Longbike 57 chevy truck build. - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

longbike · 04-22-2011, 01:54 PM

This is what I started out with, body workable but the frame was in perfect shape. It had been painted before by previous owner so there was no rust at all. All parts where here just needed cleaning up and painted or chrome cleaned.
My goal is to put it back to original but better than new with only updates like front tapper roller bearings in wheels and stainless brake lines and fuel lines and stainless exhaust system and body fasteners. "Don't like rust".

I love the old truck look and feel when driving, Reminds me of the old days when my grandfather let me drive his 1950 ford step side 3 on the tree when I couldn't even see over the dashboard. had to sit on books to see. "That cool rough ride and wondering steering and stiff shifting just makes me smile with great memories". So thats what I'm after here to share with my kids!
"Sorry hot-rodders but I want her to be original"

longbike · 04-22-2011, 01:57 PM

Got her stripped to the bone the very first weekend of having it! Now its all over the garage.

Allot of rusted bolts to break thru.

longbike · 04-22-2011, 01:58 PM

More.....

longbike · 04-22-2011, 02:00 PM

And more...

longbike · 04-22-2011, 02:05 PM

Here I got the frame sandblasted and powder coated. Rear axle all gone thru with new bearings & seals. 3.90 ratio, when I took this rear end apart the lube was like molasses really thick and all the gears and bearings looked like brand new not even a scratch on the teeth. Sure don't make lube like that anymore that stuff was great!
Front axle all new kingpins and tapper bearings seals and shoes & brake hardware.

longbike · 04-22-2011, 02:10 PM

I got the engine back together painted and back in the frame.

The engine was a mess with 4 pistons with broken rings all the solid lifters were dished and cam badly pitted,rocker shaft was broken and valves & guides just worn out. The clutch disk was installed backwards so the clutch springs were tearing up the flywheel bolts "wonder how they ever got it to shift gears." In the carburetor the power piston was installed upside down. "lost allot of power there."

So the engine got all new parts inside and bored out .030 over to clean up the cylinders, crankshaft reground and balanced, line-bored and decks reground. The head got all new guides,valves,springs,hardened seats and seals. So she should be in great shape now!

longbike · 04-22-2011, 02:12 PM

Went completely thru the muncie 4 speed and again it looked brand new inside with that old lube still in. But I did go and replace all the bearings and seal.

longbike · 04-22-2011, 02:20 PM

Got the stainless steel fuel and brake lines ran.

57HotTruck · 04-22-2011, 02:47 PM

Nice work it looks good

Kim57 · 04-22-2011, 05:44 PM

Looks very nice. The great thing about this hobby is you can do your ride just the way you want without worrying about the other guy.
Kim

ChuckDriver · 04-22-2011, 10:22 PM

Outstanding! Please keep us posted!!

bobinbc · 04-23-2011, 03:03 AM

Doing a great job, love it !

What is your plan for paint?

Russell Ashley · 04-23-2011, 08:13 AM

I like the way you are going with this truck. That Blue Flane six (were they still calling them that in 57) is looking great. Looks like you started out with a nice truck to work with.

**JML55** · 04-23-2011, 10:32 AM

Really nice work, looks very professional.

longbike · 04-23-2011, 10:53 AM

Thanks guys for your feedback!
I been following all your 57 builds also thanks for the posts!
Im wanting to go with the dark blue color for that era.

speesh · 04-23-2011, 02:27 PM

it is nice to see a stock truck on here. Now,when are you installing the air bags, billet wheels, air conditioning, 350/350 combo, mustang II suspension, and cruise control? Just kidding, this is how I want to do my Suburban. I will be watching this one!
By the way, I like the pictures, don't get to see many pics of stock parts. One thing I love about my Burb, and I see you kept it, is the foot pedal for the starter. Used to trick my kids with that. I would say " Abracadabra" and push the pedal, and the truck would start!
Posted via Mobile Device

longbike · 04-23-2011, 11:16 PM

Thanks speesh ya gota keep the foot starter those are just way to cool to not put back.
One of those neat old things you never see!

