New 1957 Project
 

This is my latest project. Just had it delivered today. Needs some carb work but, mechanically it is pretty sound. Also, it looks like there isn't much deep rust mainly, just on the surface.

Re: New 1957 Project
 

:welcoem:
Looks like a nice truck. What running gear has it got?
Kim

Re: New 1957 Project
 

The axles are mid-70s Jeep pickup, 327 engine and four speed transmission. Still working on identifying what type of transfer case it has.

Re: New 1957 Project
 

Awesome truck!! I might be a little biased though...
Im getting ready to start on a very similar project myself. We will have to start a 4X4 support group. OrrieG has a nice one he's working on. He's a real nice guy and good source for info.
Good luck with the build!!

Re: New 1957 Project
 

It's about time I did an update. Lots of minor changes. To date I've done the following.

-Installed new throttle from 90s Chevy van with throttle cable
-Cut out the dash around the radio and welded in a new piece of metal--This will be a re-do, I don't really like how it came out
-Installed cam, lifters, intake and new carb. Old cam was made for high RPMs and wouldn't even idle
-Minor hole filling and dent beating here and there
-Installed a bear claw latch on the drivers side. What a PITA!:cuss: I'm not really wild about how it came out but, it works. I will end up having to put a different door handle due to the fact that the original one works in the opposite direction from what I need.

Re: New 1957 Project
 

More pictures

Re: New 1957 Project
 

Welcome!! Looks like a good soild truck to start with. Keep those progress pics coming!

Re: New 1957 Project
 

Part of the reason that it is so solid is that it is from California.

Unfortunately, I think I have a couple of re-dos on a few mods.

Re: New 1957 Project
 

AK56 got it right we need a 12 step program support group for old 4WD truck guys. Nice platform to start with, what is the drive train??? I am working on my doors now, replace the lower hinge pins and have new original latch assys ordered. I decided I was not brave enough to got the bear claw route, I figured I've been bouncing around in these trucks for 50+ years and havn't fallen out yet (rolled a Sunbeam once and had to bail but thats another story) so I'll stick with stock. Keep the pictures coming. Patrick

Re: New 1957 Project
 

It has late 70s/early 80s Jeep pickup running gear on the original springs. The other unique thing about it is the steering gearbox is also from the Jeep and mounted on the inside of the frame rail versus on the outside.

After much searching, this is the route I'm going to take on the latch install:

http://www.hotrodders.com/gallery/sh.../62368/cat/500

Agree on the program but, at least it keeps me out of the other various 12 steps :lol:

Re: New 1957 Project
 

I've started on the re-do of the door latches.

Based upon the post here about halfway down the page from http://www.hotrodders.com/forum/55-5...ml#post1012050

I decided to use large bear claws along with a different latch engagement mechanism.

Hopefully this weekend I get a chance to install at least one side, as long as the installation kit arrives in time.

Re: New 1957 Project
 

When you have time could you post a photo of the steering set up? The Jeep axle must have a whole different pitman/tie rod set up then the GM axle.

Re: New 1957 Project
 

I'll post some pictures this weekend.

The main difference is that the steering gearbox is on the inside of the frame (same style of box as a car) and in front of the front cross-member.

Steering pictures
 

Here are the pictures of the steering gearbox and linkage.

Re: New 1957 Project
 

Thank you the third picture tells the story. It looks like the same box, just reversed. At least I know if I get really frustrated with my shortened turning ratio there is a possible solution. Has anyone tried using the Jeep box and modifying the Chevy tie rod? I think some of the serious off road guys might be doing something like that.

Re: New 1957 Project
 

I believe the GM full size car boxes are the same in that they bolt inside of the frame rails.

Re: New 1957 Project
 

I finally had a chance to re-do the door latches. If you are considering doing this, I strongly recommend the large size bear claws. Much easier to install although, it could be because I've done this once already :lol: I'll finish up the welding later but, wanted to see if this would work. Only took me a couple of hours to do this.

Re: New 1957 Project
 

I also installed a new steering column and intermediate shaft. I'll post pictures later. The one recommendation is DO NOT buy a cheap Chinese made column.
:banghead: Lots of problems with the electrics but, I made it work.

Re: New 1957 Project
 

Here is the latest update. Received the custom brake cables and hardware from Control Cables Inc. Very good customer service. I followed their instructions and used vacuum line to layout where I wanted the cables, faxed in the measurements and confirmed with a phone call. A week later, they are at my door.

Re: New 1957 Project
 

Try #2 on the dash. This time I purchased a panel from Brother's and used one of pieces from the original radio panel. I still need to use some filler to level it out but, I'm much more pleased this time around.

Re: New 1957 Project
 

My biggest concern is rust and not getting any more. Because the truck is originally from California, it is pretty clean. To make sure it stayed this way, I decided to get it blasted and shot with epoxy primer. I only paid $350 which isn't too bad but, they missed a few parts. Overall, they did an OK job.

A few before pictures

Re: New 1957 Project
 

A few after pictures

Re: New 1957 Project
 

Here are some shots of the rust after blasting. Looks like I'm going to need to do a couple of cab corners and a fender bottom. I'm still undecided on whether or not to re-skin the doors or fix dents and rust.

Any suggestions?

