Thread: My first build. 1955 Chevy Panel Truck Bagged

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Any type of radiator mounted in most any position still should have some sort of cushioning so the tanks don't shake loose...Your's appears to be mounted solid, or are my weak eyes missing something....?

I like the bags, just gave up using them on cars because of the horrid suspension geometry when you drop the air... The unequal length a-arms on the majority of suspensions is the problem... I'd like to build one someday with equal length a-arms on the front so the air system and dropped ride height is actually something usable and not just for dropping the car in the weeds at the shows.... Nothing wrong with your setup, just the nature of the beast, I guess.

I've got a '37 Plymouth in the shop now.... a word of caution if you should find one for your next project; beware of skinny cowls when incorporating a lot of electronics, plus air conditioning, plus EFI, plus all the other bells and whistles! It gets to be an extended version of putting 12 pounds of stuff in a 5 pound box.....

Originally Posted by Dave Severson

Any type of radiator mounted in most any position still should have some sort of cushioning so the tanks don't shake loose...Your's appears to be mounted solid, or are my weak eyes missing something....?

I like the bags, just gave up using them on cars because of the horrid suspension geometry when you drop the air...

Nope, you're not missing anything, it's mounted pretty solid right now. I will be adding rubber mounts for it later though. When I was building it, I didn't really have a plan yet, so I was just working with what I had. As far as geometry goes, I have been very surprised with this s10 frame. It's all stock minus the bags, and everything seems to stay aligned rather well when laid out. Mustang II doesn't even line up that well! Thanks for the heads up on the 37! I may end up staying pretty traditional when I get it, but you know how planning goes; nothing is set in stone until it's done!

You will have problems with it mounted that low , it will get hit, mine is up in the frame rails so it is safe but my lower front sheet metal has taken a beating

Originally Posted by 53 Willys

You will have problems with it mounted that low , it will get hit, mine is up in the frame rails so it is safe but my lower front sheet metal has taken a beating

I'm thinking I might cover the lower 1/4 of the radiator with some sheet metal, just to protect it. It does sit quite a bit higher once the bags are inflated though. I'm digging the GMC, looks sweet in that color. I always liked that front end, I thought about changing mine over to it since my fenders and hood are so rotted out.

Nothing too new. I picked up a new rear end for the truck. It came out of a 97 Oldsmobile Bravada. It's pretty rough, but it means disc breaks for the back! I also came across another master cylinder, but I don't know if I want to use it. It came out of an 81 Vette, and worked great before hand. It appears to be in better shape than mine, and probably has less miles on it. See any objections? I don't have a proportioning valve.... really wondering if I have to have one....

Rear end:



Master Cylinder:

Alright, I guess it's time for an update, so here's the latest:

I picked up a new rear end. I got it off of a 97 Oldsmobile Bravada. It's a 3.73 and now has disc brakes.



Cleaned it up a little bit:




I pulled the fuel tank and old rear end out:


And threw the new one in:



New brakes:




I also changed out master cylinders. The other one had a leak and this one was free.

So, to put it VERY nicely... I totally botched the old transmission install. I had no idea what I was doing and probably ruined what was a perfectly good transmission. Anyway, I bought a new one. I'm changing out to a TH350 and I just had a friend replace the front and rear seals and also the filter, so it's good to go. I pulled out the old one last night and I'm getting the new one back this weekend.




Oh, and I didn't have a transmission jack... so I made my own...





Anyways, here's how it's sitting right now, waiting for the new transmission:





Hoping to get the TH350 in soon. I want to take this to the Lonestar Round Up in Austin (by trailer of course), so wish me luck!



Here's a quick video I made last night for anyone interested:

I've been watching this thread from a far as it's a whole lot different than anything I've ever done and to be honest, a bit intimidating as there's a lot of work going on here!

I must complement you on your creativity, initiative and the enthusiasm with which you have embraced this project. You started with a somewhat "non-traditional" vehicle and have taken a fantastic approach in terms of wanting to learn and being completely transparent in the manner in which you've progressed. We all make mistakes in our builds (I know I've made more than my share) but you have really stuck with this project and I'm thinking you'll have this beast on the road and looking real good before too long!

Your willingness to tackle all aspects of the build and try different things is commendable - it's what makes hot rodding a fun past time! I'm looking forward to continuing to watch your progress and see the finished product!

Regards,
Glenn

Originally Posted by glennsexton

I've been watching this thread from a far as it's a whole lot different than anything I've ever done and to be honest, a bit intimidating as there's a lot of work going on here!

I must complement you on your creativity, initiative and the enthusiasm with which you have embraced this project. You started with a somewhat "non-traditional" vehicle and have taken a fantastic approach in terms of wanting to learn and being completely transparent in the manner in which you've progressed. We all make mistakes in our builds (I know I've made more than my share) but you have really stuck with this project and I'm thinking you'll have this beast on the road and looking real good before too long!

Your willingness to tackle all aspects of the build and try different things is commendable - it's what makes hot rodding a fun past time! I'm looking forward to continuing to watch your progress and see the finished product!

Regards,
Glenn

Thanks for your kind words, it really means a lot to me. I don't see any reason to hide my mistakes, I have no reputation to live up to; I may as well fess up and learn what I can from them.

Thanks again.

The Truck is coming along great! I like it because it looks like the truck from the movie "jeepers creepers"

On your transmission issue. The torque converter comes to mind. On a TH 350 you have to spin it in. It will 'drop' three times to fully seat. A good 'tell' if you have it right- you'll have to pull it forward a quarter inch or so to bolt it up to the flexplate.

I made a similar plate for my floor jack then use a 1 1/2 wedge to give it the angle to position it . Makes it easy with a one man operation . Good work on the Chevy by the way , I too am a first time builder and have received all the learning I need right here .

I don't know who welded your drive shaft but from all the pictures I could see its welded wrong. The cups should be inline. yours look to be off.

Looks like your're right about the driveshaft, good eye. That'll make some Nasty harmonics.

Thanks for the input guys! I'm certain the driveshaft is wrong and probably waaaaay out of balance. I cut and welded it myself with no clue what I was doing. The only reason I did it at all was so I could have the truck mobile. I have no intention of doing any driving above 30mph until it has been replaced or fixed.

Also, the problems with the old transmission were due to many things. Partially to incorrect installation and also to some other stuff.

Quick update, I have the new transmission in, and everything is running great (now...). I had a few issues, but again, until I get some pictures and video up, there's not much reason to go into it.

This is still behind, but this can give you some idea of what I have been up to: