New 1957 Project

[renegade6]

This is my latest project. Just had it delivered today. Needs some carb work but, mechanically it is pretty sound. Also, it looks like there isn't much deep rust mainly, just on the surface.

[Kim57]

Looks like a nice truck. What running gear has it got?
Kim

[renegade6]

The axles are mid-70s Jeep pickup, 327 engine and four speed transmission. Still working on identifying what type of transfer case it has.

[AK56]

Awesome truck!! I might be a little biased though...
Im getting ready to start on a very similar project myself. We will have to start a 4X4 support group. OrrieG has a nice one he's working on. He's a real nice guy and good source for info.
Good luck with the build!!

[renegade6]

It's about time I did an update. Lots of minor changes. To date I've done the following.

-Installed new throttle from 90s Chevy van with throttle cable
-Cut out the dash around the radio and welded in a new piece of metal--This will be a re-do, I don't really like how it came out
-Installed cam, lifters, intake and new carb. Old cam was made for high RPMs and wouldn't even idle
-Minor hole filling and dent beating here and there
-Installed a bear claw latch on the drivers side. What a PITA! I'm not really wild about how it came out but, it works. I will end up having to put a different door handle due to the fact that the original one works in the opposite direction from what I need.

[renegade6]

More pictures

[CAL 58 GMC]

Welcome!! Looks like a good soild truck to start with. Keep those progress pics coming!

[renegade6]

Part of the reason that it is so solid is that it is from California.

Unfortunately, I think I have a couple of re-dos on a few mods.

[OrrieG]

AK56 got it right we need a 12 step program support group for old 4WD truck guys. Nice platform to start with, what is the drive train??? I am working on my doors now, replace the lower hinge pins and have new original latch assys ordered. I decided I was not brave enough to got the bear claw route, I figured I've been bouncing around in these trucks for 50+ years and havn't fallen out yet (rolled a Sunbeam once and had to bail but thats another story) so I'll stick with stock. Keep the pictures coming. Patrick

[renegade6]

It has late 70s/early 80s Jeep pickup running gear on the original springs. The other unique thing about it is the steering gearbox is also from the Jeep and mounted on the inside of the frame rail versus on the outside.

After much searching, this is the route I'm going to take on the latch install:

http://www.hotrodders.com/gallery/sh.../62368/cat/500

Agree on the program but, at least it keeps me out of the other various 12 steps

[renegade6]

I've started on the re-do of the door latches.

Based upon the post here about halfway down the page from http://www.hotrodders.com/forum/55-5...ml#post1012050

I decided to use large bear claws along with a different latch engagement mechanism.

Hopefully this weekend I get a chance to install at least one side, as long as the installation kit arrives in time.

[OrrieG]

Originally Posted by renegade6

The other unique thing about it is the steering gearbox is also from the Jeep and mounted on the inside of the frame rail versus on the outside.

When you have time could you post a photo of the steering set up? The Jeep axle must have a whole different pitman/tie rod set up then the GM axle.

[Tx Firefighter]

Get a little propane torch like plumbers use from your hardware store. Once you heat that undercoating up with it, you can scrape it clean off as fast as you want to work.

[bensimmons_05]

Hey Ive always been curious about the fender patch panels. do they come with the support that bolts to the cab on the inside or do you have to salvage the original support??

Looking great.

Ben

[renegade6]

You have to salvage the inner support but, it was pretty easy to do.

[OrrieG]

If yours is rusted they make reproductions of the inner brace too.

[renegade6]

I guess it is about time for an update. The cab is pretty much ready for paint but, I have to get the new doors prepared and ready for paint. The doors are Dynacorn and appear to be pretty good.

This weekend I installed stainless bed angle strips and fixed a bunch of dents. Nothing too exciting but, I'm making progress.

[renegade6]

I've managed to make some progress on it but, nothing spectacular. I've installed the new doors, bear claw latches in the new doors, finished up most of the body work on the bed and installed a new fuel tank.

[richlandborn]

bnhjyhh

[renegade6]

Paint is starting to go on! So far, the fenders and bed are painted. Should paint the cab next weekend and start assembling. Also I was able to install and run the fuel line.

Forgot to take pictures but, should get some this week.

[renegade6]

Everything is painted except for the cab. Hopefully that will be taken care of next week and I can start putting it together.

Now that I'm just about finished with the body, I decided to start working on the wiring. I'm putting in a American Autowire kit and so far, it seems like a pretty good kit.

On to the pictures...

[bobinbc]

Truck is really looking great and I really like your choice of color. Care to share the source? I understand if you want to keep it to yourself, should be quite a standout in a sea of red and blue!

[Kim57]

Looking good. Love the color.
Kim

[waybad]

OUCH





thought I would say it first...
that is when you get your first scratch on that beautiful truck!

sweeet keep posting!!!

[renegade6]

Thanks everyone.

Made a bit more progress today. Did the following:

-Brake pedals, master cylinder and slave cylinder
-Finished running brake lines and bled brakes
-Inner fenders, inner fender seals
-Kick panels
-Cowl panel, panel seal and wiper trim rings
-Gorilla mat (sound deadener) on inside of firewall
-Installed steering column