Inox Shoebox build

[DENTGUY]

So, here goes. Absolutely love forum. Man are there a ton of amazing projects. I'm 4 years into a build that is starting to come together finally.

1956 Belair
Stainless tube chassis and cage
LS376 twin turbo
Tremec 6060
2010 Camaro IRS (refabbed out of stainless) and shortened 10"
Heavy duty axles
C6 front suspension
22x12 rear
20x8.5 front

The goal was to build a shoebox that hadn't been built a hundred times before. I always intended to do a Morrison Chassis until we dove into a bit more. So when I get a bit more comfortable with uploading pics and changing the dimensions, Ill post a few more.

Heres a few pics to get started.

Thanks fellas
Doug

[daemon2]

Looks like a great start!

[fleetus macmullitz]

Very cool to see a '56 turned into a beast. :thumbsup:

[Flash68]

Wow that is a killer project. Welcome. :thumbsup:

[xtreme]

any more pics of the suspension?

[DENTGUY]

any more pics of the suspension?

Actualy yes. A ton! I need to resize them a bit! Too small to see. I'll get on that this weekend. The rear is nearing completion. The front is actually done with mock LS motor and tremec mounted in frame.
Doug

[ccm399]

Hey Doug,

Welcome!

So for the pics the best way to post them it to upload them to Photobucket or Flickr or some other Photo hosting site. Once hosted, you can copy the IMG link and paste it into your post on here. The pics will appear directly in the post and the other members will not have to click on a thumbnail to see the good stuff! :thumbsup:

Hope that helps! Can't wait to see some more progress pics.

Chris

[DENTGUY]

A few more showing frame and stance. Mock motor.

Obviously, the frame in not complete, but here is a few in progress. Notice the cage and its inset into the body.

Thanks
Doug

[DENTGUY]

Well, car is coming along. We were able to narrow the 2010 Camaro rear end by 10 inches to our specs. Refab it out of tube and replace all those weak trailing arms with custom fully adjustable ones. Ordered up the HD axles to accompany the predicted power. All rubber bushings have been replaced with solid mounts to reduce any possiblity of flex.

The front clip is being re-attached to to body for fitment.
Doug




http://i1196.photobucket.com/albums/aa414/douger135/cfbeeea8.jpg

And new refabbed armshttp://i1196.photobucket.com/albums/aa414/douger135/85a5c61d.jpg

Completely refabbed 2010 Camaro rear endhttp://i1196.photobucket.com/albums/aa414/douger135/cfdd07fe.jpg

All solid mounts and adjustable trailing armshttp://i1196.photobucket.com/albums/aa414/douger135/50cd785a.jpg

Front clip being refitted to body.http://i1196.photobucket.com/albums/aa414/douger135/5933d727.jpg

[DENTGUY]

Heres a few more updates from today.

Rear subframe is inside car and we are fabbing mounts. A few pics of the trailing arms refabbed. A pretty good side view of stance of the car.

[fleetus macmullitz]

Nice progress Doug.

A few questions...

What made you choose a '56? (IMO we don't see enough of them.)

What power numbers are you shooting for?

Do you have a target weight for the car?

[56pickup]

Car looks killer! Cant wait to see it done!:thumbsup:

[DENTGUY]

Nice progress Doug.

A few questions...

What made you choose a '56? (IMO we don't see enough of them.)

What power numbers are you shooting for?

Do you have a target weight for the car?

Well Ive wanted 3 cars since I was a kid. 56 Bel air, 66 Nova, and 50 Merc. Ive always wanted to build an over-the-top car. This is it for me. Didn't want to build the same old Tri-Five. I've always liked the 56 the best. The front end, the rear wheel wells. It's the best of the three years.

Well that and "every 69 Camaro was already sold":woot: I feel like one of the only guys here that doesn't have one:willy:

Power goal will be near 1000HP. twin turbo LS3 running thru 6 speed tremec.

With the use of stainless as the material for the frame it should come in sub 3000lbs.

After seeing the Optima street car challenge, changed my mind on how the car would be finished. Its a bit more of a "race" resto-mod. It should handle like a cart with all solid mounts and little to no poly or rubber bushing. Less flex should make for a very compliant chassis.

