1957 Chevy Longbed Project

[Rednek13x]

I figured i better start a build thread not only for others to see, but for my self to look back on. I purchased the pickup 3 years ago from my neighbor. Sat for the first two years and last spring i finally replaced the clutch and got it running and on the road. I put about 1000 miles on and was flawless.

When i originally got the truck, i wanted to restore it to like original, but after looking at how much work it would be (i live in the rust belt) and the fun factor of just driving the thing changed my mind. After driving it around for 1000 miles i figured out where i want to go with it. I think.... It defiantly needs a bigger, faster and louder engine, the 235 doesnt cut it. Id like a T56 6 speed tranny but a 700R4 will have to do for right now. In the next 2 months i will be building a mild Vortec 5.7 carbureted for it. Suspension and handling defiantly need to be upgraded. Right now its a stock 3/4, basically stiff, granted it is a fun rough ride. It feels pretty dangerous. Steering is pretty sloppy also. Another problem i seen lacking is the BADASS look... so to fix the handling/suspension and the lack of badass appearance i am bagging it. I am going to build the rear C notch and probably buy or make my 4 link kit. Dont have any experience with them. For the front, im not quite sure of yet, but i can figure that out when i get there.

Thats enough for now, ill post pictures to get caught up to where i am at now.

[Rednek13x]

Here it is when i first brought it home

[Rednek13x]

Took the bed off and checked out all the rust... got discouraged and it sat the rest of the summer

[Rednek13x]

Spring came and i was ambitious to try some patch replacement. So i started on the floorboards as i planned on using a floor mat anyway.

[Rednek13x]

Did my cab corners...

[Rednek13x]

Metal patching was spring of 2012... It sat the rest of the summer & winter.

Spring of 2013 i decided by the end of the summer it was going to be running and at least able to move under its own power.... well in a matter of two weekends it was running and driving for the most part safely down the road. The origanal tires were shot, and i could not find tires for my 17.5 inch rims. So i figured get some 16in 8 bolts. That didnt go as planned, tie rod hits it when turning, 17" didnt work either. So i found some cheap 18 chromes and slapped them on. At least i can drive it around...

[Rednek13x]

Now that its drivable it got me motivated to do some more work, The box needed alot of work, so i was doing that. And also POR15 the floorboards.


after i got the box on, i spent all summer just cruising around.

[Rednek13x]

Thats all i have for now, will post more once i start tear down and engine transplant.

Here is what i hope to get when its done. kinda.

[Kim57]

Nice job on the repairs so far.
Looks like it will be a real nice build.
Kim

[purplehavoc]

Diggin the 8 bolt wheels. Looks good.

[Rednek13x]

Purchased a 1999 vortec 5.7 out of a Tahoe that I will be building in the next few weeks. Converting it to carbureted.

Is this engine a roller cam? What would be a good cam, that doesn't need any machine work done. Should I use stock springs or get different ones?

Other than that doing intake carb cam headers and if the engine needs a rebuild flat top pistons.

[Kim57]

That should make a real nice engine for your build.
Kim

[Rednek13x]

this is a 1999 with i believe a roller hydrolic cam. Anyone know what a good performance cam that has a good rouchy sound?

[Rednek13x]

In one week i will start tearing down the engine for rebuild. Im required to rebuild a engine for a college class, so what better.

Iv purchased a Holley 600 CFM carb
Upgrades going to purchase:
Edelbrock Performer RPM air gap intake
COMP Cam 268/268, Lift .454/.454
MSD Street Fire HEI Distributor
Tig welded aluminum custom valve covers

Hoping i can just re ring it, but ill find that out in a week when i tear it down. Ill need a flywheel, alternator, and probably a few more things.

[Rednek13x]

Got quite a bit of work done on my engine this week.
Ill have about $2500 in the entire engine when complete.

[Kim57]

Nice.
Kim

[made2drag]

looking good!

[Rednek13x]

got some more work done on the truck last weekend. purchased a front subframe and rear end from 1977 trans am.

[Kim57]

Nice.
Kim

[Rednek13x]

got the old 235 pulled out

[Rednek13x]

front suspension cut out of the way and cab removed.

[made2drag]

nice progress....looking good

[Kim57]

Looking good.
Kim

[Russell Ashley]

The truck is coming along good. I thought it looked great with those chrome wheels, they fit it nicely.
I just noticed from your first pic that it looks like it had a set of hood rockets at some point, although it looks like the right side might have been broken. Were they on it when you got it?

[Rednek13x]

Thanks guys, progress has been slow as only home on the weekends, another week and it should be pretty steady progress.

Russell, hood ordiments were gone when i got the truck, would love to get some though!