New "Hot Rod Ranch" 55 Chevy Gasser build

[Panneton Bros. Racing]

Gil Muro, bought this one several years ago out of a field in Victorville, Ca.
It was a Big Block car and we have no history on it. Probably ran for sure at LACR/Palmdale, Bakersfield, and who knows where else, so if anyone recognizes it/has any history its much appreciated. Funny thing, its already been in Hot Rod magazine.., when they did a story on the Muro Bros. in the Aug 2010 (see inset pic on page 59). We'll post pics and info as it comes. The car was affectionately dubbed the rotiserrie car awhile back. One of the guys I work with/for here at CP Pistons/Carrillo Rods has bought it from Gil, and is having the Muro's build it for him.

[Panneton Bros. Racing]

Had the car media blasted, fixed the rear wheel radius and added a lip/flare. Started getting the body straightened up and patching up the "hole sawed" and "beaten for big block clearance" cowl and firewall.
This saturday the sawzall is coming out so we can put a straight axle and square tube frame rails on the car. The Muro's are going to use this car as a mule to come up with an "axle kit and instruction" to sell. There will also be a photographer from Hot Rod Deluxe at the shop saturday for an upcoming "how to tech article on the axle kit", so stay tuned. The car will get a 406 single quad tunnel ram sbc and 4speed for power and we'll post pics and info on the engine build. The engine should make 550+ and the plan is to drive the car to work and back at least 2-3 days a week

[Sting Ray]

That is cool, I remember the Hot Rod feature. I've wondered for years why there wasn't a "kit" for straight axles especially for tri-five chevys as they seem to be the most popular to get the conversion.

[117harv]

Why did you fill the holes in the cowl? Will it be street driven?

[redlinetoys]

Subscribed!

[Panneton Bros. Racing]

Originally Posted by 117harv

Why did you fill the holes in the cowl? Will it be street driven?

Yes, gonna be a "street gasser" with a bit more muscle than the more common "fuelie headed 327-350" versions.

[FlynBrian]

Cool!!! Subscribed.

[29ToyA]

Cool!

[Panneton Bros. Racing]

Gil got a little happy with the sawzall, just as planed and the '55 got alot happier!

The rear leaf springs will also get moved in along with a mini tub job (stretch the factory wheel housings)

[Butch M]

I already know this is going to be cool.... can't wait to see it done

[Panneton Bros. Racing]

Originally Posted by Butch M

I already know this is going to be cool.... can't wait to see it done

Butch, my '56 brother from another mother, I wish we lived closer so we could hang out and race Tri-5's together.

[Cajun Kenny]

I'm in! Subscribbled!

[biscaynes]

i'm in too!

[Butch M]

Originally Posted by Panneton Bros. Racing

Butch, my '56 brother from another mother, I wish we lived closer so we could hang out and race Tri-5's together.

Amen me too......

[Baron]

I like it already. Seems like only yesterday I was sawing the front frame off mine. Nice start.

[1320GASSER]

subscribed....

[Panneton Bros. Racing]

In my parts inventory I have a factory L88 flywheel, the nodular iron 15lb. one that chevy lists for hi perf use. Many race/street cars have used these in the past with success. The 400 SB for this car will be internally balanced and have a scatter shield so I am tempted to use it. Anyone ever had one come apart or have any other bad experiences with one of these.

[yetiskustoms]

glad to see it getting some attention again. keep up the good work. it will be another badass 55

[gasserlouie]

Gonna be a good one!

[uwonamos]

I wish we all lived closer together, I mean you guys speak my language...

Subscribed...

[waterhorse]

Subscribtanated !!

[Panneton Bros. Racing]

Originally Posted by uwonamos

I wish we all lived closer together, I mean you guys speak my language...

Subscribed...

Amen Uwonamas, it would be a real "Gas"

[34toddster]

Originally Posted by Panneton Bros. Racing

In my parts inventory I have a factory L88 flywheel, the nodular iron 15lb. one that chevy lists for hi perf use. Many race/street cars have used these in the past with success. The 400 SB for this car will be internally balanced and have a scatter shield so I am tempted to use it. Anyone ever had one come apart or have any other bad experiences with one of these.

I've run one for many years behind a BBC no problems I'd get a good Pressure plate!

[Panneton Bros. Racing]

Originally Posted by 34toddster

I've run one for many years behind a BBC no problems I'd get a good Pressure plate!

