The Stovebolt Site Forums Welcome! Welcome Centre Do It Yourself (DITY) Gallery 1955 Cameo "Ol' Blue" - "A 'good home'"

So, I was looking for a Cameo and this one came up. It was purchased in 1955 by a brother who had it until the 90's when he passed, and his brother got it. He had it in the shop to be repainted when he passed last year. His heirs decided to sell rather than sell it to the shop, They listed it on Facebook Marketplace. We went to look at it and I had found that some parts are impossible to find, like the full rear bumper and this one had "most" of the parts and all of the important ones. So we struck a deal.

Now for the truck's story. Purchased new in 1955 by the older of two brothers. The truck even had "Dealer installed AC," a real plus in Texas, and very unusual at the time because of the cost.

The first brother drove the truck into the 1990's when younger brother bought it from him. His daughter grew up driving that truck.

The second brother took it to a body shop he knew to get the paint freshened up. Two months later, with the truck in pieces, he passed.

The daughter inherited the truck and wanted to keep it but ultimately decided she would let it go to a "good home." I found it about 50 minutes from my house and we made an appointment the next day. The wife and I went to look at it, and we struck a deal.

They loaded it up and brought it to my house, and that is where it is now.

So now I've got the frame built and painted with TCI front end and rear springs. I've been working on the cab getting it ready to prime. The other steel parts have been primed, and the fiberglass has all been repaired.

It is now time to go weld up the last of the holes in the cab and see what else I can get done today.

The truck had a Jet on the hood. I've had it re-chromed and ready to go back on once it is painted.

So far, I've been working in the cab. I added a center ac vent, I got the idea from Bob, thanks. The vent seems to fit the roll of the dash very well. I've had to section and JB Weld the plastic duct so it will clear the radio, but I like the fit.

Then, I also got the idea of using the VA Mini since it takes up less room than other ACs, and we need ac here. The mini has 4 control knobs. I had spots for 2 on the dash, but they don't make a panel that fits where the old heater control block out panel went. I made a couple of panels to replace the ashtray, and the heater block out from a dash repair panel I got online, but I thought the added holes messed up the look of the clean dash. Along came Elderlyiron from YouTube, who had an trashed cab, but it had the ashtray bracket, he was kind enough to cut it out and mail it to me. That is why my dash has 2 ashtrays. I worked on the ashtrays, and mounted 2 of the ac switches, one inside each of the ashtrays. This kept the dash looking clean, but gave me the spots for 4 control knobs, even though 2 are hidden.

Looks more like Ol’ Dusty. 😁 I assume blue is the eventual color? I’ve always loved the Cameo trucks, glad you were able to find one so close. Every one I’ve ever seen is hundreds of miles away.

Thanks Paul, and yes, the wife already picked the color. I've had all the chrome re-chromed by a guy in California, and it looks really nice. I'm just a little slow on the metal work, but I think I'm now about done with it.

More pictures to come.

I had a 57 frame I got to put under the other truck, so I decided to continue with it. Since the original Cameo frame is still complete, I didn't want to cut on it, so I've stored it in a barn until/if I ever find a need for it.

I got the TCI front MII suspension and rear spring set, and the rear end from a 1971 S10 ZR2, as it is posi, has disc brakes and is awfully close to the original rear end width. Here is a picture of the frame after it has been spray painted with the Master Coat rust preventative system.

The cardboard you see under the frame is the shape and maybe even the size of the future gas tank. It will be fitted once I get the cab and steel of the bed on to make sure it is the right size. When I get the tank built, it'll have a filler that will allow me to use the original filler on the side of the truck, go in there, and out into the tank where the original fitting under the old tank went through the floor behind the seat. Another idea I got from Bob. So, the truck will look stock unless you look behind the seat or under the frame.

Also, I am going to put the battery on the frame under the truck on the other side. Then I'll run a positive and a negative to a couple of terminals on the rider's inner fender. That way, if I need to jump start or charge the battery, I don't have to get under the truck. I did this on the 48 and other than having to replace a battery it has worked out great.

The ac vent didn't fit under the radio, so I had to section it and use some JB weld for plastic to put it all back together. It now fits nicely under the radio and the as hose will slip right on.

I had to make some brackets for under the dash, since I wasn't doing anything but watching JB weld dry, I went ahead and painted all of the brackets and the driver's side rear bumper bracket. I am going to buy the rider's side and make sure it is a match to my original one.

No pics today, just a quick update for the weekend. I got some All Metal spread on the welds on the firewall, I'll get pics soon. I have put the under-dash stuff back up to see how much room I'll have for ducts, hoses and electrical. Not much I'm betting. I got the bedsides and the front panel on the frame. I'm going to level the frame and set the rear pinion angle on the rear axle, as it needs to be welded in place. Then next will be either the finishing the 5.3 if my mechanic buddy drops by on Saturday or I'll put the cab back on the frame to see how it sits with the bed. Just didn't want anyone to think I'm napping. Well maybe a little nap, cold and rainy here.

I know I should work on the truck every day, but sometimes it's nice to get a break here and there. Sometimes I don't order my parts early so that I get a 3-5 day break waiting for delivery.

Ha, that's a good idea if my ADD wouldn't kick in when I think about the truck.

I got the mockup Vintage Air Mini, the windshield wiper motor and arms, the radio, the center ac vent and the "hidden ac switch holders" (aka Ashtrays) in the truck to see how much room I'll have for the duct hose, glove box and anything else. Man, these truck under dashes are tight.

Next up, Saturday I hope, if my buddy comes over, I'll have a full 5.3L waiting on some coils, fuel rails, etc. But it'll be ready to set on the frame with the cab and bed, so I can start working on engine placement and motor mounts.

What with Thanksgiving and then Christmas, I haven't gotten much done. I did put the cab on the frame, getting ready to finish the engine, locate it and build the motor mounts.

I don't like the factory seams where the A and B pillars hit the cab. My thought was to weld what I can and then use Metal to Metal or All Metal to finish it off.

What are others doing?

I think the holidays have slowed most projects. So much to do between Turkey Day and New Year's. You'll be back on track soon.

Well, got the seams spot welded, about every 3-4", then used Metal to Metal for the rough smooth, and then on to Dynaglass and finally primer.

Next up is to start assembly to test fit seams and figure out where to put the electrical stuff.

Is that a sunroof, or just a hole to put the roof liner? Your cab repairs look GOOD.

The cab was built with 2 pieces, one top piece that covers the entire tip and the other forms a picture frame that you put a "headliner" of sorts in. Hope that helps.