Kabwe's aka Bam's build

[Dan in Pasadena]

There IS nothing he can't do. Hence the nickname. Give him a job to do and "BAM" it's done! Lol

Hey Bam, I don't know if you've seen my thread lately but I'm replacing my dash with a '55-'56 car dashboard like you have done. I looked at your thread for details but didn't see much. I'm wondering if you have any in-process pictures?

Also wondering if it's as easy as it would SEEM to be?
1. Locate the spot welds and drill out.
2. Pry dash loose carefully
3. Center new one in the space.
4. Rosette weld it in place?

Are there any "hidden" welds that could help this go easier? Other considerations i haven't thought of yet? Any/all help or advice is appreciated. - Dan

[Kabwe]

Got the engine, trans, and torque converter mated up, next is to get it between the frame rails.

[solidaxel]

Great power plant !
What torque converter did you use and what stall?

[JML55]

Looking good Bam

[oldman3]

Engine, trans combo looks great...Jim

[Kim57]

Looks real nice Bam.
Kim

[RockinKees]

That is going to look really nice between the framerails!!

[ChuckDriver]

It's going to look great in your truck!

[Kabwe]

Thanks guys I really appreciate the comments.

[VDOG]

Engine and trans looks great. Think im going to need you to set me out about 8 car lengths when we race. LOL

[Kabwe]

Originally Posted by VDOG

Engine and trans looks great. Think im going to need you to set me out about 8 car lengths when we race. LOL

Thanks man, but there will be no racing here. I just need enough get up and go to pass some of these Los Angeles drivers who wont let you get over.lol

[VDOG]

Originally Posted by Kabwe

Thanks man, but there will be no racing here. I just need enough get up and go to pass some of these Los Angeles drivers who wont let you get over.lol

Now that's true, got to be able to get away from bad drivers. Guess I need an engine upgrade also.

[bajabob]

[BAM55]

I forgot to post these. Its the new 15 inch 55 Belair steering wheel. I think it will look nice with my transplanted 55 car dash.

Before the clearcoat was applied


After the clearcoat

[Kim57]

That looks fantastic.
Kim

[ChuckDriver]

Looks nice!!

Mine flex's so much when turning that it blows the horn! I finally had to pull the fuse.

[hotrod1]

Originally Posted by Kabwe

I air tested everything alone the way. Next step install the Torque Converter and bolt her up to the engine.

Hey Bam. Hope u are doing well.

How did u test the trans with air? Would like to learn.

[iajonesy]

I've been following your build for quite a while and am quite impressed with the amount of talent and drive you have. It is the true model for a 55-59 build.
I have a question for you. Is rounding the bed corners as daunting a job as it looks? I want to try it but keep having second thoughts. Where did you get the tubing for the job?
Keep posting and I'll keep watching.

Mike

[BAM55]

Originally Posted by ChuckDriver

Looks nice!!

Mine flex's so much when turning that it blows the horn! I finally had to pull the fuse.

My buddy has one in his car and he does not have that issue. That is the reason I bought it, I like the way it looked in his car. You have the Impala one right? That is a really nice steering wheel, one of the best looking in my opinion. I have a friend with one in his truck I'll have to ask him about the horn issue.

Originally Posted by hotrod1

Hey Bam. Hope u are doing well.

How did u test the trans with air? Would like to learn.

There are ports on the transmission components that you blow air into and you can see the clutches move. You can find Youtube videos to show you how to do it. Its really simple

[BAM55]

Originally Posted by iajonesy

I've been following your build for quite a while and am quite impressed with the amount of talent and drive you have. It is the true model for a 55-59 build.
I have a question for you. Is rounding the bed corners as daunting a job as it looks? I want to try it but keep having second thoughts. Where did you get the tubing for the job?
Keep posting and I'll keep watching.

Mike

Actually the rounded bed corners is a pretty simple mod. I bought a 16 gauge 1 5/8 u-bend exhaust pipe from jegs. One pipe will doboth rear corners. Just cut them in half to make them j-bends.lol
Here is a link to the pipe:http://www.jegs.com/i/Patriot-Exhaus...H7015/10002/-1

Here are some pics that should help

[ChuckDriver]

I have the Belair wheel, maybe I got a weak one!

[Daze57]

bam

looks great !!!!!

[RockinKees]

That steering wheel is a piece of Art!
It will look fabulous with your dash!!

[BAM55]

Originally Posted by ChuckDriver

I have the Belair wheel, maybe I got a weak one!

Oh man I thought you had the Impala wheel to match that dash. I really like that Impala steering wheel also. I just did not think it would match my build, but I think it is one of the nicest.

Well if I have that horn issue I will deal with it like you have.lol

[JML55]

Pretty nice