My 57 build (lots of pictures) - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

dennis57 · 05-04-2009, 10:10 PM

This is my first early Chevy. I picked up this 57 from a local guy that had done a lot of awesome work on it. He converted it from a small window to a large and from long wheel base to short. He repaired the cab corners, tubed the bed, installed late model Chevy 1/2 ton springs, an S10 axle and a Mustang gas tank under the bed.

Loading at the seller's

Home

Tour of what I have to start with.

dennis57 · 05-04-2009, 10:17 PM

Right now my plan is to:

Smooth the fire wall.
Repair the dash
Repair floor rust
IFS
SBC and 700r4
Finish installation of rear axle
Mechanical finish (brakes, AC, heat, PS,)

Basically make a nice truck mechanically and the interior but leave the body alone for now.

1lo67 · 05-04-2009, 10:31 PM

looks like you got a good one to start with...keep us posted we like progress pics.

Kim57 · 05-05-2009, 12:01 AM

Looks like a really nice truck to start with.
Kim

ChuckDriver · 05-05-2009, 07:55 AM

Looks like a nice one to start with. Keep the pictures coming!!

stan3018 · 05-05-2009, 07:59 AM

it looks nice.

dennis57 · 05-06-2009, 06:49 PM

Thanks guys, I should have some pictures of the firewall to post after this weekend. I'm working on getting all the holes filled and its a little slow going for me. Tomorrow I'm off to buy some more tools to help out.

hotrodrookie · 05-06-2009, 08:13 PM

Sweet truck, looks like a great starting point for a build.. What fools me is that the guy went through all the trouble of replacing the cab corners and left that rot hole in the door jam. Are the corners solid?

TwoFiftyShifter · 05-06-2009, 09:20 PM

Oh Baby.... Oh mama.... I like it.... 57 BBW shortbed..... AL slot wheels...... Oh oh oh oh ..... Time to clean up over here.... Just kidding. I learned manual on just about the same truck, I love it man, keep us updated.

dennis57 · 05-06-2009, 09:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hotrodrookie

Sweet truck, looks like a great starting point for a build.. What fools me is that the guy went through all the trouble of replacing the cab corners and left that rot hole in the door jam. Are the corners solid?

The corners the PO put in are solid but not closed off on the inside.

TwoFiftyShifter · 05-06-2009, 09:22 PM

Oh but the white GMC in the background! 62-63 I think.... any details on that beauty?

dennis57 · 05-06-2009, 09:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TwoFiftyShifter

Oh but the white GMC in the background! 62-63 I think.... any details on that beauty?

That's the PO's shop truck. Don't know anything more about it.

dennis57 · 05-09-2009, 05:45 PM

OK, here is what I managed to get accomplished this week. The top part of the firewall is welded up and stripped of paint. I still have the 2 nuts to remove from the column support. It doesn't seem like I got much done but there was about 4985 holes to fill up.

Going wheeling with some buddies tonight and Mother's day tomorrow so nothing more till Monday.

71'tahoe · 05-10-2009, 08:13 AM

Looking good!

dennis57 · 05-12-2009, 05:58 PM

Progress. I finished filling the holes, cut out a section on the driver's side and removed the nuts welded to the outside of the firewall on the driver's side. I have a done some hammer work, grinding, bondo and primed. It's roughed in and not looking too bad. Time to work on the bottom side.

GRIMSS · 05-12-2009, 06:20 PM

Looks good. I like the look of the holes filled rather than being totally smoothed.

OrrieG · 05-12-2009, 06:44 PM

Does look good, that is the way I did mine too.

57ToyBox · 05-12-2009, 08:13 PM

Very Clean looking Dennis

Nice work man

dennis57 · 05-15-2009, 07:55 PM

I don't know if it's progress but I've been working on the truck. I ordered all of the patch panels to fix the rust. I should have that stuff Monday or Tuesday.

I made this rig to so I could use my engine hoist to pick up the cab and move it around. It worked but not as well as I would have like. I'll need to redesign it before using it again.

Put the cab on it's back so I could work on the bottom.

Put some cleaning action on it.

Bigblue29 · 05-18-2009, 09:19 AM

Thats gonna be sweet!

bensimmons_05 · 05-18-2009, 04:00 PM

I'd like to see a picture of your lifting device in action. I might wanna make one like it.

57ToyBox · 05-18-2009, 06:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bensimmons_05

I'd like to see a picture of your lifting device in action. I might wanna make one like it.

