My 409/'55 Chevy Project

[Monk]

How many beers does it take to install bucket seats?
Lots!!!

Here's first phase of install......second go around tomorrow.


Installed both sides.....got 'em lined up.
Will finish up brackets tomorrow and hopefully get new wash mat installed.

View from passenger side





Drivers side




I am going to use existing front seat shelf......cut it
down in height and re cover.......to hide seat bracket.
It'll look stock when done.

[SuperBuickGuy]

That looks really good... love watching yours, gives me ideas for my 50 bu

[Monk]

Finished....new wash mat installed.
Will modify front seat shell to hide brackets.

[Monk]

Installed seat belts today.

Got these from Wesco Performance........they came with black housings & charcoal belts.
I dyed the plastic charcoal grey.....didn't come out as dark as I wanted but will do for now.

I like the retractable feature and the hard arms.......they have an automatic locking device when you put them on.
Looks flow real well with the buckets.

I used the large rectangular washer from Speedway......I didn't trust those thin large washers they sent.
These should hold up real well.

[Monk]

Took the '55 to HTP Automotive this morning.
A buddy of mine just happen onto this place........it's only 25 minutes from the house.

Anyway this kid has skills.......especially when it comes to welding.
He specializes in headers and is gonna fab up a new set for the '55.

He wanted to see the car and headers on it.....took some notes.
I'll be removing them in November for him to start the deal.
These will be 2" into 3 1/2" collector and all stainless.

He says I'm missing some horsepower.......couldn't tell it by me.

One side note on this........I've got several friends on the internet interested in buying a set of these.
No one makes headers for a W install into a Tri 5.
Over the past several years I have spoke with a few big names in the industry but never a go.

The trick on these is the one tube on passenger side center to steering box.
He's got some interesting ideas on how to approach this.......we did the best we could and it worked well.

Any way here's some photos of his hand work.

[squirrel]

damn, those are gonna look nice when he's done!

[Huskinhano]

Man does he have skills!

[Monk]

Yes and Yes ............I'm pumped about this project.

He talked how he's gonna re route some of the tubes......plus other stuff I
didn't quite comprehend.

I'll try to take some photos of the shop next trip........he had a couple of
Porsche's that he was working on.

[Monk]

Man does he have skills!

Good hearing from ya Husk..........haven't seen you around here for awhile.

[Schtauffer]

That is some respectable welding, right there.

[TheSilverBuick]

Looks good. I wouldn't let go of the set you currently have though until you're happy with the fit of the new set. It'd suck to let them go then something not quite fit with the new set.

[Monk]

Looks good. I wouldn't let go of the set you currently have though until you're happy with the fit of the new set. It'd suck to let them go then something not quite fit with the new set.

Yep.......we're on the same train of thought Randall.
Not sure if I could part with 'em........they're sort of special.

[milner351]

Nice welds for sure - and if he's working german sports cars - he's used to persnickity customers that notice every slight defect, but usually pay well for what makes them happy.

Sorry to hear that you have to re-do the headers - I'm sure they weren't cheap the first time - and won't be cheap the second time, but if this guy can make yours the pattern - then make sets to sell from there - everyone wins.

[Monk]

Nice welds for sure - and if he's working german sports cars - he's used to persnickity customers that notice every slight defect, but usually pay well for what makes them happy.

Sorry to hear that you have to re-do the headers - I'm sure they weren't cheap the first time - and won't be cheap the second time, but if this guy can make yours the pattern - then make sets to sell from there - everyone wins.

I might go out on a limb and have him do two sets...........I've been contacted by several
guys in the past who wanted a set.

[DanStokes]

I can weld just like that......... If I can get my buddy Lennie back in MI to do it. Really nice work. I'm dying to see how these come out.

Dan