The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Panels 'N Burbs 'New' 55 Chevy Panel

My 56 3100 PU was whacked so I made the decision to convert to a panel. After a looooong search process I bought this 55 out in Vegas. Still trying to get her shipped back to Boston. Mechanicals and frame on my 56 are in good shape so considering swapping bodies over. Any real big deal to this??

Because I know you guys like pics:
http://tinyurl.com/LarryBears55

main work will be moving the body mounts from the panel frame to the pickup frame, much different, and of course riveted on - need to remove rear frame extension horns as well, also riveted ..... beyond that, good luck straightening those back doors, and the rear door sill, I can tell you from experience that's a job +

Bill

Thanks Bill! So let me understand - the rear frame extension isn't bolted on but riveted? But it IS and add-on right? Seems to me that we can weld the extensions and body mounts, eh?

As for the back doors - the outsides were crunched... the good news is that a friend of the seller had another set of doors - really good condition with hinges, center spring with chain, etc. I also scored a set of original hubcaps.

yes, the panel specific things are added to the same frame as the pickup uses, the rear frame horns are to provide the bumper mounts because the body extends further out than the pickup bed - all could be welded I suppose, but I believe the holes will be in the frame and grade 8 bolts will do the job, the hard part is getting the rivets off

saves a bunch of work to have a better set of doors, but chain? would that be the common farm replacement for the top check arms? you should try to find them if they're missing .... and the spring is the wireway for the tail light wire, a screen door spring works there

Bill

Excellent info thanks!

I'm not sure if the doors have the check arms. The spring I was referring to is a latch for the right side door - the pin that holds the door closed. There's a vertical pull chain attached to it. I didn't get pics of that so I'm working off of memory - always dangerous. I'll be out in Vegas end of next week so I'll get pics then.

Good news! (he said holding his breath with fingers crossed!) Scheduled transport pickup in Vegas on Friday (15th) to be delivered heah outside Bawstin on Friday (22nd)!! Can't wait to get her here and start work!

Larry, that right door latch sounds like a shed door part, and not OE. But, what a really cool project! Look forward to seeing your progress!!

Truck is due here next week - I'll get a pic of the latch and post it.