My '57 Truck Build "Rosa"
 

This is the latest '57 3100 I have picked up for $1200. Her name is "Rosa"

Re: My '57 Truck Build "Rosa"
 

Nice, Please keep posting pictures as you make progress.

Tri5

Re: My '57 Truck Build "Rosa"
 

I think I should explain the name "57 ROSA" This is in Honor of CPL Randy ROSAker, USMC, KIA/ 23 MAR 2003.
This kid grew up next door to me when I lived in Murphy Canyon Housing while stationed at NAS Mirimar. His dad was a Senior Chief in the submarine navy. I still stay in contact with them. Rest in Peace My Friend...SEMPER FI

The truck will have a Veteran Theme: POW-MIA-KIA with custom graphics.

ALL GAVE SOME...BUT SOME GAVE ALL

Re: My '57 Truck Build "Rosa"
 

Pre tear down pictures. Floor panels are solid. Rockers are not half as bad as previous one. Doors close and are tight when shut, no rattling.

Re: My '57 Truck Build "Rosa"
 

Front fender, Radiator, grille, hood, and engine pull.

Re: My '57 Truck Build "Rosa"
 

Are you going to change the front end or leave it as is?

Tri5

Re: My '57 Truck Build "Rosa"
 

My plans: Full Off frame restoration. It will then be a Retro-Mod. A little OLD with a little NEW.

1957 Chevy
CHASSIS
Frame: '83 C10
Rearend / Ratio: '83 C10 / 2.73:1
Rear suspension: 2" Drop Shackles/2" Drop Hangers, New Poly Bushings
Rear brakes: Drums
Front suspension: 2 1/2' Drop Spindles, New Poly Bushings
Front brakes: 12” Drilled, Gas Slotted disc
Steering box: GM
Front wheels: American Racing, Torq Thrust ST
Rear wheels: American Racing, Torq Thrust ST
Front tires:
Rear tires:
Gas tank: stainless under bed, side fill
DRIVETRAIN
Engine: Chevy 350
Heads:
Valve covers: custom
Manifold: Edelbrock Aluminim
Ignition: MSD
Headers:
Exhaust / Mufflers: Catback custom
Transmission: 700-R4 with floor shift
BODY
Style: 3100 Stepside
Fenders front / rear: stock
Hood: '56 hood custom
Bed: stock, wood - skinned tailgate with art
Bodywork and paint by:
Paint color: ???
Headlights / Taillights: stock-chrome-halogen & LED
Bumpers: stock, front/chromed rear/rollpan custom
INTERIOR - custom seats, door panels, kick panels, healiner & dash.
Gauges: Dakota Digital
Steering wheel: Billet Specialties
Steering column: Ididit
Seat: Custome Split bench
Material / Color: tan/brown leather
Carpet: Mercades tan
Firewall will be smoothed: Battery box and master cylinder/booster located under frame.
Side tire mount
Electric One pc window Kit
Vintage Air

This is my wish list so far. Big dream huh...."?

Re: My '57 Truck Build "Rosa"
 

In process of removing everything from cab so I can get it on the dolly for blasting. I plan on getting the windows out tomorrow. Does anyone know if the original heater box is used if I am upgrading to a Vintage Air Sure Fit System. I have to pull all of this out anyway, but I was just wondering if it had to go back in. Thanks

Re: My '57 Truck Build "Rosa"
 

sure fit does not use any of the heater box or air diffusers. you need to keep the controls, they are reused. you can down load the install instruction from their site so you know exactlly what to keep.

Re: My '57 Truck Build "Rosa"
 

Nice progress... looking forward to the updates.

Re: My '57 Truck Build "Rosa"
 

Great build thread, and what a tribute!

