1956 Chevy Stepside Truck Buildup - Building One For Dad

Recently, we took a road trip to Madera, located in central California, to checkout a '56 Chevy Stepside pickup that was being built by Dennis Patterson, owner of Muscle Road. Joey Palumbo was having Dennis and crew build this special '56 Chevy for his dad, Jim Palumbo. What makes this particular '56 so special was that Joey bought it in 1988 when he was in high school. It was supposed to be a father and son project, but it was never completed. It was neglected for some 21 years. The finished truck is to be presented to Jim on his 64th birthday in appreciation of being a great father.

After Muscle Road received the '56, it was stripped down to a bare frame and then sent out for sandblasting, which removed decades of dirt, grease, and rust. Jacquez Arturo welded up the factory holes in the frame and then used 3/16-inch thick steel plate to box in the framerails for added strength, rigidity, and appearance. A Heidts IFS (independent front suspension) crossmember was welded in place and Jacquez also welded in the Heidts rear four-link suspension mounting brackets to the axle and frame. The frame was then prepped and painted gloss black.

For this story, we will follow along as Jacquez and Dennis installed the Heidts front/rear suspension and Wilwood front/rear disc brakes. Stay tuned, as we'll be following the continuation of the '56 buildup in upcoming Truckin' issues.