New Project 57 Chevy panel on 78 chevy frame
 

Hello;:mm:

I just got a 57 chevy panel truck(very rusty) (pic):waah:
I gave 200.00 for body plus 100.00 for a S-10 frame.
This truck is very rusty in both ft door pillers. (pic):devil:
Dr side is bent bad.( 2pic):devil:
The ft floor n kick also rusty. (pic):devil:
The wood in the bed looks good as does the roof ( 2 pic)
Will need to find !!
Doors
Fenders
Hood.
Have a couple of leads on the doors n fenders.
Found a hood for 500.00 just to high.
Can get new from LMC for 450.00
Will be tear down the 78 chevy for the frame n running gears.
Once it warms up .

T-P Auto :chevy:
Tim

Re: New Project 57 Chevy panel on 78 chevy frame
 

Hello;
more pic as build start to come together !!

Re: New Project 57 Chevy panel on 78 chevy frame
 

Looks like a fun project Tim! I will be tagging along.

Re: New Project 57 Chevy panel on 78 chevy frame
 

Hello;

Well just though that I would post some more pic of the 57 panel.
I look for a panel with windows in both sides.
I only found one photo of a 3/4 ton panel with the duel windows. (pic)
The dr side door frame is twisted n rusty thur. (pic)
Something fell thur the ft windsheld n bent the dash alot. (pic)
The wood floor n the top look good. (pic)
The ds fear panel has a dent behind the wheel area. (pic)

I'm thinking about useing the 78 frame that I have a title for.
I also know that this frame is solid n will ride good.
With the 78 I can use the ralley wheels with caps n rings. (old school)
Thinking about the fire wall n the dash out of the 78 in the panel.
This build will be for my sister. So want to make it comfee for her to drive.
Thinking of doing the inside in gray (nuteral).
The outside will be a 2 tone(I think)
I'm doing this with out my sister knowing about it. ! ! !


Thanks everyone;

T-P Auto :chevy:
Tim

Re: New Project 57 Chevy panel on 78 chevy frame
 

A couple more pics to go with the post;

Re: New Project 57 Chevy panel on 78 chevy frame
 

Hello; :mm:

Well just got a few parts for the panel; (pics)
1 Hood
1 ds fender
2 ps fenders

I had to travel around trip 220 miles for the parts.
I got all 4 parts for 100.00;
He also has a front complete firewall with the door frames.
He also has some doors(both sides)
He has to ask the guys about the parts.
I told him I would give a 100.00 each for the doors;
I hope that I will hear from him on the prices;
so here are the pics;

T-P Auto :chevy:
Tim

Re: New Project 57 Chevy panel on 78 chevy frame
 

Good score on the parts. Hope you can get the doors too.

Re: New Project 57 Chevy panel on 78 chevy frame
 

Hello; :mm:

Was looking for a 57 hood for the panel. ;)
I think the one I got is a 58;
Just had not been around this year model much;
Still the price was right so went with it. ;)

Still a little cold here so just doing what I can in way of parts. :waah:
Trying to get a lot of part together be fore starting the full build. :lol:
Still have to get the 78 stripped to the frame. :devil:
Got the panel under the hoist at this time.
Doing some frame swapping to get a rolling frame under the panel.
Will make it easy to move around.

T-P Auto :chevy:
Tim

Re: New Project 57 Chevy panel on 78 chevy frame
 

hello; :mm:

just wanted to know if someone can tell me the differents between ;
55-56 hood
57 hood
58-59 hood

went to my LCM parts book.
the 55-56 is one part #
the 57 is a different #
the 58-59 is yet another #
Is the 57 hood a one only year ?

Any help will be appreciated; :devil:

T-P Auto :chevy:
Tim

Re: New Project 57 Chevy panel on 78 chevy frame
 

Hello;

Have started getting some parts for my project;:mm:
A NEW pic of the 78 chevy pu of the frame;
A NEW pic of the panel with the front end set on;
Still have not found a set of doors. :metal:
Have found a front firewall window frame( better then what is on the panel);
Have come across a cab in very good shape (58 Big window ) very good shape at the bottom pillar and the floor. (no Pic yet) :devil:

Still looking for parts for the panel; :waah:
Once i start the build I'll update pic as I go. ;)
Have a lot of body work (bullet hole, dents and firewall window frame replacement) will try to show all work as I get to it.

