57 Truck build
 

I purchased this truck last year spur of the moment because I was ready to start another project. I’m planning a full resto mod with a 4.8 and trans that I got for a steal. I have already removed the suspension and replaced it with a CPP mustang II and TCI rear springs. They didn’t send me the drop spindles so I took two inches out of the cross member and cut the springs.

Re: 57 Truck build
 

Speedway universal LS engine mounts installed, mock up of the engine/trans, installed the firewall brakes and smoothed the firewall. Put the nose back on to check hood clearance.

Re: 57 Truck build
 

Cut out the dash to make room for the smooth dash. I moved the temp control to where the ash tray was so I can use the vintage air controller.

Re: 57 Truck build
 

Moving quickly!! Signed up for the build.

Re: 57 Truck build
 

Changed out the smaller rear end to an69 Camaro 10 bolt with 373 gears. This should go well with the 4.8 and it’s much bigger. I also pulled out the wheels and put some used tires on it for mock up of the bed sides for the wheel tubs.

Re: 57 Truck build
 

Worked on the bed rails a little.

Re: 57 Truck build
 

New parts came it! Hopefully I can get to mock them up this weekend! I also cratered my fender mount holes to give it a little more custom look.

Re: 57 Truck build
 

The aggressive lines and proportions of these trucks are so cool. I have mostly had Squarebodies and they have their own type of integrated coolness but none of the flair of this era. You seem very decisive in your progress and custom touches. I'm very interested to watch. Thanks for showing us the details.

Re: 57 Truck build
 

Thanks! This is my second build of this body style. I have been looking at different ways to build it. I want something that looks cool with little custom touches. The body design already looks great it was just a few areas that needed some adjustment. My 62 build is more stock so I wanted to go in a little different direction. Thanks again!

Re: 57 Truck build
 

Decided to work on the doors, rockers and cab corners. The doors was pushed in about a 1/4 in in some places. So I had to cut and push and pull to get the door edges right. I also started adding 3/16 rod to tighten the gaps. I’m learning that aftermarket doors are not straight. I still have some finish welds and grinds to do to make it look right.

Re: 57 Truck build
 

One to watch, following...

Re: 57 Truck build
 

Thanks! Hopefully it will come out as good as yours!

Re: 57 Truck build
 

Looking good!

Re: 57 Truck build
 

Finally got to work on the 57 again. I installed the fuel tank and started working on the gaps. I had to add 1/8 rod and then grind to the right gap. I still have some spot welding and grinding to do then I can move over to the drivers door.

Re: 57 Truck build
 

Worked in the cowel today and I’m a little closer to getting the gaps right.

Re: 57 Truck build
 

i agree --- lookin good

Re: 57 Truck build
 

Fixed the lower door gap, installed the tailgate and roll pan.

Re: 57 Truck build
 

Awesome Build
Great Skills
Keep the progress photos coming
Thanks for sharing
JT from SC

Re: 57 Truck build
 

Thanks! Just when I think I’m getting closer I decide to do something else.

Re: 57 Truck build
 

dang - done as much as I do in 6 months in 6 weeks.
lol.

When you say " also started adding 3/16 rod to tighten the gaps" --- what does that mean exactly - I can guess …… but then usually Im wrong :)

Re: 57 Truck build
 

I add the 3/16 rod along the edge of the panel or door. Then I grind it to get the right gap. Just like this pic. I added rod where the gap was to wide. I did all my doors and fenders. Next I have to do the hood gaps.

Re: 57 Truck build
 

Gotchya.
Part of me was wondering if layed a physical rod and clamped in place then welded over the top so to speak :)

:metal:

Re: 57 Truck build
 

Do you mind sharing what brand fenders and doors you went with? I'm thinking about ordering some but im not sure if any are better than others. I will say your gaps are far better than my factory ones. Nice build

Re: 57 Truck build
 

Thanks for the compliment! I had a 20% off coupon with LMC and it’s free shipping over $1000 so that helped on the decision. They fit ok but I had to grind and add metal all the way around the doors and I also added metal on the fenders to get the right gap. I’ll have to do the same on the hood when I get to it. I’m trying to get the lines right all the way around but it takes a bunch of time. A lot of welding and grinding to the right line. The right front fender I bought from Auto metal direct and I actually think it fits better than the LMC one. Hopefully this helps a little.

Re: 57 Truck build
 

Thanks I was looking at similar deal with Classic Industries. For what ever reason I have read in several places that the aftermarket passenger side fits better than the drivers side. My truck only came with non fitted fiberglass fenders and I really don't want to reinstall them.

Re: 57 Truck build
 

Wow ! there seem to be a lot of very good metal fabricators on this site, and here is another one.

Thanks for sharing your knowledge, it is a pleasure to see such great workmanship,

stay with the project, and keep the pics coming

Re: 57 Truck build
 

I understand that. I think it’s the luck of the draw. I had one cab corner that the door gap was so bad that I had to cut it out and buy another. A body guy told be that these aftermarket parts are a cast of a cast. So it’s had to get the exactly right.

Re: 57 Truck build
 

Thanks for the compliment!

Re: 57 Truck build
 

looking very nice, where did you get those crater marker dies if I may ask

Re: 57 Truck build
 

Thanks man! I have been watching your build. Great job! I got them at Hammer fab.
http://hammerfab.com/

Re: 57 Truck build
 

Thanks my brother, I'll be watchin yours!

Re: 57 Truck build
 

Did a couple of things today. I cut down the tubs and welded them in. I cut them down to two inches instead of 3 1/2. This will allow me to keep the stock bed wood. I also installed the hidden latches. Now I’m going to fix the bed ends so the match up with the front panel and tailgate.

Re: 57 Truck build
 

Decided to weld in the holes from the chai patch on the tailgate today. Took a little time but I think it came out ok. I will put seam sealer all the way around the the tailgate before paint to give it a cleaner look. Here is a pick of my tailgate from my 62 with it all sealed around the inner edges.

Re: 57 Truck build
 

I uploaded the wrong pic.

Re: 57 Truck build
 

Little Meereen work tonight by Frenching in the taillights with some 50 Pontiac LEDs. Still have some finish grinding and sanding to do.

Re: 57 Truck build
 

Just saw your thread for the first time! Awesome build. You have great fabrication skills. I’m working on my box also n we are going a very similar direction. I’ll be following

Re: 57 Truck build
 

Thanks!

Re: 57 Truck build
 

wow those taillights came out great!

Re: 57 Truck build
 

Didn’t do much today. Cut out the step pad and smoothed it out. Hopefully I can get to the other side tomorrow.

Re: 57 Truck build
 

Nice work. You’re a great fabricatior. I like your tail lights so much I’m going the same way. I was trying to figure out what to do and really like the look.