My Latest Flip Project

[asphaltgambler]

I recently sold my 70 LS5 454 Chevelle and have been on the hunt for the next 'flip'. I really dig the latest trend of rat rod trucks with like-new restored interior, dash and cab coupled to big motor and modern suspension.

These things pro built with the right look sell for big $$$$. I have been searching for a '48-'65 Chevy truck that has most of the hard work done that I can buy under market and then finish off my way. Rat rod meets Pro-Touring.

This is a '56 Chevy 3200 (long bed / step-side) sitting on a '76 Suburban chassis that has been shortened 24" and narrowed 6" in the front. Mild fresh 454 / T400 with a 3:73 posi rear. The whole body and bed have been channeled over the frame. Disc brakes, power rack-n-pinion steering.

The truck body came from a Minnesota farm where it had sat dead in an open field for the past 35 years. All the rust, paint and dents are real just like it was found.


I'll keep everyone posted through the next few months as I transform it into pro-tour status.

[sammyg2]

I remember when rat rods first became cool. I figured that fad would last a week tops.
Obviously some folks like it but color me negatory.

[M.D. Holloway]

I like it! Its corny, its slightly campy and looks like a blast. To have a vehicle bring a smile to pretty much anyones face means its strikes a nerve. Granted I would get tired of it after awhile but hey, each his own...

[wdfifteen]

I don't get it, but I'm 6'2" 225 lbs. Give me a mid-1960s sedan in that condition, one I could kick the seat back, throw my arm across the bench seat, and cruise in. Make it mechanically sound and the heck with the looks - that I could drive.

[Nostril Cheese]

The staples are lame.

[onlycafe]

jeez cheese, i like the frankenstein stitched look.

[RANDY P]

I like it! I'd pull the staples and rock it until I could get proper bodywork..Just looks cool.

[Steve Carlton]

Not for me. I'm holding out for a Suburban on a '56 Chevy truck chassis.

[wdfifteen]

Would you settle for a '55 with NAPCO 4WD? I shot this one a couple of years ago. Beautiful truck.

[Nostril Cheese]

Originally Posted by onlycafe

jeez cheese, i like the frankenstein stitched look.

Yeah, but if you're gonna do Frankenstein, you gotta go all out.

Pieces of street signs as fenders, welded chain linkages, etc..

[onlycafe]

hell yeah!

[onewhippedpuppy]

Would you settle for a '55 with NAPCO 4WD? I shot this one a couple of years ago. Beautiful truck.

Now THAT is a truck!

[MotoSook]

I like it! I don't like that it sits so low, but I have been on the lookout for a truck to do something similar...modern running gear with unrestored body so I don't fear driving it to the hardware store or lumber yard.

Can you post more pictures? How much as it sits? Want to trade something?

[asphaltgambler]

Mixed reactions here! That's ok because it isn't supposed to have mass appeal! It does sit low but not really anymore than a modern Porsche or Corvette that has been 'tweaked'. For me the stitches on the fender are the 'cherry on top' -or for some - 'the-pizza-da-resistance'

First thing is changing the current wheel / tire combo to Foose 20"-18" legend wheels and adding rear disc brakes. I'll have to narrow the rear housing to accomodate the width (20x10)

When that job is complete, I'll post pics befoe moving to the next step.

[johnco]

that's a great looking truck just like it is. upgrading the drivetrain will only make it better

[wdfifteen]

Old trucks had a habit of cracking from the wheel openings out once the fender got bent. My dad stitched the fenders on our 39 Dodge like that using baling wire. My grandfather had a Model A with a crack in the fender. When saw what dad did he drilled holes in the fender and "stitched" it with hog rings!