Re: New 1957 Project
 

I presently have a Chevy D44 axle mounted on my Jeep.

Here's a list of parts that I'm using:
- steering box from 1990 Jeep Cherokee
- pitman arm from 1990 Cherokee
- drag link from 1980 Cherokee/Wagoneer
- cross link from 1980 Cherokee/Wagoneer
- driver's side tie rod end from 1980 Chevy 4x4

The key to all of this is the passenger side knuckle of the axle. It has to be a flat top knuckle.

You have to drill, tap and screw in mounting studs for a new (aftermarket) steering arm (like this one).

If you are interested, I could snap a couple of photos of the setup.

This page has some photos of the high steer knuckle setup.

Zeke

Re: New 1957 Project
 

I had the same kind of damage on the back of my cab. I made a patch to just replace the rusted area and kept the original corners.
Kim

Re: New 1957 Project
 

Here's even more info on flat top knuckles and high steer setups.

Re: New 1957 Project
 

We finally had enough of a break in the rain so that I could install the new (used) windshield, rear window, prime the roof and seal the drip rail seams before I have to move to Kansas.

A few thoughts:

-String definitely helps with the front windshield. Because of how the gasket is, it seems that it would almost make sense to pull one from the inside and one end of it from the outside.

-When doing the back window, put the gasket in the truck and then slip the window in. Also, don't trim as much of the gasket :(

Here are a few shots before it gets shipped off...

Re: New 1957 Project
 

Is that a spare grille in the bed? Would you want to sell it?

Re: New 1957 Project
 

I finally have moved and gotten settled enough to do some work on the truck. Other than putting a new radiator in it a few months ago, I really haven't done much other than drive it.

After spending two hours underneath the truck trying to remove old undercoating and only doing about a 2'x2' area, I decided to go ahead and get the cab floor blasted. While I'm at it, better paint the frame, have the inner fenders blasted...You know the rest of the story.

Here are the latest pictures.

Re: New 1957 Project
 

Do you know what headers are on it? I' curious about fit on the passenger side around the starter, driveline, bellhousing and crossmember. Does it still have the stock crossmember between the front rear spring purches (original bellhousing crossmember)? Thanks

Re: New 1957 Project
 

Get a little propane torch like plumbers use from your hardware store. Once you heat that undercoating up with it, you can scrape it clean off as fast as you want to work.

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I will take some pictures when I get a chance but, the original cross-member near the bellhousing was removed. Not sure on the brand of headers, they were on it when I bought it.

Re: New 1957 Project
 

Thanks, no hurry I'm just thinking ahead.

Re: New 1957 Project
 

Finally an update. I've been pretty much working on it every weekend for the last two months. A list of what I've done (or had others do) so far:

-Cleaned, primed and painted the frame. Just need to add another coat of Eastwood ceramic chassis black and I'll be done with this.

-Had the cab media blasted

-Removed and replaced the rear cab panel. Also removed the inner cab corners and replaced them with a patch inside of the cab.

-Removed and replaced the driver's side step.

-Filled a whole bunch of holes in the floor and firewall.

-Had the cab primed and ready for the next step of filling dents and then spraying the floor and bottom with Al's liner.

Now, on to the pictures...

Re: New 1957 Project
 

More pictures. The completed pictures of the cab will have to wait until next weekend. It's back together but, in my haste to get home, I forgot the after pictures.:lol:

Re: New 1957 Project
 

Here's the latest update. So far I've been able to accomplish the following:

-Fixed the brake and clutch pedal set up that I took from a 86 Chevy truck to work with mine. I'm using the 86 hydraulic clutch set up and a booster from a Chevy van.

-Installed rear cab panel...BTW, the contours on the sides aren't exactly like the original and it will take a bit of work. In hindsight, I should have just repaired the original and changed the cab corners. At one point, the truck was in an accident on the drivers rear cab corner and had a replacement spliced in, poorly I might add.

-Filled the fuel filler hole.

-Replaced the front lower hinge pockets. I originally patched these but, I knew that they had rust and being a perfectionist, I couldn't live with it. Not the easiest to change.

-Replaced the fender bottom. One odd thing about this is that the inside edge profile is not the same, so it took a bit of work with a hammer and dolly to fix.

-A bunch of dent filling, sanding and hole filling.

-Sprayed Al's Liner on the inside of the cab. I was able to tint it with the color that I'm going to use. Additionally, I used the rubber granules to help with making the inside of the truck quieter.

-Did I mention a bunch of sanding?

Re: New 1957 Project
 

More pictures

Re: New 1957 Project
 

I'm having flashbacks to my cab corners and hinge pockets. Nice work. The Al's product looks sharp, does it go on as easy as they say? How about cleanup for the gun?

Re: New 1957 Project
 

Thanks.

The liner almost goes on a little easy...I messed up on the first go but, I figured it out. If you get it, use the nozzle that comes in the gun. I decided to use the larger one because of the rubber granules and I don't think I needed to use it. The gun clean up is just like is shown in the video, let it dry and pull out the remnants.

Re: New 1957 Project
 

Hey Ive always been curious about the fender patch panels. do they come with the support that bolts to the cab on the inside or do you have to salvage the original support??

Looking great.

Ben