New 1957 Project

[renegade6]

I'm finally back and have had some time to put some work into the truck. In the last few weeks, I fixed the transmission leak, transfer case adapter leak as well as installed the sound system (-) the front speakers.

Very happy with how it sounds, even with the front speakers just sitting in. Now, for those of you contemplating something like this, I would highly recommend putting the stereo in before the interior. Not my preferred method but, I had a deployment.

On to the pictures...

[renegade6]

More pictures. Also, there are no crimp on connectors anywhere. All connections are soldered and covered all wires with wire cover where possible.

[Kim57]

looks like a real clean install.
Kim

[renegade6]

Finally have the pictures of the front speakers. I'm not really thrilled about how the vinyl came out on them but, may do it again at another time or build some different pods.

Also had time to put in my steering wheel.

Next step is do put the new alternator and PS brackets on and I'm getting close to being done.

[Rude Dude]

If you are not using the vents why didn't you sink them in flush with perforated holes in vinly

Originally Posted by renegade6

Finally have the pictures of the front speakers. I'm not really thrilled about how the vinyl came out on them but, may do it again at another time or build some different pods.

Also had time to put in my steering wheel.

Next step is do put the new alternator and PS brackets on and I'm getting close to being done.

[Rude Dude]

Oh by the way your truck is Killer and thank you for service to our country!!

[renegade6]

I don't think there is enough room in there for the depth of the speakers and I have my AC vents in the same place that you have your speakers.

If I would do this again, I would have built a panel below the dash to put the AC vents on.

Thanks, it's a pleasure to serve.

[Kim57]

Looking good. I like the wheel.
Kim

[renegade6]

When I did the camshaft a couple of years ago, I noticed that the original crank sprocket had shifted and the original key was impossible to get out. So, thinking I would get after it later, today was the day. Yes, would have been much easier to do with the body off of the frame but, had to get everything back together before I deployed.

So, today everything is going smooth, pulled off all of the engine accessories and because the oil pan had a dent, decided to replace it as well.

Took a look inside the oil pan and what do I find...A piece of a piston skirt from the #7 piston. Really didn't want to pull the engine but, now I have no choice

[renegade6]

Big sad face for me.



Pulled the engine and tore it down. Broken piston skirt on the #8 cylinder and it scored the walls. From the looks of it, the skirt struck the crank counterweight and it probably happened after the first start when it was rebuilt (prior to me owning it). When I pulled the plugs, the plug on that cylinder had some oil on it. Even worse news that it is already bored .60 over so, looks like I need to purchase a new engine with the money I saved up for my wheels and tires.

Looking at a Pace Performance 350 with 300 HP. Anyone had any experiences with these?

[Kim57]

That sucks.
Kim

[renegade6]

Yes, it did suck very much.

Ended up going with a standard 350 crate engine and I put my old cam in it, which only had about 500 miles. A lot cheaper than the 300hp option.

Received the engine on Wednesday and didn't have time to mess with it until this weekend. So far it is painted and in and two of the accessory brackets are in. Hopefully get it close to starting next weekend.

[renegade6]

Oh, in case you are wondering about the valve covers. Those are going away as soon as my new ones come in. Didn't feel like wasting the paint on them.

[renegade6]

So close to finally starting it.

After installing the Sanderson manifolds, figured out that the original dipstick won't work and most folks have to put in a Lokar flexible dipstick. So, another order from Jegs and it's in. Also found the right size belts, hooked up a few other odds and ends and when I finish my exhaust tomorrow, it will be ready to start.

[Kim57]

Very cool. Everything looks nice and clean.
Kim

[renegade6]

Kim--Thanks, wish I had half of the skills that you do.

Finally finished with the engine (almost). Put on my new valve covers, breathers, wire holders and air cleaner. Now, will need to get a better set of plug wires but, that will have to wait a bit until more funds are available.

Now, on to the pictures. BTW, the exhaust is my temporary fix until I get a system put on it. Amazing what you can get from a scrap pile...

[OrrieG]

Nice covers and air cleaner, love the retro styling.

[Kim57]

Looks great with the new engine covers.
Kim

[renegade6]

Finally got my tax money back so that I could buy my wheels and tires. Now, on to the pictures.

[Kim57]

Sharp looking truck.
Kim

[ChuckDriver]

Well done!

[waybad]

cool,, what size did you go with?

[renegade6]

I went with 255/85 16 tires. I originally went with zero offset rims but, found out the hard way that they won't clear the tie rod ends.

[renegade6]

It is now sold

[Rebecca55]

how do I fix my driver door hinge as the top hole for pin is worn and big. 99 chevy silverado replaced pins but top hole is worn bigger. i was told that the hinge needs replaced but no one wants to do it. Help ple
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