57 GMC Big Window low budget build
 

Hello my name is Bern and I'm about to embark on a complete frame off custom restoration to my 1957 GMC Big Window. The 2nd series trucks have always been my favorite and I finally got myself one via craigslist 3 years ago. New England has very slim pickings so I had the truck shipped from Utah. I've been collecting parts for many years and this is what I have planned. 05 Escalade 6.0 ho, t56 6spd trans, 95 corvette IFS, Ford 9inch narrows with disc, and a bunch of other little but necessary parts. I have a very small 1 car garage that I'm almost done wiring and pluming so I can build the truck. I hope to get steady work done on the truck and have the frame complete by spring. My amazing wife just got me a new welder and plasma cutter for xmas, now that I'm done all the household renovations shes locking me in the garage. I'm excited for this build and to document it,this site has so much to offer with support and inspiration.

Re: 57 GMC Big Window low budget build
 

Sounds like it's gonna be a beast! Can't wait to see the progress pix...good luck.

Re: 57 GMC Big Window low budget build
 

Welcome.
Sounds like a great build. Be sure and post plenty of pics of the build.
Kim

Re: 57 GMC Big Window low budget build
 

Sounds awesome, can't wait to see more.

Re: 57 GMC Big Window low budget build
 

did i miss where the "low budget" was going to come into effect????

sounds like its going to be a beast!!! but I don't see a truck with "05 Escalade 6.0 ho, t56 6spd trans, 95 corvette IFS, Ford 9inch narrows with disc" as low budget!!!

Low budget to me is "my grandma's '85 Caprice is going to supply my engine/trans and ill probably use the rear end too..." haha

congrats on your Utah survivor!! These trucks are truly classics!

Re: 57 GMC Big Window low budget build
 

Thank you guys I will be sure to snap allot of pictures because I enjoy how all of you documented your builds. As for low budget I try to make my dollar go as far as I can and trading is always fun too. I owned a towing company for awhile before I went to Ups to be a mechanic and while towing I made some great friends and some great scores. I got the complete motor with computer and wiring harness and goodies from a salvage yard I towed for, for $800. I found the transmission at a antique swap meet for $600 and offered him $300 he didn't want to load it back up and he through in a racing clutch along with the whole slave setup. I priced out Mustang two front ends with all the polished goodies and they can go around 2k. I purchased the c4 front end complete rotor to rotor for $350. I plan on using the vette factory subframe like okg did. I was given a set of 17inch boyd billet wheels and I got a billet half wrap steering wheel and gauges off ebay for short money.

Re: 57 GMC Big Window low budget build
 

Dude your all over it! Thats gonna be a low-budget street killer. Nice.
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Re: 57 GMC Big Window low budget build
 

welcome to the forum - looks like you have a great project there . good luck and keep us posted .

Re: 57 GMC Big Window low budget build
 

Great start, what kind of welder and plasma?

Re: 57 GMC Big Window low budget build
 

She got me the 220v 175 mig from Eastwood it came with everything including a spool gun! The plasma cutter was part of the package its a eastwood versa cut it was i believe $799 for the pair. I have a lincoln weld pack 100 but I wanted something bigger for the frame work. This week I plan on finishing up my wiring in the garage, I ran a sub panel off my house main panel and I'm putting lots of outlets! I cant wait to start cutting!

Re: 57 GMC Big Window low budget build
 

Its gonna be awesome!!

Re: 57 GMC Big Window low budget build
 

Thanks, Yea I sure hope

Sorry guys that I haven't posted anything yet just have had a bunch a family things but its seems to be slowing down now so I can get back to cleaning out and wiring the garage. I have a tiny garage that I'm attempting to do the build out of so its hard on space.I have allot of tools and parts so as you can see I need to get cleaning. I know allot of you are die hards building trucks outside or in lean-to's so I need to stop crying and start building.

Here is some pics of my messy tiny garage.

Re: 57 GMC Big Window low budget build
 

I forget how to add a picture any suggestions

Re: 57 GMC Big Window low budget build
 

I use photo bucket and then get the image code and put it in your message.

Did you get my PM?

Re: 57 GMC Big Window low budget build
 

Yes I did and I just saw it sry, Im still learning how the site works. I've never belonged to any forum or posted before this. I did't use photo thing before did this just changed so you have to use one?

Re: 57 GMC Big Window low budget build
 

here are some pics of my messy garage it won't be like this for long

Re: 57 GMC Big Window low budget build
 

No, that is just the way I do it.

