First restoration photo - High Def Forum Photo Gallery

My family heirloom, a 1955 Chevy step-side truck, is due for 'lots' of restoration, and serious work has begun! Thought Id chronicle it here on HDF for those that might be interested in my $6,000 three-month-project to mechanically restore my classic!

Quick ownership history: I bought it from my dad ten years ago, after ten years of his ownership, I took delivery shortly after HIS work of restoration to include: 350 engine mod, auto transmission mod, independent suspension (power steering, front disk brakes) mod, Ford rear end mod, towing receiver addition. So he had modified heavily from original, and its great, its nice to drive, I put 75k miles on his work! But its been ten years, its due again for new power and some TLC. I began my restoration October 2007, I am NOT modifying what my dad did back in 97', nor am I modifying the vehicle any further at this time, but I AM restoring or replacing everything under the hood, and more. Im doing most of the work myself, in my semi-private driveway. My 9 year old son, my only child, will be GIVEN this truck for his 25th bday, free of charge, as long as he agrees to pass it on to his own child.

What Im having someone else do FOR me with this restoration: main assembly of engine (some assembly is required, thats normal even if you order a whole engine), wiring harness install (nope, I dont do wiring, besides maybe home theater wiring), and front end restoration (sensitive work requiring special tools and is specialized work). Read on to find out what I replace!

My three month project includes: A royal blue Pro painted and rebuilt 350 engine. This engine is complete, from the air filter to the oil pan (but some assembly is required)! I opted for low compression pistons (so I can run 87 octane gas), a soft-lobed cam (so the engine runs smooth and mellow, not rough and too over-powered for me), and a smaller and more efficient carburetor, a Edelbrock 600 cfm (for better gas mileage). Cleaning and painting entire engine compartment flat Black.

Replacing all bushings in the front end (a mustang II front end), replacing rack and pinion, new alternator (painted royal blue with royal blue brackets and chrome pulley and cooling fan), new power steering pump (painted royal blue with royal blue brackets and chrome pulley), and restored radiator (painted royal blue). Also had installed a painless 18 circuit wiring harness. Meaning, the vehicle has ALL new wiring, with room to grow for adding power door locks, power windows, stuff like that, in the future. New LED taillights that fit into the stainless original looking taillight housings I have installed now. New gas tank, including new gas lines and gas gauge sensor stuff. Of course, all new things like motor mounts (the bushings), new upper and lower radiator hoses ( black rubber), new heater hoses (black rubber), new vacuum lines, new pcv valve, little stuff like that.

Follow along as I photo-chronicle this event over the next month. Ill post pics as I get them, including overall vehicle shots and engine compartment shots when complete and everything is cleaned up. Submitted today, like this photo, is 'before photos', and some interesting replacement parts photos I thought Id include just for the coolness of it all.