Hi everyone I am new to the boards and just saying hi. - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

OldJimmy57 · 06-28-2004, 04:01 PM

I actually aquired this truck from my grandfather who bought it new in oct of 56. I is a 57 GMC big back glass long bed. However i have a SWB chassis and a Short bed box for him now. Also have a 400hp 327 to go in it. I was however wanting to talk to somebody from around Dallas area. About some other stuff for this old truck. I have been reading and I have noticed that shamrock is from Grand Prairie and I was actually looking to get his number or find where his shop is and go by and pick his brain a little. LOL But anyway I hope you guys will be a big help down the road. Thanks. Oh and also what front suspension do you guys recommend for stock body street rod chasis?

rico_bob · 06-28-2004, 07:51 PM

HELLO JIMMY57... AND WELCOME ABOARD. We are glad to have you and hope we can help you on your project. Post any and all question here or on the parts board and you will see that this good bunch of members is always ready to lend a hand!

Thanks for signing up! rico_bob

www.ricos-rods-and-relics.com

Blue Beard · 06-29-2004, 07:33 AM

Welcome from SW Washington State...

56 gmc · 06-30-2004, 01:14 PM

Welcome from NW WAshington State

DennyB · 06-30-2004, 03:34 PM

Welcome from NJ. How about some pics

Re: the chassis, Do you have a budget and how far do you want to go?

OldJimmy57 · 06-30-2004, 04:20 PM

Sorry I dont have a picture. But as for the chassis I don't really have a set amount. I am actually looking for a narrowed ford 9 inch rearend with a traction lock and a 4 link setup. For the front I was wanting to do the Heidt's IFS kit. I have seen several Camaro lips on the front and I dont like the way they look welded to each other. But have any of you guys had any problems with your setups? Or recommendations. Also on the ass end of the truck I was wanting to run 33x21.5x15's

ShamrockCustoms · 06-30-2004, 05:59 PM

Hello OldJimmy57,

Gonna fix up the 57, eh? Sweet! I don't have a shop yet, hope to in the future. What kind of question do you have? Lots of people here with info.

OldJimmy57 · 06-30-2004, 06:27 PM

Well the rearend setup is the first question I have. I need someone that is into these trucks as much as I am that wouldnt mind showing me how to measure the rearend. What to look for and just an overall Antique car lover. Next would be I have alot of friends that tell me to just go for the Camaro front clip. I personally have seen several of these BOTCHED very badly. And I was curious as to what people thought about the Heidt's IFS kit. Or if that one is good but just too expensive what is another good company that is cheaper. I am just looking for someone that I can talk to about this truck 24-7 that wont get tired of all the endless questions I have.

DennyB · 07-01-2004, 08:54 AM

OldJimmy,
One swap that is not to complicated is a 71-72 swb C10 chassis.
With this swap you get IFS with disc brakes, a choice of coil or leaf spring rears, 5 on 5 lug pattern and power steering if it was optioned in the chassis.
The 71-72 swb chassis is a 115" wheelbase while the stock 57 is 114"
LWB chassis can also be shortened to fit.

The frame in the pics below was a long frame shortened to and odd length so the wheel spacing is off but you can get the idea.

ShamrockCustoms · 07-01-2004, 05:50 PM

Well, for the rearend, if you 're looking to swap it out, measurements need to be taken from the mounting flange on both ends to determine overall length. The thing is, that measurement has a fudge factor. You can have it a little shorter and use a wheel with more backspacing or a little longer and use more backspacing on the wheels. This is only 1-2" factor tho. I cant recall off my head the precise measurement but its somewhere around 58".
Most truck rears will work pretty well.

for the front suspension, there are lots o' options. several companies make mustang ii style front ends that are wider for the 55-59 track and use extensions on the rack to correct for the widened track. these seem to work really well as ou can just drop it in the original frame and is lots less work then a full clip from a car.

a very good source of info the book by Truckin magazine titled Tri-Five Chevy Trucks. It has lots of good info and building our trucks. you can find it at amazon or probably on ebay too. barnes & noble might carry it too, think it saw on in the irving store. anyway, hope this helps!

06-28-2004, 04:01 PM	#1
OldJimmy57 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: mesquite texas Posts: 143	Hi everyone I am new to the boards and just saying hi. I actually aquired this truck from my grandfather who bought it new in oct of 56. I is a 57 GMC big back glass long bed. However i have a SWB chassis and a Short bed box for him now. Also have a 400hp 327 to go in it. I was however wanting to talk to somebody from around Dallas area. About some other stuff for this old truck. I have been reading and I have noticed that shamrock is from Grand Prairie and I was actually looking to get his number or find where his shop is and go by and pick his brain a little. LOL But anyway I hope you guys will be a big help down the road. Thanks. Oh and also what front suspension do you guys recommend for stock body street rod chasis?

