Projects New "Hot Rod Ranch" 55 Chevy Gasser build

Gil Muro, bought this one several years ago out of a field in Victorville, Ca.
It was a Big Block car and we have no history on it. Probably ran for sure at LACR/Palmdale, Bakersfield, and who knows where else, so if anyone recognizes it/has any history its much appreciated. Funny thing, its already been in Hot Rod magazine.., when they did a story on the Muro Bros. in the Aug 2010 (see inset pic on page 59). We'll post pics and info as it comes. The car was affectionately dubbed the rotiserrie car awhile back. One of the guys I work with/for here at CP Pistons/Carrillo Rods has bought it from Gil, and is having the Muro's build it for him.

 

Had the car media blasted, fixed the rear wheel radius and added a lip/flare. Started getting the body straightened up and patching up the "hole sawed" and "beaten for big block clearance" cowl and firewall.
This saturday the sawzall is coming out so we can put a straight axle and square tube frame rails on the car. The Muro's are going to use this car as a mule to come up with an "axle kit and instruction" to sell. There will also be a photographer from Hot Rod Deluxe at the shop saturday for an upcoming "how to tech article on the axle kit", so stay tuned. The car will get a 406 single quad tunnel ram sbc and 4speed for power and we'll post pics and info on the engine build. The engine should make 550+ and the plan is to drive the car to work and back at least 2-3 days a week

 

That is cool, I remember the Hot Rod feature. I've wondered for years why there wasn't a "kit" for straight axles especially for tri-five chevys as they seem to be the most popular to get the conversion.

 

Why did you fill the holes in the cowl? Will it be street driven?

 

Subscribed!

 

Yes, gonna be a "street gasser" with a bit more muscle than the more common "fuelie headed 327-350" versions.

 

Cool!!! Subscribed.

 

Cool!

 

Gil got a little happy with the sawzall, just as planed and the '55 got alot happier!

The rear leaf springs will also get moved in along with a mini tub job (stretch the factory wheel housings)

 

I already know this is going to be cool.... can't wait to see it done

 

Butch, my '56 brother from another mother, I wish we lived closer so we could hang out and race Tri-5's together.

 

I'm in! Subscribbled!

 

i'm in too!

 

Amen me too......

 

I like it already. Seems like only yesterday I was sawing the front frame off mine. Nice start.

 

subscribed....

 

In my parts inventory I have a factory L88 flywheel, the nodular iron 15lb. one that chevy lists for hi perf use. Many race/street cars have used these in the past with success. The 400 SB for this car will be internally balanced and have a scatter shield so I am tempted to use it. Anyone ever had one come apart or have any other bad experiences with one of these.

 

glad to see it getting some attention again. keep up the good work. it will be another badass 55

 

Gonna be a good one!

 

I wish we all lived closer together, I mean you guys speak my language...

Subscribed...

 

Subscribtanated !!

 

Amen Uwonamas, it would be a real "Gas"

 

I've run one for many years behind a BBC no problems I'd get a good Pressure plate!

 

Yep got that and a good disc, just wanted to get opinions on the "vaunted" L88 Flywheel. Nothing but good feed back, you we'll use it.

 

The boys had to get a couple projects out of the shop, now their back on the '55 for awhile. Here's some picks getting the frame rails ready. They are gonna offer Tri-5 axle kits so they are building jigs/patterns off this one so they can do a little assembly thing.

 

Super cool.

Mind me asking what size runners are on the front??? I like um, and im lookin for about the same

Things sweet man

 

More more we want more!!!

 

Here is the finished "bull nose/taper" job.

 

The Cragars are 15x4's and the frame rails are 2x4x.125wall.., wasn't sure what "runners" you were asking about.

 

Oops. yea i ment the front tires. My bad, I call skinny front tires "runners"

They look good