My '57 Truck Build "Rosa"

[fabguy]

Here are few pics of what we have.

[72BLUZ]

that frame swap sounds interesteing

[57picupnewbie]

Thanks fatguy. I am still trying to figure which route to go- clip, IFS kit, or frame swap. I have decided that I am going to "Bag her". That being said, it will probably be just as easy to just get the kits and box in and modify original frame.

I have also, been working on tracking down a 327ci for the poweer pack. I found one that had been recently rebuilt and is a strong engine for $400. I would still tear it down and go trough it, but it sounds like a goood deal to me.

[57picupnewbie]

UPDATE: after working on shop some, I have gotton back to the truck. I had to get my hoist finished. I decided to finish the shop floor before I started grinding and sanding because of all the dust getting everywhere. I know, it still will, but less to clean up to preapre the floor. Floor is done. Anyway. CAB is off and striped. Ready for blast. I only had 1 cab bolt stripped. Actually it broke. Over all, I only had a total of 8 screws and bolts that I had to notch and use a striaght slot on to get out. Here are pics.

[57picupnewbie]

I do have a question for you experts. I think I want to put a '56 hood on this truck. I like the smooth look vs. the two ribs. Does anyone know if it will fit perfect or will anything have to be modified. I will be adding a front tilt kit from "No Limit". Thanks.

[57picupnewbie]

Another question. I am going to pick you guy's brains because I am getting into the meat of this thing now. I have a feeling after blast, I will really have questions. Some "rocket scientist" welded the passenger side upper door hinge bolt. Bottom two came out fine. Bottom has to be rebuilt due to rust as usual. I am sure they welded this to keep the weight off the rusted portion. I never knew it. The doors closed tight and hold tight with no give. Any suggestions on how to get this critter out? Not much room. I would rather get it out and replace hinge and allow for ability to adjust door if needed. Thanks.

[OrrieG]

Cut out welded bolt and enough of the metal around it to replace with a piece with the right caged nut. Easy fix. If you need to replace enough that it gets into the recessed parts, buy a patch panel for that hinge and just use what you need. That is what I did on the bottom. The caged nut gives you enough play that you do not need to be exact, use the other side as a template.

[ChuckDriver]

The 56 hood will bolt right on like the 57. Good luck with your progress!

[57picupnewbie]

Thanks OrrieG. I will give that a try. I have to rebuild that side anyway. Chuckdriver, thanks. I thought it would but was not sure. I want a smooth surface due to a graphice that I am considering. I also just like the smooth look. You guys rock.

[Russell Ashley]

Dru, Thanks for the parts, just what I was looking for.

I wish my truck had still had it's original 235 like yours instead of the 350. I'd rather have the six but the 350 was claimed to have less than 200 miles on it and runs like that might be true, so I'll keep it for now. Just wondering, why do you want a 327 when 350s are way more available, and probably cheaper.
BTW, 72Bluz, I sold my 69 Dodge to my Bro-in-Law in Lafayette. It's a tan 4X4, you might see it around town occasionally.

[57picupnewbie]

Russ,

Are you runnning an automatic with your 350 or 3 speed? I know where I might could get an original 235 with original 3 speed trains. I had an extra that I let go with the first truck that I had before I got this one.

[57picupnewbie]

Cab loaded and ready to go to blast. It will be ready tomorrow and then the painter will etch prime. The boys and I spent the afternoon in the shop working on the frame. Removed the rear brake drums and started on the brake lines. WE ARE HAVING FUN NOW!!! I will put pics of cab on here Sunday after the cab is primed.

[Russell Ashley]

Originally Posted by 57picupnewbie

Russ,

Are you runnning an automatic with your 350 or 3 speed? I know where I might could get an original 235 with original 3 speed trains. I had an extra that I let go with the first truck that I had before I got this one.

Hey Dru, I'm keeping the three speed. Partly because I have it and partly because I think it has been rebuilt. It's a later model transmission. It's painted black and shifts very good so I'll keep it for the novelty of having a "three-on-the-tree". The grandkids saw the shifter and asked what it was. Surprising how many people have never seen a column shifter before. I have rebuilt all of the shift linkage and painted it so I'm kind of committed for now.

[57picupnewbie]

PROGRESS!!! The blast guy was awesome. Really no surprises. Thank goodness. Took about 3 hours. Loaded up then off to paint shop.

[57picupnewbie]

Two coats of Etch Primer and back to house. Parked in garage. I will put it in shop tomorrow. I am tired. It was a good day.

[VA72C10]

That looks great!!!

[Kim57]

I'd love to have mine in that condition right now.
Kim

[nickp51chevy]

WOW! That looks like a solid cab.

[OrrieG]

It does look good, unmolested dash too.

[72BLUZ]

i am impressed, that is awesome. keep posting the updates as you do them

[57picupnewbie]

UPDATE: After getting the cab blasted and primed, I started on getting the framed taken apart. This is when I noticed a PROBLEM. I knew things were going to smooth. That is right. The frame is TWISTED in the rear. I had my body man look at it but the twisting begins at the leaf perch and continues all the way to the rear. He said it could be straightened but did not know cost or time. Decision TIME????

[57picupnewbie]

I made my decision after calculating what it would cost to put rear end, IFS, power steering, 4-link etc and fix frame. I started looking for a DONOR. A friend of mine at church ownes a junk yard and he had this. a '73 C10 Silverado. $350. Comes home tomorrow. Frame swap time.

[57picupnewbie]

All the measurements checked out right on. I know I will have some modifications arounf the Cab. I like already having the IFS in place. Just take this one down and rebuld.

[Arkansas50's]

Your donor looks more like a 83. Suspension parts for that truck should be fairly cheap. Keep the pics coming.

[57picupnewbie]

I will have to double check. All the door stickers were pilled off. I lloked at one of the taillight covers and it was stamped 73. This is the only place I new to look. Any other suggestions on how to verify year? Where would the frame VIN # be?