Re: '57 Stepside, Big Window Project
 

Cool. Looks like it's in nice shape already. What's your plans?

Edit in: Duh... nevermind...I clicked page 2 instead of page one. Nice project going on there!

Re: '57 Stepside, Big Window Project
 

Stay on it!! looking good!

Re: '57 Stepside, Big Window Project
 

Yes, it was/is in excellent condition. It's been in the garage since 1997 but now's the time to get it built. I have to repair my DD this weekend ('86 Jimmy). Afterwards, the fun begins! Stay tuned...

Re: '57 Stepside, Big Window Project
 

Time for some updated pics gang;

Donor Engine: 1987 Chevrolet 350 R10 motor. Currently setup with a Edelbrock 600 Carb. Considering removing the new intake and carb and installing an EFI unit. I like the idea of FI in the '57 but I just can't decide. I have time though.
http://www.a2zcs.com/files/camaro/87350.jpg

Here’s the SubFrame before I removed it from the donor vehicle.
http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6217/6...9103fda940.jpg

Completely rebuilt, new bushings from Energy Suspension;
http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6044/6...a617171138.jpg

New Springs and rotors as well...
http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6049/6...605aaed553.jpg

http://www.a2zcs.com/files/camaro/1206.jpg

Time to tear it all down and get ready for surgery.

Re: '57 Stepside, Big Window Project
 

OK, after a winter of waiting, I finally got my smaller projects finished and the garage cleaned up to the point where I can start on the ole' girl again. The Camaro is gone but I kept the front clip (since I had completely rebuilt it). ;) Now, I'm reading several of the threads here to get a feel for the procedure to graft it to the '57's frame rails.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7134/7...b21e07847b.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7097/7...f6e0680aa1.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7064/6...a57ff2f622.jpg
Here's the Rear End Mock up.. '73 XJ6 Jag Rear IRS with mounting hardware. (Sorry, iphone didn't do it justice. I'll get the Nikon and do better)

Re: '57 Stepside, Big Window Project
 

Cool that you're able to get back to it.
Kim

Re: '57 Stepside, Big Window Project
 

Word of advice, there's lots of threads done on the subject so do heaps of searching, reading & triple measuring!

Re: '57 Stepside, Big Window Project
 

Take a look over a HAMB too. There is at least one pretty detailed thread done by a guy who has done a bunch.

Re: '57 Stepside, Big Window Project
 

This is the thread OrrieG mentioned;

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/s...d.php?t=148978

Re: '57 Stepside, Big Window Project
 

Thanks... I will. I'm on page 13 of that thread. Of all the things I've read so far, I like Lux's procedure the best.

Re: '57 Stepside, Big Window Project
 

Thanks for posting the link, I was feeling lazy the other evening!

Re: '57 Stepside, Big Window Project
 

Working on mock up of the Jag Rear End (Finally!)

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7075/7...80b5e74fb4.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7214/7...28cb936ace.jpg

Prepping the Camaro Clip for installation too;

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7219/7...a441824824.jpg

Another View
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7224/7...0ef1464ee0.jpg

Feels good to finally get back on the project... been sitting in the garage in pieces since 1997.

Re: '57 Stepside, Big Window Project
 

I know how you feel about your project sitting. I've had mine since 92 and have only made any steady progress on it in the past year.
Keep at it and it'll be done in no time.
Kim

Re: '57 Stepside, Big Window Project
 

... trying to do something every night.. I bought the truck from a guy in Riverside in 1990 when I lived in Colton, CA.

Re: '57 Stepside, Big Window Project
 

Got the Cab off the frame tonight and started measurements to prepare for grafting the Camaro Clip onto the front of the truck

Rear Axle Centerline - (I've heard 36 1/2" and 37" from the rear of the frame) - Which is correct???
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7235/7...0937c33ac7.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7083/7...bba84ac761.jpg

Could this be some kind of sign? 114 inches to the rear of that hole on both rails of the frame...
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7089/7...88905af2b1.jpg

This should be the Centerline for the front Axle. My problem is I tore the truck down sooo long ago, discarded the front axle and rear end and can't find my notes now on where they are supposed to be... I may have some pictures to refer to...

Re: '57 Stepside, Big Window Project
 

Don't forget the front wheels weren't centered on these things from the factory.
I think most guys have had to move them forward an inch or more.
Kim

Re: '57 Stepside, Big Window Project
 

Thanks for the reminder... How's yours coming?

I spent the weekend reading several threads, all the while making notes of everything. That detail is pretty important! I'm gonna put the plasma to it later this week. I bought some big C-Clamps at Harbor Freight over the weekend so I can start fitting the clip once I can get it mated up. Then, I'm gonna put the cab back on, put the dog house together and eyeball everything before tacking it in place and having my nephew come over and weld it all in. It'll be nice to get her back on her own feet.

Ken

Re: '57 Stepside, Big Window Project
 

Those holes are probably the original factory jig points. Factory assy manual, or the document in my signature link both have detailed frame dimensions that might help.

Re: '57 Stepside, Big Window Project
 

Thanks!

I have the factory maintenance manual and have looked at some other stuff, but the frame dimensions in the doc in your sig were perfect. That helps a bunch. If for no other reason than a printed reference to check myself with.

Ken

Re: '57 Stepside, Big Window Project
 

Ok, here wego, working on the rear cross member strengthening it up.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7099/7...35954b8b7e.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7211/7...de55f5ebc6.jpg


Then, we broke out the Plasma and started knocking the rivets off the spring perches so we could get the cross member out.

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8152/7...d394418907.jpg

Going to finish getting the cross member out tonight and proceed with the clip install...

Re: '57 Stepside, Big Window Project
 

Great project, keep up the awesome work! Just remember, a jug fills drop by drop.

Re: '57 Stepside, Big Window Project
 

BTT.
Any pics of the clip welded in 87lowrider?
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Re: '57 Stepside, Big Window Project
 

Not yet welded in, but soon and I'll post a whole bunch of photos.

Re: '57 Stepside, Big Window Project
 

Long hot summer, lotsa distractions... still not welded in but hope to get it done soon... Ken

Re: '57 Stepside, Big Window Project
 

nice work so far