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#1 |
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: Wichita Kansas
Posts: 455
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Re: 57 GMC, frame swap, 4wd, 454 big block, 4 speed
I stopped by Bowtie Bits and ordered a new windshield, so it should be here soon. I got the receiver hitch installed, and got the fuel filler hose and vent hose connected to the 32 gallon suburban tank, then put the bed on the frame and bolted it down. I need to get the insides of the rear fenders coated so I can bolt them on. I'll finish my fuel filler neck and cap in the driver side fender after I get the fenders fit on the bed. I don't think it's going to get mistaken for being a low rider...
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My 57 GMC build |
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#2 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Central OK
Posts: 521
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Re: 57 GMC, frame swap, 4wd, 454 big block, 4 speed
Quote:
I haven't checked my step in height yet, but I'd guess it's in the 20" range as well, not that I had a really tall truck in mind to begin with, but due to the frame layout on the Dodge chassis I used, I ended up there anyway. Keep up the great work! -Joe Edit- I just checked where mine is sitting. My door sills are at my knee caps, 21.5” off the ground. I can see where 26” would be. Steps are definitely a must.
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My '57 "Ram-rolet" not a NAPCO build: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=589917 Last edited by Purcell69; 11-01-2018 at 05:52 PM. |
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#3 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: Wichita Kansas
Posts: 455
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Re: 57 GMC, frame swap, 4wd, 454 big block, 4 speed
Quote:
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My 57 GMC build |
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#4 |
Post Whore
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Location: Alabama
Posts: 14,652
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Re: 57 GMC, frame swap, 4wd, 454 big block, 4 speed
Defiantly not a low rider!!!.....neither is mine....I may need a ladder to get in it....
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Mongo...aka Greg RIP Dad RIP Jesse 1981 C30 LQ9 NV4500..http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=753598 Mongos AD- LS3 TR6060...http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...34#post8522334 Columbus..the 1957 IH 4x4...http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...63#post8082563 2023 Chevy Z71..daily driver |
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#5 |
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: Wichita Kansas
Posts: 455
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Re: 57 GMC, frame swap, 4wd, 454 big block, 4 speed
Love it!!
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My 57 GMC build |
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#6 |
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2016
Location: Hunkered Down
Posts: 1,847
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Re: 57 GMC, frame swap, 4wd, 454 big block, 4 speed
Very Nice and very tall. Why i put grab rails (inside and out) and power running boards on.
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#7 |
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: Wichita Kansas
Posts: 455
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Re: 57 GMC, frame swap, 4wd, 454 big block, 4 speed
Thanks! I'll make some nice steps for it eventually
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My 57 GMC build |
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#8 |
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2016
Location: Hunkered Down
Posts: 1,847
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Re: 57 GMC, frame swap, 4wd, 454 big block, 4 speed
Mine is 18" off the ground and at 70 both getting in and falling out is a little more than a just a nuisance.. Also getting wife and gran kids is and out safely w/o impacting clearance was a concern. Found that anything over 12-13" is great for sub step height to running board. The stance on yours looks really good BTW.
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#9 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: Wichita Kansas
Posts: 455
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Re: 57 GMC, frame swap, 4wd, 454 big block, 4 speed
Quote:
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My 57 GMC build |
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#10 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2016
Location: Hunkered Down
Posts: 1,847
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Re: 57 GMC, frame swap, 4wd, 454 big block, 4 speed
Quote:
I used to do egonomics as part of being a design engineer. 12-13" is about max for comfortable safe step. Hoop or bar type steps seem to pose a leg breaking hazard or two. With all the trash and debris on roads around here higher and 4x4 are a must. Last two low vehicles had major damage from hitting road trash. One took a hit from a 1' square piece of 3/8" plywood that got sucked up and took out fuel line and tank. The other hit a vise that fell off a utility truck --left a trail of diesel 2' wide for miles!! |
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#11 |
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: Wichita Kansas
Posts: 455
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Re: 57 GMC, frame swap, 4wd, 454 big block, 4 speed
Yes, and add 1 or 2 inches to the actual step, so its really up there. I've had other rigs that were higher, so its workable, but I'll make something before long. I still have a lot of things to finish on it.
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#12 |
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Join Date: Aug 2016
Location: Hunkered Down
Posts: 1,847
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Re: 57 GMC, frame swap, 4wd, 454 big block, 4 speed
I ruined my 87 GMC Van Column by using it as a grab handle to get in before i added the power steps. (Us old farts have shrinking inseams)
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#13 | |
Senior Member
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Location: Doodah Kansas
Posts: 7,773
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Re: 57 GMC, frame swap, 4wd, 454 big block, 4 speed
Quote:
![]() looking great, shes a big girl but very trim!