bajabob · 04-26-2011, 08:10 AM

longbike
That thing is way cool, very nice project and it looks like your moving along nicely..... Keep the pictures comin

bensimmons_05 · 04-26-2011, 01:28 PM

Man, this is great. It really is refreshing to see a stock rebuild. You will have a brand spankin new 1957 when your done! Can't wait to see more.

longbike · 04-29-2011, 03:34 AM

Thanks guys for your kind words!
I got the radiator and support all cleaned up and painted.

longbike · 04-29-2011, 03:44 AM

Started on the sheet metal work, Wow! I'm a mechanic not a body man but I thought it looked pretty easy to do just some welding here and there but I was totally wrong its the alignment of the panels that gets me into trouble, I had to break everything back loose because of the alignment so I learned real quick to just tack it on loosely.

longbike · 04-29-2011, 03:52 AM

Heres where I ran into trouble you can see in the first two pictures the cab corner is lined up perfect but not with the rocker and the rocker stills needs to be lowered to clear the door lower edge, Its like the cab corner is made to short to reach the rocker level.

Has anybody ran into this? I guess the only option I have is to buy two more cab corners and make one out of two for both sides now that I cut the cab off to far!

Panelman55 · 04-29-2011, 09:18 AM

Looks like you're getting it done with a QUICKNESS. Nice work. I also love the body dolly with the Snap On casters. Kooooooool Man!!!! Keep it coming!!!!

Panelman55

Green 1959 · 05-13-2011, 02:57 AM

I like it!!! But I still...........

longbike · 05-14-2011, 10:58 PM

I got the cab corner moved back down and had to fill in the gap with a spacer.
Not too bad for a beginner bodyman!

04-22-2011, 01:54 PM	#1
longbike Registered User Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Granite city, Ill. Posts: 236	Longbike 57 chevy truck build. This is what I started out with, body workable but the frame was in perfect shape. It had been painted before by previous owner so there was no rust at all. All parts where here just needed cleaning up and painted or chrome cleaned. My goal is to put it back to original but better than new with only updates like front tapper roller bearings in wheels and stainless brake lines and fuel lines and stainless exhaust system and body fasteners. "Don't like rust". I love the old truck look and feel when driving, Reminds me of the old days when my grandfather let me drive his 1950 ford step side 3 on the tree when I couldn't even see over the dashboard. had to sit on books to see. "That cool rough ride and wondering steering and stiff shifting just makes me smile with great memories". So thats what I'm after here to share with my kids! "Sorry hot-rodders but I want her to be original" Attached Images Last edited by longbike; 04-22-2011 at 02:23 PM.

04-22-2011, 01:57 PM	#2
longbike Registered User Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Granite city, Ill. Posts: 236	Re: Longbike 57 chevy truck build. Got her stripped to the bone the very first weekend of having it! Now its all over the garage. Allot of rusted bolts to break thru. Attached Images

04-22-2011, 01:58 PM	#3
longbike Registered User Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Granite city, Ill. Posts: 236	Re: Longbike 57 chevy truck build. More..... Attached Images

04-22-2011, 02:00 PM	#4
longbike Registered User Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Granite city, Ill. Posts: 236	Re: Longbike 57 chevy truck build. And more... Attached Images

04-22-2011, 02:05 PM	#5
longbike Registered User Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Granite city, Ill. Posts: 236	Re: Longbike 57 chevy truck build. Here I got the frame sandblasted and powder coated. Rear axle all gone thru with new bearings & seals. 3.90 ratio, when I took this rear end apart the lube was like molasses really thick and all the gears and bearings looked like brand new not even a scratch on the teeth. Sure don't make lube like that anymore that stuff was great! Front axle all new kingpins and tapper bearings seals and shoes & brake hardware. Attached Images Last edited by longbike; 04-22-2011 at 02:24 PM.

