55 1st series chevy truck

This is my first cl***ic. Been craving for one for sometime now. Spent a good part of my beginning driving hopped up imports (german). I know I know. But when you start adding juice and turbo they can surprise many people. Regardless, I am a car nut, addicted. So I bought this truck for my 31st bday last august. Hope to have it out by end of may mid june. I am really amped to throw my foot into the gas pedal.
Day 1:






After 2" drop spindles installed: At this point I am still thinking keep the 4.3 v6 it came with matt black it and drive it


Then the idea of keeping it simple went to ****:

Many new panels: all fenders, tailgate, floors, cowls, firewall.



Then the 4.3 went into the recycle can and picked up a fully built 327: Should be fun.



The parts start to pile up:




Seeing the next pic sent me over the edge from basic suspension to doing airride:


Modded firewall:


Decided I didnt want to pay several 100 for new bed wood. Made my own instead: $180 finished product: All planks same size instead of running different widths.




Wheel fitment (bought from Pete Paulsen)
15x7 front and 15x10 rear, OE wheels with OE caps
rear fit:

 

Shaved drip rails:


More firewall pics:


Work is being done by Slaughter House Kustoms in Bellmore NY. Shop is amazing. Not going to blow smoke up ***es. I am not a mechanic, can tinker but not produce this quality. I help in areas I can. More to come.

Truck is going to have a Stock Rod look. Stock appearence, subtle mods.

 

That's a good looking rig man.

 

Awesome, it's looking good! Just keep getting dirty! The more you do, the more you learn. Especially around a bunch of good fabricators!

 

I grew up going to car shows in a 55 1st series. It was 77 Corvette yellow, with a newer 6-cylinder with a split manifold. Boy could that thing cackle. I have seen people remove the senter section of the grille, looks neat for a different look. But if you leave it, it still looks good cause you don`t see many of these trucks.

 

Gonna be a nice truck, I just got my hands on a 55 2nd series last month.
My first cl***ic pickup. Seeing what you are doing is inspirational.

 

hey stan, the grill will be custom as well. The center bull nose will be removed along with a couple other tricks. Then off for chroming.

Mooddog. I like to volunteer my free labor to learn.

Thanks guys for the comments.

 

Nice progress. Always happy to see a '54/55S1 truck getting love.

 

looking the goods man - keep it up

 

Years ago in Truckin magazine in the sketch pad section, there was one with Corvette teeth added.(or 54 Chevy car teeth).

 

lookin' like you got nice truck going together, but you might want to shorten up the chains on that 4 foot double bulb dome light,unless your really short ? keep up the good work man she be on the road before you know it!!

 

i was thinking of keeping that dome light. Puts out some serious power, constant sunlight effect.

Thank you for the words.

Stanlow you have a pics of that grill?

 

Looks good. I'm thinking of shaving my drip rails too. Just don't know how bad it will leak in the rain. I've got new door seals & new rubber windlace, and it still leaks. I'll be watching this one! Just subscribed

 

Truckin Magazine, October 1981, page 26. I`m computer stupid, will try to have wife send a pic to you.

 

Sounds great. Please let me know. 55 1st series. I will keep you posted on leaks and resolutions.

 

Just dropped in to check it out . Looks good my man . I know Bellmore , used to go to a movie house by the RR tracks . We caled it the "itch " LFE

 

Cool looking project. I'll enjoy seeing it's progress.

 

Have some more updates to add. Will post them tonight or tomorrow. Thanks!

 

looks good, hope to have my '49 done by next april, but you have a head start on me by a long shot

 

here is an update on most of the interior. Just got it back from the upholstery shop:

 

Nicely done. I like the color choice too.

 

thanks jean. The intention is to keep it close to stock looking with subtle kustom touchs. Truck will be painted cream/tan

 

327, new cal customs, 1" spacers to clear rockers.

Body work still in progress. Making headway though.




Fully boxed s10 ch***is and 3 coats of Ch***is Saver. Good ****. Still need to wet sand and put on another coat with a foam brush.

 

nice....

 

FYI Dan he is on the list for the corrective splitter gl***........

 

Nice truck. Once you start driving it, you'll have more fun and get more looks than you ever would with a hopped up import.

 

Wow thats real good looking. How much?

 

how much?

 

updates

 

Wish I could progress that fast on mine! Good work! What trans and rear end are you gonna use?