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.

[renegade6]

Originally Posted by OrrieG

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.

I'll post some pictures this weekend.

The main difference is that the steering gearbox is on the inside of the frame (same style of box as a car) and in front of the front cross-member.

[renegade6]

Here are the pictures of the steering gearbox and linkage.

[OrrieG]

Thank you the third picture tells the story. It looks like the same box, just reversed. At least I know if I get really frustrated with my shortened turning ratio there is a possible solution. Has anyone tried using the Jeep box and modifying the Chevy tie rod? I think some of the serious off road guys might be doing something like that.

[renegade6]

I believe the GM full size car boxes are the same in that they bolt inside of the frame rails.

[renegade6]

I finally had a chance to re-do the door latches. If you are considering doing this, I strongly recommend the large size bear claws. Much easier to install although, it could be because I've done this once already I'll finish up the welding later but, wanted to see if this would work. Only took me a couple of hours to do this.

[renegade6]

I also installed a new steering column and intermediate shaft. I'll post pictures later. The one recommendation is DO NOT buy a cheap Chinese made column.
Lots of problems with the electrics but, I made it work.

[renegade6]

Here is the latest update. Received the custom brake cables and hardware from Control Cables Inc. Very good customer service. I followed their instructions and used vacuum line to layout where I wanted the cables, faxed in the measurements and confirmed with a phone call. A week later, they are at my door.

[renegade6]

Try #2 on the dash. This time I purchased a panel from Brother's and used one of pieces from the original radio panel. I still need to use some filler to level it out but, I'm much more pleased this time around.

[renegade6]

My biggest concern is rust and not getting any more. Because the truck is originally from California, it is pretty clean. To make sure it stayed this way, I decided to get it blasted and shot with epoxy primer. I only paid $350 which isn't too bad but, they missed a few parts. Overall, they did an OK job.

A few before pictures

[renegade6]

A few after pictures

[renegade6]

Here are some shots of the rust after blasting. Looks like I'm going to need to do a couple of cab corners and a fender bottom. I'm still undecided on whether or not to re-skin the doors or fix dents and rust.

Any suggestions?

[ezekiel]

Originally Posted by OrrieG

Thank you the third picture tells the story. It looks like the same box, just reversed. At least I know if I get really frustrated with my shortened turning ratio there is a possible solution. Has anyone tried using the Jeep box and modifying the Chevy tie rod? I think some of the serious off road guys might be doing something like that.

I presently have a Chevy D44 axle mounted on my Jeep.

Here's a list of parts that I'm using:
- steering box from 1990 Jeep Cherokee
- pitman arm from 1990 Cherokee
- drag link from 1980 Cherokee/Wagoneer
- cross link from 1980 Cherokee/Wagoneer
- driver's side tie rod end from 1980 Chevy 4x4

The key to all of this is the passenger side knuckle of the axle. It has to be a flat top knuckle.

You have to drill, tap and screw in mounting studs for a new (aftermarket) steering arm (like this one).

If you are interested, I could snap a couple of photos of the setup.

This page has some photos of the high steer knuckle setup.

Zeke

[Kim57]

Originally Posted by renegade6

Here are some shots of the rust after blasting. Looks like I'm going to need to do a couple of cab corners and a fender bottom. I'm still undecided on whether or not to re-skin the doors or fix dents and rust.

Any suggestions?

I had the same kind of damage on the back of my cab. I made a patch to just replace the rusted area and kept the original corners.
Kim