Hi folks,
Would like some opinions as I am really struggling here. My Grandpa bought my 1956 Chevy 3100 pickup new off the lot. I drove it to High School 30 years ago and restored it to stock with its original 235 and SM420 10 years ago. It is still in great shape but isn't very fun to drive given heavy traffic and our hilly terrain. I bought a vortec v8 last winter but haven't installed it yet. Then I thought I should go full bore and add an overdrive (4L60E) trans plus an IFS. Long term plan ( maybe 10 years) is to have this as my only vehicle when I retire and possibly tow a small vintage camper trailer. Part of me is thinking I should do the updates now. The mods would make this a great daily driver and it would tow a small trailer fine.
In the short term, the pickup has a rebuilt sm420, new clutch, new king pins, shocks, tie rod ends, fresh drum brakes and dual MC, new front sway bar, etc.
So, I am really conflicted about throwing away so much of what makes this pickup what it is. The suspension and steering are both stiff, brakes are typical drum, lack of power steering makes low speed driving a workout.
Should I go for broke and make the changes or do selective updates that retain the character of the original design?
