55 CHEVY ??'s

Hey guys I wanna say thanks first these forums are great and always help me out.By the end of the summer I want to buy a 55 chevy 2 door and drop a big block chevy in with a 4 speed, and i have a few questions.
First of all how much do you guys think I can score a project 55 for. Ive been keeping a lookout on ebay and im seeing ones for arounnd 4 grand. I'm looking for one mostly complete, i dont care about motor and tranny, I want it to be a manual car so I dont have to deal with all the clutch linkage. I want a good body, minor rust is ok, some rot is ok, I dont want anything rotted to pieces, I want good rockers, floors can be rotted. but a good frame. Basically a original unrestored project.
My big question:Brakes
I know that they came with manual drums all around. I'll probably put in a power booster/cylinder from a 70's chevy. But can I use the stock front spindles and mount a set of discs to it. I looked at aftermarket disc kits and theyre a tad expensive. Can I mount a set of disc off of like a 70's chevy or something like that or can I replace the spindles with a set of disc spindles from something else?
second question:Steering
Did 55's comes with power steering? If not can I put in a power steering box from something else and will it work fine?

Will the frame hold up to the power of the moderatley built up BBC? I know they are full frames but is there any way I can strengthen the frame so I dont bend or twist anything?
Also are there any sites that anyone can post with 55 info(stock specs, resto help, etc.)


I appreciate your time reading this and I hope you guys can help me out once again
Mike

Oh, and another question. For the engine, I'll probably be picking up a 454 or similar from a truck, something stock and cheap. I was told that truck motors have bad compression and are only really good for low end torque. would I be able to build up a truck 454 with an intake/carbs/cam/dist/timing chain/ and make it relativley quick? Thanks
Mike

You should be able to get something for $4k, but why not keep looking for one that already has the disc brakes, power steering? If you can get one minus the drive train, you might be spending $6k or more but getting a better car. More $$ spent up front will be an asset later, you won't regret it. Look for abandoned project cars.

The frames on those cars were pretty good and will handle a big block. The stock rearends are the weak link though. I don't know if I'd go with a truck 454, but they will work on pump gas with the stock compression ratio. Just don't go overboard on the carb and cam and it will be a responsive engine.

Bob

You should be able to get something for $4k, but why not keep looking for one that already has the disc brakes, power steering? If you can get one minus the drive train, you might be spending $6k or more but getting a better car. More $$ spent up front will be an asset later, you won't regret it. Look for abandoned project cars.

The frames on those cars were pretty good and will handle a big block. The stock rearends are the weak link though. I don't know if I'd go with a truck 454, but they will work on pump gas with the stock compression ratio. Just don't go overboard on the carb and cam and it will be a responsive engine.

Bob

Hey Bob, The reason that I want to get something cheaper is that Im only 17 and I'll only be making around 4-5 grand this summer, so I would like to pic up a cheaper car. Also the reason that I would probably pick up a truck 454 because I probably wont be able to afford a good motor. I've seen projects with discs and power steering and everything but they are a little out of my range. I will probably replace the rear with a 10 or 12 bolt.

$22,500, complete, original, factory power steering and brakes, all chrome and parts intact, zero rust, ready to paint:

http://mysite.verizon.net/strey/files/1955BelAirLFA.jpg

But you might be able to do better if you shop around.

Hey Bob, The reason that I want to get something cheaper is that Im only 17 and I'll only be making around 4-5 grand this summer, so I would like to pic up a cheaper car. Also the reason that I would probably pick up a truck 454 because I probably wont be able to afford a good motor. I've seen projects with discs and power steering and everything but they are a little out of my range. I will probably replace the rear with a 10 or 12 bolt.

So just shop around to get the best body as you can. You can always save up and do sub-projects when you get the money together. You can get by with drum brakes for a while, just change the front bearings to roller type. If you need front brake drums, the rear drums off newer ('60-68 full size Chevy) cars are a perfect fit. Replace the single master cylinder with a dual, anything like a '67-68 full size Chevy will be fine. You'll have to add a "T" to split the rears from the fronts, but the added safety is well worth it.

Drop in the 454 as is and you'll at least get around. The original bellhousing will work, it has ears that bolt to the chassis. I've done lots of work on Tri-5 Chevys and was always amazed at how well newer parts swapped in. Look around for a Tri-5 forum for best advice.

Bob

So just shop around to get the best body as you can. You can always save up and do sub-projects when you get the money together. You can get by with drum brakes for a while, just change the front bearings to roller type. If you need front brake drums, the rear drums off newer ('60-68 full size Chevy) cars are a perfect fit. Replace the single master cylinder with a dual, anything like a '67-68 full size Chevy will be fine. You'll have to add a "T" to split the rears from the fronts, but the added safety is well worth it.

Drop in the 454 as is and you'll at least get around. The original bellhousing will work, it has ears that bolt to the chassis. I've done lots of work on Tri-5 Chevys and was always amazed at how well newer parts swapped in. Look around for a Tri-5 forum for best advice.

Bob

Thanks for the info Bob, I'm going to keep looking around. I probably will end up with drums for a while. I just wanted to make sure the drums will be ok with a big block, My dad had dropped in a couple of big blocks into all drum cars back in the day and he said they didnt stop for anything. I'll go and check out some of those forums


Blue Bowtie: Thanks for the offer but I probably wont even be able to put that much in the car. As much as I would like a rust free power 55 I'll never be able to afford it.

Waw
I Like Old Cars
Caprice For Example