04-22-2011, 02:10 PM	#6
longbike Registered User Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Granite city, Ill. Posts: 236	Re: Longbike 57 chevy truck build. I got the engine back together painted and back in the frame. The engine was a mess with 4 pistons with broken rings all the solid lifters were dished and cam badly pitted,rocker shaft was broken and valves & guides just worn out. The clutch disk was installed backwards so the clutch springs were tearing up the flywheel bolts "wonder how they ever got it to shift gears." In the carburetor the power piston was installed upside down. "lost allot of power there." So the engine got all new parts inside and bored out .030 over to clean up the cylinders, crankshaft reground and balanced, line-bored and decks reground. The head got all new guides,valves,springs,hardened seats and seals. So she should be in great shape now! Attached Images

04-22-2011, 02:12 PM	#7
longbike Registered User Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Granite city, Ill. Posts: 236	Re: Longbike 57 chevy truck build. Went completely thru the muncie 4 speed and again it looked brand new inside with that old lube still in. But I did go and replace all the bearings and seal. Attached Images Last edited by longbike; 04-22-2011 at 02:14 PM.

04-22-2011, 02:20 PM	#8
longbike Registered User Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Granite city, Ill. Posts: 236	Re: Longbike 57 chevy truck build. Got the stainless steel fuel and brake lines ran. Attached Images

04-22-2011, 02:47 PM	#9
57HotTruck Registered User Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Denmark Europe Posts: 42	Re: Longbike 57 chevy truck build. Nice work it looks good __________________ My 57 Step side http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=428139 http://www.cardomain.com/id/dk-rods

04-22-2011, 05:44 PM	#10
Kim57 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Corona, California Posts: 7,998	Re: Longbike 57 chevy truck build. Looks very nice. The great thing about this hobby is you can do your ride just the way you want without worrying about the other guy. Kim

04-22-2011, 10:22 PM	#11
ChuckDriver A320 Pilot/USAF Retired Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Charleston, SC Posts: 2,629	Re: Longbike 57 chevy truck build. Outstanding! Please keep us posted!! __________________ JJ My 1957 build: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=334552 http://www.trifive.com/forums/showthread.php?t=22037 Instagram - Chuckdriver57 Last edited by ChuckDriver; 04-22-2011 at 10:22 PM.

04-23-2011, 03:03 AM	#12
bobinbc Registered User Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Vancouver Island, Courtenay B.C. CANADA Posts: 578	Re: Longbike 57 chevy truck build. Doing a great job, love it ! What is your plan for paint? __________________ 1962 Chevy blue SBFS 1957 Chevy yellow SBSS 1956 GMC red SBSS Nov 2017 ToTM https://www.facebook.com/groups/Cana...geChevyTrucks/

04-23-2011, 08:13 AM	#13
Russell Ashley Registered User Join Date: May 2010 Location: Lawrenceville, Ga Posts: 2,648	Re: Longbike 57 chevy truck build. I like the way you are going with this truck. That Blue Flane six (were they still calling them that in 57) is looking great. Looks like you started out with a nice truck to work with.

04-23-2011, 10:32 AM	#14
JML55 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Fannystelle, Manitoba, Canada Posts: 853	Re: Longbike 57 chevy truck build. Really nice work, looks very professional. __________________ Jean-Marc Lacasse 57 GMC 55 GMC 55 Belair 99 S10 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=316140 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=806011

04-23-2011, 10:53 AM	#15
longbike Registered User Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Granite city, Ill. Posts: 236	Re: Longbike 57 chevy truck build. Thanks guys for your feedback! I been following all your 57 builds also thanks for the posts! Im wanting to go with the dark blue color for that era.



