Whatever model it is, it ROCKS... Also agree on the early Torq Thrust wheels.. Very nice car.. Good luck, and keep us in the loop on what you do..
I think you scored a nice rolling restoration project there neighbor. 22K may have been a little steep on the price but I know it is what you were looking for.
I still have drum brakes on my 55 and I drove it for years on bias ply tires, but for it's next go around I think disc might be in the mix. A fun car with a ton of aftermarkey parts available. Here's a couple pictures of mine. It's been sitting for a long time but my son has taken an interest and is now working on it. Back in the day (around 1976) Today, Looks like you're on your way. Have fun with it!
A couple updates, I pulled the 302 (cam went flat) and acquired a 454 to take it's place. I also scored a 12 bolt posi out of 69 camaro for it. This should keep me busy through the winter.... Posted using the Full Custom H.A.M.B. App!
Something about a primer 55 Chevy with no front bumper, nasty stance, big motor. Really like the look, yours is perfect!-MIKE About 1972,
We dropped the big block in place today. The motor mounts move the engine forward 3/4 of an inch and gives it just enough room to clear the hei and valve covers. I had to to remove the centerlink from the steering to clear the oil pan for now. It looks like I'll need different pan. I'll need to figure out clutch linkage too.... Posted using the Full Custom H.A.M.B. App!
Sanderson Headers are in snug and it looks like I have clearance issue with the drivers side tierod hitting one of the tubes. Thoughts? I sent sanderson some pics but haven't heard back yet.
So you have a limited turning radius.......big wup.........suck it up..........wadya building an autocross queen or a 1/4 mile monster.
Looks like the motor needs to be back about 3/4" for the tube to clear the tie rod. Did Sanderson know you planned on moving the motor 3/4" forward?
Yeah..it's 3/4" forward. I gave the specs to Sanderson before I bought them. I sent them some pictures but have not heard back yet. Hopefully there's a solution without major surgery.
That's the problem I'm having now. Everything is new in the drum brake system, and it's not up to the performance of the car in my opinion. I'd like to go with a front disc brake system, but I want to keep it period looking, don't want a booster, and they have to be able to fit inside the magnesium Americans. Ideas?
I gave up on the Sanderson headers and bought a set of Earl Williams headers and mounts. No more stearing issues and everything seems to fit nice.
Glad ya got the header issue sorted out. It's irritating to buy new stuff and not have it fit. The header situation on my car pushed me over the edge to go with an 'axle. Your car is gonna be tough!
Somewhere I saw a modified crossmember for BB engines, maybe Danchuk, if you still have that problem. Clutch linkage shouldn't be too hard. If you use the factory bellhousing or a tri-five blowproof, you can shorten the engine side bellcrank pivot bracket. The bracket bolts to the bellhousing instead of the engine block. You may also need to alter the rod connected to the throw out bearing fork, but everything else should be fine.
I have a lakewood scattershield (the one with the provision for the bellcrank bracket on the side). Do I use the 55 clutch fork and pivot ball from the original?
You can use the original fork. The ball might work, but I used the supplied Lakewood pivot ball. Some people use '57 bellcranks as they are of a better design.
Nice project you got going thanks for posting. I can't get enough 55 builds. Good luck with the big block change over. Here's a picture of mine it's a SB but the bellhousing is the same. All stock 55 clutch linkage works great. Ron
I checked the run out on my Lakewood scattershield and bolted up the tko 600 for a trial fit. I needed to cut the tunnel a little but it seemed to fit pretty good. I'm using a 69 camaro shift handle.
You have got to be kidding!!!!!!!!! There is NOTHING more killer than a 55 Chevy hot rod seeedan, and I don't mean no drawer pull grilled angel haired mud bucket either!!!!!!!! SO THERE
What did you decide on your drum brakes? The weather has broke and I got a hundred or so miles on mine at the first of the week after sitting pretty much all winter, and no sticking or pulling during a hard stop. Mine are staying. By the way, I am into sedans too and yours is turning out nicely.
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