My New Project

[2FAST4U]

After building and selling two FFR Cobras and an RCR GT40, I have moved into the old Truck genre. I purchased a 1954 Chevy 1/2 ton 5 window truck. My plan is to build it into a nice daily driver resto mod. Here is my current build plan subject to change

-Blueprint Engine 400 CI SBC rated at 508 HP
-700R4 automatic
-TCI custom chassis with IFS, power R&P, Wilwood 12” cross drilled rotors and 4-piston calipers at all corners, Curie 9” rear with 3.90 gears, 2” dropped spindles, adjustable coilovers front and rear, 4-link rear suspension, power brakes, power steering
-Vintage Air AC
-U.S. wheels smoothies (15x8 front, 15x10 rear)
-Keeping original patina of the paint
-Cleaned up original interior with new seats and gauges
-245/60-15 and 295/50-15 wide whitewall tires










Bill D

[2FAST4U]

My neighbor and his 15 yo son helped me disassemble the front end. Eventually we will remove the cab and bed








Bill D

[2FAST4U]

I plan on taking the truck down to a hot rod fabricator in Chico, CA to have them fix the dash where the previous owner hacked out the dash. Since no one makes a patch panel or a complete replacement dash for a ‘54 Chevy truck, I have no choice. I will have him make it look like the other picture and will add a vintage looking clock in the middle





Bill D

[2FAST4U]

Classic Instruments makes upgraded direct fit gauges for the car

[JohnK]

That is so cool! I love old trucks and have seriously considered a Dynacorn 52-54 Chevy truck cab on a roadster shop chassis as a next project. Are you going to post a build thread somewhere? I'd love to follow along with what you do.

As an aside, what happened to your 289 build thread?

[2FAST4U]

Once the fabricator repairs the dash, I will trailer the cab to Ken Pike in Yuba City to repaint the inside of the cab. The colors for the dash will be gloss black and medium gray with a red stripe as in the picture. A local Redding interior shop will make door panels and upholster the bench seat like in the pictures but with black leather with medium grey suede inserts with red stitching. Carpet will be black

The steering column will be a paintable Ididit model with column shifter and reproduction original steering wheel







bill D

[Geoff H]

Awesome project! Cool you could include your neighbors too! Did you sell your 289?

Will definitely follow this thread!
Geoff

[2FAST4U]

Yes, It’s gone

My neighbor’s 15 year old son is into cars. I asked his dad to ask him if he wanted to learn how to build one. His son said he would love to. That’s why I asked him to help me disassemble the truck. He has already told his GF and his HS buddies.

The plan for him is to assemble the chassis when I get it late May or early June. That means installing all the components (R&P, upper and lower control arms, spindles, brakes, rear, 4-link, gas tank, etc.). He will also be responsible for helping installing the cab, bed and fenders, lights, brake and fuel lines, etc. Everything! I told him he is free to invite his GF to come and provide moral support.

Should be a fun project

[Geoff H]

That is really cool - we need more kids to take on the art of cars! So great you opened it up to him. With your craftsmanship he is getting an opportunity of a lifetime!

[DanQ]

That is soooo cool! My project two vehicles ago was a 1953 Ford F100 pickup. After two years a farm truck turned into a real nice street cruiser. I sold it and bought a Jeep CJ7 for a body off frame restoration, and with that sale, I ordered my 33 FF Hot Rod, which should arrive in June. I am looking forward to this new build. It looks like we have done similar builds, but in different orders. DSCN1846.jpg

[jts359]

Trucks are cool my wife has this 1964 Studebaker Champ . We semi restored it to our liking , Its powered by a Stude ohv 6 with a 3 0n the tree with o.d. IMG_3752.jpg

[GoDadGo]

Cool!

[daberry]

I have 54, restored to stock. Pretty opposite my FFR roadster but still a nice ride.

[Mark Eaton]

Awesome project! I have a 1950 Merc on the back burner when I finish the 818C with Nick my son. Just over a year left with him before college.

[2FAST4U]

While I wait for the new chassis to be built, I’m cleaning up everything and getting parts powder coated. Just got back my front bumper brackets, radiator support, radiator cowl, inner fenders, and radiator cover panel.











