I live in Washington State, near Portland, Oregon, but I grew up in Iowa. Been lurking on the H.A.M.B. and finally joined and posted a couple of things. Getting back into old cars after a long hiatus of about 30 years. I had some interesting cars when I was in high school and college: 1970 Cobra Torino; 1971 Camaro SS 350; 74 Nova 350; 85 Mustang GT (I know, and it wasn't old when I owned it, but it was a fun car). I loved to work on those older cars and have missed that over the years. So I bought a 1956 Chevy 3100 pickup in December 2015. Its in decent shape, some body work has been done, and it already has a 69-74 SBC 350 and automatic (same casting that was in my 71 Camaro). Everything else is original equipment except the engine, transmission, and power steering, oh, and the cab is a 1958-59 I just realized. Someone before me put in a power steering unit from a later model Chevy truck with a kit from Classic Performance Products. Problem was the gear box was mounted between the frame and the front left tire. Needless to say the tire rubbed on right turns. So I have swapped that for a different power steering unit from CPP that mounts where the original steering box was. I have purchased an aftermarket steering column and wiring harness kit and I'm currently working on that so I can get it tooling down the road. The engine runs great, the stock drum brakes are fairly fresh, and hopefully I can drive it some this summer before I take on other parts of the truck. My plan is to keep it a running project so that I will not lose interest in a pile of parts sitting in my garage. Future projects include bench seat & interior, exhaust, transmission, disc power brakes, new windows, bed wood, bed sides, paint... I know it will be a long term project, but that's why I'm doing it. Here it is:
Welcome to the HAMB. I Love the 56 , one of my favorite body styles. I think a driving project is the best way to go too. I like doing that. It helps to work out the bugs, plus the fun of driving it. I've been HOT RODDING everything since I was a kid, so I'm glade your back. And thanks for your photo and story. Keep us posted on the progress. Ron...
I am new to the HAMB also living in the great Northwest and I have recently bought a 1956 GMC Suburban Carrier and was wondering if anyone can tell me anything about it. It has two spare tire carriers built in the bed. They seem to be stock but no one has seen this before. The ignition key unlocks the top of each tire carrier. Is it rare or was it a show truck. Any info would be appreciated Sent from my iPhone using The H.A.M.B. mobile app
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