1956 Chevy Pro-Street Build

[ptc]

Originally Posted by Kim57

I like that look.
Kim

I figured you would really like that little touch!!! -

Originally Posted by mud.man.rj

Continually stepping it up, I like your style and ideas, out of the box the right amount rules.

Thank you much mm!

Originally Posted by RockinKees

Nice grill insert, I like that!

I also like your boat, but I think it's more of an aeroplane, it hardly hits the water
Is that a "drag" boat or is it for a "racecourse"

Kees thanks - I like different! Yea my boat is basically just a "LakeRod" modeled after the old vintage "Flat Bottom River Racer" style.... The factory truly called it a "Family Ski" model and when they were produced in the 70's people skied behind these things with a 454 BB Chevy engine in them with about 400-450hp. Its a v-drive setup with an 'in-n-out' gear box... in gear or out of gear.... thats all you got.

I typically just take it out to gatherings of other vintage boats, hotboat days, and river and lake runs, but once in awhile I will take it to the nostalgia races where they let us run them for show mostly.... so putting on a good show for the spectator is what we do!!! and a little WHEELIE every once in awhile is what they like to see.... They have so much power they jump right out of the water....

heres a video...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-y_JvsYSvHo

[RockinKees]

That sounds like Cacklefest at the Nostalgia Drags
Looks cool!!
Nice, a tip at the gaspedal and your out of the water
That's a lot of power in such a small boat

[mud.man.rj]

Now that's a video, sure doesn't take much to get air..

[jeffs56]

Where did you find that grille if you don't mind saying. I seen that on a truck before and been wanting something like that for a while.

[ptc]

Originally Posted by jeffs56

Where did you find that grille if you don't mind saying. I seen that on a truck before and been wanting something like that for a while.

The Grill as shown in that truck above is totally custom built.

The grill surround is from a '57 truck with the center cut out of it and then all the holes filled. I dont know if the '57 truck grill parts fit on any other version of the Task Force truck fenders other than '57.... Anybody know? The light bar comes from a '57 Chevy car. They can be found in OEM form or re-pops are made also of them. Cost is about $100 -$300 depending on condition.

The light bar length has to be modified to fit within the grill surround, its too long. The only problem with that is the light bar is made from pot metal. So if you buy a nice new chromed one - you will be re-chroming it again.... Then mounts need to be made to attach it from behind.

[55 Chevy Dave]

I have been looking at my front parking lights for a while now trying to decide if I should smooth them out. I think you just helped me make up my mind! What are you planning on replacing them with? I thought about doing some flush LEDs.

I never thought about filling in under the grill.

Thanks for the inspiration! You're build is looking great!

[Advanced Design]

Holy cow, those boats are scary cool. Really love the sound!

[bowt1ed]

I have also been considering putting a 57 car bar in the grill opening on my 55 front. Did it fit width wise without modification? Thanks, Jim

[ptc]

The boats are alot of fun to run and to watch circle racing.... If you ever get the chance to go out and see them run the "K" boats are the fastest out there, they'll do 150 down the straights and about 60 around the turns, they battle!


The 57 Chevy Car light bar does not fit right into any of the grills for the trucks. and I think the 57 grill surround is probably the widest. Im gonna have to cut mine down about 6" and re-weld the pot metal back together with a 'brazing' technique that will get it back together. Then smooth it all out and re-chrome it. I may not go chrome but its possible.

I was out at the Pleasanton Goodguys show this past weekend and met the guy that owns the truck I pictured above. He is a local guy around my parts! Great day out there. Ill post up some pics

[ptc]

From the Pleasanton GOODGUYS car show - 2016

[ptc]

And here is the custom '57 that is just an incredible truck.... The headlights are all LED and the turn signals are frenched in so nice. THe light bar is actually used as driving lights and there are PIAA Halogen type driving lamps installed in the 57 bar. Very nicely done. 383 SBC in it with a tilt front hood, Tilt rear cover, bed all upholstered and everything has been molded in at the bed. just very nice all around.

[Kim57]

Looking real good.
Kim

[ptc]

Originally Posted by Kim57

Looking real good.
Kim

Thanks Kim, I hope to start tackling the hood 'creation' soon. I'll be using many of your techniques to make it happen. Im going to splice in the 58-59 style hood drop down into a 55-56 hood. And also slant it.

Hopefully its works out decent...

[RockinKees]

Nice fabwork!
No frontbumper then?

Take your time with the hood!

[ptc]

Originally Posted by RockinKees

Nice fabwork!
No frontbumper then?

Take your time with the hood!

Thanks Kees! No bumper.... only hidden IRON behind that valance! just in case.....

The hood will be a neat project. hoping it all comes together as my mind sees it! The front fenders are off to the sandblasters to be 'cleaned' and epoxy coated. Then I can work on the hood.

[ptc]

So a quick update on the FRONT END. All the parts went to blast and got epoxy coated last week. Have a couple rust spots to fix up and then french in the headlights and get my 57 Bel Air light bar together for the grill insert. Then the fenders and front end will be done. Got the rear fenders set into place with the BIG MICKEY T's tucked under and it looks so good!!!! wish I could keep 2 sets of wheels and tires!

So this is how it sits right now

[RockinKees]

Looks good!
It's coming together now

[II_Slow]

Fight the good fight. Pro Street is NOT dead!!!

[mud.man.rj]

Kickin it, nice updates.

[Kim57]

Very nice.
Kim

[68c10owner]

Reminds me of my friends 55 prostreet. Camaro clip up front, s&w racer clip out back. 29x18.5 mickeys with a 427/4spd combo. Just fast enough and fun as hell. The build is coming along great.

[tiddlar]

Looks fast already! love it.

[RockinKees]

You're a busy guy

I think you need a 30 hour day and a nine days week.....
Keep at it and it all comes together in time

[68c10owner]

What engine builder do you use?

[ptc]

LOL thanks guys!!!! yep busier thank a 1-legged man at an a$$ kicking contest is what they say!!!!

Originally Posted by 68c10owner

What engine builder do you use?

Hey Anthony, I use a guy in Lodi area that does all the assembly and build work. He is on facebook and C/L alot. Goes by Brian Johnson Racing Engines. (Not to be confused with THE Brian Johnson of AC/DC).... He has about 3 track cars of his own.

He built my boat motor for me 3 years ago and it is a potent "little" thing! So when this came up I figured he was the best bet for getting me what I needed, and he was all on-board when I told him about it.

He gets all the machine work done at Joey Groses shop. And Grose does the dyno work for him also on completion of the motors.