what to look out for (good and bad) if buying a 1957 step side

[hplacecf]

hi.

I have a 1977 c10 step side, did some restoration work on, and love it.

I was thinking of buying a 1957 step side to drive now and then (it is the year I was born, and that year looks cool).

I Don't know much about trucks from back in the 1950s - compared to the 1970s which is the generation of vehicles that I grew up with and know pretty well.

So, what should I be on the look out for (good and bad) if I want to buy a 1957 step side?

thanks!

[57chevyman]

Are you looking for a truck that's ready to drive or a project?

I guess it depends how much work you want to put into.

I bought my truck last summer and it came with a 1991 bed on it.... had I known how expensive it is to get the correct bed on there, I probably would have tried to negotiate the price more. I think I got a real good deal though at $5,000
A '57 truck with no bed, or the wrong bed will cost over $2,000 to get a reproduction with fenders. all the rot free beds are out in CA and NV, so even if you find a nice one on ebay, shipping will be $$$$$

I also bought my truck without a heater core. theyre hard to find because theres no new reproductions of them, so watch out for a truck without a heater core

Good luck! I love my truck. I feel like a rockstar every time I drive around town

[Dan in Pasadena]

Originally Posted by hplacecf

I don't know much about trucks from back in the 1950s.... compared to the 1970s....

The '57 is part of the "Task Force" era of Chevy trucks that ran from '55 - '59. In the 1950's trucks were only JUST beginning to be used as something other than a basic work horse. Sure, the Cameo truck came out in '55 but that was strictly cosmetic - Fiberglas sides and assorted pieces over the top of the stock stepside bed. '58-'59 saw the first Fleetside beds. All still had a straight front axle, ball bearing wheel bearings instead of tapered roller bearings and leaf springs for front suspension. They worked hard and they rode hard. No power steering, no power brakes, no disc brakes, no AC, no automatic until '57 then it was the legendary Hydramatic. Starting in '60 up to today Chevy trucks have independent front suspension (IFS). If you want any of that stuff, you have to add it yourself.

Originally Posted by hplacecf

So, what should I be on the look out for (good and bad)

These trucks never had galvanizing of any kind so they will have rust - ALL of them. If you don't find it, you missed it. If the seller says it's rust free, he's either clueless, lying or hiding it, OR (if he's someone like us) he repaired it and I'd ask for photos of the repairs. Otherwise don't believe it. Take a strong magnet with you! Yes, there PROBABLY is one or two without cancer somewhere but plan on repairing rust. Rear cab corners, door bottoms, the kick panels at the front of the cab floors on each side because the cowl vent drain holes would clog, leaves & dirt would build up = cancer. The "brows" above the headlights and around the roof gutters especially under the brim above the windshield.

These trucks came as short beds and long beds, the short ones are the most popular and will cost you more. They came with either a small or large, wrap around rear window. The "big window" is desirable. They came with and without Deluxe cab which means a thin strip of stainless steel that follows the window lines around the cab. It could be had whether small or big window.

There LOTS more info, but you'll just have to wade in on this sub forum and learn it as you go. It's ALL been discussed here, the search button is your friend.

Post a photo of your prospective truck and we'll help you all we can.
Best of luck, Dan

[Flames97]

^^^^That's a great write up......well done Dan.

[ChuckDriver]

Nicely done Dan!! This board is awesome!

[hplacecf]

Originally Posted by Dan in Pasadena

The '57 is part of the "Task Force" era of Chevy trucks that ran from '55 - '59. In the 1950's trucks were only JUST beginning to be used as something other than a basic work horse. Sure, the Cameo truck came out in '55 but that was strictly cosmetic - Fiberglas sides and assorted pieces over the top of the stock stepside bed. '58-'59 saw the first Fleetside beds. All still had a straight front axle, ball bearing wheel bearings instead of tapered roller bearings and leaf springs for front suspension. They worked hard and they rode hard. No power steering, no power brakes, no disc brakes, no AC, no automatic until '57 then it was the legendary Hydramatic. Starting in '60 up to today Chevy trucks have independent front suspension (IFS). If you want any of that stuff, you have to add it yourself.



These trucks never had galvanizing of any kind so they will have rust - ALL of them. If you don't find it, you missed it. If the seller says it's rust free, he's either clueless, lying or hiding it, OR (if he's someone like us) he repaired it and I'd ask for photos of the repairs. Otherwise don't believe it. Take a strong magnet with you! Yes, there PROBABLY is one or two without cancer somewhere but plan on repairing rust. Rear cab corners, door bottoms, the kick panels at the front of the cab floors on each side because the cowl vent drain holes would clog, leaves & dirt would build up = cancer. The "brows" above the headlights and around the roof gutters especially under the brim above the windshield.

