Longbike 57 chevy truck build.
 

This is what I started out with, body workable but the frame was in perfect shape. It had been painted before by previous owner so there was no rust at all. All parts where here just needed cleaning up and painted or chrome cleaned.
My goal is to put it back to original but better than new with only updates like front tapper roller bearings in wheels and stainless brake lines and fuel lines and stainless exhaust system and body fasteners. "Don't like rust".

I love the old truck look and feel when driving, Reminds me of the old days when my grandfather let me drive his 1950 ford step side 3 on the tree when I couldn't even see over the dashboard. had to sit on books to see. "That cool rough ride and wondering steering and stiff shifting just makes me smile with great memories". So thats what I'm after here to share with my kids!
"Sorry hot-rodders but I want her to be original"

Re: Longbike 57 chevy truck build.
 

Got her stripped to the bone the very first weekend of having it! Now its all over the garage.

Allot of rusted bolts to break thru.

Re: Longbike 57 chevy truck build.
 

More.....

Re: Longbike 57 chevy truck build.
 

And more...

Re: Longbike 57 chevy truck build.
 

Here I got the frame sandblasted and powder coated. Rear axle all gone thru with new bearings & seals. 3.90 ratio, when I took this rear end apart the lube was like molasses really thick and all the gears and bearings looked like brand new not even a scratch on the teeth. Sure don't make lube like that anymore that stuff was great!
Front axle all new kingpins and tapper bearings seals and shoes & brake hardware.

Re: Longbike 57 chevy truck build.
 

I got the engine back together painted and back in the frame.

The engine was a mess with 4 pistons with broken rings all the solid lifters were dished and cam badly pitted,rocker shaft was broken and valves & guides just worn out. The clutch disk was installed backwards so the clutch springs were tearing up the flywheel bolts "wonder how they ever got it to shift gears." In the carburetor the power piston was installed upside down. "lost allot of power there."

So the engine got all new parts inside and bored out .030 over to clean up the cylinders, crankshaft reground and balanced, line-bored and decks reground. The head got all new guides,valves,springs,hardened seats and seals. So she should be in great shape now!

Re: Longbike 57 chevy truck build.
 

Went completely thru the muncie 4 speed and again it looked brand new inside with that old lube still in. But I did go and replace all the bearings and seal.

Re: Longbike 57 chevy truck build.
 

Got the stainless steel fuel and brake lines ran.

Re: Longbike 57 chevy truck build.
 

Nice work it looks good

Re: Longbike 57 chevy truck build.
 

Looks very nice. The great thing about this hobby is you can do your ride just the way you want without worrying about the other guy.
Kim

Re: Longbike 57 chevy truck build.
 

Outstanding! Please keep us posted!!

Re: Longbike 57 chevy truck build.
 

Doing a great job, love it !

What is your plan for paint?

Re: Longbike 57 chevy truck build.
 

I like the way you are going with this truck. That Blue Flane six (were they still calling them that in 57) is looking great. Looks like you started out with a nice truck to work with.

Re: Longbike 57 chevy truck build.
 

Really nice work, looks very professional.

Re: Longbike 57 chevy truck build.
 

Thanks guys for your feedback!
I been following all your 57 builds also thanks for the posts!
Im wanting to go with the dark blue color for that era.

Re: Longbike 57 chevy truck build.
 

it is nice to see a stock truck on here. Now,when are you installing the air bags, billet wheels, air conditioning, 350/350 combo, mustang II suspension, and cruise control? Just kidding, this is how I want to do my Suburban. I will be watching this one!
By the way, I like the pictures, don't get to see many pics of stock parts. One thing I love about my Burb, and I see you kept it, is the foot pedal for the starter. Used to trick my kids with that. I would say " Abracadabra" and push the pedal, and the truck would start!
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Re: Longbike 57 chevy truck build.
 

Thanks speesh ya gota keep the foot starter those are just way to cool to not put back.
One of those neat old things you never see!

Re: Longbike 57 chevy truck build.
 

longbike
That thing is way cool, very nice project and it looks like your moving along nicely..... Keep the pictures comin

Re: Longbike 57 chevy truck build.
 

Man, this is great. It really is refreshing to see a stock rebuild. You will have a brand spankin new 1957 when your done! Can't wait to see more.

Re: Longbike 57 chevy truck build.
 

Thanks guys for your kind words!
I got the radiator and support all cleaned up and painted.

Re: Longbike 57 chevy truck build.
 

Started on the sheet metal work, Wow! I'm a mechanic not a body man but I thought it looked pretty easy to do just some welding here and there but I was totally wrong its the alignment of the panels that gets me into trouble, I had to break everything back loose because of the alignment so I learned real quick to just tack it on loosely.

Re: Longbike 57 chevy truck build.
 

Heres where I ran into trouble you can see in the first two pictures the cab corner is lined up perfect but not with the rocker and the rocker stills needs to be lowered to clear the door lower edge, Its like the cab corner is made to short to reach the rocker level.

Has anybody ran into this? I guess the only option I have is to buy two more cab corners and make one out of two for both sides now that I cut the cab off to far!

Re: Longbike 57 chevy truck build.
 

Looks like you're getting it done with a QUICKNESS. Nice work. I also love the body dolly with the Snap On casters. Kooooooool Man!!!! Keep it coming!!!!




Panelman55

Re: Longbike 57 chevy truck build.
 

I like it!!! But I still...........

Re: Longbike 57 chevy truck build.
 

I got the cab corner moved back down and had to fill in the gap with a spacer.
Not too bad for a beginner bodyman!