Pro-Street to Pro-Touring...MetalWorks 55 build

[MetalWorksClassics]

Pro-Street was a fun time in hot rodding, but it also got a lot of cars cut up pretty bad.
This 55 was started in the early 90's as a Pro-streeter, but was never finished...we are now looking to breathe new life into this forgotten project and turn it into a modern pro-touring car complete with an independent rear suspension Art Morrision chassis and LS drive line...should be a fun one.

[214Chevy]

Love the Tri-5's. Will be watching this one.

[Zoomin]

Nice to see another one saved.

[MetalWorksClassics]

Here is what the 55 looked like when it arrived at the shop after being an idle project since the 1990s.

[Zoomin]

Man, it's gonna be a challenge just to get the wheels off that!

Gonna be a great project though. :thumbsup:

[MetalWorksClassics]

First step was to do a tear down and see what we are working with.

[waynieZ]

This should be a fun build to watch.

[Tim john---]

Multiple drilled holes in driver side only upper A-arm ? Tim john---

[Zoomin]

Much better shape than I would've guessed! :thumbsup:

[MetalWorksClassics]

We pulled the body off the frame so we could get it to our acid dipping facility. We then put the chassis up for sale as a roller...it sold quickly...its new home will be underneath a 41 Plymouth coupe.

[jy211]

keep the pix coming! I love shoeboxes!:bump:

[MetalWorksClassics]

The 55 is back from our acid dipping facility...ground zero.

Prepping for epoxy.

[Zoomin]

Man, ya gotta be happy with that!

[Dave Pratt]

You just have to love the 55...I'll be watching this one...git er' dunn

[MetalWorksClassics]

Setting the 55 on the jig table to make sure it's square before we start cutting on it.

[MetalWorksClassics]

Starting to patch up some of the rust in the body after bracing the body.

Soft section of the drivers side rocker was in need of replacing.

[MetalWorksClassics]

Metal work is getting serious now...we ordered up a new "one piece" floor section and got busy with that as well as replacing the cowl corners, firewall, toe boards, trunk floor, etc.

[waynieZ]

You guys are moving along nice. Great build.

[MetalWorksClassics]

Thanks a lot, yeah things are moving along nicely...


You guys are moving along nice. Great build.

[MetalWorksClassics]

Cut, weld, repeat....

[Juicypop]

I love these cars cannot wait to see it completed. Awesome car!

[pro66tour]

The '55 is THE Tri-5! :relax: Based on previous builds, will be nothing short of perfection when done!

[MetalWorksClassics]

Thanks guys, we appreciate the feedback...the 55 is really coming along nicely.



The '55 is THE Tri-5! :relax: Based on previous builds, will be nothing short of perfection when done!

[MetalWorksClassics]

Melting out the old lead seams.

[MetalWorksClassics]

Cut off the old quarter, and got the new one mocked up.

[67XR7]

Fan of your work!

I like the white fastback you guys just finished up and the ton of pictures on your website has been a huge help!

This 55 should be nice when you guys are done!

[MetalWorksClassics]

Thanks, we appreciate it.

Glad the fastback pics have been helpful...we try to detail the restoration process for our customers.



Fan of your work!

I like the white fastback you guys just finished up and the ton of pictures on your website has been a huge help!

This 55 should be nice when you guys are done!

[MetalWorksClassics]

Installing the new indented firewall, toe boards, and transmission tunnel.

[waynieZ]

Great looking work guys!

[MetalWorksClassics]

Thanks Wayne, it's coming along.


Great looking work guys!

[Josh@Ridetech]

Again, great work guys! :thumbsup:

[WSSix]

The new firewall looks great. Good luck moving forward!

[69x22]

Y'all going to be able to fit AC under that dash? Love the work y'all are doing.

[fleetus macmullitz]

Impressive as always!

[MetalWorksClassics]

Yeah, we plan to fit a Vintage Air unit under the dash...we've done many installs in TriFives.

Thanks for the feedback and encouragement guys.



Y'all going to be able to fit AC under that dash? Love the work y'all are doing.

[MetalWorksClassics]

Trimming the sheet metal for the new quarter panel, lots of tweeking before any welding begins.