Doug

[214Chevy]

...What made you choose a '56? (IMO we don't see enough of them.)

Well Ive wanted 3 cars since I was a kid. 56 Bel air.... It's the best of the three years.

... "every 69 Camaro was already sold":woot: I feel like one of the only guys here that doesn't have one:willy:


Out of the Tri Fives, the 56 is my favorite as well. I like how the side molding is wider and comes foward and extends thru to the front fender. And that's makes two of us, because I don't have a 69 Camaro either.:(

[56pickup]

Out of the Tri Fives, the 56 is my favorite as well. I like how the side molding is wider and comes foward and extends thru to the front fender. And that's makes two of us, because I don't have a 69 Camaro either.:(

make it 3 of us! ;) I also like the 56 the best (Coming from a Ford Guy)

[JayR]

Cool build, Doug. Where are you in WA?

[Kendall Burleson]

I like the 56 also good start love it.:thumbsup: :thumbsup:

[DENTGUY]

Cool build, Doug. Where are you in WA?

Car is in Maple Valley.

Jason, we've met. I'm the PDR guy. You know my cousin Cody and Dave Of Collision Specialties. And you've drawn a rendering of my SS Silverado.

Btw: we need to talk wheels

Doug

[coolwelder62]

VERY,VERY Cool.Awesome fab work.:thumbsup: :thumbsup:

[DENTGUY]

Some more pics of rear end and newly fabricated arms.

[Alan66ss]

Really cool build - can't wait till it is complete.

Well Ive wanted 3 cars since I was a kid. 56 Bel air, 66 Nova, and 50 Merc.Doug


Well I can't agree more - I have two projects a 66 ss chevy II and my old 56 chevy - I bought it back from a fellow after not having it for 17 years.

Well that and "every 69 Camaro was already sold":woot: I feel like one of the only guys here that doesn't have one:willy:Doug


I have never really wanted to own one - so you definitly are not the only one.

[xvette]

very nice build , love the fab work
:thumbsup:

[JayR]

Car is in Maple Valley.

Jason, we've met. I'm the PDR guy. You know my cousin Cody and Dave Of Collision Specialties. And you've drawn a rendering of my SS Silverado.

Btw: we need to talk wheels

Doug

Nice! Small world here in the PNW! Call me anytime, Doug and let me know if you want to put this one on paper too. I'm 30 minutes away and can come out whenever.

[69x22]

Man you guys are hard on us Camaro guys:thumbsup: Oh by the way nice car!

[DENTGUY]

Well I've got a few more pics of the rear end fab and cage work. A pic of one of the bolts turned in the lathe for appearance. The goal was to keep the cage as tight to the body as we could. We cut out the front corners of the dash and inset the cage thru the dash, then will replace dash to fit around.

Thanks Doug

[fleetus macmullitz]

Well I've got a few more pics of the rear end fab and cage work. A pic of one of the bolts turned in the lathe for appearance. The goal was to keep the cage as tight to the body as we could. We cut out the front corners of the dash and inset the cage thru the dash, then will replace dash to fit around.

Thanks Doug

Nice progress Doug. :thumbsup:

On average how much time do you get to spend on it each week?

[GregWeld]

I hate '56's ---- everybody has one of the dang things!:rofl:


Looks good Doug!



http://i919.photobucket.com/albums/ad33/gregweld/Nomad%20build/DSC_4357.jpg

[DENTGUY]

I hate '56's ---- everybody has one of the dang things!:rofl:


Looks good Doug!



http://i919.photobucket.com/albums/ad33/gregweld/Nomad%20build/DSC_4357.jpg

:thumbsup: Yeah, they are like Camaro's. Everyone has one.:lol:

[DENTGUY]

Nice progress Doug. :thumbsup:

On average how much time do you get to spend on it each week?

I'd say probably 20 hours a week! Sometimes more.

[fleetus macmullitz]

I'd say probably 20 hours a week! Sometimes more.


That's a lot obviously. Nice that you can keep making some timely progress on it. :thumbsup:

I noticed you've got some big wheels planned for it. What influenced you to choose those sizes?