Re: 57 GMC Big Window low budget build
 

my kind of woman, my wife banishes me to the barn too, usually while she's cleaning house.
that's why i keep a beer fridge out there :D:D:D

Re: 57 GMC Big Window low budget build
 

Like the sound of this one. Gonna be a sweet build

Re: 57 GMC Big Window low budget build
 

Small update with pictures to follow this week its been a hectic spring/summer and I was not able to touch the truck BUT I am on Vacation this week and have been working in the garage I got the garage all wired up for my welder and plasma cutter and I got a new huge tool box from www.motorheadextraordinaire.com. I should have the cab and bed off the frame this week along with plenty pictures.

Re: 57 GMC Big Window low budget build
 

Did not get as much as I wanted done today but made progress. I found some damage on the truck that I never saw before, it appears the truck took a pretty good hit to the passenger side bent cowl and buckled the roof. There was allot of plastic filler hiding the damage.Attachment 983923

Attachment 983922

Re: 57 GMC Big Window low budget build
 

more damage shots

Re: 57 GMC Big Window low budget build
 

I also got the glass taken out today, unbolted the bed and started building a dolly for the cab heres a few pics motor & suspension

Re: 57 GMC Big Window low budget build
 

I hate finding hidden damage.
The engine and suspension look good.
Kim

Re: 57 GMC Big Window low budget build
 

Although I found some pretty bad damage from a accident I got a chance to get under the cab and it is incredibly solid with all clean orig paint so I guess its better to be dealing with dents instead of Ma rust. more pictures tomorrow cab and bed should be off and started cleaning frame to put the c4 front ifs on.

Re: 57 GMC Big Window low budget build
 

I hate finding damage too, I bought the truck off CL in Utah so it was real tough to get the whole picture until it arrives. All and all I am happy with the truck . Your truck is very nice I can't wait to have that much progress.

Re: 57 GMC Big Window low budget build
 

Anyone know if there is hole to measure off of to find the front end center line without hanging the fenders on?

Re: 57 GMC Big Window low budget build
 

What measurement you need I can pull it off my truck or my neighbors for you. Pull from any hole to any part.
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Re: 57 GMC Big Window low budget build
 

I used the original axle as the centerline, marked the frame above it. You could re-hang the front fenders and slide the c4 clip under the frame rails and adjust and set as needed to get the right look. When I do the camaro clips I like to push the axle centerline forward about an inch.

Re: 57 GMC Big Window low budget build
 

That would be great thanks, I see two sets of holes one for the flex line on the side of the rail and the other is about a inch behind it on top of the frame rail if you locate center of the axle away from either of those points would be great. My axle is bent pretty bad so I don't know how accurate mine would be.

Re: 57 GMC Big Window low budget build
 

Yea I just took my cab off but if I can't find the center line I will do that. Thanks for the heads up on moving it foward I've seen people say 1 1/2 to 1/2 I guess it depends on your wheels and tire size Im thinking a inch will be perfect thanks

Re: 57 GMC Big Window low budget build
 

Pictures,Pictures keep posting pictures Please!

I like your plan,I also like what you've done so far

Re: 57 GMC Big Window low budget build
 

Well, I got what I think was allot done today. Got the cab cleaned out found some neat things behind the gas tank. (pictured) I cut the column out broke allot of bolts unbolting the cab and gas tank, found some rot, and got impatient waiting for friends to help take the cab off and ended up taking it off myself and dropping it :metal: I finished up the dolly to put the cab on, then looked at my neighbors atv trailer and decided to take the cab off my awesome dolly and use the trailer. The trailer was nice though because I can get everything out of my garage and just concentrate on the frame. Frame time tomorrow! Hope you guys like pics heres a bunch!

Re: 57 GMC Big Window low budget build
 

seat with mice hotel and three dead mice:waah:

Re: 57 GMC Big Window low budget build
 

found allot of bullets toy gun and this old drag flyer

Re: 57 GMC Big Window low budget build
 

clean floors very solid and my cab cart

Re: 57 GMC Big Window low budget build
 

Man that cab cart would hold up a tank! Your headed in the right direction

Re: 57 GMC Big Window low budget build
 

my impatient attempt removing the cab , jack stand balance act while sliding the cab out from it whoops:dohh:

Re: 57 GMC Big Window low budget build
 

Now I have a frame to start cutting up! Thanks to my neighbor for the awesome trailer I can easily hide everything behind my shed now! :metal:
Thats about it for today I rolled the frame in my garage and tomorrow I will start on that! Thanks for looking

Re: 57 GMC Big Window low budget build
 

enough for one day