57 project few questions

[stevespg]

i just picked up a almost complete 57 project truck, no engine, no transmission, big back window, SWB, so am just in the process of tearing it down, removing axles, steering, fuel tank etc in order to fit a truck LS and 4l80, and fit jaguar suspensions (here in the uk they're a common fit and parts are readily available and cheap)

I've a question if i may (the first of many I'm sure)

i don't yet have a radiator. Does the standard radiator go lower than the top of the chassis rails when installed? for my suspension install a box section going between the chassis rails would work well, but i don't know if this would foul the radiator

thank you

[dsraven]

I have a 57 gmc and have noticed there are a couple of different styles of rad supports. Maybe best to post a pic of your scenario so a better answer could be brouht up.
There is a post on here somewhere that shows a jag front end installed, it has some pics as well. Maybe a good read before you start cutting.

[OrrieG]

Since the inner fenders, fenders, grille, and hood all rely on placement of the radiator support, it needs to be in the same location horizontally and vertically in relationship with the cab and cab mounts. The radiator be relocated on the support. A Factory Assembly Manual, costs about $30, has detailed dimensioned plan and elevation plans that show the relationship.

[stevespg]

thank you, I've just purchased a factory assembly manual, so when that arrives i'll be in better shape.

[stevespg]

that was fun, got the truck finished enough for a first trip, went across to france to watch the le mans classic 24 hrs...not a bad maiden voyage, approx 1000 miles.

truck now has 6.0 ls engine, 4l80, jag IFS , jag IRS etc.

[Rickysnickers]

Um, photos????

[stevespg]

rear end

[stevespg]

fuel

[bobinbc]

Nice work! What yr/model jag is the rear from?

You don't mess around, got right to it!

Don't tell me you got the front done in that amount of time too??

[stevespg]

front

[stevespg]

crossmember

[stevespg]

the jag was circa 89, but I'm not absolutely sure as i got bits of the rear axles from few sources, diff is 3.07 lsd. i had to lay the springs down a little for chassis clearance, so the stock jag rears were a little soft, swapped those out for AVO which have adjustable damp and spring bases so ride height is adjustable. springs are easy to swap out too if you want to do that.

[stevespg]

1st outing, after a 5 mile shakedown....1000 miles to the le mans classic with my youngest daughter (whose idea it was to get a truck)

truck ran great, no overheating desspite a few hours sat in traffic in hot weather.

drives , stops, steers great, suspension is very comfortable, the front suspension feels firm and with a thick ARB has relatively little roll. Did a 6 hr day with no rest breaks one day apart from refuelling, cruises easily at 75mph on motorways, at about 2100 RPM, i did take it to 95, which was fine but so much wind noise it was funny....we probably won't do that again

I'm glad i rebuilt all the suspension and axles whilst off the truck. (bearings, brakes, bushes etc) i was tempted to put it on without refreshing, but it would have been a PITA and i wouldn't have known it was all good.

the rear ride is about right for the axle, front could come down an inch, i wasn't sure if it would settle at all, but it didnt, so i can pull a couple of the jag shims from under the springs which are used to achieve ride height adjustment. I've left tall tyres all round, i think they're 29 and 28 inches, so it'll never be very low, but i definitely wanted a truck that looked like an old original truck so the ride height is good for me.

only issue was an intermittent earth on the radio i put in last minute...very traumatic for my 18 year old girl passenger...

I've still got lots of work to do over time, , hinge pockets on the body are a bit AWOL, I've got some repair panels for those cowl vents on order, door bottoms are "vented"...cab corners have a few bubbles so will need replacing, door windows are missing most of the felt seals so rattle somewhat...but its now solid, safe and very usable ..


Its not a show truck, but i like it

[stevespg]

couple more

tape measure, spirit level and most of all a laser level and digital angle gauge are now my best friends.... along with grinder and welder..

found a good welding mask vs a cheap one is invaluable, i did most of this project with an older mask, then borrowed a friends mask whilst doing some work at his shop...what a difference! bought a decent one next day

[MiraclePieCo]

Thanks for all the photos! Amazingly thorough build. Truck looks great. 1000 miles maiden voyage is a serious shake-down run. And Le Mans - wow!

[stevespg]

Originally Posted by MiraclePieCo

Thanks for all the photos! Amazingly thorough build. Truck looks great. 1000 miles maiden voyage is a serious shake-down run. And Le Mans - wow!

thank you, it was a fun trip

the truck got way more attention than anything I've ever driven to le mans, i go most years to watch classic racing there.. because it has a few dents and dints, i don't mind where i leave it unlike some of my other cars, so it was a really comfortable and easy trip from that perspective.

since returning, I've swapped in stiffer rear springs and started to add some sound proofing inside the cab...i might even get carpets fitted!

[yossarian19]

Impressive!

[ChuckDriver]

Great build!