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.
 The '56 pickup original frame's...  The '56 pickup original frame's front suspension was removed, then replaced with a new Heidts SuperRide Mustang II front crossmember. A Heidts four-link rear suspension crossmember and four-link mounting brackets were welded in place. |  Jacquez Arturo installed the...  Jacquez Arturo installed the Heidts rear four-link adjustable bars to the mounting brackets. |  Currie went through the Ford...  Currie went through the Ford 9-inch and installed new 30-splined axles, bearings, and 3.70 ring and pinion gears with a posi-unit. Wilwood E-brakes were also installed. |
 Dennis Patterson and Jacquez...  Dennis Patterson and Jacquez installed the Heidts aluminum coilover shocks, then muscled the Currie Ford 9-inch into position. |  The Currie Ford 9-inch rearend...  The Currie Ford 9-inch rearend is totally suspended by the Heidts four-link and coilover shocks. |  This profile shot shows the...  This profile shot shows the Hiedts four-link attached to the four suspension pickup points of the two mounting brackets. |