Projects Building a 57 Chevy Shop Truck

I couldn't go anywhere with the engine anyhow, it's as far back and as high as I want it, so having the headers on wouldn't of changed where that engine was going.

 

If you are going with power steering you might get the space back for that header. *space from column tube not the box itself.

 

I was trying to envision the route of the shaft from the box to the column, it'd still be close on a 3 joint setup I think. The one coming off the column would be at a pretty good angle to get around the group of tubes, something I have to study more because the relocation of the steering box was definitely on the list, just not on the top of the list.
I know these are supposed to fit these trucks

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/...28nI_iMRj4OD9YdYx-Wn_XzROxohk6-8aAgPgEALw_wcB

 

Have you considered altering the headers?

 

With the "no welding" orders I try not to think of altering anything anymore.

I was on line looking today and a couple people had steering box interference with these 67-84 headers too

 

I went a few houses down and picked up some rams horns off his Corvette, I thought the vettes were all 2 1/2" but these are 2", he thought that maybe they had been replaced because they unbolted easily when he switched to headers.
I Googled the part number and they do come back Corvette, so they are correct for the application.



They do clear the steering box if worse comes to worse, or at least something good for starting up the 307



I also forgot what a pain in the ass these inner fenders are to remove from these trucks, you certainly have to follow the assembly line procedures in reverse to get to them. Eventually I'll put these fenders on so they have to come off sooner or later.

 

Picking up a few more parts some interior items, a 4 core Champion radiator and re-measuring to see if any of my mag wheels on hand will fit once I cut the bed back to the spring shackle.

 

Looks like a plan

 

Great work truck built been following your build from the beginning. Glad you got things with your health issues addressed. Wife had similar procedure done several years ago and is doing great. Got a app on smart phone that can monitor her pace maker. That’s some crazy shit for real and people think big tech isn’t watching your every move.
I used 2.5”manifolds on mine too because the header issues even fit power steering in stock location.

 

Looking for an update for some inspiration paging Swade41

 

I've been working on the Henry J and the 41 pickup but did take a little break from those two to put the door latches and passenger outside door handle on, so the doors close without bungee cords lol
I also painted the red 59 impala wheel black which looks much better now, oh I also washed it for the first time since owning it and put different front rollers on.
to

 

I also swapped the 88-94 60/40 seat for one with an armrest, but it was kinda like the 60/40 where it made you sit a little left of the steering wheel.
I sold the 60/40 to a young guy that was buying it for his tall uncle so the wife could drive his truck, turns out I knew the uncle and later he drops buy to show me his new seat. He came the next day and gave me the bench seat he took out, which is the seat I originally wanted to start with, so that all worked out great.

 

I know they look a little off when you drop them real low but I don't think it looks to bad from the garage view, not sure how you'd move them without moving the locating pin.

 

Swade, what is your new bench seat out of? It fits great!

 

@swade41 keep posting your avatar......um.... er.......uh..... updates, yea, that's it...updates. We like to keep abreast of what you're doing on the '57 (a '57 is on my bucket list, by the way).

 

It's out of an 89 chevy truck, it does really fit well, probably put a black vinyl cover right over the cloth.

 

Personally I'm good with where it is on this truck, it doesn't sit that low.
When you do drop them low it's common to add at least an inch to the front side of the wheelbase, some people add 1 1/2 inches, especially on 58-59 models.

 

That is a nice wheel! Glad to see you’re still plugging away at her. Are you close to firing her up?

 

No not at all, this truck is third down on the list of projects in the garage, my main focus was getting the Henry J going this year, which gets sidetracked by trying to get the 41 going again, then when I get aggravated with those two I work on the 57.
I deal with depression and don't have a lot of motivation to physically go into the garage, to many projects that creates overwhelming aggravation/stress due to the restrictions put on me with my health issues, so in my mind I think about lots of things I need to be doing, but just can't get there.
They'll get done, a couple hrs at a time a couple days a week, I'm not giving up just yet.

 

That resembles me! I try to focus on one thing and then four other things that need attention. I throw my hands up and never finish. My truck is dead at the moment. I haven’t touched it since October when I replaced the battery. Everything always gets in the way. Slow and steady wins the race!!

 

How much lower or taller is that seat compared to an original…any idea?

 

Which part, the bottom where you sit or the height of the back ?

 

One good thing about the 57 is that there's not much fabrication involved, everything is pretty much unbolt the old and bolt in the new. My next move on it will probably be to remove the bed, clean/paint the frame and put the bed that is upside down onto it and get rid of the blue bed.
It would be more visually appealing if nothing else, while it awaits it's turn, plus I need to get it done before my son leaves for college in the fall since I'll lose my garage help for lifting things.
I thought you'd be out driving the wheels off of yours.

 

My bad…bottom where you sit…looks like maybe a couple of inches? Thanks for the comparison pics.

 

Luckily I finished her and got her back on the road when I did. Life really got in the way. Although I did get a final long hurrah beforehand. With any luck I’ll be back in business soon and she’ll be running.

 

Hey Phil, I know where you're coming from. Gets tougher each day. Coming to NY next week, I'll have to give you a shout!

 

I've got the 40/60 split version in my '51 Chev pickup and really like it (had to have it narrowed for the narrower cab, though). Comfy and wears well.

 

That's the exact same seat I used in my '58, right down to the color. It's a perfect fit in a TF truck and about as comfortable as a bench can be. Yours looks to be in much better condition...

 

Hmmm.....