The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk 1955 Chevy Questions.

Hi,

Just got a 1955 Chevy 2nd series long bed with a 265 v8. It is the large window version. Wondered if it was somewhat rare or not? Also wanted to know if it can be shortened so I can make it a short bed version. Also, what year beds would fit this? Thanks.

Gordon

howdy Gordon, welcome to the shop, alaways good to see another Task Force truck

"somewhat" rare, yes - GM made over 200,000 light trucks in '55, and as vehicles bought to do jobs, not a lot of folks put down the extra money for options like the 'panoramic window' and the new V8, and not a lot of them survived the work they were assigned beyond that, I don't know of anyone who's keeping track of how rare old trucks are, looking in the gallery here you'll find about equal numbers of all the TF years, and many folks nowadays prefer to have the big windows and V8's, although you'll find the 265 not the most common, very spendy to rebuild, and usually scrapped

as far as shortening, anything is possible with enough skill and money - some states frown on cutting/welding frames, and if you turn your 3200 into a 3100 there's a lot more to it than finding another bed - and of course then the "rare" question becomes meaningless .... the step beds are the same 55-66, long or short

good luck with whatever you decide to do with it, keep us up to date - also we all do like pictures

Bill

Hi Gordon,

Greetings form another 55 2nd big window long bed guy. 235 engine though.

The wheelbase on a short bed or 3104 pick up is 114 inches. On a 3204 the wheelbase is 123.25 inches. So as Bill points out, fairly major difference.

Jim Carter Classic truck parts http://www.oldchevytrucks.biz/55_66/full.asp?page=157
lists the same rear fender part number for 1955-66.

Mar-k http://www.mar-k.com/ lists a part number for the short bed sides from 1955-59 and a different part number for 1960-66. I don't know what the difference is though.

They showed how to do that on a 60's something chevy on one of those truck shows about 2 mo's ago. Z'ed the frame and took out a section of the bed behind the wheel well I think. Welding a frame is OK if you Z it and look at the frame welding suggestions in a 55-59 sevice manual (not the assy manual). All in all it would be much better to buy a real one and sell yours. If you don't want a long bed, sell it to someone who does. Or if you like your cab, sell the frame and bed and get a short frame and bed with a rotted cab and switch.

My '56 has a 3200 serial number but is a short bed. I climbed under it to investigate. Sure enough it has been shortened with the Z notch and looks like a professional job. I say go for it.

Thanks for the info guys! I appreciate it. Not sure what is going to happen with this truck as I bought it mostly to save from the scrapper and it came with a title. Previous owner said he had the engine rebuilt for $1600 before it went into storage. Has sat for 15 years so no telling if it is any good or not yet. Might just semi restore it and enjoy as is.