Re: 57 Truck build
 

A wooden paint stir stick of the right thickness makes a good gauge to slip in the gap and give an idea of how things are shaping up or work as a spacer when bolting stuff together. I suppose a plastic stick would work too just not as easy to pick up and wooden stir sticks are free most of the time

Re: 57 Truck build
 

I use a paint stick with some sand paper on it that measure 3/16. So when I cut the gap it’s a little ice 3/16and under 1/4 to allow for the primer and paint. So I should be right at the 3/16 gap all the way around. .

Re: 57 Truck build
 

It’s been a while since I posted. I was finishing up my lines and trying to get the doors to body to match up. Today I finally put down some primer on my 57. It really makes it look better and it also show what you have to fix. Now on to blocking!

Re: 57 Truck build
 

Very nice! Progress looks great. I like how sleek your third brake light is. Now you have me thinking :lol:

Re: 57 Truck build
 

Thanks, I got it from Speedway and it’s pretty easy install.

Re: 57 Truck build
 

Looking good John. Keep up the great work!! Steve

Re: 57 Truck build
 

62– how big is that 3rd brake light on the inside of the cab? I wanna do one on my 56 but not sure how to finish the inside, where it will be visible from in the cab. You got any pics inside?

Re: 57 Truck build
 

The brake light hole is 8in long. To cover it from the inside I’m planning on covering it with my speaker box to hide the wires and housing box. I hope this helps. Let me know if you need anything else.

Re: 57 Truck build
 

Looking Good!!

Re: 57 Truck build
 

Finally got done with the first blocking and filling the low spots. This stuff is a lot harder than the other primer I used but it really flattens out. Hopefully this weekend I can get the second coat on so I can take the front end off to body work the inner fenders and the inside of the fenders. Then back together for round 2 of blocking.

Re: 57 Truck build
 

wet sanding really helps if using a hard primer or one that gums up the paper fast. just remember to chNGE THE WATER lot and especially when you change grit so you don't pick up grit from the bucket. a hand pump sprayer works well too but can fatigue the pump hand pretty fast if doing an all nighter. I use an office eraser for the small corners and areas where a normal block doesn't fit, they can be cut or profile shped as needed. I have a set of dura block sanders with different shapes that work really well. I also have a long board made from a piece of 3 4 plywood for the long flats, it doesn't conform to the slow shapes so those parts come out razer straight.

Re: 57 Truck build
 

using a couple different colors of primer helps because you can stagger the coats, one dark one light, then when sanding you know when you are through a coat and need to stop sanding that spot

Re: 57 Truck build
 

Thanks for the info on the differs colors of primer. I didn’t think of that. I have a set of dura blocks and big king blocks for my sanding/ blocking. I’m looking into linear blocking tools for the final sand. I just forgot on how much work it is to get it straight!

Re: 57 Truck build
 

Haven’t posted in a a while. Been busy with metal and body work. Spent this morning trying to get aftermarket bed sides to fit the wood. The rear holes were off on the rear support and the left side angle bracket was welded too low to so no wood would slid in. I called the company to tell them that they have a quality control problem they were surprised. They told me that no one ever has problems with their parts. Now I just have to finish the bed modifications. Like adding tubs, cover end caps and shave the stake pocket holes.

Re: 57 Truck build
 

Progress looks great. Keep the pictures coming!

Re: 57 Truck build
 

That means they won't be doing anything about it and they think you're the problem :waah:

Nice progress!

Re: 57 Truck build
 

I agree. That’s why I stared making it work. Thanks for the support!

Re: 57 Truck build
 

Drilled the V8 door badges and started fixing all the problem with the bed. I told myself that getting a replacement bed would save me time. Also cut and welded on the stake pocket hole covers.

Re: 57 Truck build
 

The badging looks great. Your door gaps came out really nice too. Keep the progress up!

Re: 57 Truck build
 

Thanks! I’m still pushing on.