[DENTGUY]

That's a lot obviously. Nice that you can keep making some timely progress on it. :thumbsup:

I noticed you've got some big wheels planned for it. What influenced you to choose those sizes?

The 20/18 wheel combo has been done A LOT! I'm trying to remake a car thats been made a thousand times before. Not Easy! I guess its like trying to build a 69 Camaro that people look at and say "wow" . Hard to do something that so many people have done well so many times before.

[DENTGUY]

Drove out to see my car and fiddle today. Discussed rear seat arragements and front wheel size. Also tunnel thru middle of car. The goal is to leave the cage exposed and also the tunnel showing the bars, finished as brushed stainless. Final frame and cage should be done by years end.

Try not to get too attached to those 90's Vette wheels:lol:

Thinking about colors and finishes. And still trying to figure out a catchy name for this build.

Doug

[DENTGUY]

Set the motor in for the first time..

[xtreme]

Looks great man! How did you correctly set up all the suspension geometry on your build? I havent got to that stage yet on mine

[DENTGUY]

Looks great man! How did you correctly set up all the suspension geometry on your build? I havent got to that stage yet on mine

I originally had the front cradle out of a corvette. We took all the measurements and went from there.

The rear is set the same way. I have the rear subframe out of the 2010 Camaro still and we put a stock one in the air and took every measurement know to man...

Hows your build coming along????

[xtreme]

Awesome build you have going, I love the stainless tubing! I might have to ask for your opinions in the future when I get to the suspension if you dont mind. , Ive got the entire rear cradle and rails out of a c5 vette waiting for measurments and I should be able to either grab a front cradle from a friend or take measurements off another friends vette for the front suspension.

The biggest hold up for me right now is the jig, probably bit off alittle bit more then I can handle on it but, Im planning to do something about it this week or the next. I have had the car for exactly three years now and all I want to do is complete the jig, mount the body, engine, drivetrain, suspension, etc and Ill be ok for ahwile. Thanks for asking

[DENTGUY]

Awesome build you have going, I love the stainless tubing! I might have to ask for your opinions in the future when I get to the suspension if you dont mind. , Ive got the entire rear cradle and rails out of a c5 vette waiting for measurments and I should be able to either grab a front cradle from a friend or take measurements off another friends vette for the front suspension.

The biggest hold up for me right now is the jig, probably bit off alittle bit more then I can handle on it but, Im planning to do something about it this week or the next. I have had the car for exactly three years now and all I want to do is complete the jig, mount the body, engine, drivetrain, suspension, etc and Ill be ok for ahwile. Thanks for asking

No problem. Ill get you in touch with Mike who's doing all the fab work and suspension set up. He really knows his stuff. He's built a race car or two. He did some fab work on his brothers 29 roadster at Bonneville. Qualified 3 times for the world record. 227 MPH. Pretty sure neither of us will go quite that fast.:thumbsup:

[xtreme]

I appreciate it! Keep the pics coming. So how much longer do you think you have in the project?

[jy211]

we need more shoebox builds :thumbsup:

[Ricochet]

Awesome build you have coming together! Look forward to watching this one.

[DENTGUY]

I appreciate it! Keep the pics coming. So how much longer do you think you have in the project?

Not sure how long. Its like remodeling your bathroom. The more you do the more you want to do:yes:

Here's a couple more shots of the motor and trans. Motor is set at zero degrees (level) with 1.5 degree driveshaft angle, which is as good as it gets. Pinion angle is zero so the offset makes for a vibration free driveshaft....

And a little up close look at a set of headers he finished...

[fleetus macmullitz]

Wow...those are some clean looking headers.

Such a cool build. :thumbsup:

[fleetus macmullitz]

I was looking through Brian Stupski's renderings and saw this '56.

http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k156/wnyjazz/projectw-1.jpg

Maybe you'll share ride heights. :D

[DENTGUY]

I was looking through Brian Stupski's renderings and saw this '56.

http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k156/wnyjazz/projectw-1.jpg

Maybe you'll share ride heights. :D

Nice. My rendering isn't quite done yet. No computer stuff here, just done by hand...

Was thinking about calling the car Pandora's Box! What ya think??

