'57 Stepside, Big Window Project
 

I bought this truck for $150 and a 286 Computer in 1989 while I was stationed in Long Beach. When I returned from Desert Storm I dropped a '79 350 4bolt in it till 1997 when I parked it in the garage. 10 years later, I have tore it down to the frame and started to rebuild it.

http://www.welovecomputers.net/truck.../dadtruck4.jpg

Here's the engine compartment in 1992
http://www.welovecomputers.net/truck...ngine comp.bmp

The plan is to put a Heidts IFS in for the front and then send the frame off for cleaning and powdercoating. My D50 Nikon takes good pictures, but I need to resize them a bit. More to come later.

Edit 12/28/08 - I have scratched the Heidts IFS for a '78 Camaro Subframe.

Re: '57 Stepside, Big Window Project
 

cool project

Re: '57 Stepside, Big Window Project
 

pic's, more pic's! looks like a great project.

Re: '57 Stepside, Big Window Project
 

Look's like a great project you have. Is that a Corvette rear differential?

Re: '57 Stepside, Big Window Project
 

he said it was a jag rear end

Re: '57 Stepside, Big Window Project
 

It's a 73 Jag XJ6 rear diff.. I've got more pics.. I'll massage them a bit and post them asap, big plans for it.... Project is kinda stagnate rite now though.. working on a '78 Camaro for my daughter and my 87 Chevy pickup.

Re: '57 Stepside, Big Window Project
 

I spent tonight looking at two threads from 55chevypu and CAL 58 GMC. i needed a little recharge... You guys have some amazing trucks.

I'm still working on the '87 low rider. I'll have it on the road in a few weeks with a new BBC 454 in it. Then, I can get back on the chevy....

55ChevyPU - I lived in Colton in 1990 when I bought my '57. I pulled it back to Kentucky behind my 1990 Ford Ranger. It had a blown up 283 in it. I put a 350 in it after I got back from Desert Storm in 1991. I still have the motor in my '86 Jimmy after all these years.



Kenny

Re: '57 Stepside, Big Window Project
 

Thanks Kenny! I remember back a few years ago when I was were you at right now and needing my battery re-charged. Sometime it seems as if their never going to get done.

Re: '57 Stepside, Big Window Project
 

Cal 58 GMC recharged me. Since I have seen his progress I have found the door panels, inner fenders, grill from top to bottom valances, and the left front fender, and maybe the glass (big window) of my 1983 '56 barnfind. Just a few more pieces and I will be doing a build here. Rock on with the progress. I understand the hurdles. I think that devotion will pay off in almost any endeavour. The most important thing is that you show everyone the PICS. That way we can be as excited for your project as you are. David

Re: '57 Stepside, Big Window Project
 

DUDE! show us your pic's of your 56' sounds like its due for some ....?

Re: '57 Stepside, Big Window Project
 

Thanks guys... I appreciate the boost. I've got an engine swap to finish in the next couple weeks. It's over on the 73-87 forum. After that I can clean up the garage and finish up the camaro for my daughter and get on the '57. Got lots of plans for it. I'll post more pics asap!

Re: '57 Stepside, Big Window Project
 

ok guys and gals, here are some pics of the initial teardown in 2002. I didn't have my digital camera at the time so some of the pics are pretty grainy.

This is a LA built truck that I picked up in Riverside in 1989. I drove it until 1997 and parked it for 8 years. Man, I loved driving that truck. I can't wait to get it up and running again.

http://www.welovecomputers.net/truck...002/IMG023.JPG
As you can see, this is a very clean truck
http://www.welovecomputers.net/truck...002/IMG021.JPG
I've done no body work on it. It's got a couple places that need work, but all in all, in great shape
http://www.welovecomputers.net/truck...002/IMG020.JPG
http://www.welovecomputers.net/truck...002/IMG019.JPG
http://www.welovecomputers.net/truck...002/IMG018.JPG
In the bed is a 1973 Jaquar XJ6 suspension, I'm using the rear, the front has been discarded.
http://www.welovecomputers.net/truck...002/IMG017.JPG
http://www.welovecomputers.net/truck...002/IMG016.JPG
http://www.welovecomputers.net/truck...002/IMG015.JPG
http://www.welovecomputers.net/truck...002/IMG014.JPG
http://www.welovecomputers.net/truck...002/IMG013.JPG

Re: '57 Stepside, Big Window Project
 

Continued...


