1956 Chevy Stepside LSx

[56SS]

Hello all,

I just picked up a 1956 Stepside Shortbox with a 5.3L from a 01 Silverado and a 4l60e trans. I couldn't be more excited to begin working on the truck and making my own improvements! This is my first "real" project. I have had a few cars in my short life (20 yrs old) and tinkered with them here and there, but this is the first big one.

I have some work to do to get the truck on the road, and for the hell of it I'll throw my to-do list on here and see if anyone has some suggestions:

1. Wiring Harness (may have figured this out)
2. Fuel System (Would like to go with a tank that bolts in (90s f150?), possibly putting the stock 5.3L silverado pump in the tank so I am sure that I have the proper pressure to the engine...~58 psi)
3. Driveshaft (need to have one made to mate to the 56 stock rear)
4. Air conditioning (need to figure out how to run A/C, and remain $ friendly)
5. Interior (Really want some leather buckets with a custom console, but I need to figure out what seats will fit, while allowing some room for the console)
6. Gauge cluster (Thinking about a digital cluster)
7. Radiator (thinking about just using the stock-style (new one) with the mechanical fan on the engine, I was told it shouldn't run hot)
8. Cruise Control (I want to run cruise control, but I am not sure how to go about doing it)

I'm sure I am forgetting a few things, but that is where I stand currently. The truck just got delivered today, and I can't wait to get home and start playing with it

[JNJchev77]

I wish my "projects" started out that clean. Nice truck!

[56SS]

Originally Posted by JNJchev77

I wish my "projects" started out that clean. Nice truck!

Thanks, I was lucky enough to find one with the body work done (I'm not complaining!)

[oldman3]

Posted earlier on another of your post, like I said then super nice ride, love the color...Jim

[56SS]

Originally Posted by oldman3

Posted earlier on another of your post, like I said then super nice ride, love the color...Jim

Thanks Jim, I was immediately drawn to the color when I seen it as well.. I just seen the other post, I appreciate that. I am hoping it turns out like I have it in my head.

Just took a minute to check out your 50, looks awesome! Love what you did with the top.

[OKGMC4]

Originally Posted by 56SS

Hello all,


1. Wiring Harness (may have figured this out)
2. Fuel System (Would like to go with a tank that bolts in (90s f150?), possibly putting the stock 5.3L silverado pump in the tank so I am sure that I have the proper pressure to the engine...~58 psi)
3. Driveshaft (need to have one made to mate to the 56 stock rear)
4. Air conditioning (need to figure out how to run A/C, and remain $ friendly)
5. Interior (Really want some leather buckets with a custom console, but I need to figure out what seats will fit, while allowing some room for the console)
6. Gauge cluster (Thinking about a digital cluster)
7. Radiator (thinking about just using the stock-style (new one) with the mechanical fan on the engine, I was told it shouldn't run hot)
8. Cruise Control (I want to run cruise control, but I am not sure how to go about doing it)

:

Gorgeous truck, would like to see under hood and interior pics!. I've done most of this on my 56 with an 01 5.3 and 4l60e...if I may...

1. You can either rewire a factory harness (time consuming) or buy an aftermarket one. (money!) I got one from a vendor on ebay called techrods that worked great and it was way cheaper than painless. Not sure if he's still on there but he's from San Antonio and a great guy.
2. I cheated and got a bolt in aluminum tank and modified it to fit the silvy pump. Worked great and saved time fabbing mounts. (Again, best price was on ebay) A lot of guys have had luck with the universal tanks at Tanks Inc.
3. Having a used driveshaft shortened is cheaper than having a new one made from scratch, at least it was for me. Mine originally came out of a chevelle but it doesn't matter as long as you get one that has a slip yoke that will fit the 4l60e. Junkyard should have a truck or caprice that still has a shaft in it and long enough to cut.
4. I did Vintage air and it is in no way checkbook friendly but it works bad ass.
5 and 6..all my stuff is custom, recovered a malibu bench myself and had a new cluster made. I have to admit the Dakota Digital cluster that's out now is awesome but cost prohibitive.
7. I used a bolt in aluminum radiator (ebay) but unless yours is different than mine, I barely had room to fit an e-fan, wasn't enough room for the mech fan.
8. There is an GREAT thread on here showing how to hook up cruise - just search LS cruise control and you'll get it, complete with pics and wiring diagrams.

