plains, Missouri
Posts: 7,559
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Re: Danny Boy is BAACK! w/ '55 Big Window
Front end looking sweet...Jim
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my build thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=459839 Jimbo's long bed step build:http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...t=464626<br /> |
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#1397 |
Senior Member
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Location: Glendora, CA
Posts: 6,338
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Re: Danny Boy is BAACK! w/ '55 Big Window
Thanks Jim! Can't wait to check in on the progress when I get home.
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'55 Big Window Shortbed, Drive-It-&-Work-On-It slid down the "slippery slope" to a Frame-Off Rodstoration! LQ4/4l85e/C4 IFS/Mustang 8.8 rearend w/3.73's Dan's '55 Big Window "Build" - Well, Kinda! |
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#1398 |
Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Glendale Arizona
Posts: 1,188
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Re: Danny Boy is BAACK! w/ '55 Big Window
Dan have them box the front of the cross member since the have it there
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#1399 |
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: phoenix az
Posts: 723
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Re: Danny Boy is BAACK! w/ '55 Big Window
Now you know why I didn't take mine completely apart.
I was done in 4 months, and it woulda looked the same as it does now just shinier paint. But yours will always be nicer--as long as you jack it up and wipe the dust off the frame every month. ![]()
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#1400 |
Senior Member
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Location: Glendora, CA
Posts: 6,338
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Re: Danny Boy is BAACK! w/ '55 Big Window
Rudy,
?? Do you mean the front of the frame rails? The cross member IS boxed from Flat Out. I actually wondered if there was any value to doing that beyond the obvious aesthetic improvement? But if I do that it wouldn't it be best to box the entire frame? These trucks were meant to flex a bit given they'd be on farms, etc.
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'55 Big Window Shortbed, Drive-It-&-Work-On-It slid down the "slippery slope" to a Frame-Off Rodstoration! LQ4/4l85e/C4 IFS/Mustang 8.8 rearend w/3.73's Dan's '55 Big Window "Build" - Well, Kinda! |
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