My '57 Truck Build "Rosa"

[57picupnewbie]

This is the latest '57 3100 I have picked up for $1200. Her name is "Rosa"

[Tri5Nerd]

Nice, Please keep posting pictures as you make progress.

Tri5

[57picupnewbie]

I think I should explain the name "57 ROSA" This is in Honor of CPL Randy ROSAker, USMC, KIA/ 23 MAR 2003.
This kid grew up next door to me when I lived in Murphy Canyon Housing while stationed at NAS Mirimar. His dad was a Senior Chief in the submarine navy. I still stay in contact with them. Rest in Peace My Friend...SEMPER FI

The truck will have a Veteran Theme: POW-MIA-KIA with custom graphics.

ALL GAVE SOME...BUT SOME GAVE ALL

[57picupnewbie]

Pre tear down pictures. Floor panels are solid. Rockers are not half as bad as previous one. Doors close and are tight when shut, no rattling.

[57picupnewbie]

Front fender, Radiator, grille, hood, and engine pull.

[Tri5Nerd]

Are you going to change the front end or leave it as is?

Tri5

[57picupnewbie]

My plans: Full Off frame restoration. It will then be a Retro-Mod. A little OLD with a little NEW.

1957 Chevy
CHASSIS
Frame: '83 C10
Rearend / Ratio: '83 C10 / 2.73:1
Rear suspension: 2" Drop Shackles/2" Drop Hangers, New Poly Bushings
Rear brakes: Drums
Front suspension: 2 1/2' Drop Spindles, New Poly Bushings
Front brakes: 12” Drilled, Gas Slotted disc
Steering box: GM
Front wheels: American Racing, Torq Thrust ST
Rear wheels: American Racing, Torq Thrust ST
Front tires:
Rear tires:
Gas tank: stainless under bed, side fill
DRIVETRAIN
Engine: Chevy 350
Heads:
Valve covers: custom
Manifold: Edelbrock Aluminim
Ignition: MSD
Headers:
Exhaust / Mufflers: Catback custom
Transmission: 700-R4 with floor shift
BODY
Style: 3100 Stepside
Fenders front / rear: stock
Hood: '56 hood custom
Bed: stock, wood - skinned tailgate with art
Bodywork and paint by:
Paint color: ???
Headlights / Taillights: stock-chrome-halogen & LED
Bumpers: stock, front/chromed rear/rollpan custom
INTERIOR - custom seats, door panels, kick panels, healiner & dash.
Gauges: Dakota Digital
Steering wheel: Billet Specialties
Steering column: Ididit
Seat: Custome Split bench
Material / Color: tan/brown leather
Carpet: Mercades tan
Firewall will be smoothed: Battery box and master cylinder/booster located under frame.
Side tire mount
Electric One pc window Kit
Vintage Air

This is my wish list so far. Big dream huh...."?

[57picupnewbie]

In process of removing everything from cab so I can get it on the dolly for blasting. I plan on getting the windows out tomorrow. Does anyone know if the original heater box is used if I am upgrading to a Vintage Air Sure Fit System. I have to pull all of this out anyway, but I was just wondering if it had to go back in. Thanks

[OrrieG]

sure fit does not use any of the heater box or air diffusers. you need to keep the controls, they are reused. you can down load the install instruction from their site so you know exactlly what to keep.

[my67chevytruck]

Nice progress... looking forward to the updates.

[72BlckButy]

Great build thread, and what a tribute!

[72BLUZ]

hey brother in law, truck looks solid. wish you lived closer so i could sit, watch, drink beer and supervise.

[57picupnewbie]

Loaded the straight 6 and trans up yesterday on the trailer. Just about got to hot...110 deg heat index. I t is strapped down ready for Daniel to pick up. He bought my previous '57. I took some shot's of the inside of the cab. The floor panels are GREAT. Dash is solid. If I can get the gas tank, glass, ad column out this week, I will try to get the cab off frame. Maybe, I will be ready to start blasting in 2 weeks. Also, took picture of firewall again. I am lucky, I do not have many holes to fill in. I some of you had a bunch. I will smooth this firewall. Battery box and master cylinder/booster will mount under cab. I am going to rest today.

[ChuckDriver]

That's a very solid truck you have there! Keep the updates coming!!

[71see10]

looking good keep it up !! Sorry it took a while to get back but been buzy!! Is it this weekend you be up?

[57picupnewbie]

Brian, we are leaving Friday. Hope to sit around with you and Chuckles and run some ideas about the build by you. Especially about the IFS. As always, it will be while grilling and a cold one.

[71 burb]

semper fi my friend keep up the good work

[nickp51chevy]

Not waisting any time are ya?
That truck looks like its in way better shape than the other one.

I think it's great that your're building a memorial truck.

[57picupnewbie]

Thanks, Nick. I went up this past weekend to N. GA to get some ideas from my brother-in-law (72BLUZ) and his neighbor (71SEE10). Had a great visit and hope to get started back on removing the cab this week. Will update.

[CAL 58 GMC]

It looks like a good solid truck to start with. Good progress so far.

[53GMC]

from one ga. boy to another, great work and stay outta the heat!

[srea76]

Looks very Solid. I will enjoy seeing progress.

[57picupnewbie]

I need info. I have heard chatter about C10 frame swaps. I ran into a complete C10 Frame already sripped down ready to clean up. IFS, rear axle etc. $450. Question has anyone ever done a '57 to C10 frame swap vs. a clip modification or IFS package install.

"This is a 67 frame, but will work for 67-72 c-10 truck. It is short wheel base. It has the original 6 lug drum brakes and the original 410 gears. I wasn't going to strip it this far but some one wanted the frame so I did all the hard work for them, and now they changed there mind so i'm stuck with it. The frame is in perfect shape. No mud clumps, extra rust burs, extra metal, etc........ Nice and clean and bout to be painted"

[fabguy]

Yes a frame swap is possible, we had to shim the front 1/2 of the cab on our suburban but we used a 1971 c-10 with disc brakes( same, same as yours). The front clip of a 71 c-10 ( if clipping) has almost the same measurements, close anyway. That is what I am using on my 58 fleetside. Rail height is pretty exact but remember that the steering box is on the outside of the frame rail so it is a hard offset for the steering. We notched our firewall so that the center of the steering column is at the bend in the firewall. I will take some pic's tomm of my frame & firewall for you to give you an idea of what to do. Here is a pic of the front of the frame with cab still installed. Not a good pic, but something for now

[57picupnewbie]

Thanks fabguy, just trying to make up my mind which direction to go with.