[MetalWorksClassics]

Getting the new trunk floor set into place.

[MetalWorksClassics]

The multi-link IRS Art Morrison chassis arrived for the 55...what an absolute piece of art.

[69x22]

Nice! You guys do awesome work.

[MetalWorksClassics]

Thanks, it's coming together nicely.


Nice! You guys do awesome work.

[MetalWorksClassics]

Setting the 55's body on the chassis for the first time.

[Big_dime85]

this is going to be epic! I love tri-5 chevys. I would love to have a Nomad one day but alas I will work with my 85 c10. keep up the good work guys.

[waynieZ]

Excellent work!

[Josh@Ridetech]

Looks great guys!

[MetalWorksClassics]

Thanks for the positive input guys...pretty exciting to see the body on the chassis...lots of work ahead, but making progress.

[MetalWorksClassics]

Fitting the front sheet metal with the body on the Art Morrison chassis.

[Chevette]

Nice work guys. I'd have a tough time turning that one over to the owner.

[MetalWorksClassics]

Thanks...yeah, I think we are going to have trouble handing over the keys.

Nice work guys. I'd have a tough time turning that one over to the owner.

[minendrews68]

The multi-link IRS Art Morrison chassis arrived for the 55...what an absolute piece of art.

Did I weld these...? I wish! Very nice build.

[minendrews68]

Fitting the front sheet metal with the body on the Art Morrison chassis.

GGeez, look at the underside of this thing!:trophy-1302:

[MetalWorksClassics]

Here is the 55's new LS3. We added MSD fuel injection, an Edelbrock throttle body, and Wegner Motorsports front drive kit.

[waynieZ]

The motor looks nice with the Wegner drive kit on it.

[MetalWorksClassics]

Finishing up the custom firewall.

[Zoomin]

The underside of this is such a work of art. Probably should consider making a monster mudder out of it! :guns:

[waynieZ]

Nice work!

[pro66tour]

Absolutely stunning...:bow:

[Centerforce]

Excellent work on the firewall and trans tunnel! The underside of this car is going to look just as good as the outside!

[MetalWorksClassics]

Thanks guys...we appreciate the input.

Fab'd up a new trunk floor and started install it.


Excellent work on the firewall and trans tunnel! The underside of this car is going to look just as good as the outside!

[MetalWorksClassics]

Making room for the 335 series tires.

[waynieZ]

Very Nice! I love the metal work you guys do.

[gofastwclass]

Excellent work.

You guys TIG weld everything... Wow! No place to get dirt between panels and rust.

[MetalWorksClassics]

Thanks a lot every one!!

Very Nice! I love the metal work you guys do.

[MetalWorksClassics]

Starting to get gaps worked out, the passenger rear quarter welded on, and the front clip dialed in.

[MetalWorksClassics]

Engine mock up with the front sheet metal, brake booster, etc.

[MetalWorksClassics]

We shaved the gas door and installed an automated gas door system inside the driver's side taillight.
We also started work on the custom dash and fabricating braces for behind the rear seat.

[MetalWorksClassics]

Fabricating rear braces to work with the mini-tubs.

[waynieZ]

I love seeing these updates. They look awesome!

[fleetus macmullitz]

Great update as always. :thumbsup:

Such cool cars when done right.

[MetalWorksClassics]

Thanks guys for the input...

I love seeing these updates. They look awesome!

[MetalWorksClassics]

Fabricating the core support and mocking up the radiator. Progress on the custom dash.

[MetalWorksClassics]

Smoothing out the factory dash, then fabricating custom gauge pods.

[desids]

Wow, love the gauge cut outs into the upper lip of the dash. Slick.

[214Chevy]

Wow, love the gauge cut outs into the upper lip of the dash. Slick.

Me too...:popcorn2:

[waynieZ]

I'm with them !

[MetalWorksClassics]

Thanks guys, yeah the dash came out pretty cool...anxious to see it in paint.



Wow, love the gauge cut outs into the upper lip of the dash. Slick.

[MetalWorksClassics]

Building custom body mounts, smoothing the cowl, and finishing the firewall install.

