Owned by Steven, Sault Ste Marie, ON
The ’55 to ’57 Chevy trucks have always been my favorite since a buddy had a ’55 back in the early 70’s, which we painted in a co-workers backyard single garage, with a 1 horsepower Canadian tire compressor. I guess for the last 20 years or so, I would check e-bay to see what was available, knowing at some point I would build one for myself.
Following 46 years as a collision and paint tech, I retired. About 18 months later, my cousin came across this ’57, seventy km’s from home, The owner had owned it 14 years and said it was a California vehicle before he bought it from a nearby classic car dealer. The truck had a fairly rough repair and paint job. But was easy to see it was a solid body. I was fortunate to have the experience and adequate sized shop to build the truck in 3 years, at my own pace, which is a little slower at 68, than it was when I was younger, but possible with good friends always willing to help out when needed.
Stripped the truck to the frame, had it sandblasted, installed a Heidts front cross member with power rack and pinion, refinished frame with Por 15, fitted LS style motor with 4L60E trans, Fitech EFI controller, Vintage air and heat, 3:42 posi rear end, with four wheel PDB. Upon stripping the body to bare metal, discovered original paint with “U.S. ARMY” lettering on the doors, so it probably didn’t get too abused in its early life. Any rust issues were cut out and butt welded with 18 ga. sheet metal to maintain original doors, fenders, hood, cab, box sides, tailgate and front panel were replaced.
I shot the truck in black base/clear, sanded and buffed, interior black also, yes, black is my favorite color. Oak bed with dark stain, got black strips with polished carriage bolts.
Being partial to earlier style wheels, I used 17 “ American Racing torque thrust original wheels with Kumho tires. The truck runs and drives excellent, but for now my wife and I are looking forward to sunny cruisin’ weather!
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