Another '57 3100 step side New Guy thread - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

MrDanB · 08-08-2006, 11:53 PM

Well, I got this truck from a friend of my brothers for free last Sunday. It has a 265, missing trans, and stock everything else. Minor rust issues in the typical places... I don't know if it runs yet, as I don't have a key for it. i ordered a replacement from LMC today. I ordered the Chevrolet classic car/truck kit from their customer service line, and ordered the book "How to restore your Chevrolet pickup". The truck needs a bunch of work and is missing trim, bumpers, door striker, transmission, driveline and a few other things. There is an i.d. metal plate attached to the glovebox that shows it was originally some sort of US Federal Government truck when new. Don't have a clue what that means... Anyway, I look forward to getting her back on the road one day. for your enjoyment...here is my last ride I finished http://home.earthlink.net/~mrdanb It's under construction, so please excuse the mess. And I posted a handful of pics in the 'welcome new guy" area...
Dan

CAL 58 GMC · 08-08-2006, 11:59 PM

Welcome to the board! Nice 69 Camaro by the way! When you get a chance how about posting some pics of your truck.

dwcsr · 08-09-2006, 12:18 AM

Welcome. it looks like you have something to work with. Are you leaving the 265 in it?

bronx · 08-09-2006, 01:24 AM

Welcome MrDanB! Saw your project in the welcome tread.
Sweet camaro.

Jebb1978 · 08-09-2006, 12:57 PM

Welcome! Nice car!

MrDanB · 08-09-2006, 01:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dwcsr

Welcome. it looks like you have something to work with. Are you leaving the 265 in it?

Yeagh, I think if I can get it to fire off, it's one less thing to rebuild for now. I just want to get it running so I can move it around while I work on it... Once I figure out which tranny to go with, and the driveline, then I should be alright. I have been compiling a list of everything it needs. Man, I'm gonna be broke

Dano

dwcsr · 08-09-2006, 02:03 PM

I think that one most likely had a 4 speed. They say boats are a hole in the water well these truck are a hole in your pocket that goes straight to the parts house. No matter how done you think you are there is always a $100 part you need.

MrDanB · 08-09-2006, 04:10 PM

The 4-speed was the SM420? I'm not sure weather it would be best to go find a 4-speed from '57 OR do some other more recent number like a T-5. I was reading that the S-10 tranny's are a direct bolt in? Although certain years have a "forward" shifter and the other type would put the shifter coming up through our bench seats? I can't wait to start figuring all this out...
Dano

MrDanB · 08-09-2006, 08:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CAL 58 GMC

When you get a chance how about posting some pics of your truck.

Ask and ye shall receive!

I spent some time today sanding out some minor surface rust spots and shooting a little primer. I got the ashtray open with a BF hammer and it has some rust in it as well, but I found some coins from the 40's through the 90's... I have a line on a SM420 4-speed to mate to the little 265! I may get this thing moving quicker than I thought!

Dano

bassfisher · 08-09-2006, 10:12 PM

Welcome to the site. Looks like a good project and you got it at the best price FREE! I am also building a 57 stepside. It is a rolling chassis, have motor and tranny for it, just getting stuff here and there for it. Doing body work to prep for paint. Good luck with it. Keep pics coming.

MrDanB · 08-15-2006, 03:17 PM

thanks Bassfisher. Same to ya! I got the replacement key in the mail yesterday, went to try starting the truck and nothing...Doublechecked everything and still nothing. I traced the wires starting from the starter and I got all the way to the ignition and found that the prev. owner had cut all the ignition wires. I have 2 purple and 2 green wires hanging right by the back of the ignition. Anyone know which wire goes where? lol
Dano

MrDanB · 08-16-2006, 01:49 PM

Cal, thanks for the help! I ordered the service manual and the restoration book and the classic truck packet from Chevrolet. The books are on backorder from the vendor... I drove 4 cities away yesterday to meet up with a friend who has a real nice 55 2nd. He replaced his wiring a few years back and the colors are different for some reason, so not much help. I'll get her wired up and hopefully started soon!
Thanks again-Dano

DennyB · 08-17-2006, 12:16 AM

Welcome to the board MrDanB!

texascowboy593 · 08-17-2006, 12:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DennyB

Welcome to the board MrDanB!

Yeah, Welcome to the club!

Good lookin truck!

MrDanB · 08-17-2006, 12:47 AM

Thanks guys! I have much to learn, but time to do it

I htink it's pretty clear that I need to keep this truck mostly stock. I may paint it a newer color, but the seat, dash, frame, drivetrain etc deserve to be shined up and kept nostalgic-like. I can get another one after this one and hot-rod it out if I feel the need. Ofcourse by then gas will be like 8 bucks/gallon

Dano

MrDanB · 10-12-2006, 03:47 PM

Well...It's been almost 2 months since any updates, so here goes:
I got all the sheetmetal off the front end and the bed off... i have been sanding/cleaning/degreasing the frame and brackets and such. I couldn't get the little 265 to fire off, so I think I will plan a 350/th350 type combo and a 2nd generation Camaro rear end. After I finish the frame, I need to relocate the gas tank to the rear under the bed and do the wiring. Should have some snow on the ground by then

I'll post some pics soon. Thanks again to all those who have been making serious progress and posting their pics, it keeps me going!!
Dano

MrDanB · 10-18-2006, 10:42 PM

We had smaller raindrops today, so here's a few pics of the '57. Got the frame all sanded out, rust morted the bad spots, self etch primed, and shot it off in chassis black. Started to rain on me, so have to do light touch up again next sunny day...

texascowboy593 · 10-19-2006, 03:39 PM

Lookin good Mr B!

bretcopsey · 10-19-2006, 03:50 PM

Moving right along! I'm hoping to post some updates of my 51 soon too. Gotta get back to the Camaro as well...

