The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The HiPo Shop Jaguar Suspension for my 55 Cameo

So, warnings of failure are prohibited, and encouragement of bad ideas is favored?

Too often "bad ideas" and "failure" are subjective. It was once the prevailing wisdom that going over 60 mph would suck the air from one's lungs, resulting in death. Thank goodness for those who innovate and experiment, despite the dire warnings of conformists.

Amen brother!

Here's a buddy of mine who put a Jag IRS on a 59 C10 (different forum, but well documented) https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/showthread.php?t=643426
it's a full custom job including airbags all around

Borbas,
If the Pontiac engine is inn good shape it's a simple install since the GMC's of that same era had Pontiac's in them from the factory. Here is a photo of a 400 Pontiac in a 55.2 Chevy 3100.

[img]https://i.postimg.cc/bZXZmT7Z/55-pu-eng-bay-LS-lift-Int-fuel-tank-004.jpg[/img]

[img]https://i.postimg.cc/gxQbVSQ7/55-pu-eng-bay-LS-lift-Int-fuel-tank-005.jpg[/img]

Hey guys! Finally back on here with some crappy news! After almost 2 yrs of waiting for more pics of the frame, I just was advised the "original" frame that the current owner's ex-husband has was thrown out and taken to a salvage yard/crushed AND that it was NOT likely the original frame to begin with. So.....now I am back to square one! For sale is a bunch of supposed 55 Cameo body parts that are virtually rust free incuding cab/doors (4)/box; hood and fibreglass rear fenders; 2 engines; 1 tranny; all new glass in boxes; and a 58 Chev stepside truck that is solid/restorable with what appears to be original engine (although I am not 100% sure). The owner says she has the title for the 55 and can get one or some document for the 58 that will allow me to register it/put insurance on it in Canada.
Her asking price is $5500 US for everythng. Would you bite? Being new to this, what is a reasonable cost to build a truck like this for me if I had to pay someone to do most of it? (my friend just spent $30K on his 64 Impala SS for body/paint and now is looking at upgrading the running gear!)

#1 do not give her any money until you see the actual titles in her name! Title problems are opening a huge Pandora’s Box. 2nd, if you have to hire out all the work expect to pay $60000 to $80000 for a reasonable daily driver and up to $110000 for a show stopper. Good luck.

Thanks Justhorsenround......for sure re titles/exchange of money. I used to haul hot rods/cars from Georgia/Florida back to Canada but that was 20+ yrs ago so I am sure the rules have changed. Not looking for a show stopper/know that it can't be restored to original and don't want a trailer queen.....I want something to drive and have fun with! My original dream truck was a 58/59 Chev or GMC shortbox fleetside with spears/big back window but I happened to come across this 55 Cameo along the way.

And also make sure all the numbers match on the title paper and truck FRAME, or metal plate, not engine.

Ed

Thanks Ed. Truck frame is gone so hopefully all numbers on the title match to the metal plate on the truck cab. If not, I think we have a "fake" wanna-be Cameo because I am not sure of any other way to verify it.

To the best of my limited knowledge, there was never a definitive way to identify a Cameo by the VIN number. They were just regular 3100 big window pickups with fancy bed sides.
Jerry

SA 1955
The 1955-2nd series Cameo was model 3124.

Thanks tclederman.

Here is probably a really dumb question but I see a lot of project 56-57 trucks (hardly any 55's) where people have spent some $$$ boxing in the frame/upgrading the front and rear end to disc brakes/IFS etc but then I think they look at the body work and realize the cost and say forget it! The 55 Cameo body/doors etc are pretty much rust free! My question is: will a 55 Cameo body "easily" fit on a 56 or 57 frame? and if yes, does it have to be short or long box frame? Covid is preventing me from viewing the truck currently and getting more info.....my apologies. Thanks again for everyone's help and info.....very much appreciated!

Hi guys! Back on here again with another question. Can someone please tell me what this VIN # means off of a 1955 Chev truck "H2550012290" that I have found for sale on Craiglist. The seller is listing it as a 55 Cameo but notes it has a 57 Cameo box? Thanks for any help and have a great day!

What does this have to do with a Jaguar suspension. Start a new thread to make use of the search function easier for future hunters. Thanks

The Cameo frame is no different than any other 3100 short bed truck. There is a regular step side bed with fiberglass panels hung on it to make a Cameo. This 57 pictured had a badly butchered frame with a 383 Chrysler engine so just used another frame from my parts pile (55-57?). As stated they are identical with nothing to distinguish them from other 3100's.

Chopped up butchered 57 Cameo with 383 Chrysler and Torqueflite trans:
[img]https://i.postimg.cc/ftrqp9RS/Cameo005.jpg[/img]

As delivered to shop:
[img]https://i.postimg.cc/RNXJBLzY/Cameo006.jpg[/img]

Parts bolted together to see what is missing:
[img]https://i.postimg.cc/KRy5wryL/Cameo004.jpg[/img]

Finished truck doesn't belong in Hipo forum since it's a resto:
[img]https://i.postimg.cc/567SycC5/Cameo002.jpg[/img]

Sorry Justhorsenround......will repost. Thanks coilover for the info.

Coilover: Thanks for the info. Just to be sure I understand. I could find a 55-57 3100 short bed truck and the 55 Cameo body/parts that I am looking at buying would fit? Are the parts from a 55 Cameo a "direct fit" to a 56-57 frame etc or is their some modifications/fabbing needed? Thanks for any help......I am a newbie so would have to pay someone to do any work.

‘55’s came in two body styles, first(same as ‘47 to ‘55), second(same as ‘56-‘59) so be careful in your search.

Ed

Ed Pruss: Thanks for the info....the truck I am looking at is definitely a 2nd Gen. Are u saying that a frame off of even a 58-59 1/2 ton short box or stepside would allow for direct bolt on of the 55 Cameo cab/box and fibreglass rear fenders? As stated, I am a newbie so please excuse my lack of knowledge.

I presume it would, but I would take a measuring devise and pictures and camera just to be sure.
GMC’s would also be an option, check for rear suspension compatability.

Ed

Thanks Ed. A friend just advised he restored a 56 Chevy several years ago and put a 78 Chev shortbox frame under it? The truck pretty much was a direct bolt on to that frame and allowed for disc brakes and modern power steering! I know that it would be nice to find a 1955 frame but if not, the 78 frame could also be an option as there seems to be several available at reasonable prices close to where I live?