T-P Auto :chevy:
Tim

Re: New Project 57 Chevy panel on 78 chevy frame
 

Update;
HelloAll ; :mm:

It has been some time since I posted.
Have been try to find parts for the panel truck. ;)
Have found a set of doors with the V on the doors. pic
Both inter fender wells. pic
Front radiator mount. pic
Found a front cab/firewall assy - rough shape. pic
Got a complete big window cab for the front fire wall. no pic yet
Still have not found a good set of fenders.
Still try to find parts before starting build.

T-P Auto :chevy:
Tim

Re: New Project 57 Chevy panel on 78 chevy frame
 

More pics;

Re: New Project 57 Chevy panel on 78 chevy frame
 

hello; :mm:

Got both doors inter fenders n radiator mount all for 250.00
The big back window cab was 200.00.

Have been busy try to get the yard n shop done.
Dirt work on the yard n concret in the shop.

T-P Auto :chevy:
Tim

Re: New Project 57 Chevy panel on 78 chevy frame
 

Hello;

I have been busy doing yard work around the place;
New Fence on back yard. (pic)
Getting ready for concrete in shop. (pic)
New roofs on both shops
Once the floors are in the shop I will start work on the 57 panel.

Did find a 348 chevy motor (pic)
Going to a swap meet in Sept, looking for a set of fenders for the 57 panel.

Re: New Project 57 Chevy panel on 78 chevy frame
 

Hello.
More pics of shop.
Sorry about the upside down one ;
Sorry about the dark pic; NO lites in the shop yet.

Re: New Project 57 Chevy panel on 78 chevy frame
 

Yeah thats definately a 58-59 hood you got there in the first pics, that will only fit a 4 headlight fender setup unless you do alot of fabrications work (like I did).

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...1&d=1486778216

You can see what I did to fit a 58 on a 57 on my build page starting at post #370 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...663322&page=15

The 55-56 hoods are pretty much smooth with no shapes added into them. The front edge is very high, most people slit the sides and cut them down in the front a bit to give it a little slant.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...1&d=1426611928

The 57 hood is one of a kind in that it has more of a slant than the 55-56 and it has the 'darts' that run the complete top of the hood.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...1&d=1447273006

Re: New Project 57 Chevy panel on 78 chevy frame
 

Looks like a good project. Love the 348, but parts can be pricey. Did I miss that you found the cowl/floor/A pillars? should be the same as a pickup.

Re: New Project 57 Chevy panel on 78 chevy frame
 

OrrieG :mm:
Yes; I did find a full cab for the parts that I need.
It is a BIG Window cab. ;)
I have not had time to go get it home yet.
Plus it is in his guys back yard n hard to get to.
Will try to go get next month.

Have been redoing the shop floor from dirt to concrete,getting it done the 7 or 8 of Sept. Had to redo the roof also.
Once the concrete is done then I can redo the walls n lighting inside also.
The reason why it is so dark.
T-P Auto :chevy:
Tim

Re: New Project 57 Chevy panel on 78 chevy frame
 

Tim, you've been busy! Concrete in the shop will be so nice. Congrats on that nice upgrade.
Will be a nice place this fall to work on your truck. Enjoy.