Started to tear down the Jaq IRS - Man what a Job!!
http://www.welovecomputers.net/truck...002/IMG012.JPG
Interior was in excellent shape!
http://www.welovecomputers.net/truck...002/IMG011.JPG
http://www.welovecomputers.net/truck...002/IMG010.JPG
http://www.welovecomputers.net/truck...002/IMG009.JPG
http://www.welovecomputers.net/truck...002/IMG008.JPG

http://www.welovecomputers.net/truck...002/IMG006.JPG
http://www.welovecomputers.net/truck...002/IMG005.JPG
http://www.welovecomputers.net/truck...002/IMG004.JPG
http://www.welovecomputers.net/truck...002/IMG003.JPG
http://www.welovecomputers.net/truck...02s/IMG002.JPG

That's the teardown.. For the past year, it's sat on jack stands in the garage while I work on my daughters Camaro rebuild. I'll have it ready for her soon and get back on the '57.

Some plans for the '57 are;
Camaro front Clip
5.3L with Fuel injuction (750 hp)

Re: '57 Stepside, Big Window Project
 

Sounds like another nice project!

Re: '57 Stepside, Big Window Project
 

thanks!

Re: '57 Stepside, Big Window Project
 

Got the frame stripped down and started mocking up the rear suspension.

http://www.welovecomputers.net/truck...12014/0065.jpg

http://www.welovecomputers.net/truck...12014/0066.jpg

http://www.welovecomputers.net/truck...12014/0067.jpg

http://www.welovecomputers.net/truck...12014/0524.jpg

http://www.a2zcs.com/files/0537.jpg

Re: '57 Stepside, Big Window Project
 

I like the transition from the film to the digital age. Can't wait to see this come together, great job so far!

Re: '57 Stepside, Big Window Project
 

Thanks Ben,

I like my Nikon.

Well, I hit a crossroads this week on another project of mine, a '78 camaro build.

http://www.a2zcs.com/files/camaro/0463.jpg

I'm going to take the sub frame from it and mate it to the '57. The subframe has been completely rebuilt with new brakes, bushings, motor mounts, 2" lowered springs, etc. Scrapping the rest of the car unless I can find someone interested in taking it off my hands.

So, I'm moving up the '57 to first in line this winter.


Kenny

Re: '57 Stepside, Big Window Project
 

Cmon Kenny that's it for an update after a year? .......;)

Re: '57 Stepside, Big Window Project
 

Dang dude, it's been a CRAZY year... seems like just last week when I was talking about all this. Everything is still waiting patiently in the garage. We've had one of the hottest summers in history this year so the garage was not somewhere I wanted to be. I had enuf heat in '90-'91 to last a lifetime.

It's finally cooling off and I'm planning on getting the camaro finished and out of the way. Then, it's back on the '57.

Thanks for the nudge!!!


Ken

Re: '57 Stepside, Big Window Project
 

Here we are another year gone by and she's still waiting patiently in the Garage. But the '57 project is officially ON. Time to clean up the garage and giterdone!

Re: '57 Stepside, Big Window Project
 

Nice read. A co-worker sat on 55 bel-air for 25yrs. He got it done three years ago, and its the nicest one ive ever seen first hand.
Im sure youll git r dunn. Whats the plans for the front end? Still camaro?
Posted via Mobile Device

Re: '57 Stepside, Big Window Project
 

yes.. we decided last night to scrap the camaro build and use it as a donor for parts (Sub frame, engine and whatever else I can use). Still doing the Jag rear end and an overdrive tranny. Air bags of course. Lots to do to get this thing going again... I'm a computer guy by trade but automotive is in my blood from generations of family members... stay tuned!! :metal:

Re: '57 Stepside, Big Window Project
 

OK, 48 hours till the garage is clear of the Camaro.

I removed the sub frame and have it ready to start prepping for the '57 frame... I found a couple good threads here to help me with the install.

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6112/...c40a164b23.jpg

The suspension and brakes have all been rebuilt.

Re: '57 Stepside, Big Window Project
 

Here's some pics from '92 when I first brought her home from CA. I actually dollied it home from CA to KY. Ford told me that my '90 Ranger wouldn't handle it all the way home. It did, no problem. Almost lost it in Memphis when the bolt loosened up on the bumper. Just barely caught it.

