55.2-59 57 Fleetside C4 build

[Jason 56]

Nice looking build! I like the direction you’re going. I’ll be following.

[57FleetsideC4]

Just doing some little stuff on the truck while waiting on the bed strips. The truck came with reproduction vent frame and glass and door window frame and glass but were clear glass. I wanted tinted glass so ordered the tinted glass and installed them while rebuilding the vent window assemblies that came with the truck.

I have a question on the forward door window post where the vent assembly sits there is a hole a little more than halfway up. I need to know what that is for. Here are some pics including one of the mystery hole. Steve

[Daze57]

57fleetsidec4
As far as i can tell the hole in the vent frame is just to hold the rubber gasket in place .
if you notice on the gasket -a bump about where it fits into the frame -as you put it together -it;ll line up with the frame hole,
that;s the only thing i could come up with . also i use a dish soap and warm water to put the gasket in ---makes it easier to slide the gasket on .

[BIGglaSS]

Can't answer your question... But, What did you use to set the glass in the channels, and where did you get it? Thanks!

[57FleetsideC4]

Originally Posted by BIGglaSS

Can't answer your question... But, What did you use to set the glass in the channels, and where did you get it? Thanks!

I used 1/16" window setting tape on the frame around the glass and 5/64" in the lower sash. I have since found out there is a pre made channel for lower sash. I got the setting tape at a local glass shop. I have seen the lower sash piece at classic industries and they also had the glass setting tape. Steve

[57FleetsideC4]

Originally Posted by Daze57

57fleetsidec4
As far as i can tell the hole in the vent frame is just to hold the rubber gasket in place .
if you notice on the gasket -a bump about where it fits into the frame -as you put it together -it;ll line up with the frame hole,
that;s the only thing i could come up with . also i use a dish soap and warm water to put the gasket in ---makes it easier to slide the gasket on .

Thank You.

[57FleetsideC4]

More updates on my project. Working on a few things now. Getting ready to install the bed and fit all the wood and strips. I had to relocate the second bed sill as it was to far forward. Once I got the new bed strips was able to get a good location and set the sill there. Fit the side mirrors which like almost every aftermarket part needed a little love to make it fit. The right side was not drilled for a mirror so that side fit fine. Got the brake and gas pedal located but I still need to get it lower some how. The gas is DBW so hope I can figure something out. Once I get the bed assembled I may mock up the exhaust just to have that done. My goal is to have all the big pieces fit so when I paint it there will be NO surprises when it goes together for the last time. Here are some pics. Steve

[57FleetsideC4]

Got the bed back on this past weekend to mock up all the wood. Everything seems to fit good. I am still deciding on whether to hide the hardware that hold the bed to the frame or not. I have nice polished stainless which would look nice but a friend suggested to hide it. I also want opinions on the stance. There is still some weight not in the truck yet so may come down a bit in the front. Next up is hidden latches and the tailgate link kits as I want to get rid of the chains. Here are some pics. Steve

[57FleetsideC4]

I decided not to hide the bed attaching hardware so cut in the spots with a forstner bit. I also located the fuel fill door for the under bed tank. I had to figure out a way to locate the fuel fil opening so I stuck a little pencil in the plastic cap I had covering the opening then set the board in place then wiggled the pencil against the board. Worked out great. Steve

[BAM55]

looking good man. Are you going to stain the wood? If so what color? What will you use to protect it?

[57FleetsideC4]

Originally Posted by BAM55

looking good man. Are you going to stain the wood? If so what color? What will you use to protect it?

Thank you. I will be staining on final assembly. Not sure what color. probably stain to accent the exterior color with some type of clear. I am just pre fitting everything on the truck right now. Steve

[57FleetsideC4]

Got a little more done on my 57. I eliminated the gate chains and installed link kit and hidden latch kits from mar-k. They installed pretty easy with decent instructions and worked as advertised. Steve

[Daze57]

lookin good

[57FleetsideC4]

Progress has slowed down a bit. With the weather getting better have been working on the yard and taking care of the daily drivers after winter. Was able to get the side moldings on the bed sides set up other that making the holes for the stainless which I will do once I get the clips and they are in first coats of high build primer. Will be taking it apart soon to get sandblasting and epoxy primed then bodywork. Steve

[57FleetsideC4]

I made a little more progress on the project. I disassembled the truck cab and front end again. I also tried one of the wheels from my 70 vista cruiser which is a 295 45r 18 on a 18 x 9.5 with 5.5 bs. and it rubs a little on the inside of the wheel tub but with 5" bs t would give me 1/2" on each side which I believe will be ok. I also got the truck back to the lift and lifted the cab off and go it on the rotisserie. It seems pretty sturdy and balanced and am happy with it. Got it back in the front shop which barely made it in the 7' door and now can finish off some of the welding grind it smooth then off to the sandblaster. here are some pics. Steve

[57FleetsideC4]

More pictures. Steve

[OKGMC4]

Like the way the build is turning out. That really was a smokin engine deal. I'm always surprised how many of us are doing C4 swaps on these trucks. Amazing there are any C4 corvettes still out there!

