New Rod & Custom DREAM TRUCK

[CircusWagonJim]

Here's a peek at what I'm doing with my '56 pickup- I'll fill in more details if the picture works. Jim

[CircusWagonJim]

COOL, it worked!!! Well, yes- I work for Rod & Custom Magazine and this is my project truck. The suspension was just covered in the last 2 issues of Custom & Classic Truck using CPP pieces. I plan on making it a driver ASAP and then doing the work that will include dropping the cab 3-inches to line up the body lines with the rear fenders, clipping 3-inches off the bottom of the doors and chopping the top an equal 3-inches. The rear fenders will be stretched using another pair of fenders and the cab is a GMC because I think the dash is more custom looking. Power will be a '58 small-block to a 200R4 trans and a 10-bolt posi rearend. Already have disc brakes on all 4 corners and chrome reversed wheels with big & little wide whites. Thanks, Jim Aust

[Apache]

Some neat ideas, looking forward to seeing the progress. Good luck with it.

[70short/step]

I like it! Some of the changes arent too noticable until you look at it for awhile! It is like you see that there is something different but you just can see it right away!

[dwcsr]

Thats what it should have looked like in 58. It really cleans up the task force body lines gives it a sport truck cruiser look. I guess I'll have to buy that Mag to keep updated on this.

[CAL 58 GMC]

Originally Posted by CircusWagon

COOL, it worked!!! Well, yes- I work for Rod & Custom Magazine and this is my project truck. The suspension was just covered in the last 2 issues of Custom & Classic Truck using CPP pieces. I plan on making it a driver ASAP and then doing the work that will include dropping the cab 3-inches to line up the body lines with the rear fenders, clipping 3-inches off the bottom of the doors and chopping the top an equal 3-inches. The rear fenders will be stretched using another pair of fenders and the cab is a GMC because I think the dash is more custom looking. Power will be a '58 small-block to a 200R4 trans and a 10-bolt posi rearend. Already have disc brakes on all 4 corners and chrome reversed wheels with big & little wide whites. Thanks, Jim Aust

Do you have any pic's yet?

[chevyrestoguy]

Wow, now that is cool! I have always wanted to align the rear fender body line with the cab's line. I have seen it done, but they raised the rear fenders to match it, and that throws the proportion all out of whack. Sectioning the cab will be a challenge, but it definately do-able. Chevy liked to double-wall their bodies. If you keep the cuts low, around the lower part of the door where the step-up is inside the cab, that will probably be the least painful place to make the slice. What are your plans with the rest of the body? Are you going to do alot of the tricks that Spence Murray did when he built the original? Same color scheme as the original? I love the idea, and I can't wait to see it. 55-59 Chevy/GMC trucks make great looking customs if they are done right. The trucks were so pretty when they were designed that it's easy to go astray and get it wrong. Usually, guys over-chop them and they lose the proportion. Sectioning is the right way to do it. Keep us posted with pictures! Welcome aboard, love the magazine!
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Ecigarettes

[CircusWagonJim]

My plan is to take 3 inches out of the frame rail under the cab and drop it down. Then just lip 3 inches off the bottom of the cab & doors all the way around. I don't want to copy the original too much and don't want ti too be as wild looking of a custom. This one more cleans up what the factory could have and creates a whole new timeless look. There will be plenty of custom tricks- just not a repeat of the original. The wheels and tires are the biggest nod to the original.

[Igotachevyor2]

cool

[Jebb1978]

Can you give us a link to the article? I would love to see more....

[CircusWagonJim]

Actually the article is not out yet- it will be in the Oct. 06 issue. Just giving the truck guys an early heads up. Thanks Jim

The tech articles might be linked to the CCT website.

[Frizzle Fry]

I've wanted to section a 55-59 like that ever since I saw this purple truck. Not very good pics of it. I have better pics in a mag. I'll also attach a pic of one in progress. That's the first thing I will do to a 55-59 if I ever get one. I even offered to do it for a guy on his 56 for free, just because I thinks it's so cool (he's not sold on the look yet). Can't wait to see some pics of yours!

[Jebb1978]

Cool I will watch for it!

[chevyrestoguy]

I love the picture of the 2 trucks under construction. I am going to do something trick with my bed, but I want it to look factory. I wanted to go with a Fleetside bed or a Cameo bed, but the stock rear cab corners are tapered to a point and don't flow well with a fleetside bed. That's why the Cameo trucks have those chrome pieces on the forward edges of the bed. I have even considered narrowing a Fleetside bed about 6" and trimming the stepside fenders to about 3" in depth to make a sportside look. Fleetside beds are rare, and I would probably be shot if I cut one up. I've even considered taking the lower rear half of a panel truck and making a bed out of it. It's got to look factory.
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Nevada Marijuana Dispensary

[Jebb1978]

Originally Posted by chevyrestoguy

Fleetside beds are rare, and I would probably be shot if I cut one up. I've even considered taking the lower rear half of a panel truck and making a bed out of it. It's got to look factory.

I don't think anyone would shoot you if you started with a long fleet? They are cheaper too I am sure. I know you can do it with the 60-66 fleet beds. My Dad did it a few years back and you couldn't even tell by looking at it.

[PBFAB.COM]

The in progress sectioned truck on the bottom is one we are building for a customer. I will have to snap some updated pics. It is amazing what the section does to the overall look of the truck. I too had to do this after seeing the purple truck that was mentioned... I think they called it Purple Haze.

[Frizzle Fry]

Hey man, I wanted to give you props for that thing but I couldn't remember where I saw it. Glad to see you popped in. I love the dash! I personally think the way you sectioned this one is the way to go. Looks better with the wheel-well closer to the main body-line, and with the front end lower than stock. Seems to bring everything in-line including the front bumper to the rockers, and the cab and fender body lines.

More pics, more pics, more pics...

[Apache]

Hadnt seen another dash like mine till now. Oh well, I guess there are 2 out there. :P

[PBFAB.COM]

Thanks Frizzle Fry. I too agree that it looks better with the front end un-sectioned. It lines it all up like you said. The fender on the pic is just a quicky job to mock stuff up with, the finished fenders wheel opening are slightly different.

[paintpyro]

Whats up Jim? A late welcome to the board. Alot of people here remember your first Circus Wagon.

[chevyrestoguy]

More pics please! I love under-construction shots. What's the story on the truck in the background?

Sorry, Jim, I don't mean to hijack your post, but stuff like this is good for all of us. It keeps our creative juices flowing.
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Sa2200

[Mordachai]

yeah, very cool project. I like the subtle mods myself, ones that make you stand and think, "is that factory???"

The circus wagon was also a cool truck

I'm envious(JK), I have a 56 big window just waiting, while I am trying to finish a circus truck of my own, (the more I get into it, the more of a circus it becomes) but nothing like your circus wagon!

|M|

[PBFAB.COM]

Jim-
I don't want to be the guy that steals your thunder on this thread... I dig the concept you have and can't wait to see some updated pics. If you got any questions on the section (the hard way or ways to avoid... I have a little experience). I will start another thread with some pics of the "in progress" truck.

[CAL 58 GMC]

Hey porterbult, I seen your truck in this months Classic Trucks mag. COOL!

[flatbedchev]

nice ride!! Here's another one to drool over