My build is in my sig and there are some good pics of how this stuff fits and works. After driving it for 6 months I can tell you it runs and drives great with an LS. If you have any questions just ask. Hopefully some of this has been helpful!

[Indian113]

Welcome to the dark side!

[56SS]

Originally Posted by OKGMC4

Gorgeous truck, would like to see under hood and interior pics!. I've done most of this on my 56 with an 01 5.3 and 4l60e...if I may...

1. You can either rewire a factory harness (time consuming) or buy an aftermarket one. (money!) I got one from a vendor on ebay called techrods that worked great and it was way cheaper than painless. Not sure if he's still on there but he's from San Antonio and a great guy.
2. I cheated and got a bolt in aluminum tank and modified it to fit the silvy pump. Worked great and saved time fabbing mounts. (Again, best price was on ebay) A lot of guys have had luck with the universal tanks at Tanks Inc.
3. Having a used driveshaft shortened is cheaper than having a new one made from scratch, at least it was for me. Mine originally came out of a chevelle but it doesn't matter as long as you get one that has a slip yoke that will fit the 4l60e. Junkyard should have a truck or caprice that still has a shaft in it and long enough to cut.
4. I did Vintage air and it is in no way checkbook friendly but it works bad ass.
5 and 6..all my stuff is custom, recovered a malibu bench myself and had a new cluster made. I have to admit the Dakota Digital cluster that's out now is awesome but cost prohibitive.
7. I used a bolt in aluminum radiator (ebay) but unless yours is different than mine, I barely had room to fit an e-fan, wasn't enough room for the mech fan.
8. There is an GREAT thread on here showing how to hook up cruise - just search LS cruise control and you'll get it, complete with pics and wiring diagrams.

My build is in my sig and there are some good pics of how this stuff fits and works. After driving it for 6 months I can tell you it runs and drives great with an LS. If you have any questions just ask. Hopefully some of this has been helpful!

Awesome post! I'm thinking of doing the same thing you did with the tank, although I know a guy who has a 02 Silverado tank with the pump that he said I could have (now thats cost friendly!), so I might try to rig that up to fit in the bed. I'll have to go check out your page to look into what you did with your ride. I seen the post for cruise right after I posted this, it looked really helpful. I think I might try to run vintage air, but that will come later down the road (college sure as hell isn't cheap!).

I'll be sure to PM you if I have any questions, if that's ok.

[56SS]

Just figured I'd give an update, I got a chance to go out to the garage and work on the truck with my Grandpa and Dad. We got a little bit done, and were able to clean things up and hook up the steering shaft (had to compress the 78 Camaro intermediate and grind off some nubs to make it fit).

I got my wiring harness ordered, and it comes Tuesday, so I am pretty excited about that.

After the steering was hooked up, the turn radius when turning left is poor, but the right side is just fine. Nothing is hitting anywhere, so I'm not sure what the issue could be. Any thoughts?

[mattcrp1]

When you mentioned f150 tank were you thinking the aft axle tank? I think if the dimension work that would be interesting.

[56SS]

Originally Posted by mattcrp1

When you mentioned f150 tank were you thinking the aft axle tank? I think if the dimension work that would be interesting.

I was thinking about looking into the f150 tank, but I think I am going to end up going with Tanks Inc. universal tank. They sell a hanging kit so I can use my stock 5.3 pump in the tank, so I don't have to worry about fuel pressure issues. It isn't cheap (~300 bucks), but I figure I can get it mounted right in and not have to make too many mods.

