55.2-59 Project 57 D/Gas

[Vet145]

First post, but I have been using this site for a ton of information; thank you!!

This will be an on-going thread which I will update as progress continues. I'm a ways into it now, so I figured I would post where it is now.

I've built a few jeeps and a 67 RS Camaro (Still kicking myself for selling that one!) Not a speed shop by any means and this is a garage build, but I've done my fair share of project welding and body work.

I was wanting to build a 1/4 mile 64-66 Chevy truck. Not looking to set the world on fire, I figured D/Gas at 10.60 ET would be a good fit.

Spent some time looking, not really finding anything that wasn't overpriced for what I wanted to do.

My newly found brother in-law (Long story) had a 57 for sale that met the criteria and the price was right.

Drove the 12 hours to see some (New) family and drag it home.

Yes, truck is on the trailer backwards because the motor and trans are in the bed.

[Vet145]

After disassembling and assessing where to start, I figured I would start with the front end.

I cut out the straight axle and installed a Mustang II front end.

[Vet145]

On to the rear end. I decided to go with a 4 link and step notch the frame.

[Vet145]

I am building a big block for this truck but a very good friends dad passed away unexpectedly. He owned a modified dirt car 13.5:1 383. I'm planning on driving this truck on the street as well. While this motor will be fun, I doubt it will be very streetable... we'll see.

My friend and I figured it would be fitting to run it down the track a few times in his dads honor as he was also a big fan of nostalgia drag racing.

I've tried rotating the photos, not sure why they are posting sideways? All taken with my phone upright...

[Vet145]

Santa finally finished building the rear wheels (Billet Specialties) so I could get them mounted on the MT 31x16.5 ET Street.

My brother in-law sent me a cut 9" which once I had the tires on, I could weld on the end caps and order 35 spline Strange axles. BIL also built the center section for me.

[Vet145]

Cut the bed for tire clearance and set the bed on to check fitment.

[Rickysnickers]

Quite an introduction. Nice work! I am going to move this over to the projects area though. Keep the photos coming!!!

[oldman3]

Doing some great work, welcome to the forum...Jim

[joedoh]

beauty!

[Vet145]

Thanks! Been grinding lately...

Got the cab interior and door jambs painted

Interior is Hot Rod Black single stage, exterior is Gun Metal Gray Metallic base/clear

[Vet145]

Wiring harness showed up, removing what I don't need which turned out to be most of the harness. I'm running an ignition switch panel which houses switches for ignition, fan, fuel, lights, solenoid etc...

[Vet145]

Got the motor dropped in and steering set up.

[Vet145]

Battery and electric fan install. I ran 1AWG welding wire up the starter through a F*rd style solenoid so I can switch that wire on and off so its not constant hot. Wire is very bendable and easy to work with.

[6DoF]

knockin out the progress, that truck is guna be sick

[Vet145]

383 Out, 461 In. BIL pulled this 461 out of his 70 El Camino in exchange for a 489. Made me a deal I couldn't refuse, which included a 13 hour trip to his house to fab and install.

The C/20 in the background is gonna be flawless!

A good friend has a pretty cool Youtube channel and documented the install. Small burnout at the end. The outakes shows how low this thing is! 68-72 Chevelle headers fit nicely.

Video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zIjKhn2tMhA

[6DoF]

well dang, that was a long white between updates