[fleetus macmullitz]

Nice. My rendering isn't quite done yet. No computer stuff here, just done by hand...

Was thinking about calling the car Pandora's Box! What ya think??

Doug,

You da check writer, so whatever you like.

:D

[DENTGUY]

Just a little update. Finished the bars for the mid plate. Started floor bars and trans mounts. And dedicated a little time to stamping the firewall. And a bit of the tunnel is taking shape.


And of course the "Shop Truck"

[Ricochet]

56 is coming together real nice! :thumbsup: Shop truck looks pretty slick. What's the plan with that!?

[daemon2]

The shop truck is awesome!

[KSBRKTRACER]

Build thread on the shop truck ....?

[DENTGUY]

Build thread on the shop truck ....?

Well thats Mikes personal rig. And you know how those projects go. To the back of the priority list. However, Ill post some pics of the running boards he punched out. They're pretty slick.

It used to be a hay truck, now hes got a new 400SB and turbo 400 sitting around. Its one of those projects that is always being worked on, but just a little at a time. The plan is to sand back the paint for the proper patina and paint the shop logo in the door...

[xtreme]

awesome man! Really love the tubing being tied into the firewall!

[waynieZ]

SweeT!

[KSBRKTRACER]

Anymore progress....? I have a couple of 57's myself and always looking for ideas . Really like what you have done so far.

[ssick chevelle]

Hey not to thread jack but I'm also in Washington Renton actually, I've got a 56 nomad. Got any leads on good shops? I need some body work and for sure engine / mech work. .....now back to your your rediculously gorgeous work.:hail:

[DENTGUY]

Hey not to thread jack but I'm also in Washington Renton actually, I've got a 56 nomad. Got any leads on good shops? I need some body work and for sure engine / mech work. .....now back to your your rediculously gorgeous work.:hail:

I guess it depends on what exactly your looking to have done. Get ahold of the guys at Blood Enterprises. They should be able to point you in a direction. Or PM me your number and maybe I can help you.

No updates as of late. We built a pretty sick intake manifold for the LS motor, but I had to focus on my taxes for a bit there. Well be back at it shortly.

[GregWeld]

Hey not to thread jack but I'm also in Washington Renton actually, I've got a 56 nomad. Got any leads on good shops? I need some body work and for sure engine / mech work. .....now back to your your rediculously gorgeous work.:hail:


Moslanders Rod and Custom in Monroe... does great body and paint work. If you want an engine built - Dale Green @ DG Machine in Auburn.

[DENTGUY]

Well realizing its been over a year since I posted.
Twin 67mm precision turbos and blow offs fabbed into 321 stainless headers.
Steering rack, radiator, Bell intercooler core all ready for fab and mounting. Front clip tacked and ready for final welds.

Like any "not off the shelf" build it has created some obstacles. But I wouldn't have it any other way.

Ill post pics in a couple of days. Enjoining my Mexico honeymoon. Only took me 41 years to trick this one into saying "yes". And she's a car fan. Lucky me!

[DENTGUY]

Well after after a year of sitting weve made some progress.

Steering components, front clip nearing completion. Turbo headers fabricated. Radiator , Intercooler purchased and ready.

[DENTGUY]

small pictures. Sorry guys

[214Chevy]

small pictures. Sorry guys

Uhhhh...yeah, we're gonna need some better pics when you get back from the honeymoon. I guess we'll let you slide this time since you're a newlywed.

[DENTGUY]

Uhhhh...yeah, we're gonna need some better pics when you get back from the honeymoon. I guess we'll let you slide this time since you're a newlywed.

Too much tequila I guess:headspin:

[KSBRKTRACER]

Did you use the Tequila to trick her ...... Or did you just drink it yourself .... Maybe you tricked yourself .
Seriously tho WE NEED pictures ......!:D

[preston]

I'm fairly knowledgeable abut material selection so you don't have to start at 101 but why the choice to use stainless for the material ? I've seen a few SS cages and arms but rarely the whole chassis except for street rods where it seems to be pure appearance. Seems like all the trouble of cro-mo without the advantages but I'm not sure how they compare strength wise because of course it depends on the SS being used. Of course it will look awesome and no painting required.