[oldman3]

Thanks for the pic update...Jim

[Roostboy102]

Very nice project!

[bohmankid]

when i saw the pic i just said WOW. great start to a project. I would daily drive the crap out of that truck when finished. amazing color. Not a lot of people go green.

[BR3W CITY]

Good looking truck.

As for the steering issue, did you mark the position of the steering input shaft before you worked on it? Its not uncommon to put the steering shaft back in a few splines off, or if the pitman was taken off the steering gear, that connection could be off by a few teeth.

[OKGMC4]

It does sound as though the box is turned too far one direction. Might pull the shaft and turn the box from lock to lock. Count the rotations and then center it by rotating half that amount. Then put on the shaft. I did the same thing on a 79 TA I had a long time ago when I converted to a fast ratio box.

[56SS]

Hey all,

The past few days have been spent ordering parts (new dakota digital gauges, radiator, driveshaft, wiring kit, etc.)

I haven't looked at the steering issue yet, but I believe you guys are saying to check the same things my grandpa advised me to check out.

I'll be sure to keep updating!

[BigDan3131]

I was wondering about your interior, are you planning to cover your whole door from the window down with a panel? I ask because stock there is just a little panel that covers the access hole and the rest is painted.

[shearjs]

That's a beautiful truck! I sure wish my project would have started out that clean! I'll be watching for your progress.

[56SS]

Made some progress this past week, now its time to go back to school.

I have my wiring harness for the engine and trans plugged in, and we started to work on the ignition wiring to start the truck. The radiator came, which awesome, but unfortunately the lower outlet doesn't clear the sway bar in the stock mounting location, so we are going to either modify the radiator and bring it up a couple of inches or bring the sway bar down a few inches. My dakota digtal gauges are on the way and should be here Monday. My driveshaft also was delivered, but we bent one of the pins trying to mount the yoke.

I have almost everything I need to get the truck running, except for the gas tank (I think). I think I may go with a universal, but I'm not sure. For the time being, we mocked up a 2002 Silverado tank in the bed of the truck just to fire it up.

I also included a picture of the bumper my grandpa had in his garage. With some scrubbing and polishing, it looks pretty good and has the tail light assembly already in it.

As far as the interior goes, I have gotten a couple of quotes. I have the door panels that covers the access holes, they just aren't on the truck yet so I can install the windows properly.

Things are moving right along and I couldn't be happier

[oldman3]

Sounds great on the work you got done, and moving right along...Jim

[low67chevy]

got any pics of the motor mounting there dude ? or pics of the motor mounts on the frame per chance?

[56SS]

Wow, can't believe a year has gone by since I last updated. I've made a little progress since I last posted, and I am gearing up to finish my truck before the warmer weather hits up here in Michigan (if it ever does). I have all of the parts I need to tie things up, and I have invested in some modern updates as well. Not sure where I left off here, but I'll go ahead and list some of the things the truck is going to have installed soon.

1. Dakota Digital VHX gauges
2. Fuel-Injected rear mounted fuel tank with in-tank pump
3. Keyless entry and ignition system
4. Chrome push-button tilt column (finally fixing the hackjob the guy before me did)
5. Specialty Power Windows kit (fixes my issue with the one piece Brothers window kit being a piece of crap)
6. New aluminum radiator w/ electric fan
7. K&N intake altered to fit my system
8. Custom driveshaft
9. Stand alone wiring harness and PCM (fired the truck up and heard it run for the first time!!)

I'm sure there is more I'm forgetting, but I'm on the way. Can't wait to get this truck on the road! I'll work on getting some more pictures of the frame, etc. The truck is off the lift right now while my father and I work on his factory five cobra. More pics to come soon.

[ChuckDriver]

Love the color, any updates?

[Iceburgh]

What a nice truck.....if I can help with anything let me know. Built many and current build is LS