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04-23-2011, 02:27 PM	#16
speesh Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Ridgecrest, CA Posts: 318	Re: Longbike 57 chevy truck build. it is nice to see a stock truck on here. Now,when are you installing the air bags, billet wheels, air conditioning, 350/350 combo, mustang II suspension, and cruise control? Just kidding, this is how I want to do my Suburban. I will be watching this one! By the way, I like the pictures, don't get to see many pics of stock parts. One thing I love about my Burb, and I see you kept it, is the foot pedal for the starter. Used to trick my kids with that. I would say " Abracadabra" and push the pedal, and the truck would start! Posted via Mobile Device __________________ 57 suburban(sitting in the driveway), 2 69 C20 longbeds (sitting in the field ) and a 2003 8.1 Suburban Endeavor to persevere. "All of a sudden, I'm the old timer!" Some old timer on American Pickers.

04-23-2011, 11:16 PM	#17
longbike Registered User Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Granite city, Ill. Posts: 236	Re: Longbike 57 chevy truck build. Thanks speesh ya gota keep the foot starter those are just way to cool to not put back. One of those neat old things you never see!

04-26-2011, 08:10 AM	#18
bajabob Registered User Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Ventura, Ca. Posts: 439	Re: Longbike 57 chevy truck build. longbike That thing is way cool, very nice project and it looks like your moving along nicely..... Keep the pictures comin __________________ http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=385404

04-26-2011, 01:28 PM	#19
bensimmons_05 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Jacksonville, AL Posts: 479	Re: Longbike 57 chevy truck build. Man, this is great. It really is refreshing to see a stock rebuild. You will have a brand spankin new 1957 when your done! Can't wait to see more. __________________ ---Ben Jammin's 1955 Chevy/GMC Project --- ---The shop's live video feed--- <<< See what I'm up to!

04-29-2011, 03:34 AM	#20
longbike Registered User Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Granite city, Ill. Posts: 236	Re: Longbike 57 chevy truck build. Thanks guys for your kind words! I got the radiator and support all cleaned up and painted. Attached Images __________________ My 57 build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=460691 Last edited by longbike; 04-29-2011 at 03:35 AM.

04-29-2011, 03:44 AM	#21
longbike Registered User Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Granite city, Ill. Posts: 236	Re: Longbike 57 chevy truck build. Started on the sheet metal work, Wow! I'm a mechanic not a body man but I thought it looked pretty easy to do just some welding here and there but I was totally wrong its the alignment of the panels that gets me into trouble, I had to break everything back loose because of the alignment so I learned real quick to just tack it on loosely. Attached Images __________________ My 57 build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=460691

04-29-2011, 03:52 AM	#22
longbike Registered User Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Granite city, Ill. Posts: 236	Re: Longbike 57 chevy truck build. Heres where I ran into trouble you can see in the first two pictures the cab corner is lined up perfect but not with the rocker and the rocker stills needs to be lowered to clear the door lower edge, Its like the cab corner is made to short to reach the rocker level. Has anybody ran into this? I guess the only option I have is to buy two more cab corners and make one out of two for both sides now that I cut the cab off to far! Attached Images __________________ My 57 build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=460691

04-29-2011, 09:18 AM	#23
Panelman55 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Winston, Ga. Posts: 240	Re: Longbike 57 chevy truck build. Looks like you're getting it done with a QUICKNESS. Nice work. I also love the body dolly with the Snap On casters. Kooooooool Man!!!! Keep it coming!!!! Panelman55 __________________ In God We trust!!!

05-13-2011, 02:57 AM	#24
Green 1959 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Arizona City Posts: 353	Re: Longbike 57 chevy truck build. I like it!!! But I still........... __________________ I pity the fool with only 2 headlights!

05-14-2011, 10:58 PM	#25
longbike Registered User Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Granite city, Ill. Posts: 236	Re: Longbike 57 chevy truck build. I got the cab corner moved back down and had to fill in the gap with a spacer. Not too bad for a beginner bodyman! Attached Images __________________ My 57 build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=460691

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