Re: My '57 Truck Build "Rosa"
 

Re: My '57 Truck Build "Rosa"
 

Loaded the straight 6 and trans up yesterday on the trailer. Just about got to hot...110 deg heat index. I t is strapped down ready for Daniel to pick up. He bought my previous '57. I took some shot's of the inside of the cab. The floor panels are GREAT. Dash is solid. If I can get the gas tank, glass, ad column out this week, I will try to get the cab off frame. Maybe, I will be ready to start blasting in 2 weeks. Also, took picture of firewall again. I am lucky, I do not have many holes to fill in. I some of you had a bunch. I will smooth this firewall. Battery box and master cylinder/booster will mount under cab. I am going to rest today.

Re: My '57 Truck Build "Rosa"
 

That's a very solid truck you have there! Keep the updates coming!!

Re: My '57 Truck Build "Rosa"
 

looking good keep it up !! Sorry it took a while to get back but been buzy!! Is it this weekend you be up?

Re: My '57 Truck Build "Rosa"
 

Brian, we are leaving Friday. Hope to sit around with you and Chuckles and run some ideas about the build by you. Especially about the IFS. As always, it will be while grilling and a cold one.

Re: My '57 Truck Build "Rosa"
 

semper fi my friend keep up the good work

Re: My '57 Truck Build "Rosa"
 

Not waisting any time are ya?
That truck looks like its in way better shape than the other one.

I think it's great that your're building a memorial truck.

Re: My '57 Truck Build "Rosa"
 

Thanks, Nick. I went up this past weekend to N. GA to get some ideas from my brother-in-law (72BLUZ) and his neighbor (71SEE10). Had a great visit and hope to get started back on removing the cab this week. Will update.

Re: My '57 Truck Build "Rosa"
 

It looks like a good solid truck to start with. Good progress so far.

Re: My '57 Truck Build "Rosa"
 

from one ga. boy to another, great work and stay outta the heat!

Re: My '57 Truck Build "Rosa"
 

Looks very Solid. I will enjoy seeing progress.

Re: My '57 Truck Build "Rosa"
 

I need info. I have heard chatter about C10 frame swaps. I ran into a complete C10 Frame already sripped down ready to clean up. IFS, rear axle etc. $450. Question has anyone ever done a '57 to C10 frame swap vs. a clip modification or IFS package install.

"This is a 67 frame, but will work for 67-72 c-10 truck. It is short wheel base. It has the original 6 lug drum brakes and the original 410 gears. I wasn't going to strip it this far but some one wanted the frame so I did all the hard work for them, and now they changed there mind so i'm stuck with it. The frame is in perfect shape. No mud clumps, extra rust burs, extra metal, etc........ Nice and clean and bout to be painted"

Re: My '57 Truck Build "Rosa"
 

Yes a frame swap is possible, we had to shim the front 1/2 of the cab on our suburban but we used a 1971 c-10 with disc brakes( same, same as yours). The front clip of a 71 c-10 ( if clipping) has almost the same measurements, close anyway. That is what I am using on my 58 fleetside. Rail height is pretty exact but remember that the steering box is on the outside of the frame rail so it is a hard offset for the steering. We notched our firewall so that the center of the steering column is at the bend in the firewall. I will take some pic's tomm of my frame & firewall for you to give you an idea of what to do. Here is a pic of the front of the frame with cab still installed. Not a good pic, but something for now

Re: My '57 Truck Build "Rosa"
 

Thanks fabguy, just trying to make up my mind which direction to go with.

Re: My '57 Truck Build "Rosa"
 

Here are few pics of what we have.

Re: My '57 Truck Build "Rosa"
 

Re: My '57 Truck Build "Rosa"
 

Thanks fatguy. I am still trying to figure which route to go- clip, IFS kit, or frame swap. I have decided that I am going to "Bag her". That being said, it will probably be just as easy to just get the kits and box in and modify original frame.

I have also, been working on tracking down a 327ci for the poweer pack. I found one that had been recently rebuilt and is a strong engine for $400. I would still tear it down and go trough it, but it sounds like a goood deal to me.

