Project Old Skool '57

[Fuel Media]

Hey guys, just started the build of my 1957 Chevy stepside pickup. I have owned the truck for about 6 years, drove it the first year, then decided to tear it apart for a frame off re-build... Then life got a bit crazy, started my own shop, built things for other people and had no time for it. So now after a little hiatus, it's time to start building and get this thing on the road. I will be posting at least once a week, so be sure to check back regularly.

CJ

Pics below are of my 58-59 chassis I picked in for $150, rails are straight, but I don have a bunch of crap that has to be cut off. Amazing what some people think is a good idea, or even safe. You can see what I am talking about below.

[Fuel Media]

Here are some pics of what not to do, lol! Nice custom overload springs on the rear, lol! I will post pics of the cab and other body panels tomorrow.

[Kim57]

At least the frame is straight.
What are the plans for the build?
Kim

[Fuel Media]

I plan on building on old skool looking truck with modern powertrain, vortec efi with 4l60e and IFS and twelve bolt out back. Full air suspension, minor body mods, matte finish paint, steel wheel on white walls. It is going to be a daily driver when complete.

[Kim57]

Sounds very cool. Be sure and post lots of pics.
Kim

[OrrieG]

I've seen worse. In the mid 70's I worked on the loading dock of my FIL chicken and egg business in El Paso. Guys would come over the border and load up their cars with chickens and smuggle them back across the border. Rear over load "springs" was a 4x4 wood on end between the frame and axle after the body was jacked up. They also built compartments in the front fenders that could be loaded by pulling out a fake headlight. They would completely fill the trunk and back seat area up to the windows. For reference a box about 30" x 24" x 16" holds 65# of chicken.

That was when I could drive across the border with a load of chickens, collect a thousand dollars usually in small bills and drive back without a problem. I hid the money in a fake compartment in the glove box. My last trip down there I didn't get within a couple of miles of the border, its a drug/kidnapping jungle down there.

[Fuel Media]

As promised, I have attached some images of the cab for everyone to check out. I want to show the condition of this truck prior to the build, so you can see the progress. It's a small window, in pretty good condition, no rust, doors will need a bit of work, no rust in the floor either.

[Fuel Media]

I am going to use the front suspension off a 89 Chevy 1500. ART control arms, with air bags, drop spindles and disc brakes. Donor frame below, will have to section and narrow to fit the '57 frame rails, but should work just fine.

[Fuel Media]

Look what else I just acquired, can anyone say JAG IRS! This will make a great addition to the rear of the truck, not to mention the ride will be awesome.
I also plan on using bags on the back as well. Going to have to get creative, I know the jag setups have very limited travel. I know you can use shockwaves, but your limited to around 4" of travel, I would like to achieve more.
What do you guys think?
Anyone come up with a unique way of bagging a JAG IRS?

[Fuel Media]

Had a few free hours this weekend to work on the pickup,so I removed the old straight axle, and cleaned up the frame a little, removing all the crap that had been welded on. You also see I got a canopy put up, now I can work out of the sun, happy about that.

[Kim57]

The cab looks good. As long as the track width on the front matches our trucks that should work out great.
I know nothing about putting a Jag rear in one of these. Good luck with that.
KIm