Re: New Project 57 Chevy panel on 78 chevy frame
 

Hello; :mm:

I have all so put New roof on the shops to help the concrete last.
Looking forward to the swap meet the 3th weekend in Sept in Los Lunas.
Looking for a set of 57 Fenders for the panel. :devil:
With haveing to replace the firewall cowl area.
I'm thinking of looking for either a 59 chevy car dash or a 57 chevy car dash.
I have found a chrome 57 chevy pu grille,fender chrome scrip,rear view mirror plus chrome "chevolet" scrip. Gave 400.00 for the above items.
Pick up a set of 56 chevy fender skirts, thinking about redoing the rear wheel opening to fit the skirts. ;)
I know that I have a lot of body work to do n a lot of fabbing also.
That is the reason for the concrete shop floor, Will have a heater"gas" in the shop for winter work. :mm:

The 348 chevy motor still turns over by hand,it has water pump, fuel pump,dist,exhaust, intake with 4bd, had to get a flywheel "Auto" for it.
Once I get the shop floor set I'll get the 348 on the stand n ck the compression.
Then go from there.
The 348 is not going in the panel.
The panel will get a 300hp 350 with a 350 trans all setting on a 78 chevy 1/2 ton frame.

T-P Auto :chevy:
Tim

Re: New Project 57 Chevy panel on 78 chevy frame
 

Hello; :mm:

Got the NEW concrete floor done today. (pic)
Will get the other floor done next month.
Have to replace the roof before I do the concrete floor. :waah:

T-P Auto
Tim :chevy:

Re: New Project 57 Chevy panel on 78 chevy frame
 

Hello; :mm:

Got the concrete in the shop done. ;)
Got the floor painted after I reinstalled the air compressor n the heater system. pic ;)
Picked up a NEW 4wheel engine stand for the 348 to set on.
Found a drip pan to fit under the 348 to keep the NEW floor clean.
NO lites yet,want to put installation in the wall before covering with press wood.
Then paint the shop white enamal befor the lites go up.
Should make for a nice bright warm shop for the winter.

T-P Auto
Tim :chevy:

Re: New Project 57 Chevy panel on 78 chevy frame
 

Hello Everyone;

Have been working on the yard n shop all summer.
Have all so been finding parts for the 57 panel project.
Have not been able to find a set of front fenders that are in fair condition.
Been think about cross breeding a set of 57 chevy car fenders to the 57 panel fenders.
Found a set of 57 car fenders for 125 each, with the headlite chrome.
This will take some thinking n work on my part to make to look right.
I just do not like the druppy eye look of the 57 panel/trucks.
What with the other planned custom work on this panel.
Fender skirts (56 chevy) rear tail lites (Caddy) all on a 78 chevy pu frame.
May have to all so drop the frame to set the body lower ??
Here are the pic of the two fender side by side. (pic)

Re: New Project 57 Chevy panel on 78 chevy frame
 

Hello; :mm:

Will get pics of the tail lites to post.
Also will try to set the fender skirts for pics

T-P Auto :chevy:

Tim

Re: New Project 57 Chevy panel on 78 chevy frame
 

Hello'

Will got some pic to post;
Tail lites (Caddy) pic
Chrome front grill pic
Gave 300 for the grill n 40 for the tail lites.

T-P Auto :chevy:
Tim

Re: New Project 57 Chevy panel on 78 chevy frame
 

Hello;

Well got the big window cab to the shop this week.
Looks like I need a sand blaster to get the cab clean to find all the rusty places.
Found the most likely places floor board, lower hing panels,
I look to have some good cab supports, good firewall.
Have two door hings that the bolts will not come off, both are the innter bolts.
Looks like I need rocker pnl n steps,door hing plate,hing pillar inner.
Have several pic to load on this site.All showing the places that need the work.

Re: New Project 57 Chevy panel on 78 chevy frame
 

Hello;
More pic of work needed.

Re: New Project 57 Chevy panel on 78 chevy frame
 

Hello;

You will see RED marks n dot on some of the pics.
These marks show the weld spots that I have to remove to save a panel n where the repair panel will go.

Re: New Project 57 Chevy panel on 78 chevy frame
 

more pics.

Have a lot of work to do on the cab area.
I have the bad firewall,window frame n two other units to work with,
I think a sandblaster will help me get the part clean n to see where the rust is.
I'll be ordering parts from LMC the next couple of months.
That way when I start the repairs I'll have parts to work with.

T-P Auto
Tim :chevy:

Re: New Project 57 Chevy panel on 78 chevy frame
 

I only have a 55 hood for this project.
Thinking I might try to pancake the hood.
Looking to all so try to replace the lower panel of fender with a lower panel from a 57 car fender for a different looking fender opening.

