SA 56 build
 

:bo2:Thought I may as well put a build thread up for our 56 3100
We bought the 56 last year after a bit of a rest from our last build (68 Camaro)

Plans are for EFI, overdrive Auto trans, Air conditioning and get it sitting a bit lower

Before
http://i337.photobucket.com/albums/n...ps85dcb458.jpg


After
http://i337.photobucket.com/albums/n...psfdde4aa0.jpg

We are converting the pickup to RH drive.
In South Australia if you want to do any mods to a US vehicle it has to be converted to RH drive. (Our Camaro is still LH drive so it has to be basically factory stock, right down to the radio!)

Here's a few shots of the dash conversion and Front end conversion (Thanks to Romano, Mick & Scott for your help)


Dash / interior before
http://i337.photobucket.com/albums/n...ps4afb4c52.jpg


Dash / interior now
http://i337.photobucket.com/albums/n...ps47d548cd.jpg

Front end before
http://i337.photobucket.com/albums/n...ps938f30f3.jpg

Front end now
http://i337.photobucket.com/albums/n...ps34b204a8.jpg

Progress is a bit slow at the moment while I get some stuff finished around the house, but we'll get there. :)

Re: SA 56 build
 

Looks like a real clean truck to start with.
Keep the pics coming.
Kim

Re: SA 56 build
 

good to see you started a build thread.
very cool rh conversion, is that a rh drive dash?
it's black and doesn't look like a modded stock lh dash.

Re: SA 56 build
 

Yep, it was a fairly tidy unit to start with, no show winner but more than good enough for waht we want.

Re: SA 56 build
 

double post

Re: SA 56 build
 

Thanks, hopefully some of the build will be intersting. ;)

The dash is the original LH unit converted to RH by a very skilled friend of mine

Re: SA 56 build
 

nice progress on a really nice truck

Re: SA 56 build
 

Started to fit the lowered rear springs but noticed a couple of the pins (that go through the spring eyes) had fractures in them.
Ordered some new ones, hopefully they get to me by the weekend.

Re: SA 56 build
 

Finally got around to fitting the lowered rear springs and fitting some hub caps.

Here's a before
http://i337.photobucket.com/albums/n...ps79818da3.jpg

....and after with caps
http://i337.photobucket.com/albums/n...ps451ae889.jpg
__________________

Re: SA 56 build
 

Looks good.
Kim

Re: SA 56 build
 

Very Cool!

Re: SA 56 build
 

Thanks.
Got to get back into it. :o

Re: SA 56 build
 

WOW!! How hard was it to put speedo on pass side??

Re: SA 56 build
 

Well since I had the assistance of a skilled friend it was fairly easy ;)
I can weld but I didn't trust myself on this one.
Actually took him a week or so with a lot of measuring before cutting started.
You can see that the angles of the dash are slightly different when comparing LH and RH sides.
Some filler panels were made up to make the gauge "pod" blend into the dash. (Is "blend" the right word?)

Some people make the dash out of fibreglass when converting from LH to RH, but I am lucky to have a skilled friend so my dash is all steel. :)

Re: SA 56 build
 

Ahh i see! Looks great man! I have a crazy idea been thinking about doing to my dash think gonna go thru with it Thanks!!

Re: SA 56 build
 

Any updates on this cool truck?

Re: SA 56 build
 

Not too much happening due to some home renovation work.
Just started setting the fuel tank up and installing Vintage Air AC.

Re: SA 56 build
 

live gets in the way :D
was hoping to see progress on this build, my truk only took 8 yrs to finish
your still ahead of my game :D

Re: SA 56 build
 

I know what you mean, unfortunately(?) there's more to life than playing with cars.
I would like to see if I can get it going this year so me, the bride, and dogs can go for a spin when the warm weather returns.

Re: SA 56 build
 

Been a while since I've updated but home renovations have had priority and unfortunately I've just lost my job (33 years with the same company!) so my main priority now is to get another job

Anyway still hasn't stopped me getting wood
Just sanding for a nice finish
http://i337.photobucket.com/albums/n...psc79c95d8.jpg

http://i337.photobucket.com/albums/n...ps01a2a031.jpg

Putting on some stain
http://i337.photobucket.com/albums/n...pse9c64dc4.jpg

http://i337.photobucket.com/albums/n...ps77b0fc8a.jpg

Just fitting the outside boards for the moment to support the bed on the chassis while I run new fuel lines and add a filler pipe
I've gone for a satin finsh on the timber instead of high gloss as there will be the odd bale of hay and other bits and pieces thrown in the back (occasionally)

http://i337.photobucket.com/albums/n...ps1bf921e6.jpg


http://i337.photobucket.com/albums/n...ps7d1a2a70.jpg

Re: SA 56 build
 

Bed wood looks real nice.
Good luck on the job search.
Kim

Re: SA 56 build
 

Thanks Kim

Re: SA 56 build
 

That shade of gray is gorgeous and goes well with the finish you have chosen for the bed. I had been thinking of something in a darker shade of gray for my build, but decided since mine will be NAPCO-esque when done, I would stick with the original turquoise and white instead.

Keep up the good work!

-Joe

Re: SA 56 build
 

Thanks Joe, do have a build thread?

Re: SA 56 build
 

Nice color!