My long term 57 project

[JML55]

Nice work, looks great

[ChuckDriver]

Originally Posted by JML55

Nice work, looks great

Thanks!

[shadow1967]

ChuckDriver, Great looking truck! Would it be possible to get a measurement from the firewall to the back bottom edge of the dash? And what air conditioning/heater unit you used?
Mike

[ChuckDriver]

Mike, It may take me a few days to get the measurment, I'm trying hard to get my house ready to sale. I have not installed and AC unit yet, will probably go with a Vintage Air when I do

[hammerdog57]

I just reread your build thread and had some questions. Do you have any more pics of your battery box? Looks stationary. How easy is it to access battery? And last how well does trans cooler work?

[ChuckDriver]

Originally Posted by shadow1967

ChuckDriver, Great looking truck! Would it be possible to get a measurement from the firewall to the back bottom edge of the dash? And what air conditioning/heater unit you used?
Mike

Mike, Sorry for taking so long to get back to you. I measured it today from below the glove box door right under the middle srew at the back edge its 11 1/2 in to the firewall pad. The pad is close to 1/2in thick, so I would have to say that the total measurement would be just shy of 12 in.

I also measured from the top of the speedo to the windshield and it was 10in exactly, but this probably want help as you will more than likely have the glass out when you do it.

Hope this helps and I'll gladly answer any other questions you have, but much sooner next time!

[ChuckDriver]

Originally Posted by hammerdog57

I just reread your build thread and had some questions. Do you have any more pics of your battery box? Looks stationary. How easy is it to access battery? And last how well does trans cooler work?

I built the battery box after seeing the one in the attached photos. It was real simple to make out of angle iron and some flat stock. The battery will slide out the back when I remove the aluminum top bar thats secured with two lengths of all thread.

Trans cooler seems to work fine, but I'm considering installing one with the built in fan and thermostat from B&M

[shadow1967]

ChuckDriver, No problem. I know moving is B***H. My parents sold there house in only 1 week. Then 30 days to escrow.

[Kim57]

Good idea on the box.
Kim

[_Ogre]

nice fab work
put a jump point on the inner fender or frame (like i don't have, yet)

[ChuckDriver]

No jump point, but the battery has both top and side posts. So I use a set of the screw in type posts in the ones on the side to contact a battery charger if I need to.

[shadow1967]

How many days to fab the 1959 dash install? I'm hoping to do it in 3 day weekend. Do you think its possible?

[ChuckDriver]

It can be done if you have all the tools in place and have a good game plan. And if you happen to have, say a play by play writeup with pic'c, that'll help!! I say go for it, and please post your progress!

[ScottRussell]

Great truck!!!!
Last post 2009.... Is it done yet?
More pics...

Break
You make any trips to Afghanistan in 2009?
I rode a C-17 with an SC flag in her at some point that year.
And I live up in Fort Mill, SC now... I'm down in Charleston all the time.

Scott
Navy EOD guy

[ChuckDriver]

Originally Posted by ScottRussell

Great truck!!!!
Last post 2009.... Is it done yet?
More pics...

Break
You make any trips to Afghanistan in 2009?
I rode a C-17 with an SC flag in her at some point that year.
And I live up in Fort Mill, SC now... I'm down in Charleston all the time.

Scott
Navy EOD guy

Scott,

It's still a work in progress. The last thing I've done was install the tubs and wood in the bed earlier this year, other than that I drive it!

I made several trips into Afganistan in 2009, you might have been onboard one of those! Next time you're in Chucktown I'd be glad to show you my 57!

[ScottRussell]

JJ,

Good deal, i'll let you know next time i am heading that way...

Scott

[shadow1967]

Chuck driver could I get the measurement of your column drop?

[ChuckDriver]

Originally Posted by shadow1967

Chuck driver could I get the measurement of your column drop?

It will have to be late tomorrow or Monday. I don't keep mine at the house and I'll be out of town most of the day tomorrow, sorry.

But I believe it's a 2 1/2in drop.

[shadow1967]

Where's your emergency lever?

[ChuckDriver]

I removed it and have not installed another one yet.

[ChuckDriver]

Originally Posted by shadow1967

Chuck driver could I get the measurement of your column drop?

It's actually a 3 in drop, measuring from the center of the column tube to the swivel point of the mount. And measured vertically from the bottom of the dash down the the same center of the column tube it's 3.5 in. Hope this helps!

[ChuckDriver]

Here's a shot showing the drop mounted up with a 1/4in spacer.

[ChuckDriver]

Then I welded in this piece of flat stock to stiffen it up.

[ChuckDriver]

Then this short piece to tie the dash and coulmn brace together.

[ChuckDriver]

Here's a finished shot with the 1/4in spacer painted to match the dash and the 3in drop!

I did have a slight gap between the lower edge of the dash and the factory column brace that I filled in with sheet metal.

Hope these help!