These trucks came as short beds and long beds, the short ones are the most popular and will cost you more. They came with either a small or large, wrap around rear window. The "big window" is desirable. They came with and without Deluxe cab which means a thin strip of stainless steel that follows the window lines around the cab. It could be had whether small or big window.

There LOTS more info, but you'll just have to wade in on this sub forum and learn it as you go. It's ALL been discussed here, the search button is your friend.

Post a photo of your prospective truck and we'll help you all we can.
Best of luck, Dan

thanks, just what I was looking for.

[Dan in Pasadena]

Thanks for everyone's comment and you're welcome to the OP.

We hope you'll join us. A great bunch of guys that would likely all be friends if we lived down the block from each other. These guys will respect your choice whether bone stock restoration, mildly modified cruiser or full on, no-holds-barred show truck. We've got em ALL here and I've never read any of us be anything other than supportive and helpful if we can.

[OrrieG]

Good write up Dan all I can add is to remember that in 57 most of the country was still rural and interstate highways were just being constructed. These trucks were designed to be driven out in the field, over ditches or as light delivery and repairman vehicles in the City. Gearing and engine design was for low torque and occasional 55 mph. If you are going to be crusing around town the stock drive train is ok, if you are going to touring the nation look for one with a V8 or upgraded drive train. Look at the threads comparing stock suspensions with mods to clips or reframes. If you take your time there are lots of aborted projects that show up for loss leader pricing. And you can always find one completed or near what your want for much less than it takes to rebuild one yourself. But if you are in it for the process then have at it. Welcome to the fold.

[Dan in Pasadena]

Orrie, you're absolutely right.

I considered addressing drive trains and suspension alternatives but I had already blah, blah, blah'd too damn long as it was so I stuffed a sock in it!

[mr48chev]

Dan pretty well nailed it in his post.

Rust is the big thing to look for. Especially in the eyebrows above the headlights and the fender behind the front tire. Check the floorboards and the cab corners too as they are rust areas along with the front lip of the roof over the windshield.

I'd also look it over close for suspect repairs and modifications. check for repairs in those same rust areas and look at the chassis and frame for shaky modifications or welds. A lot of these trucks got modified or had engine swaps years ago and the mounts or crossmembers may not be up to today's standards even though they have survived over a number of years. If there are suspension and brake mods look them over closely to see that they are done right and it doesn't have a subframe scabbed on it with bubble gum welds and a hinky steering hookup.

Don't get caught up in the sales pitch or be dazzled by the first look.

That brand new hot lick set of wheels and tires may be the sellers idea of making the truck look fresh but may be a negotiating factor if you don't like them.

[roger55]

Take a look at my '57 build thread. I have photos of all the rust issues I ran into and how I fixed them. I think the rust I had was pretty typical.

[A.T. RockDriller]

Here's some pic's of a '58 deluxe cab...there were a few more accoutrements than just the Chrome Strip....Mostly on the interior.

[Dan in Pasadena]

To the OP, Les' truck is a GMC so that's why his dash looks so different.

Yeah there are other "things" that came with a custom cab but not on the outside. Inside the deluxe heater is the most notable difference.

[OrrieG]

You don't sound like a newbie and know this, but if I am really interested in something I take a knowledable friend with no emotional or financial skin in the outcome to be a unbiased set of eyes and ears.

[_Ogre]

not much to add that hasn't been said by others, except...

wow your old. i know because my 58 was made the year after i was hatched
and like my truk; i was rode hard and put up wet...

[A.T. RockDriller]

Originally Posted by Dan in Pasadena

To the OP, Les' truck is a GMC so that's why his dash looks so different.

Yeah there are other "things" that came with a custom cab but not on the outside. Inside the deluxe heater is the most notable difference.

Thanks fer pointing that out, Dan.
The knobs on the window cranks, along with the bottom of the armrests (and the headliner ) are white instead of black.
Also had both sunvisors.

[hplacecf]

thanks to all of the people who posted.

I pulled the trigger on a 1957 step side that was partially restored by an auto restorer. it is currently in shipment to me.
I will post pics under a separate thread one I receive it.

thanks again.

[Flames97]

Congratulations, can't wait to see it.

[SCHRUMGMC]

Sadly my '59 took the rust issues to the extreme