Originally Posted by 57FleetsideC4

I wasn't planning on running sway bars. The guy I bought this from does a lot of these and he wasn't running sway bars on his builds. I don't know if you could get the stock corvette bars in there. Steve

I've driven mine both with and without a front sway bar. May be personal preference but I felt it was such an improvement that I'm actually upgrading the tiny stock bar to a 1.25" aftermarket bar. Without out a bar on it, my 2008 Ram 4x4 turned better!

[57FleetsideC4]

Originally Posted by OKGMC4

Like the way the build is turning out. That really was a smokin engine deal. I'm always surprised how many of us are doing C4 swaps on these trucks. Amazing there are any C4 corvettes still out there!



I've driven mine both with and without a front sway bar. May be personal preference but I felt it was such an improvement that I'm actually upgrading the tiny stock bar to a 1.25" aftermarket bar. Without out a bar on it, my 2008 Ram 4x4 turned better!

Thanks for the reply. I don't know if I can get bars on there the way it is now.

I have another question. I am farming out the sandblasting on this job so will be transporting the cab on the rotisserie to the blasters. I am wondering if the bouncing on the rotisserie during transport will hurt it. It's around 10 miles to the blasters and will be using my 10' utility trailer. I will go slow and take my time just a little concerned on the bouncing. I am working on a brace to the step brace just not sure. Does anyone have any opinions on this? Steve

[OKGMC4]

I’d probably make some more square tube adjusters that are longer. I would want the cab as low as I could get to stop it from wanting to tip. Maybe make some wood spacers to set between the steps and the trailer floor? Could add more stability. Otherwise strapping that thing solid will be problematic.

[57FleetsideC4]

Originally Posted by OKGMC4

I’d probably make some more square tube adjusters that are longer. I would want the cab as low as I could get to stop it from wanting to tip. Maybe make some wood spacers to set between the steps and the trailer floor? Could add more stability. Otherwise strapping that thing solid will be problematic.

Thanks for the suggestions. It doesn't seem to tippy just pushing it around the shop so not real worried about it tipping over. I have a 4x4 bolted to each bar then a 4x4 that goes from the 4x4 to the floor at the step brace which left a 1/8" space at the floor. I added a piece of rug at the top of each 4x4 and it is snug. I plan on ratchet straps from each end of the rotisserie to the trailer then one across the floor on the inside to the trailer. keeping it on the metal wheels not the larger tires. I will just have to go slow and especially around corners. Thank again Steve

[57FleetsideC4]

Hi Guys, I am ready to load the cab on my utility trailer to take to the sandblaster. I am leaving it on the rotisserie so made a couple of supports to support the middle some. My plan is to run a strap around the rotisserie and through the cab and not overtighten it just firm. Then will strap both ends of the rotisserie to the trailer and one strap around the middle from the rotisserie to trailer. I also got to drag it on there with either a 2 ton come along (pictured) or get a small electric winch. I like the idea of the extenders to get it lower that OKGMC4 suggested but if it was lower it still would bounce the same. I don't think it will tip as I have tried to tip it in the shop and will be driving very slow and cautious and turn real gentle. Does anyone see any flaws in my plan? Thanks Steve

[57FleetsideC4]

Got the cab loaded on the landscape trailer and transported it to the sandblaster. It went very well never felt like it was in danger at any time. I also got the hood, inner fenders, radiator support, front shields, Doors, bed sides to sandblast also. They are going to blast and epoxy everything and should have back in a couple of weeks. Then on to the body work. Here are some pics on the cab on the trailer.

[57FleetsideC4]

Before going over to the blaster I had to repair the one stake pocket that was ripped away from the bed side. Pics

[57FleetsideC4]

Update on my project. I got all the body parts back from being blasted and epoxy primed. Now to start all the body work. This is going to take some time but will look good when done . Here are some pics of it in epoxy. Steve

[57FleetsideC4]

Some more pics. Steve