56 Chev Garage build

[Russell Ashley]

Originally Posted by ChuckDriver

Just another reason to buy more tools!!

That's the first thing I thought when I saw it, LOL.

[Rude Dude]

What are you guys talking about I am running out of room already with the tools that I have?

Originally Posted by Russell Ashley

That's the first thing I thought when I saw it, LOL.

[Kim57]

Nice box.
Kim

[Russell Ashley]

Actually I meant another OPPORTUNITY to buy more tools, I don't need a reason, LOL.

[Rude Dude]

Well finally finished the hinges and installed the stainless steel hidden latches. Now the dreaded body work, I took the bow that was in the tailgate I used two 4x4 blocks of wood on each side of tailgate and raised my SUV front drivers side as jack to put weight (pressure) in center it took the bow out now straight as an arrow. Sorry folks I didn't snap any photos.

[Kim57]

Those latches are pretty cool.
Kim

[Rude Dude]

The stainless steel latches came from classic parts but the instructions where from CPP. I didn't like the plastic knobs so I fab the skulls from a license plate skulls off one of my Harleys.

Originally Posted by Kim57

Those latches are pretty cool.
Kim

[Rude Dude]

ABS firewall pads that are available on line are about $189 retail so with the thankful advice from Ogre from Motown. I decided to tackle my own out of Fiberglass I am using foil tape and double-sided insulation for the pattern and if it sticks I gain two advantages spacing and stuff that glass can attach too. I am not an expert like Ogre but hey what do I got to lose. The insulation was free from my daughter that she did not use and the fiberglass was less than forty dollars.

[Rude Dude]

Stay tuned folks the fiberglass work starts tomorrow!

[waybad]

good luck!! looks killer

[Rude Dude]

I decided to make the dash pad in three pieces. No much experience with fiberglass work but a shout out to "Ogre" from Motown for his advice it was really helpful. So here are a few pics had to quit cause the NFL super bowl football started and it is here in Arizona!

[Rude Dude]

Thanks luck is good, but advice from cool people on this site is worth its weight in gold!

Originally Posted by waybad

good luck!! looks killer

[lowrodderchev]

Originally Posted by Rude Dude

The stainless steel latches came from classic parts but the instructions where from CPP. I didn't like the plastic knobs so I fab the skulls from a license plate skulls off one of my Harleys.

That's cool looking I used some chrome license plate spikes

[Rude Dude]

Well look what I got now, man they are just multiplying. It has very small rust spot in left kick panel in cab. Vin says it is a factory V8 1955 Short Bed with a straight frame and doors built in LA sold new here in Arizona. I have an extra bed so looks like another build project. The previous owner shaved drip rail and door handles so we will go custom on this one!

[Kim57]

Nice.
Kim

[Rude Dude]

I just finished grinding and removing the real bad install on the firewall of the Big Window cab. It was spot welded in three places and they used liquid nail to attach the metal which was way to thick. Also after that was done I welded what seems to be over 100 holes in original firewall. pics to come

Originally Posted by Rude Dude

Well look what I got now, man they are just multiplying. It has very small rust spot in left kick panel in cab. Vin says it is a factory V8 1955 Short Bed with a straight frame and doors built in LA sold new here in Arizona. I have an extra bed so looks like another build project. The previous owner shaved drip rail and door handles so we will go custom on this one!

[Rude Dude]

Here are the pics of firewall

[Rude Dude]

Cut down steering column and steering wheel used a middle shaft from a 55-57 car from flaming river bought on egay for $30 dollars and made my own bottom retainer and bearing

[Rude Dude]

Outside steering wheel mount and replaced all cab door cage nuts available from Mar-K in Oklahoma. Also found cool end caps at swap meet for a dollar a piece and welded to bed

[Rude Dude]

Some frame pics with posi rear end and old rear was picked up by scraper no one wanted it was an automatic rear had on craigslist for free

[Kim57]

Nice progress.
Looking good.
Kim

[ChuckDriver]

Nice work!

[Rude Dude]

I decided to go with a firewall mounted brake setup on the 55 Big Window cab. I used a pedal from a 69-72 on the 56 small window truck. So I went to the local auto wrecking yard walked to up to a jeep late 70's or 80's and two where sitting there both had master cylinders removed pick up pedal for $20 dollars. To make pedal work I had to make two cuts on main frame. Cut #1 was to shorten the unit and cut#2 was to tilt the unit even with the dash.

[Rude Dude]

The pedal portion can be left as is on the pivot shaft and puts the arm pedal on the left side of steering column or reversed on shaft to get it on the right side of steering column.

[Rude Dude]

I made a cut on arm at bottom flipped the end of rubber mount and made a straight cut to use the factory rubber pedal. After I reversed the arm on main shaft the pedal arm will not align with the master cylinder so I had to make a bell crank from some steel I had laying around. I used 1/4 inch but 3/8 would have been better. Next I opened whole where brake master cylinder goes through with a die grinder and re drilled the mount to match using brake booster as pattern. Total cost was as follows

Pedal Assembly $20
New Brake Booster $35
1977-80 Corvette
Brake Master cylinder $30
_______________________________
Total $85