[OrrieG]

Good write up Dan all I can add is to remember that in 57 most of the country was still rural and interstate highways were just being constructed. These trucks were designed to be driven out in the field, over ditches or as light delivery and repairman vehicles in the City. Gearing and engine design was for low torque and occasional 55 mph. If you are going to be crusing around town the stock drive train is ok, if you are going to touring the nation look for one with a V8 or upgraded drive train. Look at the threads comparing stock suspensions with mods to clips or reframes. If you take your time there are lots of aborted projects that show up for loss leader pricing. And you can always find one completed or near what your want for much less than it takes to rebuild one yourself. But if you are in it for the process then have at it. Welcome to the fold.