My long term 57 project

[Dan in Pasadena]

Originally Posted by ChuckDriver

Thanks Dan, finished what's that?? Hopefully someday!!

Man oh man, tell me about it! I wanted mine driveable by the start of summer. I'll be lucky if the engine is STARTED by the end of summer. Oh well. I'm blessed to be able to do the things I want to it.

[ChuckDriver]

Originally Posted by Dan in Pasadena

Man oh man, tell me about it! I wanted mine driveable by the start of summer. I'll be lucky if the engine is STARTED by the end of summer. Oh well. I'm blessed to be able to do the things I want to it.

Amen Brother!

[Black_Sheep]

Originally Posted by Dan in Pasadena

Man oh man, tell me about it! I wanted mine driveable by the start of summer. I'll be lucky if the engine is STARTED by the end of summer. Oh well. I'm blessed to be able to do the things I want to it.

Hoped to have mine done last June, now I'm working hard to get it through the bodywork and paint phase by November. It will be road ready by next spring 'cause there's no way I'm going through another season without a functioning ride...

Figure out how long it SHOULD take and double it
Figure out how much it SHOULD cost and triple it

I also feel blessed with being able to enjoy the hobby to the degree that I do...

[Dan in Pasadena]

Well, in my case it was one woman, not "women".

Now, back to our regularly scheduled program: JJ's awesome truck!

[ChuckDriver]

Last year I was in Reno for Hot August Nights and bought a PowerBlast Plate from Thompson Performance. The salesman made a good pitch for the product and had a cool video presentation, so I figured I would give it a try.

Well I finally got around to installing it after looking at the online instructions which are very well done. I don't know why I waited so long, but man I can't believe how much it changed the off the line acceleration of my truck. It made it fill like its got a lot more horsepower and torque from a standing start. The throttle response is instantaneous!

I don't endorse a lot of products, but this one really worked great for me. Now 4 of my buddies that have heard it perform asked me to order one for them.

http://www.thompsonperformance.com/

[oldman3]

JJ, always glad to hear that something works as promised...Jim

[solidaxel]

What are you using for a comparision with this new product on your carb?

[ChuckDriver]

Originally Posted by solidaxel

What are you using for a comparision with this new product on your carb?

Just a good old seat of the pants feel, I'm very satisfied with the results!!

[Dan in Pasadena]

The "butt-O-mometer" huh? Always the best way to tell if you've done something good or not!

But I guess I question why do this upgrade if you're going to an LS in your new truck and selling off your old frame & drivetrain? Are you holding out on us? - Considering keeping the old setup for another project?

[solidaxel]

I think the buttometer, is just a lighter wallet feeling

[Dan in Pasadena]

Originally Posted by solidaxel

I think the buttometer, is just a lighter wallet feeling

In that case my wallet ought make me levitate off the seat! Lol.

[idbeast]

Originally Posted by Dan in Pasadena

In that case my wallet ought make me levitate off the seat! Lol.

Just like a flying carpet!

[ChuckDriver]

Originally Posted by solidaxel

I think the buttometer, is just a lighter wallet feeling

Well since I can't drive the truck around town with it sitting on a Dyno, the "butt-o-meter" will have to do. Besides that we all don't do a Dyno session before we try long tube headers over shorty's or point swap to HEI or regular gas over high octane it comes down to how it sounds and feels when the rubber hits the road!

For me it was money well spent.

[Dan in Pasadena]

Originally Posted by ChuckDriver

....how it sounds and feels when the rubber hits the road!...

^^^ I made the joke but this is what counts to me too. It's not like any of our trucks will be THE fastest thing on the road. Fast enough, sounds mean enough, that's all I'm looking for too.

[ChuckDriver]

Well it looks like I may need to start another build thread, this one followed me home on Tuesday!

Found it locally on craigslist, been sitting in a 2 car garage for 10 years! The previous owner stripped it completely apart, down to the bare metal and installed a Camaro clip.

Its in very good shape, one cab corner has been replaced and the radio opening closed up because it had been hacked up. I plan to put back the stock opening. It also came with a ton of parts, new wiring harness, chrome tilt column, power brake booster/master cylinder, all new rubbers and vent windows!

My plan is to put it on the first PorterBuilt frame I have, add a small block motor and a 350 trans and make it a very nice driver!

So here are the pic's!!

[Russell Ashley]

"For me it was money well spent."

That's what counts, LOL.

[Dan in Pasadena]

Cool!

The "first" Porterbilt frame? How many do you have?

Is your Chevy - now GMC - still on the road and running, or torn apart?

What's the status of the Cameo/Suburban conversion? I can't keep straight what you're doing anymore.

[JML55]

Very nice, will be watching.

[Old57]

Nice score on the 2nd truck!

[ChuckDriver]

Yep Dan, I have 2 PB frames sitting in my garage now. Nate made me a deal to good to pass up on the newest version, so I jumped on it!

My current plan will be to put the newest 57 on the first frame and then my current one will go on version 2.

And yes I'm still driving my first 57 as much as I can! But no movement on the Cameo conversion right now.

I'll be selling the frame that's under the one I just bought as soon as I can. Its got a Camaro clip under it that looks to be done right, so if anyone wants to come get it for cheap just let me know!

I've told myself that I'm really going to try and pick up the pace on this one, hope to be driving it next summer and hopefully sell it for a small profit!

[Dan in Pasadena]

Thanks JJ,
Are you thinking when all is said and done you'll have a show truck and a daily driver level truck?

[ChuckDriver]

No, plan is to sell this new one when its done.

[Russell Ashley]

So you are actually going to have two original 57 frames with camaro clips when you get through swapping the sheet metal. If I were just starting on my truck I'd probably put in a bid for the one that is in your truck, knowing who did the frame clip. Lucky find on the new truck, BTW. It looks like it is solid and straight.

[ChuckDriver]

Thanks Russell, yours is looking great!

[Joe Pass]

I need to watch this build.....
Joe