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6215/...6318580715.jpg

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6055/...cb34c93cce.jpg

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6051/...0db33ff195.jpg

The garage is finally ready for the re-start of the '57 project... more pics to follow.

Re: '57 Stepside, Big Window Project
 

Cool. Looks like it's in nice shape already. What's your plans?

Edit in: Duh... nevermind...I clicked page 2 instead of page one. Nice project going on there!

Re: '57 Stepside, Big Window Project
 

Stay on it!! looking good!

Re: '57 Stepside, Big Window Project
 

Yes, it was/is in excellent condition. It's been in the garage since 1997 but now's the time to get it built. I have to repair my DD this weekend ('86 Jimmy). Afterwards, the fun begins! Stay tuned...

Re: '57 Stepside, Big Window Project
 

Time for some updated pics gang;

Donor Engine: 1987 Chevrolet 350 R10 motor. Currently setup with a Edelbrock 600 Carb. Considering removing the new intake and carb and installing an EFI unit. I like the idea of FI in the '57 but I just can't decide. I have time though.
http://www.a2zcs.com/files/camaro/87350.jpg

Here’s the SubFrame before I removed it from the donor vehicle.
http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6217/6...9103fda940.jpg

Completely rebuilt, new bushings from Energy Suspension;
http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6044/6...a617171138.jpg

New Springs and rotors as well...
http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6049/6...605aaed553.jpg

http://www.a2zcs.com/files/camaro/1206.jpg

Time to tear it all down and get ready for surgery.

Re: '57 Stepside, Big Window Project
 

OK, after a winter of waiting, I finally got my smaller projects finished and the garage cleaned up to the point where I can start on the ole' girl again. The Camaro is gone but I kept the front clip (since I had completely rebuilt it). ;) Now, I'm reading several of the threads here to get a feel for the procedure to graft it to the '57's frame rails.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7134/7...b21e07847b.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7097/7...f6e0680aa1.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7064/6...a57ff2f622.jpg
Here's the Rear End Mock up.. '73 XJ6 Jag Rear IRS with mounting hardware. (Sorry, iphone didn't do it justice. I'll get the Nikon and do better)

Re: '57 Stepside, Big Window Project
 

Cool that you're able to get back to it.
Kim

Re: '57 Stepside, Big Window Project
 

Word of advice, there's lots of threads done on the subject so do heaps of searching, reading & triple measuring!

Re: '57 Stepside, Big Window Project
 

Take a look over a HAMB too. There is at least one pretty detailed thread done by a guy who has done a bunch.

Re: '57 Stepside, Big Window Project
 

This is the thread OrrieG mentioned;

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/s...d.php?t=148978

Re: '57 Stepside, Big Window Project
 

Thanks... I will. I'm on page 13 of that thread. Of all the things I've read so far, I like Lux's procedure the best.

Re: '57 Stepside, Big Window Project
 

Thanks for posting the link, I was feeling lazy the other evening!

Re: '57 Stepside, Big Window Project
 

Working on mock up of the Jag Rear End (Finally!)

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7075/7...80b5e74fb4.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7214/7...28cb936ace.jpg

Prepping the Camaro Clip for installation too;

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7219/7...a441824824.jpg

Another View
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7224/7...0ef1464ee0.jpg

Feels good to finally get back on the project... been sitting in the garage in pieces since 1997.

Re: '57 Stepside, Big Window Project
 

I know how you feel about your project sitting. I've had mine since 92 and have only made any steady progress on it in the past year.
Keep at it and it'll be done in no time.
Kim

Re: '57 Stepside, Big Window Project
 

... trying to do something every night.. I bought the truck from a guy in Riverside in 1990 when I lived in Colton, CA.

Re: '57 Stepside, Big Window Project
 

Got the Cab off the frame tonight and started measurements to prepare for grafting the Camaro Clip onto the front of the truck

Rear Axle Centerline - (I've heard 36 1/2" and 37" from the rear of the frame) - Which is correct???
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7235/7...0937c33ac7.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7083/7...bba84ac761.jpg

Could this be some kind of sign? 114 inches to the rear of that hole on both rails of the frame...
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7089/7...88905af2b1.jpg

This should be the Centerline for the front Axle. My problem is I tore the truck down sooo long ago, discarded the front axle and rear end and can't find my notes now on where they are supposed to be... I may have some pictures to refer to...