06-28-2004, 07:51 PM	#2
rico_bob "Treasure the Ride" Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Mid Michigan, Harrison Michigan, USA Posts: 682	Welcome Aboard Jimmy57 HELLO JIMMY57... AND WELCOME ABOARD. We are glad to have you and hope we can help you on your project. Post any and all question here or on the parts board and you will see that this good bunch of members is always ready to lend a hand! Thanks for signing up! rico_bob www.ricos-rods-and-relics.com __________________ If you think you can you're right. If you think you can't you're still right. Trucks: '56 SWB; '57 SWB; '63 C-10 Current projects: 1963 Long Fleetside for the wife! '56 for the daughter. Visit us at: www.ricos-rods-and-relics.com Last edited by rico_bob; 06-28-2004 at 07:54 PM.

06-29-2004, 07:33 AM	#3
Blue Beard Registered User Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Washington State Posts: 8,831	Welcome from SW Washington State... __________________ 1970 Chev CST 2003 Harley Fatboy 1975 Chevrolet Step Van 1956 Chev Bel Air 1977 Blazer 2WD For Sale $3000.00 1978 Blazer 2WD For Sale $7000.00 1978 Silverado 2005 Monte Carlo

06-30-2004, 03:34 PM	#5
DennyB Led Sled! Discs R 4 ME! Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Toms River, NJ, USA (Transplanted Hoosier) Posts: 7,327	Welcome from NJ. How about some pics Re: the chassis, Do you have a budget and how far do you want to go? __________________ "Never ride faster than your Angel can fly" I.M.O.M,W,J&C Patriot Guard Rider

06-30-2004, 04:20 PM	#6
OldJimmy57 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: mesquite texas Posts: 143	Sorry I dont have a picture. But as for the chassis I don't really have a set amount. I am actually looking for a narrowed ford 9 inch rearend with a traction lock and a 4 link setup. For the front I was wanting to do the Heidt's IFS kit. I have seen several Camaro lips on the front and I dont like the way they look welded to each other. But have any of you guys had any problems with your setups? Or recommendations. Also on the ass end of the truck I was wanting to run 33x21.5x15's Last edited by OldJimmy57; 06-30-2004 at 04:24 PM.

06-30-2004, 01:14 PM	#4
56 gmc Registered User Join Date: Jun 2004 Posts: 16	Welcome from NW WAshington State

06-30-2004, 05:59 PM	#7
ShamrockCustoms Project56 on hold Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Burleson, TX Posts: 489	Hello OldJimmy57, Gonna fix up the 57, eh? Sweet! I don't have a shop yet, hope to in the future. What kind of question do you have? Lots of people here with info. __________________ Shamrock Customs Forever-in-the-Future Custom Shop 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer GTS daily driver 1956 Chevy Stepside rodstoration on winter hold

06-30-2004, 06:27 PM	#8
OldJimmy57 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: mesquite texas Posts: 143	Well the rearend setup is the first question I have. I need someone that is into these trucks as much as I am that wouldnt mind showing me how to measure the rearend. What to look for and just an overall Antique car lover. Next would be I have alot of friends that tell me to just go for the Camaro front clip. I personally have seen several of these BOTCHED very badly. And I was curious as to what people thought about the Heidt's IFS kit. Or if that one is good but just too expensive what is another good company that is cheaper. I am just looking for someone that I can talk to about this truck 24-7 that wont get tired of all the endless questions I have.

07-01-2004, 08:54 AM	#9
DennyB Led Sled! Discs R 4 ME! Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Toms River, NJ, USA (Transplanted Hoosier) Posts: 7,327	OldJimmy, One swap that is not to complicated is a 71-72 swb C10 chassis. With this swap you get IFS with disc brakes, a choice of coil or leaf spring rears, 5 on 5 lug pattern and power steering if it was optioned in the chassis. The 71-72 swb chassis is a 115" wheelbase while the stock 57 is 114" LWB chassis can also be shortened to fit. The frame in the pics below was a long frame shortened to and odd length so the wheel spacing is off but you can get the idea. Attached Images __________________ "Never ride faster than your Angel can fly" I.M.O.M,W,J&C Patriot Guard Rider

07-01-2004, 05:50 PM	#10
ShamrockCustoms Project56 on hold Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Burleson, TX Posts: 489	Well, for the rearend, if you 're looking to swap it out, measurements need to be taken from the mounting flange on both ends to determine overall length. The thing is, that measurement has a fudge factor. You can have it a little shorter and use a wheel with more backspacing or a little longer and use more backspacing on the wheels. This is only 1-2" factor tho. I cant recall off my head the precise measurement but its somewhere around 58". Most truck rears will work pretty well. for the front suspension, there are lots o' options. several companies make mustang ii style front ends that are wider for the 55-59 track and use extensions on the rack to correct for the widened track. these seem to work really well as ou can just drop it in the original frame and is lots less work then a full clip from a car. a very good source of info the book by Truckin magazine titled Tri-Five Chevy Trucks. It has lots of good info and building our trucks. you can find it at amazon or probably on ebay too. barnes & noble might carry it too, think it saw on in the irving store. anyway, hope this helps! __________________ Shamrock Customs Forever-in-the-Future Custom Shop 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer GTS daily driver 1956 Chevy Stepside rodstoration on winter hold



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