Cutting-Edge 1955 Chevy Cameo

The Goldman Custom Touch: Craftsmanship and Performance

By Rob Fortier – Photography by John Jackson

For 20-plus years Texan Bob Garwood spent much of his behind-the-wheel time piloting a Super Late Model race car. However, by 2006, for “therapy and cost savings,” he opted to devote that seat time behind the wheel to hot rods, and has done so ever since.02 The 55 Cameo is lowered on Penske Coilovers

- Advertisement -

Bob began his “off-track” adventure with a ’65 Buick Riviera he’d commissioned Mike Goldman Customs (Mike, Sherry, and Talbert Goldman) in Meridian, Mississippi, to build for him. It was because of the high level of craftsmanship and performance achieved that when it came time to embark on his ’55 Cameo project he’d acquired in 2012, well, the decision was already made as far as who would be responsible.06 Powering the 55 Cameo is a Mast Motorsport LS7 engine paired to a T56 Magnum from Bowler transmissions

Read More: The Matador Red 1959 Chevy Apache Pickup

The first thing Mike Goldman Customs did back in 2018 was to order up a Roadster Shop chassis, followed by a Mast Motorsports LS7 and a T56 Magnum from Bowler transmissions. The Penske coilovers and 14-inch Brembo calipers–equipped platform was modified slightly upon arriving at Goldman’s by way of moving the front crossmember/suspension forward an inch, ultimately increasing the wheelbase for the 20-inch Forgeline wheels with shaved sidewall Z-rated HP radials.07 The 55 Cameo_s steering wheel is from Billet specialties

- Advertisement -

Once the performance-minded chassis was complete, Goldman Customs set its sights on the exterior modifications, most of which are not immediately evident to the casual observer. Starting from the front, the stock ’55 brightwork (grille, headlight bezels, and smoothed/filled bumper chromed by Jon Wright’s Custom Chrome Plating) was given a brushed finish; the slab sides of the ‘55 Cameo were devoid of any trim; T-bird door handles were installed; the tailgate reworked and smoothed; and the rear bumper tucked, brushed, and accent painted in the center. In-house painter Don Bracken sprayed the ‘55 Cameo using Axalta’s Cromax Porsche Blue, then added a satin panel on the smoothed hood and cowl for further accent.16 The 55 Cameo_s truck bed is lined to match the style of the graphite leather custom interior

Read More: Purpose Built Sport Truck: 1958 Chevy Cameo

When it came closer to the February 2021 completion date, Goldman Customs addressed the innards of the cab by adding a ’55-56 Bel Air dash (with Dakota Digital gauges) and an Ididit tilt steering column topped with a Billet Specialties steering wheel before sending it off to Paul Atkins in Hanceville, Alabama, for a full custom leather interior. Paul’s not only responsible for the custom bucket seats with stylish diamond-tuck inserts, the sports car–like center console, and one-off door panels—all done in graphite leather—but also a full wraparound rear panel that cleverly ties into the matching/formed headliner. A work-of-art interior, to say the least—as you’d expect with the caliber of the entire build.19 Check out this beautiful chrome plating is done by Custom Chrome Plating

When all was said and done, en route to deliver the Cameo to Bob in Houston, the Goldmans made a quick stop at the Goodguys Spring Nationals in Fort Worth where it received the Builder’s Choice award. Later that summer we were honored to present Bob et al with the inaugural Classic Truck Performance Top Truck at the Tri-Five Nationals in Bowling Green, Kentucky!

- Advertisement -

Related Articles

Search Our Site

More Classic Truck Performance

Our Pick of Performance Parts For Your Classic Truck 2023

Aeromotive’s New Gen II Stealth Fuel Tank for ’67-72...

Stretch Marks

Extended Cab ’56 Ford Fits Tasso Romnio Just Right By...

Presto-Chango!

Old Anvil Works Their Magic on an International Fender By...

Loose Change

A Hill’s Hot Rods–Crafted ’74 K5 Blazer By Fuelish Media Owning...

CHANGES FOR THE BETTER

Joe McGlynn’s “Dream Stude” By Ron Covell   -   Photography by...

Fully Loaded

Leslie Moore’s Slick Suburban Hides a Surprise Underhood By Tommy...
More Classic Truck Performance

This 1971 Chevy C10 Comes Back to Life

Rutterz Rodz Revitalizes the Shop Project Truck By the CTP...

F100 Grand Nationals 2023

Ford Truck Enthusiasts Takeover Pigeon Forge, Tennessee By Solomon Lunger  ...

Legacy Series: Pat Ganahl’s ‘56 Ford F100

The History Behind Pat Ganahl & His Iconic 1956...

The 2023 C10 Fall Revival

Photos by Jesse Kiser Gather round, and let's hear the...

Tre5 Customs-Built OBS Chevy Truck

Former NASCAR Driver Wendell Chavous’ Rosa Red Slammed Silverado By...

Premier Street Rod Shop Tour

Road Trip for Chevy Task Force Truck Parts By “Rotten”...