Bill D

[egchewy79]

Love it! I picked up a 1979 Ford F150 flareside short bed 4x4 to work on after I finished my MK4. Looks like you're doing more of a complete restoration than what I'm doing on mine. Mine was a mud truck, so there was years of caked on grease/mud to get through. The only good news is that there wasn't much rust on the frame underneath.

[2FAST4U]

Spent the last two days refurbishing the front bumper. Used my orbital sander with various grits of sandpaper from 60 to 320. Cleaned the inside with a wire wheel. Then applied three coats of gloss clear. Looks like new but aged 69 years.


The finished product




What I started with


My wife doing a quality check


Bill

[Skuzzy]

Nice work!

[Al_C]

Looks like you're back at it. Good for you!

[2FAST4U]

It took two days but Isiah and I stripped the cab of everything - gauges, switches, wiring, insulation, old heater core, etc. now moving onto refurbishing the bed Wed and Thursday.









He has incredible work ethic. Impressed.



Bill

[EZ$]

Glad to see that you're feeling up to working on the project. It's also good to hear that you've got an assistant to help with the work. That bumper came out awesome. I'm looking forward to seeing what you do on the rest of the truck!

[2FAST4U]

We had the most productive day thus far. Five straight hours of hard work. My back and knees are killing me. But we got the old bent rear cross sill removed, a new one installed, installed the tailgate and taillights, and installed the roll pan













Bill

[bil1024]

So cool!

[NiceGuyEddie]

0974a79ace76f9ce534b8f727f2a459b37e8df2d-1.jpg4df1ea9f86e5518c93ec147a5e96a67e2870e140-1.jpg

This is going to be a great thread to watch! You guys helped me with my "temporarily owned" '57 Ford and after getting it moved to the shop it's finally being worked on.

[2FAST4U]

Purchased a can of Rust-Oleum multicolor textured spray paint and apply three heavy coats to the heads of the truck bed’s new carriage bolts. Looks nice and old and rusty. Perfect!



Then went about applying different types of finishes to my pine shiplap boards. I’ve settle on “Oaked” aging wash. Looks old and aged.





Now to set about finishing up the truck bed

Bill D

[Nigel Allen]

G'day Bill,

Are you doing the Resto out on the street? Looks like it from the photos. Super cool if you are, great way to attract the neighbours and passing gearheads. Best kind of social media, I reckon.

Glad to see you are doing well. Thanks for the updates, has been fun to follow along.

Cheers, Nige

[2FAST4U]

Both on the street and in the garage. My neighbor’s 15 year old son want to learn how to build cars. So he’s helping me.

[2FAST4U]

All new truck bed wood sanded, stained with golden oak, then again with a weathering stain ready to install with new carriage bolts painted with the rust look spray paint from Rust-Oleum.







Bill

[2FAST4U]

Deleted

[2FAST4U]

Picking up my new chassis from TCI

[EZ$]

Bill, it looks like now the fun begins!

[2FAST4U]

The chassis is home. All the parts have been unboxed, inventoried, laid out, and ready to go. Just need to build a dolly and start assembly.

[Skuzzy]

That is a good looking chassis!

[2FAST4U]

Started sanding, prepping and painting the suspension components. Lots more work than I envisioned

[2FAST4U]

Got the rear brake rotors and calipers installed today.

[EZ$]

Bill, glad to see you re back at it! I hope you're feeling good. I'm always impressed with the work you do.

[2FAST4U]

Painted the center section metallic silver and the housing gloss black POR-15

[2FAST4U]

Spent 3-1/2 hours starting at 4:30am this morning cleaning, etching and applying the first coat of gloss POR-15. After allowing it to dry for 3 hrs, I spent another hour applying the last coat. Now I’m ready to start installing the suspension components this weekend. All done!







Bill D

[Skuzzy]

Nice!

[2FAST4U]

Installed the front suspension onto the TCI frame for my 1954 Chevy truck resto mod.

Wilwood 12” brakes, dropped spindles, adjustable coilovers, power R&P, 4 piston calipers







Bill D