1955 Chevy Convertible LSx Rat Rod Project.
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Staging Lane
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1955 Chevy Convertible LSx Rat Rod Project.
So, it's 1969 and your 55 Chevy Convertible has a small tear in the top. What do you do? Park it in the back yard under the carport and order a NOS top from the local Chevy dealership. What happens when life gets in the way? Time ticks away and it's not for sale at any price until after you die. So it sets for 43 years buried under tarps. One owner California black plate. Original 265 Engine runs when you pour gas down the carb.
That's great but kind of boring?
Right jow we are In the middle of LSx swap. Air Ride rat rod project. Trying to get ready for hot Rod Power Tour in Stillwater.
Goal is to completely update the drivetrain/suspension but not touch the exterior of the body.
Status Update
That's great but kind of boring?
Right jow we are In the middle of LSx swap. Air Ride rat rod project. Trying to get ready for hot Rod Power Tour in Stillwater.
Goal is to completely update the drivetrain/suspension but not touch the exterior of the body.
Status Update
Last edited by t_towner; 02-23-2014 at 09:58 PM.
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Staging Lane
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This was day 2 of build. Planning to intall a 9" w 3.55's on Air Bar suspension.
Engine is low mileage LQ9 w 4L65e
LS2 manifold is ready to install. Comp cams grind coming shortly
Engine is low mileage LQ9 w 4L65e
LS2 manifold is ready to install. Comp cams grind coming shortly
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Day 5.
What's this 5008 number on the cowl? Upon cleaning up the firewall this was found on drivers side. It does not match the vin or body number on trim tag?
Motor on initial mockup.
What's this 5008 number on the cowl? Upon cleaning up the firewall this was found on drivers side. It does not match the vin or body number on trim tag?
Motor on initial mockup.
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1955 Rat Rod
Trying to get it at least rolling and ready for power tour by Thursday. These pics were taken on Wednesday.
I'm thinking of these rims (Intro Twisted Vista's but only w/ a 18/20" combo?) Right now these are 17" just for looks.
Any suggestions on classy rim/tire combo?
AirBar initial installation:
I'm thinking of these rims (Intro Twisted Vista's but only w/ a 18/20" combo?) Right now these are 17" just for looks.
Any suggestions on classy rim/tire combo?
AirBar initial installation:
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#9
great find.
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Wildwood brakes and LQ9 cam installed
Haven't made the tour yet. It stops in Stillwater ok next Thursday. Hopes to drive there are dashed but might trailer it.
This pics are from late Friday night. No hacking and it could easily be put back to stock.
Wildwood 6 pistons installed w control arms.
Cam/springs/pushrods were also installed. My first LS cam swap. Man was it easy.
Also have 605 power steering box in.
Just waiting for coil overs to finalize air bar brackets on rearend. The Intro Wheels won't bolt up due to back spacing issues so I'm hoping a set of corvette rims will bolt up for rolling purposes.
I'm going to have a ton of LQ9 questions here in a few.
[/QUOTE]
This pics are from late Friday night. No hacking and it could easily be put back to stock.
Wildwood 6 pistons installed w control arms.
Cam/springs/pushrods were also installed. My first LS cam swap. Man was it easy.
Also have 605 power steering box in.
Just waiting for coil overs to finalize air bar brackets on rearend. The Intro Wheels won't bolt up due to back spacing issues so I'm hoping a set of corvette rims will bolt up for rolling purposes.
I'm going to have a ton of LQ9 questions here in a few.
[/QUOTE]
#13
ModSquad
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Unbelievable find. Thanks for keeping it as is. Most would see a Barrett Jackson deal here. It's way cooler, and much more enjoyable than a trailer queen. Shoot, I'd autocross it! Keep us posted.
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1955 convertible LSx body twist
Does anyone have experience w 400+ horespower on a stock convertible frame? Did it twist? Am I Overthinking this?
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1955 Rat Rod Convertible
The rear 4 link will help stiffen the chassis and we'll check out the welds on the rest of the frame. It's never been hit or has any body damage so I should just drive it and make sure I don't take it to the track w/ sticky tires (or Autocross .)
There is an Art Morrison chassis collecting dust from another project. Originally we were going to set the body on that frame but I'm afraid if we pull the body off I'll start fixing the floor pans and then before you know it a full blown restoration is going and then you have a car just like anyone else can create. At lest this one should be a little unique....?