The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Please point me in the right direction...

First off, let me tell you how great it is to be apart of this crew. I have looked for weeks to find a good forum, and was refered by a friend. I owe many thanks!

Now, I have just bought a 56GMC SB that I am in love with! It has a 283 w/ mild cam and a turbo 400 with a shift kit. I picked it up last weekend for $1500(Great body too). It has been setting since '79, but with a little work, got the motor unfrozen and running. My goal is to have the hottest rat rod on the cruse...

Now here is where I need help:
1) I want to replace the front and rear end with disc brakes and update suspenion. What car should I use as a donor? Who has one?

2) I have a BB 427 that I want to use for the build. Any problems here?

This is where I will start for now. Thank you all for the help!

56GMCRat

Welcome 56, Sounds like you got a heck of a deal on that truck. Congrats! I dont have any answers to your questions, but let me know when that 283 is available.
Jeff

56: Welcome! Sounds like you're off to a good start!

In regards to your questions:

1) It depends upon how much work you want to do. You can put truck discs on the front without too much modification -- but I can't remember which one fits best. There was a thread not too long ago (within the last year or so) discussing it.

There are also IFS subframes available, but they do require more technical expertise than I currently can provide.

As for the rear, you'll probably have to put a different axle on there. Lots of guys are using camaro axles, but IIRC, my dad's old Camaro had drums all the way around...

2) IIRC, the BBC has the same mount points as a SBC, so you should be fine there. You may have an issue stuffing that behemoth into the engine compartment of that '56, though. You'll also probably want to upgrade your radiator, or put a different fan on it -- or both.

Hey guys, thanks for the fast replies. As for the 283, I was thinking of taking it to the swap meet in Ft. Worth on the 28th but if you want it jmoore, shoot me an offer. We will come together on something.

As for the subframes and what I am looking for, I was thinking of finding a car to get the front end as well as the master cylinder and linkage. Between me, my brother, and my father; there is really no end to the technical expertise. I almost bought a 92 camaro Z28 but was then told that the frame would not even be close to matching my 56.

I also want this truck to set as low as posible with out bagging it.

Welcome 56GMCR,

What about going the drop spindle route with disc, springs etc. There are quite a few good manufactures out there that just make the job so darn easy. I did our 64 burb and it was just unbolt old and bolt up new...slick. Slammed the heck out of it and the ride is sweet. You'll probably have to notch the rear frame at least unless you do something even more drastic. They have those kits also and it will give you more clearence ie, better ride in the rear.

Anyway, welcome! Oh, and good deal you got...sweet!

Hey Tomcoe, What company did you use for your spindles and disc etc.? How about how much did the total kit cost? I really would like to use a Mll kit but the cost... I am open to anything guys. I have found a front clip out of a 81 camaro but I am thinking I might want to stay away from cutting the frame( it is perfect). Any thoughts?

I'll go $200.00 on the 283 if it's all there

wow, ppl r payin $200 for complete 283's?!?!? hmmm, maybe i need to pull all mine out, hehehe
i got (2) '65 chevy's, both fleetsides, in very decent shape, engines and tranny's were pulled, both were 283's with 3spd columns, 1 truck is LWB, other is SWB, and to keep from gettin in trouble bout this bein a "selling" post, i'll just say i'm braggin : )

Check the Hi pro shop in this board

56
A late 70s Camaro 10 bolt rear runs 60+- inches wide. 2002 Camaro,Firebird rear disc will bolt up to it.

dont forget that some of us will be at the meet sat in Ft. worth and would like to say hello...see events section

I have now got the truck down to bare frame rails, which I will now start to box in. I am looking at the beautifuly straight frame and really debating on cutting it. Does any one know of a way to do the front end like a m11 with out buying the whole kit? I have all the tools to create about anything, and the desire to have the best ride around. Any thoughts?

By the way, thank you all for your helpful post. I will def. be at the swap meet, but it maybe friday afternoon.

You can buy just the cross members and add parts. Shop around, check the classic-truck rags, etc. If your truck already has a V8, I'm not sure if you need to do any cutting to install these parts, or you may just have to remove the front cross-member to add the new one. Bare cross- and spring-hat (weld-in) kits run around $300-$400 IIRC.

Good luck. Sounds like you have a great project.