Register now to get rid of these ads!

putting a 55 grill in a 57 chevy truck?

Discussion in 'The Hokey Ass Message Board' started by madmak95, Sep 25, 2011.

  1. jimmy six
    Joined: Mar 21, 2006
    Posts: 17,142

    jimmy six
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

    I converted a 56 GMC to Chevrolet back in 72 when no aftermarket parts were available. There were more extra holes to fill. I used a 56 Chevrolet hood also and the 55 and 56 hood and side emblems/chrome trim are different. 6 to V8 also. The Chevrolet van used the same turn/parting lights with amber lenses which I also used. Since I could not find V8 side emblems I found some from a Rambler and no one knew the difference.
    It’s only problem was the behind the hood to the radiator support which I made at that time.
     
  2. moby935
    Joined: Feb 17, 2009
    Posts: 8

    moby935
    Member
    from Australia

    Sorry if I am a bit late to the party on this grille topic -- but could you please provide details about the modifications that you have done to your 57 grille? It looks NEATO. Thanks. Have a nice day all. CHEERS from AUSTRALIA.[​IMG]
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG][/QUOTE]
     
  3. rc57
    Joined: Feb 7, 2007
    Posts: 811

    rc57
    Member

    Good morning,
    Removed '57 center and filled mount holes, back material is from McMaster Carr with 1/2" openings for cooling. For the '57 car grille bar, I removed the side spears (carefully planned for modification) and used curved pieces from a donor bar. I also removed 1-1/4" from both sides to the inside of the turn signals (where masking tape is on bottom pic). Used a product called Muggy Weld to re-attach ends and curved pieces, body worked with All Metal filler.
    If you plan on getting plated, I would talk to the plater before re-attaching anything.
    Waiting for the paint for the surround.

    Thanks for the interest.

    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
     
    Budget36 likes this.
  4. rc57
    Joined: Feb 7, 2007
    Posts: 811

    rc57
    Member

    Finished product.

    [​IMG]
     
    kidcampbell71, AndersF and Budget36 like this.
  5. fortynut
    Joined: Jul 16, 2008
    Posts: 1,038

    fortynut
    Member

    I have done this swap. I had a '56 Panel Truck that I built and drove to work from Pasadena to Oklatana aka Fontana where I worked. It was a daily driver until a young lady drove her car through the back doors. I had a '57 Pickup in much worse shape but swaped it over the Panel frame and vice versa. It was my experience that the grill from the '57 would not bolt back into the '56 fenders I used, as there are physical differences in the way Chevrolet stamped them out. I did keep the hood, that has the two spears similar the to p***enger car stamped in it. That did fit, like a glove. I also, now, have another big back window long wheel base '57 parked under the carport that I traded for after I moved back down South and over here to Sweet Home Alabama. Oh yeah, I drove a couple of '55's as a young man. So, you might say I have a thing for these pickups. And, yeah, the '57 grill to me, being a one year only deal is a very tasteful design that someone at GM came up with that adds that special 'something' to this year truck. And, to those who don't like them, take a long lovin' look at the GMCs of this vintage. That was when they were sold by Pontiac dealers. The chrome ones are a true work of art, that's only matched by the 'juke-box' Oldsmobile and Buick that came out a few years later. Can you say, "Bling-bling!"?
     
    Last edited: Sep 27, 2020
  6. moby935
    Joined: Feb 17, 2009
    Posts: 8

    moby935
    Member
    from Australia

    Thanks for the info and photos. Sorry for my late response - 2020 was a bit 'hectic'.
     
  7. The '55 and '56 hoods are the same except for the holes for the hood ornament. The '55 and '56 hood ornaments are not the same. '55 mounts higher, '56 is lower and goes over the ridge across the front of the hood. The '55 and '56 fender ornaments are the same but they mount below the ridge of the fender on a '55 and above the ridge on a '56.
     

Share This Page

Register now to get rid of these ads!

Archive

Copyright © 1995-2021 The Jalopy Journal: Steal our stuff, we'll kick your teeth in. Terms of Service. Privacy Policy.

Atomic Industry
Forum software by XenForo™ ©2010-2014 XenForo Ltd.