'57 Stepside, Big Window Project

[1959 Apache 3600]

Cool. Looks like it's in nice shape already. What's your plans?

Edit in: Duh... nevermind...I clicked page 2 instead of page one. Nice project going on there!

[C.shows]

Stay on it!! looking good!

[87Lowrider]

Yes, it was/is in excellent condition. It's been in the garage since 1997 but now's the time to get it built. I have to repair my DD this weekend ('86 Jimmy). Afterwards, the fun begins! Stay tuned...

[87Lowrider]

Time for some updated pics gang;

Donor Engine: 1987 Chevrolet 350 R10 motor. Currently setup with a Edelbrock 600 Carb. Considering removing the new intake and carb and installing an EFI unit. I like the idea of FI in the '57 but I just can't decide. I have time though.


Here’s the SubFrame before I removed it from the donor vehicle.


Completely rebuilt, new bushings from Energy Suspension;


New Springs and rotors as well...




Time to tear it all down and get ready for surgery.

[87Lowrider]

OK, after a winter of waiting, I finally got my smaller projects finished and the garage cleaned up to the point where I can start on the ole' girl again. The Camaro is gone but I kept the front clip (since I had completely rebuilt it). Now, I'm reading several of the threads here to get a feel for the procedure to graft it to the '57's frame rails.






Here's the Rear End Mock up.. '73 XJ6 Jag Rear IRS with mounting hardware. (Sorry, iphone didn't do it justice. I'll get the Nikon and do better)

[Kim57]

Cool that you're able to get back to it.
Kim

[Red Foreman]

Word of advice, there's lots of threads done on the subject so do heaps of searching, reading & triple measuring!

[OrrieG]

Take a look over a HAMB too. There is at least one pretty detailed thread done by a guy who has done a bunch.

[Red Foreman]

This is the thread OrrieG mentioned;

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/s...d.php?t=148978

[87Lowrider]

Thanks... I will. I'm on page 13 of that thread. Of all the things I've read so far, I like Lux's procedure the best.

[OrrieG]

Originally Posted by Red Foreman

This is the thread OrrieG mentioned;

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/s...d.php?t=148978

Thanks for posting the link, I was feeling lazy the other evening!

[87Lowrider]

Working on mock up of the Jag Rear End (Finally!)





Prepping the Camaro Clip for installation too;



Another View


Feels good to finally get back on the project... been sitting in the garage in pieces since 1997.

[Kim57]

I know how you feel about your project sitting. I've had mine since 92 and have only made any steady progress on it in the past year.
Keep at it and it'll be done in no time.
Kim

[87Lowrider]

... trying to do something every night.. I bought the truck from a guy in Riverside in 1990 when I lived in Colton, CA.

[87Lowrider]

Got the Cab off the frame tonight and started measurements to prepare for grafting the Camaro Clip onto the front of the truck

Rear Axle Centerline - (I've heard 36 1/2" and 37" from the rear of the frame) - Which is correct???




Could this be some kind of sign? 114 inches to the rear of that hole on both rails of the frame...


This should be the Centerline for the front Axle. My problem is I tore the truck down sooo long ago, discarded the front axle and rear end and can't find my notes now on where they are supposed to be... I may have some pictures to refer to...

[Kim57]

Don't forget the front wheels weren't centered on these things from the factory.
I think most guys have had to move them forward an inch or more.
Kim

[87Lowrider]

Thanks for the reminder... How's yours coming?

I spent the weekend reading several threads, all the while making notes of everything. That detail is pretty important! I'm gonna put the plasma to it later this week. I bought some big C-Clamps at Harbor Freight over the weekend so I can start fitting the clip once I can get it mated up. Then, I'm gonna put the cab back on, put the dog house together and eyeball everything before tacking it in place and having my nephew come over and weld it all in. It'll be nice to get her back on her own feet.

Ken

[OrrieG]

Those holes are probably the original factory jig points. Factory assy manual, or the document in my signature link both have detailed frame dimensions that might help.

[87Lowrider]

Originally Posted by OrrieG

Those holes are probably the original factory jig points. Factory assy manual, or the document in my signature link both have detailed frame dimensions that might help.

Thanks!

I have the factory maintenance manual and have looked at some other stuff, but the frame dimensions in the doc in your sig were perfect. That helps a bunch. If for no other reason than a printed reference to check myself with.

Ken

[87Lowrider]

Ok, here wego, working on the rear cross member strengthening it up.






Then, we broke out the Plasma and started knocking the rivets off the spring perches so we could get the cross member out.



Going to finish getting the cross member out tonight and proceed with the clip install...

[sqrlnts]

Great project, keep up the awesome work! Just remember, a jug fills drop by drop.

[meter swinger]

BTT.
Any pics of the clip welded in 87lowrider?
Posted via Mobile Device

[87Lowrider]

Not yet welded in, but soon and I'll post a whole bunch of photos.

[87Lowrider]

Long hot summer, lotsa distractions... still not welded in but hope to get it done soon... Ken

[made2drag]

nice work so far