Vehicle Description
Sharp Chevy Pickup
Antique/Classic / Richmond, Illinois Presenting a 1956 Chevrolet ½ ton truck with Cameo
bed. While stock trucks from the year look and feel
great to drive, this truck has been modernized in
several areas. Starting with the front suspension, this
truck has been greatly improved with modernized front
suspension which includes coil over shock geometry
and a much faster rack and pinion type steering
system resulting in eliminating the sloppy factory
steering to a much tighter feeling front end. Not that
was enough but to balance the improved front end,
front disc brakes were added for improved stopping
power. The rear suspension retains its original design
and is tied together with a balanced aftermarket
braking system that includes a dual master cylinder
through a modern proportioning valve for correct
braking function and decreasing stopping distance.
The truck is also fitted with more modern tire and
stylish rim combination for increased contact with the
road.
The driving experience of this truck has also been
improved in the drivetrain as well. The engine has
been replaced with a more reliable later model small
block Chevy engine fed through an Edlebrock 600
CFM carburetor for decent fuel economy given its era.
The transmission is a fun four on the floor for grabbing
those gears with excitement!
Comfort in the cabin was not overlooked. A soft grip
stylish steering wheel was added to the relocated
steering column for driver comfort. Additionally the
lumpy stock seats were replaced with modern bucket
seats not only for the comfort of the driver but for
safety as well as the truck now sports a three point
seatbelt system which is a great improvement over the
lap belt of its day. Even though driving one of these
may be fun, it is still important to have positive
feedback from the drivetrain. While the truck does
retain its original style gauges, it is further fitted with
aftermarket gauges hung low in the cabin for a more
accurate reading of the engine. The driving experience
has also been improved with the addition of turn
signals which were not on the truck originally. While
the radio that was installed did not pass inspection
and was removed, the truck still has a Citizen Band
Radio for communication while on the road.
Another improvement in the overall balance is the
truck bed. The truck bed has been upgraded to a
fiberglass design aiding weight and improved fuel
economy. The older restoration does show some paint
flaws but still shows well for local shows. The
restoration includes a painted frame in yellow while
most of the suspension components are in black. This
truck could certainly use some detailing but it does
have a solid foundation so that the new owner can
work on the ‘details’ without the hassle of becoming
involved in major work.
We welcome you to come in to our shop at 4118 U.S.
Highway 12 in Richmond, IL for an inspection. If out of
town, we will gladly pick you up at the airport as well
and you may drive it away. Transportation is also
available. Thanks for taking the time to look and we
hope to hear from you.
Also please feel free to visit our website at
www.studiohotrods.com
