55.2-59 57 Fleetside C4 build

[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 .

[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.

[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]

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

[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

[Jason 56]

Wow, it’s looking great. Appears to be in good condition after blasting.

[57FleetsideC4]

Originally Posted by Jason 56

Wow, it’s looking great. Appears to be in good condition after blasting.

Thanks.. It does look better all one color but still a lot of body work to do. Still trying to decide how to transition the rear of the cab step to the outer cab corner since the reproduction pieces aren't perfect. 2 of the body lines line up but the last one not so much. Steve

[6DoF]

holy crap, that came out amazing ... can i ask what that all cost? see if i want to add it to my eventual to-do list or not lol.

[57FleetsideC4]

It ended up costing $2700 to media blast then aluminum oxide on the rougher areas, D.A. everything and a couple of coats of epoxy primer. Still a LOT of bodywork to do. It seemed a bit high to do it but I trust them, they get it done and the number one thing is I did not have to do it. Now that I am older I will trade cash for the work I don't like doing. Steve

Originally Posted by 6DoF

holy crap, that came out amazing ... can i ask what that all cost? see if i want to add it to my eventual to-do list or not lol.

[57FleetsideC4]

Hi, Hope everyone had a great summer. I have been reading all the posts and like all the progress on these trucks. Now that car shows, cruise nights and outdoor activities are pretty much over in western N.Y. it's time to get back on my truck project. I have been putting a couple hours here and there since I had everything epoxied. The cab is ready for more primer so that is next. Here are some picks of the cab. Steve

[57FleetsideC4]

Hi All, Hope everyone had a great Christmas and a Happy New Year!! I have made some progress on the 57 project. I got the first coats of 2K primer on the cab, patched the bottoms of the doors, straightened out the gate and primed. Here are some pics.