When first debuted in mid-1955, GM's Second Series light-duty Chevrolet pickup trucks featured an upscale, stylized top-of-the-line model known as the "Cameo." Also known in various circles as a "gentleman's truck" or "factory creampuff," the smooth-side Chevrolet Cameo is high on the list of the most collectible Chevrolet and Ford light-duty trucks.
Therefore, it should come as no surprise that hot-rod versions of this sleek 1/2-ton hauler are as rare as frog freckles. So when one comes around that's worth photographing, we're after it at sunrise!
West Covina, California's Gene Welter manufactures gaskets and other forms of automotive-sealing products for a living. His business, Seal Methods, is a leader in the industry, and obviously with his company's success and notoriety, Gene enjoys owning a variety of toys. "I like bikes, boats, and cars," proclaims Welter, "and the more, the merrier!" Gene and his wife Geri are also active members of the Wise Guys car club of West Covina, California.
Welter's recently completed '55 Chevrolet Cameo Pro Touring was built by Fred Ingle and his crew at Ontario, California's Fred's Custom Wiring, proof that Gene didn't cut any corners in the process of creating this Killer Kameo.
The foundation for Welter's '55 is a highly modified (boxed and C-notched) Chevrolet 1/2-ton chassis, prepared by Upland, California's Todd Walton Fabrications. Look underneath and you'll find a Walton Fabrications/TCI independent tubular A-arm-suspension system, featuring a pair of 2-inch-dropped TCI front spindles, a Flaming River power rack-and-pinion steering, and Aldan Eagle coilover shock absorbers. Front braking on the truck consists of a pair of 13-inch Wilwood Engineering six-piston disc brakes. Wheels and tires are 18x7 Boyd Coddington's mounting P245/50ZR18 Yokohama radials.
The rear half the chassis was C-notched to achieve the proper stance prior to the installation of a 3.10:1-geared Currie Enterprises 9-inch Ford Traction-Lok rearend riding on a TCI/Aldan Eagle four-link/coilover rear suspension. Rear braking is handled by a set of four-piston Wilwood Engineering ventilated discs. Wheels and tires consist of 18x10 Boyds wrapped with P285/50ZR18 Yokohama radial rubber.
Powering Gene's ChromaBase Yellow '55 is a 530hp blown Chevrolet 383ci four-bolt main small-block prepared by Upland, California's GT Performance Marine. The rather healthy GM small-block features a Calles 4340 forged-steel crank and Crower cam, a set of 8:1 compression Childs & Abert-equipped JE blower pistons, Crower connecting rods, Crower lifters, ARP engine fasteners, a Melling oil pump, an eight-quart Moon oil pan, and an Edelbrock Hi-Flow aluminum water pump.