Clifford the Big Red Truck~~The Build

[1957 Chief]

Teaser pics. Ill do a writeup later today.

[82streetshow]

coming along nicely

[JohnJ@RideTech]

DAMN!!! Looking good! I've got some stuff headed your way. Check your email.

[1957 Chief]

Originally Posted by 82streetshow

coming along nicely

Originally Posted by JohnJ@RideTech

DAMN!!! Looking good! I've got some stuff headed your way. Check your email.

Thanks gentlemen. Im trying here. :-)

Ok so lots of stuff happening this last week and a half. Ill try and go chronologically.

After the front end suspension was semi complete, I went ahead and installed the motor/trans. First off, had to switch to a CTS-V pan. I really happy about the fitment of the pan AND the oil capacity. Since it holds 6 quarts, I chose not to run an external oil cooler.

Previous motor had the truck pan, it hung below the front crossmember. You can't even see this one from the front. Totally satisfied with it.

[1957 Chief]

New up was getting the motor home and installing the clutch and trans.

Was able to score a Mantic twin disc setup from a good buddy of mine.

[82streetshow]

Originally Posted by 1957 Chief

Thanks gentlemen. Im trying here. :-)

Ok so lots of stuff happening this last week and a half. Ill try and go chronologically.

After the front end suspension was semi complete, I went ahead and installed the motor/trans. First off, had to switch to a CTS-V pan. I really happy about the fitment of the pan AND the oil capacity. Since it holds 6 quarts, I chose not to run an external oil cooler.

Previous motor had the truck pan, it hung below the front crossmember. You can't even see this one from the front. Totally satisfied with it.

put a V pan on mine several years ago for the same reason, the clearance is about perfect

[1957 Chief]

Originally Posted by daddyjeep

That really is a good looking harness. I like that loom... heat shrink on the ends even.

Yes, it is a top notch harness. I used the same type on my LS1, and was really satisfied with it. Was a no brainer to do it again for the LS3. And the price didn't break the bank.

Originally Posted by 82streetshow

put a V pan on mine several years ago for the same reason, the clearance is about perfect

You are right. A fella can go nuts reading about pans/mounts/clearance etc. I just read up a lot on them, and saw that two people were at the top of the "search" function with that pan and experience. You were one, so thanks brother.

Bubba

[82streetshow]

Originally Posted by 1957 Chief

Yes, it is a top notch harness. I used the same type on my LS1, and was really satisfied with it. Was a no brainer to do it again for the LS3. And the price didn't break the bank.



You are right. A fella can go nuts reading about pans/mounts/clearance etc. I just read up a lot on them, and saw that two people were at the top of the "search" function with that pan and experience. You were one, so thanks brother.

Bubba

Man thats the beauty of these forums, lots of experience out there. It happend by chance for me. Got a crate LS6 to go into a vette here at the shop and it came with V pan on it so had to swap to the vette pan. I kept eyeballing it thinking it would fit my truck better so one day I tried it and the rest is history. Holley makes a good fitting pan but arent very cheap

[Popeye75356]

Originally Posted by 1957 Chief

Thanks gentlemen. Im trying here. :-)

Ok so lots of stuff happening this last week and a half. Ill try and go chronologically.

After the front end suspension was semi complete, I went ahead and installed the motor/trans. First off, had to switch to a CTS-V pan. I really happy about the fitment of the pan AND the oil capacity. Since it holds 6 quarts, I chose not to run an external oil cooler.

Previous motor had the truck pan, it hung below the front crossmember. You can't even see this one from the front. Totally satisfied with it.

Did the truck dip stick work with the CTS-V pan? Do you have part numbers for the set up,,,,,,,,, pick up tube, windage tray etc.? I'm suffering from the same problem you had with my 5.3 pan...... FYI LOVE this build the truck looks wicked !

[LT7A]

Very clean work.

[1957 Chief]

Next up was sitting the motor and trans in the frame. I used the same motor mounts as I did on the first truck, stock altered ones. While I am dropping a lot of money in this, might as well use what I can. When we put the motor in it, I told my son that this is the first time I have ever put in a motor from the side.

[1957 Chief]

So when using truck accessories with a motor with VVT and a low rise intake, you have to move the idler pulley as well as change the water pump. You also have to cut off some material on the upper bracket for the outlet hose on the pump. Quick call to summit and ordered a ICB bracket and then chopped off the stuff in the way, and installed the L99 pump. Problem solved.

[1957 Chief]

Next up was temporary installing the exhaust and checking the fitment of the rear trans mount/crossmember. Gotta use an adapter back there too for the mount. The TR6060 mount is about 4 inches further back than the 4L60. I was concerned about the crossmember getting into the "catalytic converter" curve, as well as hitting the exhaust. So I am 1 for 2. It doesn't go near the curve, but it hits the top part of my exhaust. Not by much tho, so most likely a tap with a hammer will be in order.

