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- - My complete '57 chevy build (https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/showthread.php?t=324188)

My complete '57 chevy build

When i was 12 (2002) i decided that i wanted a 1957 Chevrolet for my first pickup. (I live on a farm, i started driving with my Dad when i was 4, and by the time i was 8 i drove Dad's standard pickup anywhere on the place that i wanted to go) Anyways, i wanted my pickup lifted, 4x4, red, and loud! Some of those desires have changed, i will explain in the thread.

I will give a little background on my family before i get to detailed on my story with descriptions and pictures. My Dad and Grandpa have/drive/build old cars. Grandpa has a '51 ford coupe, '57 chevy belair two door hardtop, and a '57 pickup (similar to mine, only terquoise and drivetrain differences) My Dad has a '56 chevy belair two door post and a '57 chevy pickup. (Will post a thread on this truck too) My two older sisters picked out old cars too, which required a buildup also. Its just a family tradition so to speak.

Ok, so at twelve years old, we started looking hard for a '57. In october we found it. It was setting on a narrowed frame with the makings of a pro street truck. It had good rear fenders, a good cab, and a good front clip. All in all it was a good truck to start out with.
http://photos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-...72166_4059.jpg

Now, since i wanted a four wheel drive, my next purchase was a '77 gmc with a 4 speed, 205 transfer case, full floater 14 bolt and a dana 44.
http://photos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-...72167_4629.jpg

Notice this frame was a long wheel base. I needed a short wheel base, so instead of cutting this frame down i found a half ton and swapped all the parts to it.

Sandblasted the frame and cleaned up the drivetrain really good. Fresh coat of black shiney paint make it all look new again. For a motor i am using a 305 tbi out of a 91 camaro with 30k miles (at the time of install)
http://photos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-...72168_5261.jpg

Those wheels and tires are just rollers. Notice the big back glass cab. I love the looks of these. And the view from inside is insane. You can see everything!

This build, being my first obviously. i learnd so much. So big big BIG props to my Dad for that. There are so many memories that we have in this truck. He taught me everything i know about vehicles. We've learned alot since this build (have built several since) but the first is always the best.

Back to the truck. Here i learned how to mig weld by smoothing the firewall.
http://photos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-...72169_5765.jpg

We sent off all of the metal to be sandblasted. Didnt find anything that we didnt expect. The core was pretty solid.
http://photos-c.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-...72170_6330.jpg

However you to find one that dosnt need cab corners is a rare duck!
http://photos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-...72171_6872.jpg

To put the '57 on the '77 frame took a little fabrication. Had to raise the front cab mounts up 4". Then we mached everything up and did the body work. Also added a 4" suspension lift.
http://photos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-...71193_3595.jpg

Then we blew everything apart, did the final bodywork, then primed it all.
http://photos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-...71189_2560.jpg

The paint we laid down the first time was custom mixed. We started with Corvette Red then added (what seemed like) a bunch of colors. Took 3 gallons to paint it all
http://photos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-...71191_3071.jpg

Two toned the dash with a high metallic silver and a metallic charcoal. You'll notice in the pictures that it has a late model Chevrolet stepside bed. I was anxious to get this truck on the road, and we couldnt find any good stepside rails. So this was a quick, easy, short term solution.