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.

[Vet145]

While waiting for parts, I figured I would start assessing the cab.

Smoothing the firewall was first. This build is far from being a show car, but I wanted to cover the 50 or so holes that were factory or drilled from previous owners.

I'll cut the steering column hole once I mock that up.

[Vet145]

The cowl air ducts had a little bit of debris in them. Needless to say, I needed to do some sheet metal work for the rusted steel. Required on both sides.

[Vet145]

On to the steps and corners, both sides needed replacing. The aftermarket panel fitment leave a lot to be desired! Lots of massaging. When you need a 3rd hand, I found an adjustable painters pole works well.

[Vet145]

The dash had the usual stereo cut out and was pretty tattered in general.

I was going to get one of those all in one clusters and smooth the dash, but didn't want to run a fuel pressure gauge on the cowl outside the truck, and the gauges are pretty small for my older eyes. Gauges cut in dash and will run an isolator for the fuel pressure guage. Also cut out for the ignition panel.

[Vet145]

My brother in law (Drag racer and very talented car builder) was coming for a visit. I'd been dragging my feet a bit and figured I better mount the cab/front end so he would have something to see. Plus, I knew he would adjust the doors for me if I just threw them on there haphazardly!

First tools he asked for were a block of wood and a sludge hammer and told me I might want to go check the mail or something.

[Vet145]

Fuel cell mock up and install. Went with a 20 gallon Speedmaster with foam.

[Vet145]

Working on door reveals. This took a lot of welding on 1/8" rod and grinding to get right. Don't have finished pictures, but they ended up pretty close.

[Vet145]

Truck is disassembled now and the cab is about ready for first coat of primer. Hoping to wrap that up this weekend so I can glaze and get second coat on next weekend. Plan to get inside cab painted so I can install 6 point roll bar in the next couple of weeks, then cab will be on for good.

Bed has been disassembled and is at the media blaster, should have that back any day so I can get the body work done on it.

I have most everything either ordered or on hand to finish this truck, shooting for early July completion. I will update with progress soon.

[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.

[Vet145]

Interior as it sits. Got it fired up over the weekend and it is nasty. The new Quick Fuel Brawler was completely out of adjustment and took some time to get that sorted out. Drive line will be here today and exhaust goes on tomorrow. Hoping to test drive next week.

Does anyone happen to know what size screws bolt the glove box door hinge to the dash?

[Vet145]

Finishing up the sound deadener and carpet

[Vet145]

Seats

[6DoF]

knockin out the progress, that truck is guna be sick