55 Chevy Truck Build...Finally

[sginphx]

My brother is building a 68 stepside with an LS and I am building a 55. Thought Id post some pics and also get some ideas. On the Tri-Five site too but you never know who can help or inspire. My friend Tony and I have started the body work and are working on the Mar-K bed now. "stole" Bam's rounded corner idea, added a third brake light, mini tubs and general smoothing. Still have to replace a portion of the cab corners as the previous owner "tried" to mount to a car chassis and cut them. Plans call for rounding the front edge of the doors, filling the bed pockets, may still play with the roll pan/stake pockets, fill the inside seams, and WISH I had the balls to section the hood. The chassis has a TCI front, booster mounted to the frame and a 4 link rear with disc brakes.

[sginphx]

Just a few more of what we did the last two weeks...

[oldman3]

Doing a great job on this build, looks sweet...Jim

[Kim57]

Welcome.
Looks like a real sweet truck.
Kim

[Flames97]

I like it...nice job!!!

[Baldeagle SR]

You have got a real good start, The body looks pretty solid. What are they getting for the used engine and trans down in the valley? I live up in Lakeside and late model stuff is hard to find. Thanks Rich
my build
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=576185

[sginphx]

Got a little more done...fixed the lower cab corners where the previous owner "tried" to mount to a car chassis. hung the doors...now the gapping starts lol. and started a new project that will take a few weeks to finish but I think will be worth it! Can't thank my friend Tont enough for all the help. Also, talked to Allen ( 58cameo ) today and will try and head to Payson next Sunday to look at a hood. Good talking to him today!

[Kim57]

Looking good.
Kim

[Rc4mike]

Love the tail lights. What are they from?

[sginphx]

Thanks everyone for the kind words! RC4Mike they are the std 39 ford setup frenched in but upside down from how most people install them.

[sginphx]

finally getting to update...I have been finishing alot of the projects started. finished the dash, filled and grround the emblem holes, got the door handles and mirror holes filled and frenched the turn signals.

[Kim57]

Front turn signals look real good.
Kim

[sginphx]

Thanks Kim...trying to do the little things to make it a little different than the norm.

[55Cameo]

Very nice build so far. I like what you got going.

Got any more better pics of the motor mounts and how the engine is installed. I'll be running a mustang 2 kit with LS and looking for ideas

[made2drag]

sweet so far

[sginphx]

Well...haven't had a ton of time to work on the truck. Started smoothing the firewall, had a friend give me a hood and am stripping it, also am still working out the rear fender ideas. I have been busy buying and spending money LOL. Purchased an AAW wiring kit. Ididit chrome column. Got a deal on 2 Billet Specialties Fast Lane 20x12 rear wheels and bought my serpentine setup for the front along with misc stuff. Question for those that follow...am thinking about using a 15.5" Billet steering wheel instead of the common 14". Has anyone used these? Any issues? Also, front wheels. Now that I have the back I need to get the fronts. Billet Specialties makes a 20x8 and 20x9. Was also contemplating using an 18". Any helpful suggestions along with width and backspacing help? Thanks again!!!

[Lowlyfe]

Bump, any updates on this one?

[sginphx]

So...finished my camaro and starting back on the truck. Bought a new frame from Russell at Nerd Rods with C4 front and Dana 44 C4 rear. Decided to run an LS3 and thinking about a 6L80 but looking for what that would entail ( if anyone has run one what had to be done to cab?). Body is almost done. Getting excited!

[sginphx]

Some pics

[sginphx]

Some more...

[sginphx]

Some more

[58 pache]

Looking real good.

[slammed57]

NICE work!!! quick question in post #7 on your bed side ,where the fender mounts to, what is that you made ? and in post #19 is that your fuel cell right behind the cab?

[Dan in Pasadena]

I like the full dash delete panel. in 20-20 hindsight I wish I'd done that. My "glove box" is now 3/4" deep at most so useless for anything except maybe....gloves! Who'da thunk?!

I had to buy a non-functioning stock AM radio to fill those holes and was going to use just the face until I found that working ones command a pretty good price. Now I may just have the delete plate chromed and use phony stock radio knobs.

[sginphx]

Thanks Dan!
Slammed...trying to clean up the bed so made 1 1/4 spacers and welded bolts so no bolt holes in bed. Double walling the exterior and deleting stake pockets. Widen and extend and shaved the steps. And yes, tank is in front of bed behind cab.