MrDanB · 10-19-2006, 10:37 PM

Hey Brett! You hang out on TC don't you? I think I bought some bushings from you a few years back off ebay. lol small world. I hope to get my 406 all done this weekend, then get it into the 69 car before winter really hits... I like having 2 rigs to work on, but there's 2x the stuff to buy lol. Take it easy!!
Dano

84 400 · 10-20-2006, 12:17 AM

nice work mr danb. Glad to see your giving it some love. To bad the old motor gave up on you it would have been really cool with that and the 4 speed trans
good luck

08-08-2006, 11:53 PM	#1
MrDanB Registered User Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Mukilteo, Washington Posts: 48	Another '57 3100 step side New Guy thread Well, I got this truck from a friend of my brothers for free last Sunday. It has a 265, missing trans, and stock everything else. Minor rust issues in the typical places... I don't know if it runs yet, as I don't have a key for it. i ordered a replacement from LMC today. I ordered the Chevrolet classic car/truck kit from their customer service line, and ordered the book "How to restore your Chevrolet pickup". The truck needs a bunch of work and is missing trim, bumpers, door striker, transmission, driveline and a few other things. There is an i.d. metal plate attached to the glovebox that shows it was originally some sort of US Federal Government truck when new. Don't have a clue what that means... Anyway, I look forward to getting her back on the road one day. for your enjoyment...here is my last ride I finished http://home.earthlink.net/~mrdanb It's under construction, so please excuse the mess. And I posted a handful of pics in the 'welcome new guy" area... Dan

08-08-2006, 11:59 PM	#2
CAL 58 GMC Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Clovis Ca. Posts: 3,311	Re: Another '57 3100 step side New Guy thread Welcome to the board! Nice 69 Camaro by the way! When you get a chance how about posting some pics of your truck. __________________ Classic Trucks Link http://www.classictrucks.com/feature...uck/index.html 1958 GMC.Project Build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=162816 1966 Chevelle Build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=443576 Video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=prrNKo8F7Zw#GU5U2spHI_4 Last edited by CAL 58 GMC; 08-09-2006 at 12:00 AM.

08-09-2006, 12:18 AM	#3
dwcsr Hollister Road Co. Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Houston Posts: 6,134	Re: Another '57 3100 step side New Guy thread Welcome. it looks like you have something to work with. Are you leaving the 265 in it?

08-09-2006, 01:24 AM	#4
bronx Registered User Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: norway Posts: 46	Re: Another '57 3100 step side New Guy thread Welcome MrDanB! Saw your project in the welcome tread. Sweet camaro. __________________ -57 GMC stepside -79 Bronco xlt -69 Opel Admiral -76 Opel commodore

08-09-2006, 12:57 PM	#5
Jebb1978 Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Mesa,Az Posts: 3,713	Re: Another '57 3100 step side New Guy thread Welcome! Nice car! __________________ 1959 GMC project

08-09-2006, 02:03 PM	#7
dwcsr Hollister Road Co. Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Houston Posts: 6,134	Re: Another '57 3100 step side New Guy thread I think that one most likely had a 4 speed. They say boats are a hole in the water well these truck are a hole in your pocket that goes straight to the parts house. No matter how done you think you are there is always a $100 part you need.

08-09-2006, 04:10 PM	#8
MrDanB Registered User Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Mukilteo, Washington Posts: 48	Re: Another '57 3100 step side New Guy thread The 4-speed was the SM420? I'm not sure weather it would be best to go find a 4-speed from '57 OR do some other more recent number like a T-5. I was reading that the S-10 tranny's are a direct bolt in? Although certain years have a "forward" shifter and the other type would put the shifter coming up through our bench seats? I can't wait to start figuring all this out... Dano

08-09-2006, 10:12 PM	#10
bassfisher Registered User Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 61	Re: Another '57 3100 step side New Guy thread Welcome to the site. Looks like a good project and you got it at the best price FREE! I am also building a 57 stepside. It is a rolling chassis, have motor and tranny for it, just getting stuff here and there for it. Doing body work to prep for paint. Good luck with it. Keep pics coming.

