Like the look!

 

Nice looks good

 

ttpenman, sorry I didn't see your post until today. I never got notified of it by email.
As far as removing the body from the frame I used an engine hoist to raise up the front then built a temporary 2x10 frame that went the length of the cab back. I made some 4x4 posts for legs and attached casters to those then lowered the frame onto wheel dollies and rolled it out. I'm hoping I only have to take it on and off one more time as it does take some time but is well worth it for ease of working on the frame.
As far as the work goes I'm doing all of it by myself. My next door neighbor gives me a hand with heavy stuff or when I need a couple extra hands. I use to work at a body shop part time when I was younger and picked up a lot of things there that help but mostly I've either watched youtube videos, read articles or just learned by doing. Sometimes that works out and sometimes it takes me 10x longer to do something but you hone skills quicker by making mistakes I feel.
I've had the truck like 2 1/2 years or so now so I haven't been working on it like crazy and have gone more overboard on it than I originally planned to but figured might as well make it how I want it the first time.
I started my own business about the same time I got the truck and that has taken off so it really limits my time on it. Lately I've just tried to take one piece at a time instead of jumping around and not getting anything done. The front end now is almost all in primer except for the hood (which I have yet to fully media blast). It is going to be a chore to get straight I think but its only metal.

Any questions you have feel free to ask and I'll answer them the best I can with the knowledge I have.

 

sstephanuik --- Thanks for the info. I've had my Panel for 30+ years. Seems like whenever I have had the time, I don't have any money and then I have some $$ I have no time. It's has been inside for most of that time but outside the last few years. Really scared to see what kind of shape it's in when/if I get to tearing it down. Hope I can salvage it. I know it hasn't been on the rode since the late 60's (long story).

Glad your business is doing well. Mine hasn't and I'm now trying to run out of my home, plus, I'm trying to semi-retire. Hopefully this summer I can spend some time on vehicles. I have an 86 F150 that I'm hopefully be able to learn some things on before I try to tackle the 55. I hope things go well. I also hope to get my garage rearranged enough to get the 55 back inside with enough room to be able to work on it.

You look to be doing good work so keep it up. I'll try to keep watching your posts for inspiration.

 

or if anyone knows if someone has.

 

Don’t know of anyone that has done that. I’m tying to decide what I want to do for a fuel tank still. Stay stock location or fab something in back. Haven’t found anyone that’s done a fuel door location that I really like.

 

I feel i can put a fuel door in the panels stock location but guess i might just have to see if the tank will fit.

 

Did the pick up have two locations? I’ve heard some had the tank in the cab? Which seems insane. I’ve never looked at where the underside tank went.
Could you fit a tank between the frame and outer side of the body?

 

I had a 53Pick-up years ago and the tank was between the frame and the body, strapped to the running board mounts, I heard that 56 may have been behind the seat
in the cab.

 

The 56 pickup did have the tank behind the seat and the filler neck was behind the door handle on the passenger side, however I found out that some pickup had tanks in the same location as the 53-55 driver side mounted to the running board brackets. The panels had the tanks mounted on the inside of the frame rails on the drivers side..

 

I really appreciate all you guys help.

 

I have not seen any updates lately

 

don't know if you have a minute but I am looking for a fairly accurate .measurement of the back door opening at the lowest and side to side and outer most edge of the frame of the door.. thanks hope to hear from .

 

 

scott i tried that email and it said it was not valid