Thread: 1956 Chevy pick up project

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My wife has been itching for her "own' old vehicle for quite a while. First she wanted a Model A type woody until she saw how little room would be in one. Then she wanted a willys wagon but that didn't last long. She started watching a Canadian series called Heartland. There is a 55-57 short bed step side in it and she fell in love with that body style.

I have been trying to find an affordable one with no luck. I knew where a 3800 was setting but my buddy had high hopes of getting big money out of some of his old big trucks. This same guy is the guy I got my challenger from. I called him so I could arrange pick up of the challenger to get it out of there before winter. He called back and said he can't find the title now and would trade me for something else of I wanted. Or he'd give my money back.

I went over there the next day so I could see which one he wanted to get rid of. He said I could have my pick of any of them and he'd trade me straight up fro what I paid him for the Challenger. I looked at all of them again but I already knew I was picking the 1956 3800. He wanted $2500 for it 2 years ago but had no luck selling it. I was ecstatic to finally get Allyson something she wants. She's put up with all of my projects so now it'll be her turn.

I still have to bring it home and I'm hoping to do that this week or next week if it rains tomorrow. My big trailer is full of round bales currently. (Stupid hay burners)

As of right now I'm thinking about putting a 73-87 C10 frame under it. Roger sent me a link to a company that makes a kit to basically bolt this body on one of these frames. They also have a kit to put one on a B-body frame. That could be a good deal if I can find one with an LT-1. I actually have a 77 C10 with an extra frame in Topeka I traded a friend out of so worst case I'll use them. I also found a short step side box in southern Iowa that would be a good start for this.

She already told me she wants no diesel in this one so. I have a running 350 but I think I'll sell it and try to use those funds to buy a 5.3 for her. Don't expect too much fast progress on this one. It'll be a while before we do any major work on it. There a few ahead of it currently. Unless momma changes my order of to do's.

https://www.e-zchassisswaps.com/

The cab and front clip on this is actually pretty straight and solid. I did find some rust down low in the cab, an din the rh lower cowl. There is some down low but the supports etc look to be pretty solid. The thing just needs a bath really bad.