[1957 Chief]

So the old truck had a 10 bolt with 3:73's with an eaton diff. When I bought this new frame to start the build, it ha a 12 bolt. I decided to run that since we were switching to a manual. I know some folks swear by the strength of a 10 bolt, but I decided to go with the 12. I already had Wilwoods on the 10 bolt so i just switched them over.

The 12 bolt has 3.42 gears, eaton diff and all new bearings and seals.

I also switched out the wheel studs to longer ones. When I put the disc brakes on the rear, I didn't like the length of the studs. I never got around to changing them on the 10 bolt, but did on the 12. The original studs are a .535 knurl, these are a .547 knurl (dorman part number 610-298.) You will need a 17/32 drill bit to open the axles up. They have a small shoulder on them, so make sure your wheels will cooperate. I also had to drill the brake hats out to fit over them.

I also cut off the shock mounts on the rearend because I'm using the ride tech rear 4 link suspension and I won't need em.

[1957 Chief]

Originally Posted by LT7A

Very clean work.

Thanks brother.

[1957 Chief]

Finally got around to picking up the driveshaft today. I had to get it lengthened about 3.5 inches. So that should be able to get installed this week.
Also placed an order for a Boyd's rear tank yesterday. So will install that and hopefully it won't interfere with the rear crossmember on the ride tech system.

Il have pics and details up as soon as I get that stuff in.

Bubba

[STOCKISH]

Glad your Son is OK. Your attention to detail is great, going to be sweet. Cant wait for more!

[1957 Chief]

Originally Posted by STOCKISH

Glad your Son is OK. Your attention to detail is great, going to be sweet. Cant wait for more!

Thanks brother. Hopefully should see some movement this week. I mounted the rear tank today and ill get some pics up tomorrow.

Bubba

[mcmlxix]

It looks like you used the Wilwood PRO modular spindles on the Ridetech kit. Were there any fitment issues? I'm pretty sure they were on the other truck, but is there any advantage to these over the spindle supplied in the kit? I do like the sealed bearings...

[1957 Chief]

Originally Posted by mcmlxix

It looks like you used the Wilwood PRO modular spindles on the Ridetech kit. Were there any fitment issues? I'm pretty sure they were on the other truck, but is there any advantage to these over the spindle supplied in the kit? I do like the sealed bearings...

I did use the Wilwood spindles. Zero fitment issues, other than needing another alignment.

I specifically ordered the ridetech kit without the spindles and brakes, as like you mentioned, I already had them.

I don't think there are any performance advantages as far as suspension/steering geometry, but my main reason to purchase was for the sealed bearing.

Bubba

[Sik66]

Very cool setup!....be interested on how you go about the hydraulic clutch conversion....adapt a aftermarket pedal or modify std style?

[1957 Chief]

Originally Posted by Sik66

Very cool setup!....be interested on how you go about the hydraulic clutch conversion....adapt a aftermarket pedal or modify std style?

Thanks brother.

As far as the pedal, I found a 1985 C10 hyd clutch pedal setup and will be installing the whole pedal assembly in the truck. When I get around to it ill check the bore of the c10 master cylinder and comparing it to the bore of the Camaro master cylinder. If I'm lucky they will be around the same bore, if not ill have to fab up an aftermarket master cylinder.

Bubba

[Sik66]

Yeah,il prolly try find a hyd setup out of a later model for mine.....am actually going to be using similair driveline to yours....Ls1/tr8080/12 bolt....airride front arms and 4 link rear(for airbags though/not coilovers(wish had coilover setup when I bought the airbag now though!))so I'm following with great interest how that tailshaft setup goes!...spoke to few g/box conversion guys over here and saying I need to find a t56 magnum rear housing....so I actually found that company you got your shaft off...and wondering if would work with c10?...I've even got same style gearbox crossmember!...then stumbled accross your build thread....sweet!!....keep up the good work!

[Sik66]

How's this build coming along?..any more progress?..

[1957 Chief]

Originally Posted by Sik66

How's this build coming along?..any more progress?..

Hey my friend! Thanks for asking. Ole Clifford had to take a back burner. Lately, I have been working on my 1957 Chevy pickup.

I have owned this thing since 1996 and I'm finally on a roll to get it done. The first pic is of when it was on the jig and we were building it. The second was when I unloaded it at my brother's shop to paint it, and the last two are when I rolled it out the other day.

Full cage, 417cu/in of supercharged LS power, six-speed, air conditioning and airbags.