08-15-2006, 03:17 PM	#11
MrDanB Registered User Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Mukilteo, Washington Posts: 48	Re: Another '57 3100 step side New Guy thread thanks Bassfisher. Same to ya! I got the replacement key in the mail yesterday, went to try starting the truck and nothing...Doublechecked everything and still nothing. I traced the wires starting from the starter and I got all the way to the ignition and found that the prev. owner had cut all the ignition wires. I have 2 purple and 2 green wires hanging right by the back of the ignition. Anyone know which wire goes where? lol Dano __________________ If you can't see the bright side of life, try polishing the dull side

08-16-2006, 01:49 PM	#12
MrDanB Registered User Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Mukilteo, Washington Posts: 48	Re: Another '57 3100 step side New Guy thread Cal, thanks for the help! I ordered the service manual and the restoration book and the classic truck packet from Chevrolet. The books are on backorder from the vendor... I drove 4 cities away yesterday to meet up with a friend who has a real nice 55 2nd. He replaced his wiring a few years back and the colors are different for some reason, so not much help. I'll get her wired up and hopefully started soon! Thanks again-Dano __________________ If you can't see the bright side of life, try polishing the dull side

08-17-2006, 12:16 AM	#13
DennyB Led Sled! Discs R 4 ME! Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Toms River, NJ, USA (Transplanted Hoosier) Posts: 7,327	Re: Another '57 3100 step side New Guy thread Welcome to the board MrDanB! __________________ "Never ride faster than your Angel can fly" I.M.O.M,W,J&C Patriot Guard Rider

08-17-2006, 12:47 AM	#15
MrDanB Registered User Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Mukilteo, Washington Posts: 48	Re: Another '57 3100 step side New Guy thread Thanks guys! I have much to learn, but time to do it I htink it's pretty clear that I need to keep this truck mostly stock. I may paint it a newer color, but the seat, dash, frame, drivetrain etc deserve to be shined up and kept nostalgic-like. I can get another one after this one and hot-rod it out if I feel the need. Ofcourse by then gas will be like 8 bucks/gallon Dano __________________ If you can't see the bright side of life, try polishing the dull side

10-12-2006, 03:47 PM	#16
MrDanB Registered User Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Mukilteo, Washington Posts: 48	Re: Another '57 3100 step side New Guy thread Well...It's been almost 2 months since any updates, so here goes: I got all the sheetmetal off the front end and the bed off... i have been sanding/cleaning/degreasing the frame and brackets and such. I couldn't get the little 265 to fire off, so I think I will plan a 350/th350 type combo and a 2nd generation Camaro rear end. After I finish the frame, I need to relocate the gas tank to the rear under the bed and do the wiring. Should have some snow on the ground by then I'll post some pics soon. Thanks again to all those who have been making serious progress and posting their pics, it keeps me going!! Dano __________________ If you can't see the bright side of life, try polishing the dull side

10-18-2006, 10:42 PM	#17
MrDanB Registered User Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Mukilteo, Washington Posts: 48	Re: Another '57 3100 step side New Guy thread We had smaller raindrops today, so here's a few pics of the '57. Got the frame all sanded out, rust morted the bad spots, self etch primed, and shot it off in chassis black. Started to rain on me, so have to do light touch up again next sunny day... Attached Images __________________ If you can't see the bright side of life, try polishing the dull side

10-19-2006, 03:39 PM	#18
texascowboy593 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Southeast Tx Posts: 1,302	Re: Another '57 3100 step side New Guy thread Lookin good Mr B! __________________ "The rays of light thru the Shiner Bock bottle make me wanna turn the key and put down the throttle...and get lost down 35" - Jason Boland www.YouTube.com/user/593Films - Watch My Videos! 1977 Silverado K10 2014 Dodge Durango (Wife-mobile) 2008 Dodge Ram Lone Star Edition (Daily driver)



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10-19-2006, 03:50 PM	#19
bretcopsey Registered User Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: dayton, oh Posts: 327	Re: Another '57 3100 step side New Guy thread Moving right along! I'm hoping to post some updates of my 51 soon too. Gotta get back to the Camaro as well... __________________ My 51 project http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2285825 My 68 Camaro project http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2277404/1

10-19-2006, 10:37 PM	#20
MrDanB Registered User Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Mukilteo, Washington Posts: 48	Re: Another '57 3100 step side New Guy thread Hey Brett! You hang out on TC don't you? I think I bought some bushings from you a few years back off ebay. lol small world. I hope to get my 406 all done this weekend, then get it into the 69 car before winter really hits... I like having 2 rigs to work on, but there's 2x the stuff to buy lol. Take it easy!! Dano __________________ If you can't see the bright side of life, try polishing the dull side

10-20-2006, 12:17 AM	#21
84 400 Sb 400 club Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: NH / MA Posts: 2,741	Re: Another '57 3100 step side New Guy thread nice work mr danb. Glad to see your giving it some love. To bad the old motor gave up on you it would have been really cool with that and the 4 speed trans good luck __________________ 1984 chevy c10, built 400sb,.(SOLD) 77 K10 Project / daily driver "The Grinch" http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=318363 1956 Willys Wagon (327 chevy) Project (Now Buick 225) 1980 Corvette L-48 4 speed 1992 Mustang GT built 5.0 5 speed 1985 C10 LWB Sold 1982 K10 SWB plow truck Parted out 1986 D30 M1028 fire brush truck Parted out

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