[MetalWorksClassics]

Reshaping the hood from removing the emblem, making a tunnel for the A/C lines, and install the Vintage Air unit.

[gofastwclass]

I love the real metalwork you guys are doing! True craftsmen. :)

[MetalWorksClassics]

Thanks a lot, we appreciate the input.

I love the real metalwork you guys are doing! True craftsmen. :)

[MetalWorksClassics]

Dialing in the sheet metal gaps.

[Bakaruda]

Alot of very nice work.

[RobertH]

Man I love these build threads, top notch work.

[MetalWorksClassics]

It's FINALLY time to start body work...time to burn some forearms...

[MetalWorksClassics]

Putting in the long hours of burning forearms...

[MetalWorksClassics]

We'll not bore you with endless photos of HOURS of endless body work, but here are a few as we put the 55 in its first primer coat.

[fleetus macmullitz]

Ah...the long tease.

:D

[214Chevy]

Man, I like this build so much...I'm gonna go and get me a 55 too. (hint, hint...wink,wink) :unibrow:

[MetalWorksClassics]

Endless sanding...

[MetalWorksClassics]

Body working the custom dash, and smoothed firewall.

[waynieZ]

That looks nice! How many hours to get from when you done with the metal work to ready to paint. Just a ball prk number? It's going to be sweet!

[214Chevy]

That looks nice! How many hours to get from when you done with the metal work to ready to paint. Just a ball prk number? It's going to be sweet!

It's already been painted. :underchair: Saw it on their IG page.

[MetalWorksClassics]

That looks nice! How many hours to get from when you done with the metal work to ready to paint. Just a ball prk number? It's going to be sweet!

Good question...I'll have to check the logs...we had 2 guys on the body work of the 55 full time...we definitely put in a ton of hours in body work.

[MetalWorksClassics]

Body of the chassis and onto the rotisserie.

[WSSix]

This is coming along nicely. Keep up the good work!

[MetalWorksClassics]

This is coming along nicely. Keep up the good work!


Thanks a lot...making good progress.

Time to tear down the Art Morrison chassis for paint.

[214Chevy]

Thanks for all of the detailed updates. Love the pics.:flashie: :hail:

[Dr. Jekyll]

Wow that's a ton of body work! I can't wait to see this bad boy put back together!

[MetalWorksClassics]

Prepping and spraying the Art Morrison chassis.

[MetalWorksClassics]

Final body work on the 55's loose components...ready for paint.

[MetalWorksClassics]

Seeing some color...finally.

[MetalWorksClassics]

Making things shiny...

[fleetus macmullitz]

That'll work.

:wow:

[214Chevy]

More...more, dammit!! :twak:

[MetalWorksClassics]

Assembling the painted IRS Art Morrison chassis...

[Rick2964]

This is an amazing build! Glad I just caught up on it. Great great work!!!!

[waynieZ]

Paint looks great guys. That frame is a nice looking piece.

[MetalWorksClassics]

Paint looks great guys. That frame is a nice looking piece.


Thanks guys we appreciate it.

[MetalWorksClassics]

Setting the LS3 and trans in place. We then installed the Ultimate headers.

[T Bell]

This is an awesome build. Reminds me that I need to pull out my welder and learn.

[214Chevy]

This is the part of the build where the owner starts to become very anxious...

[MetalWorksClassics]

The seemingly endless body work is finally near completion.

[MetalWorksClassics]

Epoxy time, and we were lucky enough to be able to include our customer during this process and let him take over the spray gun.

[MetalWorksClassics]

Mounting the new Budnik "Famosa" Wheels...20x12 & 19x8.

[214Chevy]

Meaty out back...I like it!!:flashie:

[waynieZ]

NICE! It looks good just in Epoxy...

[MetalWorksClassics]

Thanks, yeah, the whole chassis really came out great...ready for a body.

NICE! It looks good just in Epoxy...

[MetalWorksClassics]

Seam sealing for paint...very close now.

[ScotI]

Meaty out back...I like it!!:flashie:

x2. What are the tire sizes? Brand?

[T Bell]

Asking as a learner, what is the tape for? I noticed you used it in some places but others you didn't.

Is it just for appearance? I noticed that you are only using the tape and the spots that can be seen.