Re: New Project 57 Chevy panel on 78 chevy frame
 

Hello; :mm:


Made it to "Pate" over the weekend. ;)
Had a great time, lot of parts to look over.
I found the parts that I need for the 57 panel project.
Photos included.

T-P Auto
Tim :chevy:

Re: New Project 57 Chevy panel on 78 chevy frame
 

not sure of the plan, but if using the cab in post 26, I would look seriously close at the integrity of the A post. it seems to be pulling away near the bottom rear edge of the windshield area. good to get a door on there and make sure it will fit properly before getting in too deep somewhere else and then find the A post and parts behind are not strong or bent. there is filler in the cowl there so maybe was in an accident at some point?

Re: New Project 57 Chevy panel on 78 chevy frame
 

Nice parts score Tim! Looks like you had a successful trip.

Re: New Project 57 Chevy panel on 78 chevy frame
 

Doug;

Yes it was a good trip. :mm:
I had a great time n it was warm.
I found the parts that will get me started on the project.
Now I can get the 78 broke down n ready for the panel.
Still little tired from the trip. Old age. ha ha ;) ;)

T-P Auto
Tim :chevy:

Re: New Project 57 Chevy panel on 78 chevy frame
 

UP date;

It has been awhile since I posted.
I have been busy getting the 78 chevy pu stripped down to the frame. pic
I tryed to save as much sheet metal as I could for repair panels or floor boards for the 57 panel. pic
Once I got the frame stripped down bare, I see that I;m not going to be able to use the whole frame. pic
The panel body will set to high on the frame. pic
So got to looking at the frame that is under the panel(to move it around with)
It is a full straight frame, that lets the 57 panel set right . pic
So looks like I'm going to have to graft the straight rear frame to the front frame of the 78. no pic yet
Looks like I'm going to have to go with a 4link on the rear end with 2" drop spindle on the front.
So if any one has information on 4link n coil over, would appreciate the infor.
Will post pics next.

T-P Auto
Tim :chevy:

Re: New Project 57 Chevy panel on 78 chevy frame
 

More pic .

T-P Auto
Tim:chevy:

Re: New Project 57 Chevy panel on 78 chevy frame
 

Hello;
Hope the pic help with what I'm talking about with the frame problems.
I have all so been rebuilt a 84 chevy pu to take place of my green 95 pu till I can get a NEW 350 vtec motor n NEW trans for the 96.
The 84 is a 3/4 ton 350 400 turbo set up with 373 rear end. pic
Will all so have to built a NEW a frame to make a 26' trolly to make removing body easier to change out.

T-P Auto
Tim :chevy:

Re: New Project 57 Chevy panel on 78 chevy frame
 

dsraven;

I will be getting two complete pillars for the panel, plus a dash assy.
The dash assy will be something I'm still working on.
I have a 58 truck dash ??
I have the dash out of the 78 pu ??
Just do not know which way I will go.

T-P Auto
Tim :chevy:

Re: New Project 57 Chevy panel on 78 chevy frame
 

Hi Tim,

Thought I would post here to better include information and ideas for your build. The frame kick up does present some challenges. I haven’t noticed any builds with the panel on a 78 frame, though they are probably here or out there somewhere. I think the frame is pretty similar from 73 to 87 so try some Google searches for a Chevy panel on that frame. Not sure of the dimensions so hopefully not too wide.

Guessing you will need to fab mounts is a similar style to what the S10 builds use to raise the body to clear the rear rail kick up. That might raise the front too much, just don’t know without trying it out. Or following another build.

Another random thought is to raise some of the rear floor to clear the kick up. Maybe in conjunction with the fabricated mounts the combination could work.

For rear suspension I would lean heavily toward parallel leaf springs. Millions of vehicles use them as they work and are cost effective.

And hopefully another member here has done such a build and will chime in with their ideas.

Re: New Project 57 Chevy panel on 78 chevy frame
 

Good find, nice truck!