57 Chevy Project

[Q89]

I read plenty of the build threads and thought I'll start my own.

I got myself a 1957 Chevy 3600.



As I have no idea what to do when it comes to cars and even less with bodywork I got a friend of mine that has restored a few classic cars to help me out.

And as everyone says, it will cost you more than you bargained, that is so true, because I have to build a new garage for her.

[Kim57]

Welcome.
Great to see someone from so far away join the group.
Kim

[OrrieG]

Welcome, right hand drive should raise some comments. I think the blue is way to timid too. What are your plans for it?

[Q89]

Thanx for the welcomes!

So far I just want to get her in a running state and as much as possible keep her stock. She will be all black, with chromed grille, and bumpers. Will be changing the straight six to a V8.

[Q89]

It's been a hectic few weeks and did not get much time for her. It seems this is going to be a slow go project.

We took off the grille and hood to get to the engine. Took out the engine and, yes, that was about it.

[Kim57]

Well that a start. Just keep at it and you'll get it done.
Kim

[JML55]

Welcome, cool truck i never seen a right hand drive one.

[Q89]

Started this week to remove the bed and fixing up the cab.

[Kim57]

Brings back memories of when I started mine.
Kim

[Coupeguy2001]

Welcome to the forum.
I wonder if the yellow paint under the grille means it was a government vehicle when it was new?

I also wonder if they kept records long enough to tell you who might have bought it new?

Yup, I am wondering again,

I wonder if it was converted to right hand drive or it was factory made right hand drive when new for export?
Does it have a right hand gauge cluster and a left hand glove box? How about pictures of the dash?

Take care of that truck, it is rare, and something of a curiosity.

I wonder if half ton front springs would make it ride better if you did not wish to carry really heavy loads?

That is a real find, to have one of these trucks survive all this time over there out in the open.

[Q89]

Can anyone help me with the VIN of my truck? 57 3600 SAJ 31906.

Here is another picture for those that like to look at pictures and not read alot (alot like myself)

[_Ogre]

that vin doesn't look like a usa vin
must have been made for export or assigned in the country of delivery
over here your truck would be a very unique truck with right hand drive

my 59 1 ton panel has vin 3G59O######
3G = 3800 1 ton
59 = year
O = oakland california assembly plant
####### = construction sequence number

my 58 1/2 ton step side truck vin is V3A58A######
V = original v8 motor (omission of the v means 6 cyl motor)
3A = 3100 series or 1/2 ton short bed
58 = year of manufacture
A = atlanta georgia assembly plant
###### = construction sequence number

this information is on many truck sites
i gleaned it off of the lmctruck.com site

all chevy and gmc trucks were built in the usa at that time
look above the dent on the frame where the steering gear would be located on a left hand drive vehicle.
and the usa equivalent of the first 3G59O or V3A58A should be located.
maybe some of the brits or aussies can chime in here.

[JML55]

Originally Posted by _Ogre

that vin doesn't look like a usa vin
must have been made for export or assigned in the country of delivery
over here your truck would be a very unique truck with right hand drive

my 59 1 ton panel has vin 3G59O######
3G = 3800 1 ton
59 = year
O = oakland california assembly plant
####### = construction sequence number

my 58 1/2 ton step side truck vin is V3A58A######
V = original v8 motor (omission of the v means 6 cyl motor)
3A = 3100 series or 1/2 ton short bed
58 = year of manufacture
A = atlanta georgia assembly plant
###### = construction sequence number

this information is on many truck sites
i gleaned it off of the lmctruck.com site

all chevy and gmc trucks were built in the usa at that time
look above the dent on the frame where the steering gear would be located on a left hand drive vehicle.
and the usa equivalent of the first 3G59O or V3A58A should be located.
maybe some of the brits or aussies can chime in here.

There were Canadian truck built too, my 55 is a Canadian truck. I think Canada built RH drive truck for export, thought i read that somewhere before.

[Q89]

Just a question. Will a 55 windshield fit my 57?

[Rude Dude]

55(2nd series) -59 all the same.

Originally Posted by Q89

Just a question. Will a 55 windshield fit my 57?

[Q89]

My truck is getting ready for the electrical installment

[_Ogre]

good progress since august