• Seller: Russ C ooley (Contact)
• Location: Stanwood, Washington
• Mileage: 10 Shown
• Chassis #: 526991F255
• Title Status: Clean

One of the challenges with any project build is knowing where to start. That isn’t an issue with this 1955 Chevrolet Big Window Pickup, because the current owner has invested considerable time and money, giving the buyer an excellent head start on their build. It offers enormous scope for personalization, from the paint shade to the engine that could be slipped under the hood. The owner feels the time is right for the Pickup to head to a new home, into the hands of an enthusiast who can do the build justice. Therefore, he has advertised this promising project exclusively with us at Barn Finds with an asking price of $35,000.

The owner commenced his build by focusing on the Pickup’s body. He has completed much of the sheetmetal work to ensure that the vehicle is rust-free. There is still more for the buyer to do, but none of the tasks appear complicated. There may be some minor welding work, but beyond that, it is a matter of completing fairly rudimentary preparation before applying the buyer’s chosen color. The sale includes a complete set of bolt-on panels that are in good condition. The beauty of a project at this point is that it provides enormous scope for personalization. The new owner could apply a custom shade to reflect their taste, or follow a more faithful path with a period-correct factory color.

A sound foundation is critical in any project build, and this Pickup has that base covered. The sale includes a shiny, new frame that looks extremely robust. It is designed to withstand the stresses of regular use and motors that generate significant horsepower. It was a considerable investment by the current owner, and the buyer will reap the benefits. Scrutinizing the frame confirms that it is designed specifically for a custom build.

Once powedercoated, the frame received a bulletproof Ford 9″ rear end. Designed to handle high horsepower, it is equipped with a four-link setup and coilovers that effectively deliver the engine’s power to the ground. The owner has tackled this as a total package, adding four-wheel ventilated and drilled power disc brakes for safety and efficiency. There is no motor, although the deal includes a transmission that was once bolted to a 327ci V8. The buyer could utilize this item, but with the mechanical upgrades already performed, they may wish to pursue a more modern alternative. It matters little what type of motor finds its way under this Pickup’s hood, because this rear-end configuration should cope admirably.

When the owner’s attention shifted to the Pickup’s front end, he continued utilizing desirable components. It features tubular A-arms, coil-overs, and rack-and-pinion steering. Once again, there are enormous discs on both corners, and as with the rear, everything is freshly powdercoated to ensure perfect presentation. This setup will provide precise steering and stopping power, while the handling will be at least the equivalent of any modern Pickup. It means that the finished product will drive better than Chevrolet could have envisaged when this classic left the factory. It will also be far safer than it originally was, a factor that can’t be ignored.

I’m sure that many Barn Finds readers have scrolled through the image gallery, finding much to like about this 1955 Chevrolet Big Window Pickup. If you haven’t, it is worthwhile doing so. The new frame and upgraded suspension, steering, and braking systems represented a significant investment, and the buyer will reap the benefits of the current owner’s attention to detail. It is a prime candidate for a period-correct V8 under the hood. However, the mechanical improvements leave scope for a restomod approach that delivers plenty of power and a user-friendly motoring experience. With classic Pickups growing in popularity, this old Chevy may be the project of your dreams. That is why it is worth pursuing further.