New 1957 Project

[ezekiel]

Here's even more info on flat top knuckles and high steer setups.

[renegade6]

We finally had enough of a break in the rain so that I could install the new (used) windshield, rear window, prime the roof and seal the drip rail seams before I have to move to Kansas.

A few thoughts:

-String definitely helps with the front windshield. Because of how the gasket is, it seems that it would almost make sense to pull one from the inside and one end of it from the outside.

-When doing the back window, put the gasket in the truck and then slip the window in. Also, don't trim as much of the gasket

Here are a few shots before it gets shipped off...

[71'tahoe]

Is that a spare grille in the bed? Would you want to sell it?

[renegade6]

I finally have moved and gotten settled enough to do some work on the truck. Other than putting a new radiator in it a few months ago, I really haven't done much other than drive it.

After spending two hours underneath the truck trying to remove old undercoating and only doing about a 2'x2' area, I decided to go ahead and get the cab floor blasted. While I'm at it, better paint the frame, have the inner fenders blasted...You know the rest of the story.

Here are the latest pictures.

[OrrieG]

Do you know what headers are on it? I' curious about fit on the passenger side around the starter, driveline, bellhousing and crossmember. Does it still have the stock crossmember between the front rear spring purches (original bellhousing crossmember)? Thanks

[Tx Firefighter]

Get a little propane torch like plumbers use from your hardware store. Once you heat that undercoating up with it, you can scrape it clean off as fast as you want to work.

[renegade6]

Originally Posted by OrrieG

Do you know what headers are on it? I' curious about fit on the passenger side around the starter, driveline, bellhousing and crossmember. Does it still have the stock crossmember between the front rear spring purches (original bellhousing crossmember)? Thanks

I will take some pictures when I get a chance but, the original cross-member near the bellhousing was removed. Not sure on the brand of headers, they were on it when I bought it.

[OrrieG]

Thanks, no hurry I'm just thinking ahead.

[renegade6]

Finally an update. I've been pretty much working on it every weekend for the last two months. A list of what I've done (or had others do) so far:

-Cleaned, primed and painted the frame. Just need to add another coat of Eastwood ceramic chassis black and I'll be done with this.

-Had the cab media blasted

-Removed and replaced the rear cab panel. Also removed the inner cab corners and replaced them with a patch inside of the cab.

-Removed and replaced the driver's side step.

-Filled a whole bunch of holes in the floor and firewall.

-Had the cab primed and ready for the next step of filling dents and then spraying the floor and bottom with Al's liner.

Now, on to the pictures...

[renegade6]

More pictures. The completed pictures of the cab will have to wait until next weekend. It's back together but, in my haste to get home, I forgot the after pictures.

[renegade6]

Here's the latest update. So far I've been able to accomplish the following:

-Fixed the brake and clutch pedal set up that I took from a 86 Chevy truck to work with mine. I'm using the 86 hydraulic clutch set up and a booster from a Chevy van.

-Installed rear cab panel...BTW, the contours on the sides aren't exactly like the original and it will take a bit of work. In hindsight, I should have just repaired the original and changed the cab corners. At one point, the truck was in an accident on the drivers rear cab corner and had a replacement spliced in, poorly I might add.

-Filled the fuel filler hole.

-Replaced the front lower hinge pockets. I originally patched these but, I knew that they had rust and being a perfectionist, I couldn't live with it. Not the easiest to change.

-Replaced the fender bottom. One odd thing about this is that the inside edge profile is not the same, so it took a bit of work with a hammer and dolly to fix.

-A bunch of dent filling, sanding and hole filling.

-Sprayed Al's Liner on the inside of the cab. I was able to tint it with the color that I'm going to use. Additionally, I used the rubber granules to help with making the inside of the truck quieter.

-Did I mention a bunch of sanding?

[renegade6]

More pictures

[OrrieG]

I'm having flashbacks to my cab corners and hinge pockets. Nice work. The Al's product looks sharp, does it go on as easy as they say? How about cleanup for the gun?

[renegade6]

Thanks.

The liner almost goes on a little easy...I messed up on the first go but, I figured it out. If you get it, use the nozzle that comes in the gun. I decided to use the larger one because of the rubber granules and I don't think I needed to use it. The gun clean up is just like is shown in the video, let it dry and pull out the remnants.

[bensimmons_05]

Hey Ive always been curious about the fender patch panels. do they come with the support that bolts to the cab on the inside or do you have to salvage the original support??

Looking great.

Ben

[renegade6]

You have to salvage the inner support but, it was pretty easy to do.

[OrrieG]

If yours is rusted they make reproductions of the inner brace too.

[renegade6]

I guess it is about time for an update. The cab is pretty much ready for paint but, I have to get the new doors prepared and ready for paint. The doors are Dynacorn and appear to be pretty good.

This weekend I installed stainless bed angle strips and fixed a bunch of dents. Nothing too exciting but, I'm making progress.

[renegade6]

I've managed to make some progress on it but, nothing spectacular. I've installed the new doors, bear claw latches in the new doors, finished up most of the body work on the bed and installed a new fuel tank.

[renegade6]

Here is a shot of the completed SM465 and NP205.

[waybad]

is this a napco? or did you just add the 4x4 stuff? I really want to make mine a 4x4,, but don't want the front axle sticking out like they do with the 70's front ends.. Thanks TC
e-mail me if you want
ktchct@yahoo.com

[renegade6]

This one was converted to 4x4 (non Napco). It has a different steering gear box and a Dana 44 front axle.

[waybad]

Originally Posted by renegade6

This one was converted to 4x4 (non Napco). It has a different steering gear box and a Dana 44 front axle.

Do you know what dana it was out of? or the wms-wms measurement is?
also what bear claw part#s did you use for your doors? Thanks so much for your time and keep up the great work! TC

[renegade6]

I will get some measurements together this weekend for you.

I used the large bearclaw latches and installation kits.

[richlandborn]

bnhjyhh