My '57 Truck Build "Rosa"

[57picupnewbie]

Thanks Kim. While I tear the engine down and prep for paint, I have to let the funds build back up a bit....lol

[57picupnewbie]

I do have a few questions I cannot find the answer too:


1. What is the difference in the white or the amber parking lens color for the tri-fives? Both were availible. Is is just a Delux Option?

2. The blue-dot feature added to the tail lights. I personally do not like these, but I was wondering what this was for. Is it just a 50's fad thing like the tail pipe flame throwers etc....?

[Russell Ashley]

Originally Posted by 57picupnewbie

I do have a few questions I cannot find the answer too:


1. What is the difference in the white or the amber parking lens color for the tri-fives? Both were availible. Is is just a Delux Option?

2. The blue-dot feature added to the tail lights. I personally do not like these, but I was wondering what this was for. Is it just a 50's fad thing like the tail pipe flame throwers etc....?

Dru, I haven't seen any updates on your project in a long time, any new progress?

I think these trucks came with white (clear) parking lenses and the amber lenses came along after new cars started coming with them. I bought a new 62 Fury convertible that came with clear lenses. Shortly afterward the amber parking lights started so I bought amber bulbs to put in my Fury. My truck had faded amber lights on it when I bought it so I am replacing them with a new set of the same.

The blue dots were never standard equipment on any car or truck but they look so cool. They were always a hot rod add-on. They look really neat at night when the brake lights are on. They are not legal in a lot of places but I put them in a 64 Chevy truck I had a few years ago and never got stopped.

[57picupnewbie]

Russ,

Thanks for the info. Things have been slow for about 8 monyhs due to high blood pressure and a heart cath. All is good with heart but pressure goes up and down with meds during trial. I have started back. Engine is being vated now and will begin building this week. Chassis is done and still working on body work. Here is pic of engine tear down. I tore one down to find out it was a 2-bolt main. I had another so I tore it down and decided to go with it becuase of being a 4-bolt. The first had already been rebuilt but the crank was already at .030. My gut just felt better rebuilding the second one.

[renegade6]

Glad to see you're back at work on the truck.

My wife has gone thru about six different blood pressure medicines in the last several years until she found the right combination that is working (for now).

[OrrieG]

Glad you are under control, I've had PB and cholerstral issues, took a year to get the right combo. My Dad had a number of stents put in but is doing ok now.

Is the block a 350?

[STEVE60]

Glad your back, missed reading about your build. Understand about BP, I deal with it also. Have you got your cab back on the frame? I was curious as to how the ride height is going to be compared to stock.

[57picupnewbie]

I do have cab sitting back on frame. I will take a picture tonight and get it on. I really am pleased with the stance.

[72BLUZ]

well hurry and get to driving it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[57picupnewbie]

Engine back from acid vat. Did not need to bore. Cylinder walls clean and in great shape. Went back with STD pistons. Did not even need to grind crank, just had to polish. New bearings all around. Today we got crank, cam, timing chain, gears, pistons and freeze plugs in. Monday we will get heads lifters and rockers. It is nice to see progress.

[OrrieG]

Assuming the pics are photogenic, make sure you lube up everything well. I white lithium grease because it stays put and does not drain off before you start it. Cam lube for the cam and lifter bores. Wipe the piston bores with oil.

[67Step]

Which frame did you end up using? Short or long bed frame? What year? I am assuming your truck is a shortbed stepside? I just picked up a 55 shortbed. 6 cylinder in it purrs like a kitten. But want to upgrade the suspension and go to an automatic with a 350. I am going to start looking for a donor but wanted to make sure I got the right one.

[57picupnewbie]

67step, mine is a '73 short C-10 donor. It hass a wheelbase of 117.5". My '57 is a 3100 stepside. I aslo am going with a 350/350

[67Step]

Did you shorten the frame or leave it? It is my understanding the cab will bolt into the same bolt holes on the 73-87 frame. But you have to raise the bed in the back. Just curious if you can answer those questions for me? Thanks in advance.

[67Step]

Disregard the last post. I see you used the ez swap kit. I will probably do the same thing. I have found a 2 wheel drive shortbed frame here at a local junk yard. He has a good 350 motor and 700R4 he is going to sell to me. He priced it all to me for $700.

[57picupnewbie]

That is a good price. I paid $650 total for my frame motor and trans.

[57picupnewbie]

Just about finished with motor. Dressing it out now. Today we got the valve covers, harmonic balance and motor mounts on. It is exciting to look back and see progress.

[Kim57]

That looks real nice.
Kim

[67Step]

I prefer Chevy orange but it looks nice in red.

[ChuckDriver]

Looks great!

[kgmunro]

Red is cool...tired of seeing chevy engines in orange....

[57picupnewbie]

When I bought my valve covers, I told the guy I was painting them. He said the same thing about the red. He siad chevy motors are suppose to be orange...Well, I like to be different. One thing I have learned on this site is that everyone builds to their own taste and this is what makes all these builds unique and special. Otherwise, all these ole trucks would look like we drove them off a new car lot.

[67Step]

The motor looks great!!

[67Step]

Well I got my frame this weekend. It ended up being a 74 shortbed frame with power steering, power brakes, 12 bolt rear, rally wheels and the guy left the bumpers on it. Front bumper is nice with bumper guards. Motor ended up being an 010 block, and tranny is a 91 700R4. Motor is complete and still in frame with mufflers and all. Got it all for $700. Frame is pretty nice. Now if I just had the frame painted and the brackets to mount the 55 on it. Motor was running when truck was tore apart. Tranny was good. Going to have to find a drive shaft.

[drivea55]

engine looks great!