Hi
As I mentioned I am rebuilding a Chevy Pickup from 1957. I thought this might not belong to this Forum. But some of you wanted me to tell about my ride.
My plan is to keep the outside looking original, but rebuild the suspension etc.
In September 2014 I went to pick up the truck from the harbour. It was about 19 hours drive one way!

Unfortunately it seems like I can't attach photos. Does anyone know why?

At home I immediately started to tear apart the rig.
When the frame was free from engine and cab I cut of the old front clip and welded in a Monte Carlo 1980 front clip. That was a little bit tricky, to get it aligned right.
I also removed all the cross members, boxed the frame and made strong reinforcment connections between the framerails.
For the rear axle I made c-notches in the frame and installed a paralel 4-link suspension with GAZ shocks.
The last thing I have made is the exhaust system, which has 2*2,5 inch size.
I now have to remove the v-8 engine and flip the frame to do some welding underneath. The frame and rear axle will then go to sandblasting and painting (not done by myself)
I will gladly post photos if I know how to do it.

 

I forgot to mention about the cab. I have installed a steering column from a 70's pickup and a steering wheel from a Chevy Astro.
Seats are 3pc rear seats from a Chevy Venture.
Brake cylinder and power brake are from a Chevy Van

 

Hi tompitomas!

The truck sounds very cool and unique! I'd love to see the pics, but you can post them right away as a new member. I'm not sure exactly when you are allowed to start. I'm pretty sure you could host the pics on photobucket and link them here, which is a better way to post pics anyways IMO. Otherwise the MCF Admins The Maniac or Chibi can grant the power of pic posting or clarify the rule

Can't wait to see this thing!

 

Sounds like a very unique truck. Can't wait to see some pics of it. I would also just use photobucket to post them on here.

 

You can't attach pics until you reach full member status (be a member for 5 days and have 10 different posts).

 

The project is now uploaded on photobucket.

I have welded a little more on the frame today. Had it turned up and down to now do the last welding before approvement inspection.
Because of the big changes I do, I have to have it inspected both during the building process and when it is done, in order to get it road-approved.
I am allowed to put an engine with a little bit more than 300 horses. My plan is to replace the engine in the future to a 350 with 300-350 horsepowers in.
This years plan is to get it on the road, but not painted.
Feel free to ask if you have some questions

 

I have one question...
Can I drive it?

Looking forward to seeing it completed!
Pls keep us posted on your continued progress.

Thanks for sharing this build with us!

 

Hi everybody

I am now ready with the frame and got it inspected.
As you can see in the photobucket the frame is sandblasted and painted. I am still waiting for the upper and lower A-arms to be painted.
It is fun to start reassembling parts after having been tearing apart and welding for a long time.
The truck cab had some rust which almost are gone now. I have used some patch panels and are waiting for some more from US to come to Sweden.
I still don't know which colour I want on the truck. Any suggestions?
The original paint was some kind of green and the upper part of the cab was white.
/Tomas

 

do you have any of the 1980 parts for sale? i am looking for a 1980 front clip