[speed_m5]

nice work looking good

[MetalWorksClassics]

x2. What are the tire sizes? Brand?

The tires are Pirelli PZERO 235/40ZR19s & 335/30ZR20s...

[MetalWorksClassics]

Asking as a learner, what is the tape for? I noticed you used it in some places but others you didn't.

Is it just for appearance? I noticed that you are only using the tape and the spots that can be seen.

Yes you are correct, we tape off for a cleaner seam seal in the areas that are visible...the underside will get Raptor undercoating, so you really will not see the seam seal anymore.

[MetalWorksClassics]

Laying down layers of base coat.

[waynieZ]

The body looks nice and straight. I like the dash, is the raised part that goes across going to highlighted some way?

[Centerforce]

Very cool of you guys to let the owner get in there and give it a try! We cant wait to see everything start coming together after paint is complete. Keep up the good work!

[MetalWorksClassics]

No, the plan is for the dash to be solid black.


The body looks nice and straight. I like the dash, is the raised part that goes across going to highlighted some way?

[MetalWorksClassics]

With the black base coat applied, it's time for some grey.

[MetalWorksClassics]

Laying down clear coat...

[214Chevy]

Shiny!! :bow: :bow:

[waynieZ]

Very Nice!!

[AU Doc]

This is looking amazing!

[MetalWorksClassics]

This is looking amazing!

Thanks guys, we appreciate it.

Next we gave the firewall a satin finish.

[waynieZ]

That looks nice.

[MetalWorksClassics]

Setting the body onto the Art Morrison chassis.

[waynieZ]

NICE! The paint looks like glass.

[Jimbo1367]

NICE! The paint looks like glass.

Agreed. that reflection looks like a mirror.

MetalWorksClassics,
Did you guys epoxy the inner quarters before you covered them up?

[MetalWorksClassics]

Thanks guys...yeah we are just getting started on the wet sanding and buffing...here are some more images of the process.

[WSSix]

Love this color combination! Congrats on getting it back on the chassis.

[waynieZ]

It looks great buffed.

[fleetus macmullitz]

Outstanding work! :thumbsup:

[214Chevy]

Ooooh...shiny!!:hail: :hail:

[gofastwclass]

Nice work, I have seen bathroom mirrors with less reflection. :D

[Centerforce]

That paint came out flawless! We can imagine the hours of prep and buffing that went into the car to have an end product like that!
We can't wait to see it 100% complete!

[MetalWorksClassics]

Thanks everyone for the nice comments...the paint definitely came out nice.

Time to hang the doors and trunk.

[waynieZ]

The car looks beautiful.

[214Chevy]

The car looks beautiful.

Indeed, it is....

[MetalWorksClassics]

Shooting engine bay components in color.

[waynieZ]

Nice! I love the finish your using.

[jy211]

Looking sweet! :thumbsup:

[Trick-Tools.com]

I'm diggin' the black and gray two tone! such a good combo on these cars. :thumbsup:

[MetalWorksClassics]

Thanks guys...

Cut and buff on the loose components...

[MetalWorksClassics]

Installing the front glass...

[MetalWorksClassics]

Delicate assembly work continues...

[MetalWorksClassics]

Vintage Air install and various assembly work.

[MetalWorksClassics]

More assembly, wiring, etc...

[214Chevy]

Looking good!!

[waynieZ]

Wow Sweet!

[MetalWorksClassics]

More assembly...plumbing, inner fenders...

[syborg tt]

Wow !!!

[WILWAXU]

Beautiful car! Attention to detail is top notch.

The progression of the thread reflects the level of effort it takes to get a car to this level.

[MetalWorksClassics]

The delicate assembly continues...

[MetalWorksClassics]

Sound deadening and assembly continues...

[MetalWorksClassics]

Building the 55's console...

[MetalWorksClassics]

Finishing the metal fab on the console.

[MetalWorksClassics]

Doing some final assembly touches before the 55 heads off to upholstery.

[KiwiStarChief]

Wow, that build is stunning. Well done.

[gofastwclass]

Underside of the bloody hood looks better than the outside of many custom cars.

[214Chevy]

Violá....magic!!

