MY 56 CHEVY 1300 PICKUP PROJECT

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Paint & Body pics -- done by previous owner:
















I bought the truck in October 2005:











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LET THE DECONSTRUCTION BEGIN!

Parts arrive from Classic Performance Products

Polyurethane suspension rebuild kit :

Motor mounts:

Transmission crossmember:

Power brake bracket for Mustang II booster:

Rear axle adapter kit:





76 Trans Am subframe w/1 1/4" sway bar & close ratio steering box:


Instructional videos from No Limit Engineering. T-101: subframe & motor/trans install; T-102: steering column & rear axle install:


Firestone airbags (I have had these for several years -- they were previously mounted on a S-10):

Wheel bearings & grease:

Freshly acid washed & sandblasted subframe:



The front frame section was removed to make room for the subframe:

Part of the front section will be welded onto the front of the Trans Am subframe:

The transmission crossmember needs to be removed:

Rivets removed:

Crossmember cut in 1/2:


1 1/2" was removed from each of the rear ends of the subframe so that it will fit inside the truck frame:

A little more massaging and it'll be ready to weld in:

9.1.06: Engine and rotors arrived today; rebuilt 350/275hp:


9.4.06: Pick-N-Pull valve covers, oil pan & timing chain cover

Subfram has been narrowed, truck frame widened and the fit each other like a glove!

9.09.06: Grant GT steering wheel:

9.10.06: 80 Chevy van steering column:

80 Chevy van gas pedal:

9.11.06: engine with new paint and accessories:


9.12.06: MSD Street Fire distributor and 8.5mm Super Conductor wires:


9.20.06: Rear axle removed

9.29.06: wiring harness from Nexus Wirewares NW1215 (Lethbridge)

10.06.06: American Racing Ansen Sprint 17" wheels 7" front & 8" rear w/215-45 front & 245-45 rear (GT Radial tires):






10.31.06 to 11.23.06: I had to learn to weld and buy a welder!

12.03.06: wiring harness, heater unit and all other components of dash removed.

12.03.06: smooth fire wall:

12.07.06: guage mock up:

12.12.06: the subframe has been welded up...pics to follow.

Frame end will be welded to camaro subframe:

Frame ends aligned and tacked into place:

Frame ends welded:


Sheet metal test fitting:


Cut-outs for airbags:


Suspension parts back from sandblaster:

Suspension parts painted:

Firewall & frame finally painted:

Testfitting suspension and airbags:

Its been a while since I've had the time to work on the truck. The front suspension is slowly coming together, got a new steering box, airbags are in and steering components bolted up!


steering shaft install

10 bolt Camaro rear axle w/342 gears

front end done



fun with toys!

working on the rear axle

installed the monster 1 1/4 inch sway bar

picked up some dupli-color vinyl paint on the stock seats:

700R4 tranny

guages from classic instruments

speedometer in kms/hr

preping for 4 link install

steering shaft & u-joints

4 link install

STAY TUNED FOR UPDATES!!!

My 2004 GMC