progress on my 57 3100

[57 3100]

kind of new here and have already done a ton of work on my 57, but thought i would start a thread for when i do updates on my truck in the future.

this weekend i switched the alternator from the passengers side to the drivers side, getting ready for an a/c installation and wanted the compressor to be on the passengers side for a cleaner looking install with no a/c lines having to cross over the motor.

kind of a straight forward alternator swap. i bought 1967 327 alternator brackets but because i am running a long water pump i did have to modify bottom mount bracket to work with my long pump and pulley locations.

now i need to get a new radiator and then order the much need a/c unit.... soon. this florida heat makes it unbearable to drive in the summer time...

oh yea, i didnt like the look of the chrome brackets, so i scuffed them up and painted them black...

leonard

[Kurt L]

where did you get the mr horsepower sticker at? nice engine also like those valve covers too.

[57 3100]

thanks... i believe i got the sticker and through mooneyes. cant really remember. that sticker and rat fink were always my favorite growing up..
got the valve covers through summit racing..

leonard

[tmoble]

you'll want to keep am eye on that bracket that bolts on with the header bolts. I've had several of these break. I eventually cut off the bolt tabs of a new one and welded it to the header flange.

[Dan in Pasadena]

Originally Posted by 57 3100

Leonard,
That came out really good. This picture looks like you could have slotted the hole to the right further and drilled another hole to the left to mate the two brackets. Is that right, or is there not room fordoing that? Hard to tell for sure. I know YOU are a proficient welder but I'm not....yet... and I wonder if this could be done without the welding?

[OrrieG]

Looks really good Leonard, I was digging the chrome, all I have is plain steel t work with. Dan look at my build thread (last few posts) for a bolted one, Leonard and I have been trading emails on how to accomplish this.

[57 3100]

thanks guys.

tmoble, i will keep my eye on that bracket, thanks

dan, yes, i suppose you could drill new holes and that would work.. i just like welding. LOL.

OrrieG, thanks... and im really digging your progress on yours..

loenard

[Dan in Pasadena]

Ok Orrie, I checked out your thread and between that and Leonard's work all I've got to say is...I'd better write a check! lol. I don't have the fab skills either of you have. I think I mentioned I bought a used MIG welder; a Hobart Handler 140. I've now even bought the helmet, etc. Just no MIG gas yet. Bit by bit!

I'm inspried to know guys are out there doing what I'm doing. Nice to keep in touch with you both. Keep the photos coming....they're what keep us all going. Seeing nice trucks like ours and seeing problems getting resolved!

[57 3100]

yea, i agree dan, i love seeing what other guys are doing to their trucks.
get some gas, argon/co2. for that MIG unit of your and lay some beads. you will be amazed at how fast you will pick up that type of welding. just takes time.
not sure what i will do next to my truck. i need to order a new radiator and some sound deadening material to lay on the floor board when i do the a/c install, then order the a/c unit.
oh yea, i ordered a smooth roll pan for the back, but will cut holes and have the bumper brackets coming through and retain the bumper. a local guy here dont that to his 56 and i like it a lot.
talk to you all later.

leonard

[57 3100]

well guys, not much being done to my 57 lately, but i did away with my alternator bracket set up. after only two days of cruising last weekend, the bracket that bolts to the front exhaust port loosened up a little. it was hard to get those hedder bolts tight enough, no room for a lock washer, etc.
so after seeing a set of brackets on 53chevyforever's beautiful truck, i went with a bracket from "Bill's Hot Rod", http://billshotrodcompany.com/673/5343.html
cant say enough about the quality and simplicity of his bracket. went on very easy and looks great. i will take pics when i get a chance. i got the powder coated brackets, so i need to grind away a little of the powder coating to allow the alternator to ground out. im not getting any output from the alternator because of this.
when i do go with an a/c set up, i will get one of his brackets for that too.

talk to you all later.

leonard