Yep got that and a good disc, just wanted to get opinions on the "vaunted" L88 Flywheel. Nothing but good feed back, you we'll use it.

[Panneton Bros. Racing]

The boys had to get a couple projects out of the shop, now their back on the '55 for awhile. Here's some picks getting the frame rails ready. They are gonna offer Tri-5 axle kits so they are building jigs/patterns off this one so they can do a little assembly thing.

[johnybsic]

Super cool.

Mind me asking what size runners are on the front??? I like um, and im lookin for about the same

Things sweet man

[34toddster]

More more we want more!!!

[Panneton Bros. Racing]

Here is the finished "bull nose/taper" job.

[Panneton Bros. Racing]

Originally Posted by johnybsic

Super cool.

Mind me asking what size runners are on the front??? I like um, and im lookin for about the same

Things sweet man

The Cragars are 15x4's and the frame rails are 2x4x.125wall.., wasn't sure what "runners" you were asking about.

[johnybsic]

Originally Posted by Panneton Bros. Racing

The Cragars are 15x4's and the frame rails are 2x4x.125wall.., wasn't sure what "runners" you were asking about.

Oops. yea i ment the front tires. My bad, I call skinny front tires "runners"

They look good

[yruhot]

Looks like you all are doing a great job.YRUHOT....Doug

[Panneton Bros. Racing]

A little more progress, the plan is to have the car done for the Gasser Round Up second week in October. Check out the new "Gasser Round Up 2012" thread for details and come join us.

[rascal55]

I'm jealous, your'e already ahead of me !!!!
Lookin good , subscribed !!

[Panneton Bros. Racing]

Frame rails are in for good, mocking the axle, and fenders for the core support mount.

[Panneton Bros. Racing]

Lining up the front sheet metal/new core support mount.

[dblgun]

I'll be watching.

[Panneton Bros. Racing]

Originally Posted by dblgun

I'll be watching.

You gotta come out to the "Round Up" Oct 12-13!

[Baron]

Originally Posted by Panneton Bros. Racing

Lining up the front sheet metal/new core support mount.

Looking good . Nice to see a steel nose going on it.

[Butch M]

Stay after it look'n real good

[dblgun]

Originally Posted by Panneton Bros. Racing

You gotta come out to the "Round Up" Oct 12-13!

Tell me a little more about the "Round Up", I'd love to try to make it.

[Panneton Bros. Racing]

Originally Posted by dblgun

Tell me a little more about the "Round Up", I'd love to try to make it.

Check out the thread "Gasser Round Up 2012 Lompoc, Ca."

[GaryB]

looking good,??will or can the ride height be raised or lowered using this kit? I'm interested in the gasser look with a little lower stance

[Panneton Bros. Racing]

Originally Posted by GaryB

looking good,??will or can the ride height be raised or lowered using this kit? I'm interested in the gasser look with a little lower stance

I believe the boys are working on that with this kit, but don't know if they will use dropped axles for a lower stance on not. Here is the core support bracket getting made and mocked up

[GaryB]

very nice,subscribed

[TexasSpeed]

I'm liking the direction this one is heading in.. What transmission are you running behind the 400?

[Panneton Bros. Racing]

Originally Posted by TexasSpeed

I'm liking the direction this one is heading in.. What transmission are you running behind the 400?

Got an M21 for now but looking for M22/Richmond or Nash 5 speed. Also have
a freshened Iron case Super T10 with 2.88 low, it'll be manual no matter what.

[GassersGarage]

I saw Vic Young's Henry J at the Moorpark Car Show. Looked inside and saw 3 pedals with an old B&M shifter. I thought, "Wow, I haven't seen a clutch turbo in decades!".

[Panneton Bros. Racing]

Got the front fenders in final primer, the hood with the the "bird mount" removed, and engine location mock up. The "lumpy" fire wall will get worked on also, to erase the "hammer clearancing" that some cave man did in the cars past to make room for a Big Block.

[Panneton Bros. Racing]

We are looking for a set of fenderwell small block chevy headers for a Tri-5 that are minimum 1 7/8 primary tube. If anyone out there has a set for sale/trade, please pm me. I know Stahl still makes them, we are trying not to have to spend a crap load of money. Thanks, Ric.

[Panneton Bros. Racing]

We were thinking about using an old Hurst engine mount we had, but the customer wanted side mounts, so Gil and the boys made some side mounts to match the core support mount they had already made.

