'57 Stepside, Big Window Project

[87Lowrider]

Thanks! Hope to get time to get back out there and get more done... lots to do, need welding help. Got the tools, my sight ain't what it used to be. /Ken

[made2drag]

Originally Posted by 87Lowrider

Thanks! Hope to get time to get back out there and get more done... lots to do, need welding help. Got the tools, my sight ain't what it used to be. /Ken

i just noticed we have the same taste in trucks. i have a c10, k5 and 56 too

[87Lowrider]

Funny.. I sold the '87Lowrider last month... got me an '05 Z71 Stepper 4x4.

[butchp]

Originally Posted by made2drag

nice work so far

I am in nw tn.doing the same thing.

[izonme13]

Close to getting that clip installed?? Also dont forget to make a jig where the core support mounts. Wish I had done that with mine!!

[87Lowrider]

Thanks for the tip... I've considered it but haven't done it yet.

The clip is still in place, ready for final fitting. Needing a welder to stop by and help me.. waiting for that currently.

Ken

[87Lowrider]

OK, Quick update;

Spring approaching... long winter with wifes wreck and distruction of family (company) van. '87 Lowrider is sold and somewhere in Wisconsin now.

The '57 is being loaded and sent to my body man for suspension installation, body work, paint and final assembly since I can't seem to find the time to work on it myself.

I'll post some pics at progress starts to happen.

[57larry]

can't wait for the pics

[SCHRUMGMC]

Congrats man, beautiful truck

Good luck man, looking forward for more photos

[87Lowrider]

No time to do it so it's off to the body shop for assembly body work and paint... will keep you posted as work progresses / Ken

[Dan in Pasadena]

Originally Posted by 87Lowrider

....The '57 is being loaded and sent to my body man for suspension installation, body work, paint and final assembly since I can't seem to find the time to work on it myself.....

SLACKER!

I'm kidding of course. Nice that you can do that, wish I could....well, sometimes I do.

[87Lowrider]

You sound like my wife!

Something like this:



OH, my wife informed me today that we are NOT using the '87 350 / 700r4 combo in the garage. SHE wants all new! Man, that woman....

[Dan in Pasadena]

Originally Posted by 87Lowrider

.... SHE wants all new! Man, that woman....

I'd be tempted to tell her you want an "all new" source of income to pay for it!

Nice color combo. I have an '08 Chevy Duramax 3500 dually 4x4 LTZ in Greystone metallic and it occured to me in the past to paint my '55 match it. I think I've moved on to other color ideas after deciding there was no reason to make them match. But I DO kinda like that color idea.

Keep the pictures coming, huh? No more of the uh...er..."pickup teasing" going years between posts.

[87Lowrider]

Originally Posted by Dan in Pasadena

I'd be tempted to tell her you want an "all new" source of income to pay for it!

Nice color combo. I have an '08 Chevy Duramax 3500 dually 4x4 LTZ in Greystone metallic and it occured to me in the past to paint my '55 match it. I think I've moved on to other color ideas after deciding there was no reason to make them match. But I DO kinda like that color idea.

Keep the pictures coming, huh? No more of the uh...er..."pickup teasing" going years between posts.

I work in IT so I'll just have to work a few (??) extra nights to pay for it.

I'll check in on a weekly basis with them and get pics to show progress. But, I told them I'm not in a big hurry. I've got my '86 Jimmy to prep and sell and also some other parts (engine / tranny combo from my donor truck) - "The Late '87 Lowrider' that I sold back in the fall.

[87Lowrider]

Sold the motor and tranny today... proceeds go to the body shop and the '57.

They're working on mounting the suspension (front and rear).. should have some pics in a couple days. /Ken

[87Lowrider]

Now that the truck is gone to the shop, I need to start thinking about Wheel / tire combinations and drivetrain.

Planning on 20s in the rear and 18s up front. Suggestions on combos?

Wife wants all new drivetrain. I want fuel injection at a minimum, small block V8 and overdrive. The '57 will be a touring truck but nice enough to enter into a show or two.

Has anyone had any experience with summit's engines or GM performance?

[sqrlnts]

Originally Posted by 87Lowrider

Planning on 20s in the rear and 18s up front. Suggestions on combos?

Try this link out. They have a Stepside and a Fleetside TF truck in the list. I have found that a 18/20 stagger is too noticeable. Check out an 18/19 or a 19/20 stagger. I think it looks more subtle. The Corvette uses this combo and it looks killer, IMHO. You can also play with the drop and the aspect ratio of the tires. You will have to hunt for Pretty cool.

[87Lowrider]

Parts coming back from the Blaster today.. Cab looks good. "Solid" according to the body man.

[Kabwe]

Cab looks great.

[Kim57]

Looks real clean.
Kim

[SCHRUMGMC]

Cab looks fantastic

[87Lowrider]

I stopped by the shop this afternoon to see the rest of the parts. Everything looked great! Just a few minor fixes.



One little spot on the step at the base of the A post to fix and fill in the fuel filler hole since the gas tank will be frame mounted, not in the truck (gotta have a place for the subs ya know!)



All the body lines look great... I'm excited to see it's in great shape.



There were some cheap gauges in the dash when I bought the truck in '89. Going to smooth that area out. Not sure where I'm going to put the radio yet.

Thoughts?

Ken

[OrrieG]

Somebody is going to have fun with that part under the big rear window, I know I did on mine. It does look like good metal...

[87Lowrider]

Originally Posted by OrrieG

Somebody is going to have fun with that part under the big rear window, I know I did on mine. It does look like good metal...

I need to look at that closer. I don't remember it being that banged up.

[87Lowrider]

Here's a pic from a board members battery installation;



I've got a couple ideas about how to access the battery more easily if needed for replacement (after I put the cab on the frame).

1. Use a lockable / slideout shelf (if there's room)
2. create a hinged opening at the base and back of the step.

Thoughts and pics of your experiences?

Thanks in advance...