Big Clean Monster: Rod Vore's 1955 Chevy Stepside

We first saw Rod’s Stepside at the 2003 Summit TruckStyle 4-Wheel Jamboree in Canfield, Ohio. Even at a show devoted to big trucks, the old Chevy stood out as a clean hauler that would be quite at home at a rod or custom show. Tallest in the class maybe, but not out of place.

We invited Rod to show the ’55 at TruckFest 2003 here at Summit Racing, where we shot the pix for this story. He also won a Top 20 award at the show, so it was well worth the trip from Indiana.

Obviously, the stock Chevy frame wasn’t gonna cut it for what Rod had in mind, so he had Jerry Prosser fabricate a custom square tube frame. Jerry also built the 12 inch lift suspension with Superlift pieces. Twin Dana 60 axles are hung by leaf springs and dual shocks front and rear, and four-wheel disc brakes slow the tall beastie down. Rod’s steering wheel is connected to a GM power box with custom-made linkage.

The Chevy’s body looks like a well-done stock restoration. For the most part, it is—until Rod hits a switch and the stepside box tilts up and a flip-up panel opens to reveal a quintet of monster subwoofers in custom fiberglass enclosures by Brian Stanifer. Generations Paint and Body got the nod for the bodywork and spraying the custom-mix Canary Yellow pigment.

The ’55’s 454 cubic inch big block is pretty impressive too. The short block was rebuilt with the stock steel crank and rods, Keith Black pistons, and a mild Crane RV hydraulic cam. The 454’s iron heads were port matched and had the bowls blended. A polished Edelbrock Performer intake and a 770 cfm Holley Avenger carb mix air and fuel, and a HEI distributor and coil light the mix off. The 454 is backed by a Turbo 400 with a shift kit and 2,500 rpm stall converter, plus an NP205 transfer case.

The interior is just as clean as the rest of the truck. Superior Interiors recovered the stock bench seat with black imitation leather and the floor in black carpet. Other than a digital gauge cluster, the dash was restored to its factory appearance.

When he’s not busy with his concrete and asphalt sealing business, Rod enjoys playing with the ’55, putting around 600 miles a year on it. One thing’s for sure—you won’t miss the Big Clean Monster when it comes rumbling down your street!

Chassis
Frame: Custom square tube by Jerry Prosser
Suspension: 12” lift by Jerry Prosser—Superlift leaf springs and dual shocks front and rear
Axles: Dana 60 front and rear, 4.11 gears and limited-slip differentials
Brakes: Four-wheel disc (custom rear, GM front) Wheels and Tires: 15 x 14 Weld Scorpion wheels on 46” tall TrXus tires
Other Items: GM power steering with custom linkage, Superlift steering stabilizers

Engine/Transmission
Engine Type: Chevrolet big block, 454 cubic inches
Block: Iron/stock bore, painted to match truck
Reciprocating Assembly: Steel crank and connecting rods, Keith Black flat top pistons, Sealed Power piston rings—assembly is balanced
Camshaft: Crane hydraulic flat tappet
Cylinder Heads: Stock iron, port-matched, blended bowls
Valvetrain: Stock with Crane valve springs
Induction: Polished Edelbrock Performer intake manifold with Holley 770 cfm Avenger carburetor
Ignition: GM HEI distributor with upgraded coil, Taylor ignition wires
Exhaust: Hedman Tight Tubes headers, 2 1/2” to 3” stepped dual exhaust with Flowmaster mufflers
Other Items: Custom-bent hard fuel and vacuum lines, Goodyear belts and hose, Billet Specialties valve covers and breathers, K&N air filter, Powermaster alternator, TCI starter
Transmission/Transfer Case: Turbo 400 with shift kit and 2,500 rpm stall converter, NP205 transfer case

Interior/Audio
Seat: Stock bench recovered in black imitation leather
Carpet: Black cut loop
Dash: Stock with digital gauge cluster
Interior Work: Superior Interiors and owner
Audio: Memphis Audio components, installed by Brian Stanifer