[SamIyam]

Nice work!

Keep us posted!

Sam

[Panneton Bros. Racing]

Hey Sam, to bad my buddy wasn't ready for a car when you were selling your '55, cause I would have had him buy it, and finish the paint and interior. Sorry to hear about your son, brother you and your family have been in my heart, mind, and prayers. The car should have paint on it by the Gasser Round Up. Its gonna be bright Mercedes Silver with sometime of Candy Blue type accent. My buddy really likes the "Bad Man" fender stripes, I know its been done before, but its his car and he is leaning that way. Instead of having the stripes end at the top of the fender we may have them go onto the hood and tie into the scoop, not really sure yet, but change it up a little from the original Bad Man ones. It will have glass windows since its a street car, but were gonna tint them blue. Not sure on wheels yet.

[55 gasser pickup]

Did i read on a few posts back that you guys(The hot rod ranch)are going to make your own strait axle kits to sell for tri five chevys?I hope im understanding this right because i may want one.I am torn between leaving the stock suspension and doing the strait axle kit.On a 56 ba sedan i recently bought.But im liking this thread alot and this is one of the best jobs im seeing done.If you guys make this as a kit let me know.Probably going gasser if this is available.

[norms30a]

Good looking work,

[Panneton Bros. Racing]

Originally Posted by 55 gasser pickup

Did i read on a few posts back that you guys(The hot rod ranch)are going to make your own strait axle kits to sell for tri five chevys?I hope im understanding this right because i may want one.I am torn between leaving the stock suspension and doing the strait axle kit.On a 56 ba sedan i recently bought.But im liking this thread alot and this is one of the best jobs im seeing done.If you guys make this as a kit let me know.Probably going gasser if this is available.

Yep, that's right. Every thing be done on the front suspension is also getting a pattern/jig setup so kits can be sold with instructions. Any questions, give Gil a call or and/ or, check out the web site. There will also be an articcle coming out in Hot Rod Deluxe Magazine sometime in the near future.

[ShakeyPuddin55]

Subscribed

[drivewaycustoms]

Subscribed. Who doesn't like a 55 build?

[Panneton Bros. Racing]

Originally Posted by drivewaycustoms

Subscribed. Who doesn't like a 55 build?

Hey driveway, how's it coming resurrecting your dads old girl.

[Panneton Bros. Racing]

Motor mounts are welded in for good. The engine has a big box Milodon pan w/kickout, so we will go with a Vega or Corvair box and front steer set up similar to my '56

[Panneton Bros. Racing]

The brothers Muro, picked this one up a Long Beach Swapmeet this past weekend to add to the Tri-5 inventory. If anyone out there is interested in a '55 core or having the boys build you one, just give em a call.

[55gasserkid]

Great thread! Glad to see someone is finally going to produce a straight axle kit!
J

[drivewaycustoms]

Originally Posted by Panneton Bros. Racing

Hey driveway, how's it coming resurrecting your dads old girl.

It's coming along, I'm gonna put some fresh gas in it and get it ready for the Jalopyrama .

[Panneton Bros. Racing]

Finally got the rear front spring shackels sorted out, we wanted to do something a little different on this one.

[Panneton Bros. Racing]

Finally got the rear shackels sorted out, wanted to do something a little different on this one.

[Panneton Bros. Racing]