I second that. I'd like to see that in action too

**JML55** · 05-18-2009, 07:35 PM

Nice work, i like big back window and visor combo looking good.

dennis57 · 05-18-2009, 07:36 PM

Thanks for the comments guys keep them coming good and bad.

dennis57 · 05-18-2009, 07:46 PM

I picked up a boat anchor flat tappet 305 today for 300. With it I got

2 sets of heads
Burnt Qjet
Stock aluminum Qjet intake
1 complete TPI intake, TB, Fuel injectors, wiring and computer from 89 305
Extra TPI upper and fuel rail

Was this a deal or did I just throw away some bucks? Ok all I was really after was the TPI but the burnt up Qjet was a prize.

05-04-2009, 10:10 PM	#1
dennis57 Registered User Join Date: May 2009 Location: Rio Rancho New Mexico Posts: 155	My 57 build (lots of pictures) This is my first early Chevy. I picked up this 57 from a local guy that had done a lot of awesome work on it. He converted it from a small window to a large and from long wheel base to short. He repaired the cab corners, tubed the bed, installed late model Chevy 1/2 ton springs, an S10 axle and a Mustang gas tank under the bed. Loading at the seller's Home Tour of what I have to start with.

05-04-2009, 10:17 PM	#2
dennis57 Registered User Join Date: May 2009 Location: Rio Rancho New Mexico Posts: 155	Re: My 57 build (lots of pictures) Right now my plan is to: Smooth the fire wall. Repair the dash Repair floor rust IFS SBC and 700r4 Finish installation of rear axle Mechanical finish (brakes, AC, heat, PS,) Basically make a nice truck mechanically and the interior but leave the body alone for now.

05-04-2009, 10:31 PM	#3
1lo67 Registered User Join Date: May 2005 Location: Morristown, Tn Posts: 275	Re: My 57 build (lots of pictures) looks like you got a good one to start with...keep us posted we like progress pics.

05-05-2009, 12:01 AM	#4
Kim57 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Corona, California Posts: 7,998	Re: My 57 build (lots of pictures) Looks like a really nice truck to start with. Kim

05-05-2009, 07:55 AM	#5
ChuckDriver A320 Pilot/USAF Retired Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Charleston, SC Posts: 2,629	Re: My 57 build (lots of pictures) Looks like a nice one to start with. Keep the pictures coming!! __________________ JJ My 1957 build: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=334552 http://www.trifive.com/forums/showthread.php?t=22037 Instagram - Chuckdriver57

05-05-2009, 07:59 AM	#6
stan3018 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: bronx ny Posts: 167	Re: My 57 build (lots of pictures) it looks nice.

05-06-2009, 06:49 PM	#7
dennis57 Registered User Join Date: May 2009 Location: Rio Rancho New Mexico Posts: 155	Re: My 57 build (lots of pictures) Thanks guys, I should have some pictures of the firewall to post after this weekend. I'm working on getting all the holes filled and its a little slow going for me. Tomorrow I'm off to buy some more tools to help out.

05-06-2009, 08:13 PM	#8
hotrodrookie Registered User Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Sacramento Posts: 425	Re: My 57 build (lots of pictures) Sweet truck, looks like a great starting point for a build.. What fools me is that the guy went through all the trouble of replacing the cab corners and left that rot hole in the door jam. Are the corners solid?

05-06-2009, 09:20 PM	#9
TwoFiftyShifter Registered User Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Gwinnett GA Posts: 1,803	Re: My 57 build (lots of pictures) Oh Baby.... Oh mama.... I like it.... 57 BBW shortbed..... AL slot wheels...... Oh oh oh oh ..... Time to clean up over here.... Just kidding. I learned manual on just about the same truck, I love it man, keep us updated. __________________ 1982 K10 SWB 1987 V20 - Sold - Doh!

05-06-2009, 09:22 PM	#11
TwoFiftyShifter Registered User Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Gwinnett GA Posts: 1,803	Re: My 57 build (lots of pictures) Oh but the white GMC in the background! 62-63 I think.... any details on that beauty? __________________ 1982 K10 SWB 1987 V20 - Sold - Doh!

05-09-2009, 05:45 PM	#13
dennis57 Registered User Join Date: May 2009 Location: Rio Rancho New Mexico Posts: 155	Re: My 57 build (lots of pictures) OK, here is what I managed to get accomplished this week. The top part of the firewall is welded up and stripped of paint. I still have the 2 nuts to remove from the column support. It doesn't seem like I got much done but there was about 4985 holes to fill up. Going wheeling with some buddies tonight and Mother's day tomorrow so nothing more till Monday.

