Putting my 57' back together in the rainy PNW!!!

[NW Task Force]

My 57' has not been on the road in over 13 years!!! The truck used to be driven during the Spring & Summer for cruise nights and car shows. In the late 90's, the truck was torn apart to have a 77' Camaro front subframe installed. In the process, an early 80's Firebird rear end was purchased for the truck. The firebird rear is a 3:23 posi disc brake setup. I have not gotten around to installing it yet. I bought a 283 V8 several months ago and have it sitting on "stand-by" for installation. I also have a complete TH350 waiting to be used.

The truck is confined to a small car port shed outside. This is where I attempt to get it back up and running with the tools & parts I have. The truck appears to be in sad shape in the pictures, but the body is rust free and the sheet metal is straight. Dirt and dust has been accumulating on this ol' gal for a few years. I really hope to have it running by the end of Summer or sometime this Fall.

[dicer]

I hear you about the weather. At least the week end was nice. Got lots done.

[ChuckDriver]

Keep at it and you'll be putting miles on her in no time!

[meter swinger]

i hear ya, everygthing's a trade off, in the dry-cities it's wind not rain. i keep all my parts & stuff outside tied down with straps or it would blow into idaho

[bfink]

im in the same boat , i took my truck apart 5 yrs ago and NEED to get it back on the road , just lacking time and motivation , i am lucky enough to have a 2 car garage to work on it in

[dicer]

Gosh these websites help keep up the motivation.

[GhostTown]

Originally Posted by meter swinger

i hear ya, everygthing's a trade off, in the dry-cities it's wind not rain. i keep all my parts & stuff outside tied down with straps or it would blow into idaho

What kind of parts and stuff do you have? Maybe you SHOULD untie it and let us Idaho boys sift through it!

[meter swinger]

Originally Posted by GhostTown

What kind of parts and stuff do you have? Maybe you SHOULD untie it and let us Idaho boys sift through it!

Mostly 55-59 & some squarebody stuff. I have an IH travelall that was used as advertizing for a tire store its so ugly the neighborhood association threatened to sue me if i didn't move it
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[mr48chev]

Originally Posted by meter swinger

Mostly 55-59 & some squarebody stuff. I have an IH travelall that was used as advertizing for a tire store its so ugly the neighborhood association threatened to sue me if i didn't move it
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The way the wind has been blowing lately some of my stuff might end up in your yard. I think I've seen that binder before.

I only have a little one car garage and did use one of those Costco Canopies until the wind decided I didn't need it anymore. I need to put it back together if I can find all the pieces this week.

[55dude]

nice to see some pictures of your truck, looks like lots of work ahead of you but thats normal. keep the pic's coming.

[NW Task Force]

So far I am making fair progress on my 57' project. I just finished setting the engine/transmission into the pickup, installing the under bed fuel tank, and re-mounting the "frame horns" for the core support. Next is wiring, hanging front sheetmetal, and having my driveline lengthened. I am still targeting a late Spring deadline for having it road worthy. My wedding is in July and I am determined to drive it away after getting hitched (no need for a fancy limo)

[mr48chev]

You are making a lot more progress than I am. There is snow on the ground here and I can't get anything in my garage. I'm thinking seriously about building a two car shop behind my old garage this spring to have a place to work out of the weather.

My driveway yesterday.

[meter swinger]

NW Task Force, love the 283 in factory garb. Beatiful looking engine.
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[Kim57]

Keep plugging away at it and you should be able to make your deadline.
Kim

[NW Task Force]

Originally Posted by mr48chev

I'm thinking seriously about building a two car shop behind my old garage this spring to have a place to work out of the weather.

Yeah, it is virtually impossible to work on a vehicle over here outdoors during the winter months. Way too much rain! My garage is just a small 2-car, but I have dedicated it to just my 57'. I bought some wheel castors for the truck. Man, I am glad I bought those! Makes it super easy to roll around by myself.

[NW Task Force]

Originally Posted by meter swinger

NW Task Force, love the 283 in factory garb. Beatiful looking engine.
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Thanks for the compliment! Yeah, I totally love the retro small block look under the hood. I just cannot get into chrome/billet/polished up stuff under the hood.(sometimes it depends on vehicles) Everywhere you go at car shows.........350cids loaded with dress-up goodies. The bottom line is that I wanted to be totally different than most folks with engine size and engine decore. I really like the old school CHEVROLET script valve covers and all the 60's era bracketry. The air cleaner is an oil bath 1956 Belair unit converted to a paper element style.

[Highsider]

Nuthin' better than a '57.

[NW Task Force]

Here is an update on my 57' project.

Things left to do:

1.Set rearend pinion angle
2. Have driveline built
3. Wire up engine compartment for V8
4. Install radiator & electric fan/relay
5. Install exhaust

These are the major items left and I have till July to get it done for my wedding. Sure hope I can make it.

[mknittle]

4 months, should be done........Tick.......Tock.....Tick... looking good

[Kim57]

Looks good. Good luck on the time line.
Kim

[ruby57]

It does look like you're making great progress! And don't forget for leaving the church wedding to add tying the cans with string onto the rear bumper...

Originally Posted by Kim57

Looks good. Good luck on the time line.
Kim

[mr48chev]

Originally Posted by ruby57

It does look like you're making great progress! And don't forget for leaving the church wedding to add tying the cans with string onto the rear bumper...

I'm sure if he has it parked in front of the church or reception hall that will be the least of his worries. You can't tie your own cans and shoes to your own rig anyhow but your crazy new sister in law sure can. If it's gets written on with shoe polish don't drive pass the fist car wash as that needs to come off before it gets baked on including on the windows. My 69 Cutlass still showed the writing on the back window two years later when there was dew on the glass.

[Bishops Trucks]

You will be behind the wheel cruising it down the road before you know it. I like the color, what is it?

[NW Task Force]

Originally Posted by Bishops Trucks

You will be behind the wheel cruising it down the road before you know it. I like the color, what is it?

The color is called, "Candy-Brandy Wine". The paint was applied by the previous owner. The overall workmanship of the paint is poor. I call it a 20 foot paint job........looks good from that distance, but close up not so much. I honestly dislike the flashy metallic color and want to go with a flat primer seafoam green with white/ivory door posts and top. I really like the traditional factory paint schemes. My fiance' would like to see the truck painted in flat maroon. Well see........... not in any hurry to repaint it.

[NW Task Force]

Originally Posted by mr48chev

I'm sure if he has it parked in front of the church or reception hall that will be the least of his worries. You can't tie your own cans and shoes to your own rig anyhow but your crazy new sister in law sure can. If it's gets written on with shoe polish don't drive pass the fist car wash as that needs to come off before it gets baked on including on the windows. My 69 Cutlass still showed the writing on the back window two years later when there was dew on the glass.

The wedding party has been briefed on do's & don'ts of decorating the truck. I have people also "staged" outside to keep an eye on it for me too.