Absolutely love that truck ! I'm confused are you associated with a shop or just doing this yourself with some input from a pro ?

[DENTGUY]

I'm fairly knowledgeable abut material selection so you don't have to start at 101 but why the choice to use stainless for the material ? I've seen a few SS cages and arms but rarely the whole chassis except for street rods where it seems to be pure appearance. Seems like all the trouble of cro-mo without the advantages but I'm not sure how they compare strength wise because of course it depends on the SS being used. Of course it will look awesome and no painting required.

Absolutely love that truck ! I'm confused are you associated with a shop or just doing this yourself with some input from a pro ?

Having issues "resizing" the pictures- but still working on it!

Stainless is for asthetic reasons mostly. The cage is mild steel. Only the front and rear clips are stainless. It will be brushed for a finish that should contrast a mostly black car nicely.

I know people have arguments for/against stainless, but this is the route we chose.

The fabrication work is being done by my good friend at Wilcox Garage. I don't own that particular skill set!

[fleetus macmullitz]

Do you use photobucket?

Easy way to post pics and it's free.:thumbsup:

[DENTGUY]

http://i1196.photobucket.com/albums/aa414/douger135/Mobile%20Uploads/B54CFD4F-216B-4582-85E8-CB299AC08ECC.jpg (http://s1196.photobucket.com/user/douger135/media/Mobile%20Uploads/B54CFD4F-216B-4582-85E8-CB299AC08ECC.jpg.html)

[DENTGUY]

http://i1196.photobucket.com/albums/aa414/douger135/Mobile%20Uploads/4FA32E6E-48BB-4219-8F76-13A78212D322.jpg (http://s1196.photobucket.com/user/douger135/media/Mobile%20Uploads/4FA32E6E-48BB-4219-8F76-13A78212D322.jpg.html)

[DENTGUY]

http://i1196.photobucket.com/albums/aa414/douger135/Mobile%20Uploads/E86DD2C4-172C-4C84-A2CE-E6FD317399D8.jpg (http://s1196.photobucket.com/user/douger135/media/Mobile%20Uploads/E86DD2C4-172C-4C84-A2CE-E6FD317399D8.jpg.html)

[DENTGUY]

http://i1196.photobucket.com/albums/aa414/douger135/Mobile%20Uploads/AF7B80CA-E913-4BD6-8CF6-14FFAD63033B.jpg (http://s1196.photobucket.com/user/douger135/media/Mobile%20Uploads/AF7B80CA-E913-4BD6-8CF6-14FFAD63033B.jpg.html)

[DENTGUY]

http://i1196.photobucket.com/albums/aa414/douger135/Mobile%20Uploads/CF92FDA7-067A-4A1E-9AEA-2EB7E7CDA8C1.jpg (http://s1196.photobucket.com/user/douger135/media/Mobile%20Uploads/CF92FDA7-067A-4A1E-9AEA-2EB7E7CDA8C1.jpg.html)
http://i1196.photobucket.com/albums/aa414/douger135/Mobile%20Uploads/EB6EAEED-FAC3-4CD3-A014-FA6F2660E52B.jpg (http://s1196.photobucket.com/user/douger135/media/Mobile%20Uploads/EB6EAEED-FAC3-4CD3-A014-FA6F2660E52B.jpg.html)
http://i1196.photobucket.com/albums/aa414/douger135/Mobile%20Uploads/E50C2710-7E92-4DBF-A60D-D1F98BE07D35.jpg (http://s1196.photobucket.com/user/douger135/media/Mobile%20Uploads/E50C2710-7E92-4DBF-A60D-D1F98BE07D35.jpg.html)
http://i1196.photobucket.com/albums/aa414/douger135/Mobile%20Uploads/3EA5B4F1-E77D-40B4-9660-50AECC2E1C47.jpg (http://s1196.photobucket.com/user/douger135/media/Mobile%20Uploads/3EA5B4F1-E77D-40B4-9660-50AECC2E1C47.jpg.html)

[GregWeld]

WOW!



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[fleetus macmullitz]

Nice welding on the money pit. ;)