[MetalWorksClassics]

The 55 is back from the upholstery shop, now it's time to add our finishing touches to the interior. Our acid dipping facility dipped the garnish moldings, then we sent them off to chrome plate. We then got busy making custom trim accents for the interior panels.

[gofastwclass]

Very nice. :)

[Jafa]

Very high quality workmanship. Outstanding.

A question for you. When you put down the yellow tape on the body so you don't scratch the paint while you are fitting the lights / trim / grill etc, once you have the light / trim / grill fitting correctly do you remove it again to pull the yellow tape then refit the light / trim / grill, or do you leave the light / trim / grill in place and the tape comes off easily enough even with the light / trip / grill in place?

[MetalWorksClassics]

Very high quality workmanship. Outstanding.

A question for you. When you put down the yellow tape on the body so you don't scratch the paint while you are fitting the lights / trim / grill etc, once you have the light / trim / grill fitting correctly do you remove it again to pull the yellow tape then refit the light / trim / grill, or do you leave the light / trim / grill in place and the tape comes off easily enough even with the light / trip / grill in place?

We remove the tape after the actual part has been installed...as you said to protect the paint. We prefit/prebuild out the cars while in the fab shop phase, so we know parts will fit already, but of course body work & paint close down the gaps, but there is still room to slip the tape out after assembly.

[gofastwclass]

We prefit/prebuild out the cars while in the fab shop phase, so we know parts will fit already...

I've tried to explain the purpose of this process to some car people I know and they just don't get it. Then they wonder why their home built car doesn't look or fit as well as the pro built car. :sieg:

Obviously we home builders can't match your expertise, space or tools but we can respectfully steal ideas from you. Pre-fitting before finishing is one I learned years ago. Yes, it costs a bit of time up front but like TIG welding body panels vs. MIG welding them it saves rework which equates to time and thus money in the finish process.

Thanks for sharing the progress on this one. ...and thanks from saving it from a pro street death.

[MetalWorksClassics]

I've tried to explain the purpose of this process to some car people I know and they just don't get it. Then they wonder why their home built car doesn't look or fit as well as the pro built car. :sieg:

Obviously we home builders can't match your expertise, space or tools but we can respectfully steal ideas from you. Pre-fitting before finishing is one I learned years ago. Yes, it costs a bit of time up front but like TIG welding body panels vs. MIG welding them it saves rework which equates to time and thus money in the finish process.

Thanks for sharing the progress on this one. ...and thanks from saving it from a pro street death.

Thanks for the great input. Yes, once you have had to drill holes or make modifications on an already painted car, you really come to appreciate the beauty of a pre-build.

[MetalWorksClassics]

Finishing up the custom center console...

[MetalWorksClassics]

Tom starts building a custom exhaust with Flowmaster mufflers.

[WILWAXU]

That's taking "custom exhaust" to another level :D

[waynieZ]

I love checking in on this build something new, well thought out and beautifully executed to see .

[MetalWorksClassics]

2nd half of the exhaust...

[MetalWorksClassics]

Fabing up the interior accent pieces and assembly work continues.

[syborg tt]

I love checking in on this build something new, well thought out and beautifully executed to see .

Same here.

This build is just incredible and the pictures do all the talking and it has given me so many idea's.

[hdduramaxman]

Top notch work guys!




Corey

[MetalWorksClassics]

Just about to the end...can almost taste it.

[214Chevy]

Something real serious is going on here.

[waynieZ]

I love the fit and finish, nice work.

[kwhizz]

Beautiful !!!!!!!

[MetalWorksClassics]

Beautiful !!!!!!!

Thanks guys, we really appreciate the input...almost done!

[MetalWorksClassics]

The 55 is buttoned up...here are some images of the finished product.

[dhutton]

You guys do great work. Beautiful car.

Don

[Boris632]

oh my

That is gorgeous


Hope mine looks half as good when its finished

[Goosesdad]

Spectacular!

[MetalWorksClassics]

Below is a video of the finished build. We hope you have enjoyed watching the process unfold. You can view this build, plus all our other projects on our website: http://metalworksclassics.com/

https://youtu.be/nYqDKCvmnLM


Thanks!!!