Sometimes I just can't believe how lucky I am. It was the fall of 1990 and I had just developed all the film rolls from a Super Chevy show I went to earlier in the year. I brought the pictures to work and I was showing them to coworkers when Karen says "I know what kind of car that it, it's a 57 Chevy. I know because I have one in my driveway." I followed her home that night and sure enough there it sat. On dirt. In New England. For 19 years! Within 24 hours I spoke with her dad and made a deal. " I need $1000 for it". I only have $800. "OK, but for $800 you can only have half of what's in the basement" This picture is likely from '75 right before it was put away
My pal used to drive a tow truck so that next weekend we hauled it out of the driveway. A family of raccoons ran out of the trunk as we were hooking it up. All the brakes were locked up but we dragged it a few blocks to it's new spot. My mom, who loves old cars, said "how much did you pay for that?" Hahahaha. Everyone who saw it said I will never get it running. It did take a long time, 19 years in fact, but in 2009 it was registered and running. In all the years since it still has not let me down (except for the 2 rearends I blew up) Tons of cool stories and pictures to go with if there is any interest.
Turns out Dennis and his pals all drove tri-5s and his basement was the storage area for all their stuff. I ended up with boxes and milk crates full of spare parts. Didn't even know what all this stuff was but I was taking everything he was willing to give me. Many spare complete wiring harnesses, tons of interior parts, window mechanisms, heater parts, spare radiator, garnish moldings, knobs, switches, etc. What I did not get; extra hood, decklid, at least 4 doors, and more. Funny you mention that Bob, a friend of the family says all that stuff is still in the cellar
Now that would make a great story if you rolled up in the '57, and left with the basement stash 33 years after leaving it behind.
I'm right behind you with my avatar pile, July of '91. Paid 6X's what you did, though, but it ran and drove, had a fresh paint job, and a half-assed, finished interior. Had alot of fun with this car back then. But now that it's redone the way I want it, it's even more fun! My Wife and Kid's are gonna use it for my coffin.
Back in 75 a car like this was a dime a dozen, there was three or four in my high school parking lot. Times sure have changed.
First 2 pictures are where it sat just a town away from where I spent many a day looking for cars like this. Many locals knew about it but I didn't know those guys yet. Apparently I snuck in and bought it when they spent many years trying to buy it. I know all of them now, some close friends. P. S. yes I did have hair
I got both my '51 Ford and my '67 Corvette in 1987, so I'm coming up on 36 years. I stll own them and drive them.
November 19th 1990 with Jim Chief Wallace It went pretty smooth dragging it in the fresh snow. Some cutting and welding early 90s 3 of 4 floor pans, inner and outer rockers, a few floor braces, and used convertible quarter panels from Montana Jumped in deep with this thing and many times I knew it was too much. I just picked away at it when I had time then in two winters I buckled down and got it going
Every part has a story, right? When I bought this car it had a 4:10 posi center section which I swapped for a windshield, rear window, and something else I don't remember but I know I needed it, plus a 3:36 open pumpkin. Fast forward to today. . .. . . . . . 4:10 open pumpkin from Howie Salt 3:36 posi unit from Ted Stanwood RIP spacer and hardware in original packaging from @Robert J. Palmer The knowledge and skill from Bruce Warnke I now have. . . .. . . Wait for it. . .. . . 4:10 posi gearset for phase 2 of the 57
My 56 Nomad I paid $585 and have had for 41 years and drive it a ton. My 27 Tudor sedan I have had since 1972. Engine is being built in Ohio as we speak so maybe next year.
I’ll give ya double what ya paid for it, LOL! It’s good to get something you really like and keep it. My problem has always been I’d find something I liked better and what I had had to go. I finally broke that cycle with this car, I’ve had it 10 years now and don’t see it going anywhere. You have a nice 57. Hope you continue to enjoy it for a long time.
I used to sell tools and one of my customers had a short block with domed pistons stashed under his brake lathe. Periodically I would ask him about it and he always said " you don't want that it's been eating metal shavings for 25 years" One day he needed a scan tool. . . . . I got the motor home and dug into it. 1968 over the counter 327, balanced steel crank, pink rods, Jahns domed pistons, unknown cam. I meticulously cleaned everything, put new rings and bearings, new hydraulic cam and lifters, and Offenhauser tri power. It's quite filthy but it still runs great
Phase 2 of the Chevy is still in the planning and gathering stage. I have been enjoying the hell out of this car since 2009 and the motor is great but it's getting tired (low oil pressure at idle) so. . . . . . Big Oldsmobile +Muncie +4:10= more fun Fenderwell headers, 409 front coil springs, new paint, interior tune up will round out the Phase 2 plan.
Found a bell housing awhile back and recently made a deal on a flywheel and RAM clutch. Parts list getting smaller, still need a pilot bushing and headers. The grandson of the guy I bought the 57 from wants to buy it, told me to name my price. . . . . Ugggh! I'm not ready yet
Been tooling on the 57 last couple of days. Trying to get a few things fixed, things that have been bothering me for awhile. Pesky thermostat housing leaks, still weeping after 2 attempts yesterday. Fail Today is horn day- so far still no horn. Power up in the column, power at horn relay, power at horns- no blow. Spare old known good horn I can't get it to work. Fail again.
The Jalopy Journal
