1957 Chevrolet Truck Build

The truck arrived with the frame and chassis already blasted and painted. It did require some slight modifications and a partial repaint. The second crossmember was removed to facilitate the new running gear. Pre-made engine and transmission crossmembers were installed. A notch in the front crossmember was made to give the harmonic balancer it's required clearance.

On this truck we decided to use the original rearend and drum brakes on the rear. The carrier was inspected and the axle flanges were turned down and redrilled for the correct bolt pattern. Luckily, we were able to use mid 1960's Chevelle drums that matched the original drum size with the correct bolt pattern. The flanges had to be turned because the hole in the original drums is larger than the Chevelle drums.

The customer supplied the engine and transmission already rebuilt. So all we had to do was paint and install. A serpentine belt system was installed.

A Classic Performane disc brake conversion was installed.

The driveshaft was reinstalled using a correct slip yoke and new u-joints. Luckily, the original driveshaft length worked so no alterations were needed.

A Classic Performance power brake conversion was installed. This required the installation of a different transmission crossmember as the purchased one interfered with the brake location. All brake lines were installed and the lines bled.

American Racing rims and new tires were installed. More items were bolted to the engine.

We added the power steering conversion from Classic Performance. This system utilizes a new drag link and cylinder on the tie rod. The original manual box is kept much like early Corvette PS.

We placed the cab back on the frame and installed the doors. Then we test fitted the front end. Metal work was already completed at another shop years ago. So we cleaned up the metal and started bodywork.

Filler work was completed followed by poly primer and three coats of DeBeer urethane primer with progressive sandings.

Valspar 999EN sealer was applied in red followed by three coats of 840 Urethane in Torch Red.

The cab and doors were color sanded and buffed smooth.

Carpet was installed.

Started installing UltraLeather interior, windshield and rear glass.

We found out the truck was not a short box as we thought. So the box and frame had to be shortened to accomodate the Cameo kit that is on it's way..

Working on wiring and interior appointments.

Added polished stainless to the firewall.

Working on finishing up the doors. Installed glass, installed power windows, installed remote door actuators, and door panel.

Finished paint work on the front end. Installed the front sheet metal, grill and bumper.

Finally finished the seat install. These are 2000 Honda Accord seats. The first set we bought was a leather set from eBay which turned out to be repaired. So we bought new leather covers. However, the covers are for dealers to convert cloth to leather and the leather and cloth seats in Honda Accords are actually differently shaped. So we bought cloth seats to put the new civers on. Now looks good and fits great.

We fitted the new Cameo sides and started glass and bodywork on them.

We've done alot of work without any updates due to time. Here we are a couple days from completion.

Complete.