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#1 |
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Jacksonville, AL
Posts: 479
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Ben Jammin's 1955 Chevy/GMC Project
Alright guys! I have been waiting patiently for a year and a half now to start this thread on my build. Some of the details are complicated, but if your like me you'll mostly just look at the pictures anyway.
At 19 (which is not too long ago by the way) I began a serious search for a '55 (really wanted a '57) chevy or GMC pickup truck. Being a college student supporting myself by working part-time at autozone this was a far fetched idea to begin with.
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---Ben Jammin's 1955 Chevy/GMC Project --- ---The shop's live video feed--- <<< See what I'm up to! |
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#2 |
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Jacksonville, AL
Posts: 479
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Re: Ben Jammin's 1955 Chevy/GMC Project
I recieved a break or two and got ahold of a 1955 short wheel base with some really great parts on it for very cheap, just to find out when I picked it up the frame in the rear was horribly bent up.
The pictures of the truck in one peice disappeared into thin air but the main parts are here.
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---Ben Jammin's 1955 Chevy/GMC Project --- ---The shop's live video feed--- <<< See what I'm up to! |
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#3 |
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Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Jacksonville, AL
Posts: 479
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Re: Ben Jammin's 1955 Chevy/GMC Project
After acquiring this truck I was in search for a good frame in some form or fashion. That came my way in the form of a 1958 GMC pickup in the middle of a group of trees.
I will have to resume at this point tomorrow to post more pictures. And I promise there will be pictures or more than rusty ole trucks once I get the time to post it all on here. I will be excessively, possibly even annoyingly thorough.
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---Ben Jammin's 1955 Chevy/GMC Project --- ---The shop's live video feed--- <<< See what I'm up to! |
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#4 |
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Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Hamburg Pa
Posts: 1,153
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Re: Ben Jammin's 1955 Chevy/GMC Project
looks like a good start so what have done to it so far
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#5 |
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Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Corona, California
Posts: 7,998
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Re: Ben Jammin's 1955 Chevy/GMC Project
![]() There's nothing wrong with posting pics of rusty trucks. Kim |
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#6 |
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Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Jacksonville, AL
Posts: 479
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Re: Ben Jammin's 1955 Chevy/GMC Project
Due to my project funds.... or lack thereof, I find things in interesting places. This is the '58 GMC how I found it.
Not only did i have to cut down the trees touching the truck, I had to cut down some pretty large ones just to get the truck out of the group of trees. I went the day before and cut and sectioned all the trees (Some were fairly large)... now thats dedication! Notice that this frame is already equipped with a V8 MOUNT, which I will keep.
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---Ben Jammin's 1955 Chevy/GMC Project --- ---The shop's live video feed--- <<< See what I'm up to! |
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#7 |
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Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Jacksonville, AL
Posts: 479
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Re: Ben Jammin's 1955 Chevy/GMC Project
My last whole vehicle purchased is a little bit different. Now having a good frame, two cabs to work with, 4 doors, etc. I needed and engine and transmission set up. My original plan was to fine a 90's model truck that had been rolled or totaled in the rear and yank the engine, tranmission, wiring harness, and computer out of it to integrate into the truck.
Well I got close. Another chance happening presented me with this '92 camaro with a TBI 305...... I know its not a 350, but the price was RIGHT! A guy I worked with had a nephew with no insurance, the rest u can figure out.
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---Ben Jammin's 1955 Chevy/GMC Project --- ---The shop's live video feed--- <<< See what I'm up to! |
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#8 |
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Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Jacksonville, AL
Posts: 479
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Re: Ben Jammin's 1955 Chevy/GMC Project
I bought ONE more... well a half a truck. God poured out his blessings on me and a scrap yard opened up not a quarter mile from my front door. In my searching one day I found a '65 truck with a really good looking bed. As much as a hated to, they took it over to the torches and I cut the whole truck in half. I got the rear half, frame and all. (i cut the axle out too, less weight)
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---Ben Jammin's 1955 Chevy/GMC Project --- ---The shop's live video feed--- <<< See what I'm up to! Last edited by bensimmons_05; 12-09-2008 at 01:34 PM. |
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#9 |
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Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Jacksonville, AL
Posts: 479
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Re: Ben Jammin's 1955 Chevy/GMC Project
Now... a recap of all this junk I bought so far. You guys think im crazy? All this rusty wrecked stuff has cost me under $1000 so far. but then again who do you know who would look at this picture and see value of more that a thousand dollars??
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---Ben Jammin's 1955 Chevy/GMC Project --- ---The shop's live video feed--- <<< See what I'm up to! |
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#10 |
Senior Member
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Location: Murray, Kentucky
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Re: Ben Jammin's 1955 Chevy/GMC Project
That's my kind of backyard...
Looks like you have a great start on a truck. Good luck, Rg
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Roger '68 Short step - https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=849675 '69 ('70?) 2wd Blazer '70 GMC Jimmy 2wd '73 Firebird - https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=853203 |
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#11 |
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Jacksonville, AL
Posts: 479
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Re: Ben Jammin's 1955 Chevy/GMC Project
Now for some clean, rust free parts that might even be a little shiny.
For this build I wanted to start from the ground up so the first thing to do would be the suspension. I started out by test fitting the brackets (CPP) on the old axle.