05-10-2009, 08:13 AM	#14
71'tahoe Registered User Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: lynchburg ohio Posts: 736	Re: My 57 build (lots of pictures) Looking good!

05-12-2009, 05:58 PM	#15
dennis57 Registered User Join Date: May 2009 Location: Rio Rancho New Mexico Posts: 155	Re: My 57 build (lots of pictures) Progress. I finished filling the holes, cut out a section on the driver's side and removed the nuts welded to the outside of the firewall on the driver's side. I have a done some hammer work, grinding, bondo and primed. It's roughed in and not looking too bad. Time to work on the bottom side.

05-12-2009, 06:20 PM	#16
GRIMSS --------------- Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Central Missouri Posts: 1,791	Re: My 57 build (lots of pictures) Looks good. I like the look of the holes filled rather than being totally smoothed. __________________ 2001 GMC SIERRA 1956 Chevy Panel *Build Page* with a Scott's Hotrods IFS 1953 Chevy trucks *Project Dime Time* 1968 Camaro 1968 Volksrod "NOBACK" 55-59 one piece window *Video* 55-59 one piece window *template files* Jared

05-12-2009, 06:44 PM	#17
OrrieG Registered User Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Idaho Posts: 8,800	Re: My 57 build (lots of pictures) Does look good, that is the way I did mine too. __________________ 1959 Chevy Short Fleetside w/ 74 4WD drive train (current project) OrrieG Build Thread 1964 Chevelle Malibu w/ 355-350TH (daily driver) Helpful AD and TF Manual Site Old Car Manual Project



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05-12-2009, 08:13 PM	#18
57ToyBox Registered User Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Callander Ont. Posts: 387	Re: My 57 build (lots of pictures) Very Clean looking Dennis Nice work man __________________ --Glenn-- http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=345975 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=564403

05-15-2009, 07:55 PM	#19
dennis57 Registered User Join Date: May 2009 Location: Rio Rancho New Mexico Posts: 155	Re: My 57 build (lots of pictures) I don't know if it's progress but I've been working on the truck. I ordered all of the patch panels to fix the rust. I should have that stuff Monday or Tuesday. I made this rig to so I could use my engine hoist to pick up the cab and move it around. It worked but not as well as I would have like. I'll need to redesign it before using it again. Put the cab on it's back so I could work on the bottom. Put some cleaning action on it.

05-18-2009, 09:19 AM	#20
Bigblue29 Thanks 'til you're better paid Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Minneapolis, MN Posts: 257	Re: My 57 build (lots of pictures) Thats gonna be sweet! __________________ -Luke 1950 Chevy AD 3100 pickup 2000 GMC Sierra 1970 Jeepster Commando

05-18-2009, 04:00 PM	#21
bensimmons_05 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Jacksonville, AL Posts: 479	Re: My 57 build (lots of pictures) I'd like to see a picture of your lifting device in action. I might wanna make one like it. __________________ ---Ben Jammin's 1955 Chevy/GMC Project --- ---The shop's live video feed--- <<< See what I'm up to!

05-18-2009, 07:35 PM	#23
JML55 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Fannystelle, Manitoba, Canada Posts: 853	Re: My 57 build (lots of pictures) Nice work, i like big back window and visor combo looking good. __________________ Jean-Marc Lacasse 57 GMC 55 GMC 55 Belair 99 S10 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=316140 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=806011

05-18-2009, 07:36 PM	#24
dennis57 Registered User Join Date: May 2009 Location: Rio Rancho New Mexico Posts: 155	Re: My 57 build (lots of pictures) Thanks for the comments guys keep them coming good and bad.

05-18-2009, 07:46 PM	#25
dennis57 Registered User Join Date: May 2009 Location: Rio Rancho New Mexico Posts: 155	Deal or no deal? I picked up a boat anchor flat tappet 305 today for 300. With it I got 2 sets of heads Burnt Qjet Stock aluminum Qjet intake 1 complete TPI intake, TB, Fuel injectors, wiring and computer from 89 305 Extra TPI upper and fuel rail Was this a deal or did I just throw away some bucks? Ok all I was really after was the TPI but the burnt up Qjet was a prize. Last edited by dennis57; 05-18-2009 at 07:47 PM.

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