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the mass of men live lives of quiet desperation if there is a problem, I can have it. new project WAYNE http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=844393 |
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#14 |
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Join Date: Jun 2017
Location: upper midwest
Posts: 1,129
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Re: 57 GMC, frame swap, 4wd, 454 big block, 4 speed
This makes me want a 4x4 TF so bad... |
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#15 |
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: Wichita Kansas
Posts: 455
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Re: 57 GMC, frame swap, 4wd, 454 big block, 4 speed
I have loved this look for a long time, and I'm finally getting it built to how I have it in my mind.
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My 57 GMC build |
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#16 |
Senior Member
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Location: Tomball, Texas
Posts: 1,592
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Re: 57 GMC, frame swap, 4wd, 454 big block, 4 speed
Love the look of your truck. My original plan for my '59 was to make it 4x4. Then I built a different 4x4 and decided I'd do something else with the '59 (haven't started yet). Your truck has me thinking I may have to go back to the original plan!
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Rick 78 GMC K15 SWB, 350/NV4500/NP205/4.10s Project Hazel 71 GMC C25 350/TH400 - Project Angie 59 Chevy SWB Stepside (next in line? Not sure now ![]() 2001 GMC Sierra K2500 |
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#17 |
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: Wichita Kansas
Posts: 455
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Re: 57 GMC, frame swap, 4wd, 454 big block, 4 speed
Thanks! I say go 4x4 on your 59!
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My 57 GMC build |
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#18 |
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Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Ruskin Florida
Posts: 4,561
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Re: 57 GMC, frame swap, 4wd, 454 big block, 4 speed
Very nice trucks for sure! My wife loves to get in my truck as the view is spectacular versus her Toyota. The problem is I have to lift her up to get her in or out. I am probably gonna drop the body lift off and see where I am at. From there, the four inch lift may stay or my failing hips may dictate another change. I am about 50 now so I have to get all this wrenching out of my system before I cannot do it anymore. HAHA! Then again she complains that the Trans Am is too low for her. I don't listen anyway...
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70 swb 4x4 406sbc 700r4 203/205 d60/14blt locker yadda yadda http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...88#post6935688 Yeller 72 Blazer 2wd conversion project "No Daggum Money" http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=550804 LS1-T56 3.73 LSD super budget build Blanco-2014 Sierra SWB https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=810350 |
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#19 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: Wichita Kansas
Posts: 455
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Re: 57 GMC, frame swap, 4wd, 454 big block, 4 speed
Quote:
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#20 |
Post Whore
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Location: Alabama
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Re: 57 GMC, frame swap, 4wd, 454 big block, 4 speed
Haha....I did the same thing with my rear fender....couldn't stand not seeing how it would look
Are you installing the glass before paint?...
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Mongo...aka Greg RIP Dad RIP Jesse 1981 C30 LQ9 NV4500..http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=753598 Mongos AD- LS3 TR6060...http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...34#post8522334 Columbus..the 1957 IH 4x4...http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...63#post8082563 2023 Chevy Z71..daily driver Last edited by mongocanfly; 11-04-2018 at 10:11 AM. |
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#21 |
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: Wichita Kansas
Posts: 455
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Re: 57 GMC, frame swap, 4wd, 454 big block, 4 speed
The interior and window jambs are painted. I'm installing the glass Tuesday morning. I'm going to finish the truck in everything except paint and drive it a while. When I can get it painted, I'll take it back apart for the paint job.
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#22 |
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2016
Location: Hunkered Down
Posts: 1,847
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Re: 57 GMC, frame swap, 4wd, 454 big block, 4 speed
I think having the filler up high will help. Mine is too low and tends to "burp"
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#23 |
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: Wichita Kansas
Posts: 455
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Re: 57 GMC, frame swap, 4wd, 454 big block, 4 speed
Yes, at first I thought about putting the filler in the back of the fender, but decided to do it in the rear top. It should fill with fuel good, and has a good size vent. I poured in about 7 gallons out of a large can pretty fast with no burping back.
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#24 |
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2016
Location: Hunkered Down
Posts: 1,847
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Re: 57 GMC, frame swap, 4wd, 454 big block, 4 speed
Mine is about 4 " lower than yours. It will take gas as fast as you can pump it but "burps" right when the filler cuts off. Hard to gauge when its nearly full and here in OR we mostly have attendants so fill ups are always interesting.
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#25 |
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: Wichita Kansas
Posts: 455
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Re: 57 GMC, frame swap, 4wd, 454 big block, 4 speed
The glass guy came by this morning. He had the front windshield and back glass installed in about 30 minutes. The windshield fit pretty nice. I was hoping there wouldn't be any issues because of it being aftermarket. I talked to the glass guy about my door and wing windows. He's going to cut new glass and install them in the frames for me, so I'll get them to him soon. I also hooked up the new front park/signal lights and tested them out. I have the headlight buckets blasted and ready for a coat of paint, so I'll get the headlights installed the next chance I get. I took some measurements today for a rear bumper. I'm trying to decide if I want to make a custom bumper, or use a stock one. I don't want to make something that doesn't go with the look of the truck, but I also have wiring ran for back-up lights, so I may make one to work with those. Still deciding...
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