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---Ben Jammin's 1955 Chevy/GMC Project --- ---The shop's live video feed--- <<< See what I'm up to! Last edited by bensimmons_05; 03-02-2010 at 12:31 AM. |
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#12 |
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Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Jacksonville, AL
Posts: 479
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Re: Ben Jammin's 1955 Chevy/GMC Project
I got a 3" drop axle from a guy on ebay In this picture you can see the new king pin set installed. (these pictures were taken from my phone so i apologize)
Here you can really see the difference between the new and old axle.
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---Ben Jammin's 1955 Chevy/GMC Project --- ---The shop's live video feed--- <<< See what I'm up to! |
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#13 |
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Location: Jacksonville, AL
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Re: Ben Jammin's 1955 Chevy/GMC Project
Thanks Jim!
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---Ben Jammin's 1955 Chevy/GMC Project --- ---The shop's live video feed--- <<< See what I'm up to! |
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#14 |
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Location: Jacksonville, AL
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Re: Ben Jammin's 1955 Chevy/GMC Project
Here I have it all fitted together.
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---Ben Jammin's 1955 Chevy/GMC Project --- ---The shop's live video feed--- <<< See what I'm up to! Last edited by bensimmons_05; 03-02-2010 at 12:31 AM. |
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#15 |
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Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan,:
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Re: Ben Jammin's 1955 Chevy/GMC Project
looks like you got a great start, reminds me of our 58 build on a budjet, love ingenuity, great job, hope to see more!
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James 1968 GMC "HAVOC" 1986 GMC "Frank" J.J.R.H. Design & Consulting My 68`Rebuild "HAVOC": http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=316300 A 58' chev build thread: http://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vboa...d.php?t=311238 1969 Camaro Pro Touring http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...61#post3513361 Swiss Cheese: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=384390 Adjustable Trailing Arm How-To: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=321100 1968 Ford Farm Truck: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=1#post6555587 |
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#16 |
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Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Jacksonville, AL
Posts: 479
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Re: Ben Jammin's 1955 Chevy/GMC Project
Here i have the brackets installed and painted and the upgraded tie rod ends in place.
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---Ben Jammin's 1955 Chevy/GMC Project --- ---The shop's live video feed--- <<< See what I'm up to! |
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#17 | |
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Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Clovis Ca.
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Re: Ben Jammin's 1955 Chevy/GMC Project
Quote:
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Classic Trucks Link http://www.classictrucks.com/feature...uck/index.html 1958 GMC.Project Build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=162816 1966 Chevelle Build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=443576 Video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=prrNKo8F7Zw#GU5U2spHI_4 Last edited by CAL 58 GMC; 12-04-2008 at 12:10 PM. |
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#18 |
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Jacksonville, AL
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Re: Ben Jammin's 1955 Chevy/GMC Project
I painted the calipers, parts of the rotor, and the brake pads to help keep rust away in the future.
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---Ben Jammin's 1955 Chevy/GMC Project --- ---The shop's live video feed--- <<< See what I'm up to! |
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#19 |
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Location: Jacksonville, AL
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Re: Ben Jammin's 1955 Chevy/GMC Project
As a side note: I will have painted steel rims on the truck when it is done, so the center caps will show. I ordered some supposedly chrome caps from CPP and was very disappointed when I recieved them. So I bought some regular caps from autozone and smoothed them with 1500 grit sand paper and polished them with mother's.
The one I did is on the left, and the one from CPP is on the right.... you decide.
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---Ben Jammin's 1955 Chevy/GMC Project --- ---The shop's live video feed--- <<< See what I'm up to! |
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#20 |
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Location: Jacksonville, AL
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Re: Ben Jammin's 1955 Chevy/GMC Project
Thanks CAL 58 I'll be sure to tell my girlfriend that someone else agrees haha.
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---Ben Jammin's 1955 Chevy/GMC Project --- ---The shop's live video feed--- <<< See what I'm up to! |
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#21 |
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Join Date: Oct 2007
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Re: Ben Jammin's 1955 Chevy/GMC Project
looks like it,s going to be a fun project can't wait to see it finished.
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#22 |
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Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: okc
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Re: Ben Jammin's 1955 Chevy/GMC Project
Great Lookin start on your project! Keep the pics coming, see ya jeff
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#23 |
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Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Jacksonville, AL
Posts: 479
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Re: Ben Jammin's 1955 Chevy/GMC Project
Thanks guys! 58 GMC ... your truck SHARP! Almost sharp enough to change my mind into keeping the 58 look, its so hard to change a heart though...
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---Ben Jammin's 1955 Chevy/GMC Project --- ---The shop's live video feed--- <<< See what I'm up to! |
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#24 |
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Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Jacksonville, AL
Posts: 479
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Re: Ben Jammin's 1955 Chevy/GMC Project
lets talk about rear ends... can't go wrong posting pictures of a rear end on the internet, its been proven again and again...
This is another scrap yard find. I found a 78 chevy pickup with a good looking rear and end traded a bent up one and 25 bucks for it.
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---Ben Jammin's 1955 Chevy/GMC Project --- ---The shop's live video feed--- <<< See what I'm up to! |
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#25 |
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Jacksonville, AL
Posts: 479
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Re: Ben Jammin's 1955 Chevy/GMC Project
I stripped the mounts off, cleaned out the gears, and got all new brakes, now its ready for some new spring seats...
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---Ben Jammin's 1955 Chevy/GMC Project --- ---The shop's live video feed--- <<< See what I'm up to! |
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