We also dynoed the engine friday @ Dr. J's Porting Service. Bryce and Jay are also excellent engine builders. This one is a 406" SBC (4.155 x 3.750).
It has a ported Weiand single 4bbl tunnel ram, with a Dr.J's tweaked 850 Gold claw. The heads are 23 Deg. Standard port location (so we could use the old school tunnel ram), have 2.125 Int. & 1.600 Ex. valves and are CNC ported by the guys at Dr. J's and flow well into the 300 cfm zone. The block is a 2 bolt production piece (bored .030), pistons are CP dish tops w/low tension metric rings for a pump gas friendly 11.0:1 compression ratio, the rods are from Carrillo and are 6 inchers. The crank is a Scat forging, and the cam is Dr. J's secret recipe hydraulic roller, ground by Isky (240ish @.050 and 650ish on the lift). Morel lifters and Manton .118 wall 5/16 push rods round out the valve trains with a double roller timing set. A Milodon box pan w/kick out was use (cause they ARE worth a fair bit of power), and MSD Pro Billet small diameter dizzy and wires. With Bryces personal ported Victor Jr. and spacer she made 646HP@6600 and 570 lb ft @5100. Switching to the single 4 tunnel ram we picked up 10 lb ft to 580 @5000, and lost 10hp to 636@6500, it idles at 850 rpm and has 190 psi of cranking pressure. The tunnel ram would not pull as much fuel as the Victor Jr., most likely to the plenum being too big even for this 406 incher. However, the owner is ok giving up 10hp and gaining 10 lb ft. for the cool factor of the tunnel ram. This pic has the "dyno valve covers" which will be replaced with polish M/T's and Offy breathers. The dyno headers are 1 7/8" x 2" step headers, and Mark @ Performance Welding is whipping up a set of fenderwells for us that will also be 1 7/8" x 2". If any of you out there are looking for a pump gas small block or big block or "Race only" version that will SLAY the competition, I highly recommend you call Dr. J's! (714)808-9780 or visit their website, I guarantee you will be very happy!

[Panneton Bros. Racing]

Got her rolling again.

[Panneton Bros. Racing]

A little fire wall surgery to remove the hammer induced Cellulite dimples, and coat of good ole gray primer. Getting close to putting some color on this girl

[Panneton Bros. Racing]

Join us starting tomorrow for the Gasser Round Up 2012 to see this one and many more up close and personal.

[Baron]

Originally Posted by Panneton Bros. Racing

A little fire wall surgery to remove the hammer induced Cellulite dimples, and coat of good ole gray primer. Getting close to putting some color on this girlAttachment 1762767

Attachment 1762768

Attachment 1762769

Looks great.

[Panneton Bros. Racing]

Thanks Baron

[davidh73750]

come a long way in a short time

[33hotrod]

Missed the Round Up again! Hope to make it next year! Heard it was great! Stan

[superprojoe]

hot rod ranch rules!!!

[Panneton Bros. Racing]

A couple pics from the "Round Up". The valve covers are just dyno pieces. It will get polished M/T's with Offy breathers.

[farmer12]

Great work so far, well done!

[Panneton Bros. Racing]

Time for a few update photo's. Got the rear wheel housing moved in, leaf springs are next. We have a # for the rearend width, so a Dana 60 with 3.91-4.11's is in the works. After the leaf spring moving is done, its time to paint the chassis, also still working on steering.

[dmorago]

I like the work being done. Keep it up with the postings. Dick M

[55 gasser pickup]

Any progress lately.Are you guys on vacation we need some updates please

[Panneton Bros. Racing]

Originally Posted by 55 gasser pickup

Any progress lately.Are you guys on vacation we need some updates please

The wheel well widening is done, a Dana 60 is currently being built by Sutton Engineering, the 1 7/8 Heddman fenderwell headers are out being
coated white, as soon as the leaf springs are moved inboard, the body comes back off so we can paint the chassis etc., and put some color on the body. I'll post some update pics soon as I have em.

[kurts49plym]

Originally Posted by Panneton Bros. Racing

The Cragars are 15x4's and the frame rails are 2x4x.125wall.., wasn't sure what "runners" you were asking about.

Thanks for adding the details like tubing size. Keep up the good work!

[CalGasser]

Looking great Ric! Vic

[Panneton Bros. Racing]

Originally Posted by CalGasser

Looking great Ric! Vic

Thanks Vic, any luck with the push rod oiling issue, I don't remember if you stated any thing about the lifters,but if that engine sat for a long time, maybe the piddle valves inside the lifters are gummed up/stuck and can't send the oil up the push rods.?

[CalGasser]

I decided to do a "Hail Mary" so it was do or die deal. I put back stock rockers and pushrods and was going to run it until it either oiled up or blew up. When I fired it up, within 30 sec. or so, it began to oil and shot oil all over my headers... go figure. I will put back my original setup with roller rockers later and see what happens then. I never found the problem but glad it's oiling. Vic

[fast30coupe]

Nice build


Posted from the TJJ App for iPhone & iPad

[Panneton Bros. Racing]

Finally got the rearend (Dana 60 w/3.73's)from Sutton Engineering, and the "big pipes" (1 7/8 fenderwells with adjustable collectors)from Heddman Headers(thanks Vic Wood), they'll get coated white soon. Now we can finish the chassis details and start painting parts and assemble this dude!