Re: My '57 Truck Build "Rosa"
 

UPDATE: after working on shop some, I have gotton back to the truck. I had to get my hoist finished. I decided to finish the shop floor before I started grinding and sanding because of all the dust getting everywhere. I know, it still will, but less to clean up to preapre the floor. Floor is done. Anyway. CAB is off and striped. Ready for blast. I only had 1 cab bolt stripped. Actually it broke. Over all, I only had a total of 8 screws and bolts that I had to notch and use a striaght slot on to get out. Here are pics. :metal:

Re: My '57 Truck Build "Rosa"
 

I do have a question for you experts. I think I want to put a '56 hood on this truck. I like the smooth look vs. the two ribs. Does anyone know if it will fit perfect or will anything have to be modified. I will be adding a front tilt kit from "No Limit". Thanks.

Re: My '57 Truck Build "Rosa"
 

Another question. I am going to pick you guy's brains because I am getting into the meat of this thing now. I have a feeling after blast, I will really have questions. Some "rocket scientist" welded the passenger side upper door hinge bolt. Bottom two came out fine. Bottom has to be rebuilt due to rust as usual. I am sure they welded this to keep the weight off the rusted portion. I never knew it. The doors closed tight and hold tight with no give. Any suggestions on how to get this critter out? Not much room. I would rather get it out and replace hinge and allow for ability to adjust door if needed. Thanks.

Re: My '57 Truck Build "Rosa"
 

Cut out welded bolt and enough of the metal around it to replace with a piece with the right caged nut. Easy fix. If you need to replace enough that it gets into the recessed parts, buy a patch panel for that hinge and just use what you need. That is what I did on the bottom. The caged nut gives you enough play that you do not need to be exact, use the other side as a template.

Re: My '57 Truck Build "Rosa"
 

The 56 hood will bolt right on like the 57. Good luck with your progress!

Re: My '57 Truck Build "Rosa"
 

Thanks OrrieG. I will give that a try. I have to rebuild that side anyway. Chuckdriver, thanks. I thought it would but was not sure. I want a smooth surface due to a graphice that I am considering. I also just like the smooth look. You guys rock.

Re: My '57 Truck Build "Rosa"
 

Dru, Thanks for the parts, just what I was looking for.

I wish my truck had still had it's original 235 like yours instead of the 350. I'd rather have the six but the 350 was claimed to have less than 200 miles on it and runs like that might be true, so I'll keep it for now. Just wondering, why do you want a 327 when 350s are way more available, and probably cheaper.
BTW, 72Bluz, I sold my 69 Dodge to my Bro-in-Law in Lafayette. It's a tan 4X4, you might see it around town occasionally.

Re: My '57 Truck Build "Rosa"
 

Russ,

Are you runnning an automatic with your 350 or 3 speed? I know where I might could get an original 235 with original 3 speed trains. I had an extra that I let go with the first truck that I had before I got this one.

Re: My '57 Truck Build "Rosa"
 

Cab loaded and ready to go to blast. It will be ready tomorrow and then the painter will etch prime. The boys and I spent the afternoon in the shop working on the frame. Removed the rear brake drums and started on the brake lines. WE ARE HAVING FUN NOW!!! I will put pics of cab on here Sunday after the cab is primed.

Re: My '57 Truck Build "Rosa"
 

Hey Dru, I'm keeping the three speed. Partly because I have it and partly because I think it has been rebuilt. It's a later model transmission. It's painted black and shifts very good so I'll keep it for the novelty of having a "three-on-the-tree". The grandkids saw the shifter and asked what it was. Surprising how many people have never seen a column shifter before. I have rebuilt all of the shift linkage and painted it so I'm kind of committed for now.

Re: My '57 Truck Build "Rosa"
 

PROGRESS!!! The blast guy was awesome. Really no surprises. Thank goodness. Took about 3 hours. Loaded up then off to paint shop.:metal:

Re: My '57 Truck Build "Rosa"
 

Two coats of Etch Primer and back to house. Parked in garage. I will put it in shop tomorrow. I am tired. It was a good day.:smoke::mm: