Matt Droege's 1956 Chevy 6500

15 June 2007 Update
# 1098

From Matt :

          I just wanted to send a shot in of the 1956 Chevy 6500 that I finally got put together. I must say it is looking pretty cool. I still have to paint the bed. [Here's another front shot ... Although partially hidden (good mystery) I thought this was a neat angle ~~ Editor]

          Most of the work I have done has been the body, paint and painting the interior. I put 6 lug 22.5" Budd wheels all around with radial tires. I've repainted the hood emblem and chromed the front grille. I always thought one of those grilles would look good chromed!

          The truck got a new windshield and rear window and all new rubber. I installed some big rig air horns under the hood yesterday and they are LOUD!

          I have not had to do alot of mechanical work as the truck runs and drives very well with the old 283. I still have to hook up the vacuum 2-speed rear end and get the bed painted maybe hope to get that done for the 4th of July parade. I'm going to use the Old Blue, the 1955 Chevy 6500 to haul my bed down to the paint booth.

          I'm going to work for the City of Eugene as a Firefighter / Medic starting on July 6th. So, you probably won't hear from me for the rest of the summer. ( I'll give you a break !)

          Keep up the good work.

Thanks,

Matt Droege
"tri5trucking"
Bolter # 6786
Creswell, Oregon

     You are right ... this does look very kewl. Great color! I always like the stance of these trucks from this view! Now you stay safe out there. ~~ Editor [an error occurred while processing this directive]

27 March 2006 Update
# 1098

From Matt: 

          The truck is still in the process of being painted Canary Yellow. It used to be white. It will look sharp with the yellow and chrome.

          This truck was formerly owned by a construction company. It originally had a 6 cylinder which was replaced by a 283.

          I have sanded down and painted the interior. I have a 14' bed with original stock racks to put back on it when she gets the paint.

Thanks,

Matt Droege
"tri5trucking"
Bolter # 6585
Creswell, Oregon

23 August 2005 Update
# 1098

From Matt: 

          My '56 6500 is soon to be canary yellow. I can't wait to send in the pictures of this one when finished. This was a construction company truck that had a military bed on it. I've since found a 14' flatbed to put back on her.

          It has a 283 motor and drives very well. I've been moving it around town in the condition of the picture on the right and I get some laughs.

          I had thought about making a car hauler for the pickups down the road but I am getting more interested in restoring the bigger trucks back to original.

Thanks,

Matt Droege
"tri5trucking"
Bolter # 6585
Creswell, Oregon

     Matt now has ten Bolts -- a 1955 Second Series Chevy 1/2-Ton Short Box, a 1955 3100 Second Series Stepside , a 1955 3100 4 x 4, a 1955 4400, a 1955 6500, a 1956 4400 1.5-Ton Napco, a 1956 6500, a 1957 3100 Shortbox, a 1957 Chevy 6500 Dump Truck, a 1957 Chevy 3800 1-ton and "lots of part trucks" Plus Matt is 6'7" and wants to "fit comfortably in the cab." Matt says "They each have their own personalities. Even the worn out '55 6500 just keeps plugging along. I guess that's why I enjoy collecting them. I like a truck with a little history, and I know most of these trucks historys. It would be hard to call any my favorite" .~~ Editor