‘57 Chevy Stepside

[NOBLNG]

Sometimes you just gotta start a new project to break a slump!? So I grabbed this kit off the shelf. It’s a fairly simple kit that doesn’t include all the parts for a stock build so…..I’m just going to follow the instructions. Due to the tight space above the rear fenders, I want to paint them before installation. The kit mounting holes will show however, so I will plug them and relocate the locating pins. As always, all comments or opinions welcome.

Edited April 5, 2023 by NOBLNG

[Zippi]

Pretty kewl looking 57 Chevy pickup project Greg.  I'll be watching this one.  

[dino246gt]

Good Morning Greg, I almost spewed my coffee when I read that you were going to follow the instructions!  LOL

I know you'll build a cool pickup............... but I highly doubt that you'll follow the instructions, you'll make it better!

Cheers!

[89AKurt]

I know something about slump bustering.  I got the yellow version of this kit with some other kits from someone, sold at the last swap meet.  Still have the Cameo kit, looked at the leaf springs, they look good, so no excuse to drag this one out!

If I ever got another 1:1 classic pickup (I don't think my '68 counts because I'm older than it), the Task Force Chevy would be a top choice.

[NOBLNG]

Well I did a few mock ups. First pic is the kit wheels and tires. Then the set from the Revell’56 Del Ray. I’m not sure what the third set is from? I also found this nail polish in the dollar store the other day that I might try.?

[SpikeSchumacher]

For my two cents... the 3rd set of wheels, and a big YES to that color!?

[espo]

Like the color you picked up. You might want to double check the fit on the kits glass if you haven't already. The AMT based '55 - '57 Chevy pickup kits are kind of a hit and mis on fit. Like the stance in picture #2. 

[NOBLNG]

8 hours ago, Zippi said:

Pretty kewl looking 57 Chevy pickup project Greg.  I'll be watching this one.  

Thanks Bob!

7 hours ago, dino246gt said:

Good Morning Greg, I almost spewed my coffee when I read that you were going to follow the instructions!  LOL

I know you'll build a cool pickup............... but I highly doubt that you'll follow the instructions, you'll make it better!

Cheers!

Thanks Dennis…I should have said “mostly” follow the instructions.?

5 hours ago, 89AKurt said:

I know something about slump bustering.  I got the yellow version of this kit with some other kits from someone, sold at the last swap meet.  Still have the Cameo kit, looked at the leaf springs, they look good, so no excuse to drag this one out!

If I ever got another 1:1 classic pickup (I don't think my '68 counts because I'm older than it), the Task Force Chevy would be a top choice.

I’ll try to stay on track with it.?

13 minutes ago, SpikeSchumacher said:

For my two cents... the 3rd set of wheels, and a big YES to that color!?

Thanks, but I think I might use those on the Del Ray.? I’ve never used nail polish before, so I hope it doesn’t cause me grief.?

3 minutes ago, espo said:

Like the color you picked up. You might want to double check the fit on the kits glass if you haven't already. The AMT based '55 - '57 Chevy pickup kits are kind of a hit and mis on fit. Like the stance in picture #2. 

Thanks for the tip David. Yes, that’s about where I want it sitting.

[Butter 1]

I like wheels number 2. That color will be awesome. The windshield and back window can both be a bit tricky.  

[89AKurt]

I vote for 2, without seeing if the tire tread is better.  I've used nail 'polish' many times, that's a nice color.

[NOBLNG]

Not much progress, just conundrums.? The easiest way get that ride height on the front would be to do a spring under conversion….but that puts the springs pretty much on the ground. So scratch building some springs or a new dropped axle would be the best solution. So much for following the instructions.?

[NOBLNG]

I see what is meant by the glass fit being “tricky”! There is no locating ledge for the windshield at all and both front and rear glass are shy in height to fit the opening. The easiest solution may just be about a 1-1/2” top chop to close the gaps.?

Edited April 1, 2023 by NOBLNG
Add pic

[Butter 1]

If you happen to have a pair of the custom rear fenders from the AMT Ertl '53 Ford F-100 you may find that the overall shape of those fenders more closely resemble the 1:1 57 Chevy rear truck fenders than the fenders in this kit.

[NOBLNG]

1 hour ago, Butter 1 said:

If you happen to have a pair of the custom rear fenders from the AMT Ertl '53 Ford F-100 you may find that the overall shape of those fenders more closely resemble the 1:1 57 Chevy rear truck fenders than the fenders in this kit.

Thanks for the tips Ron. I don’t have that kit, but I don’t think these ones are too far off. Close enough for me anyways.?

[Zippi]

I like wheels #3 because they are bigger and fill up the wheel opening much better.  That color is going to look nice.

[NOBLNG]

Well, in order to lower this thing, since it already has a dropped front axle, I was all set to build some new springs.Then I realized that I have a whole bunch of leaf springs that I will never use. So after some rooting around, I found a set that just needed a bit of reworking. Now for the rear which hopefully will be a little easier.?

[Slotto]

Me likey 

[NOBLNG]

On 4/4/2023 at 7:49 PM, Slotto said:

Me likey 

Thanks!?

For the rear I moved the front spring mounts to the top of the frame instead of the bottom. It gets me just enough drop I think. I could increase the shackle length to get a bit more if needed.

 

 

 

Edited April 7, 2023 by NOBLNG
Change pics

[Zippi]

That 57 is looking pretty sweet.

[SpikeSchumacher]

Looking good! ?

[NOBLNG]

On 4/5/2023 at 5:58 PM, Zippi said:

That 57 is looking pretty sweet.

 

On 4/5/2023 at 6:01 PM, SpikeSchumacher said:

Looking good! ?

Thanks Guys!?

[NOBLNG]

I broke one of the spindles when trying to remove the drag link so that I could change springs. I glued it back on, but it seemed a little fragile, so I drilled them both and inserted a piece of .035” welding wire for strength.

 

I have made a mold to cast these modified brake rotors that I have and added them to the wheels.

 

The bottom of the bed floor has no details at all, so I scribed in the plank seams and added some cross members like the Revell ‘65 Chevy has.

Edited April 7, 2023 by NOBLNG

[NOBLNG]

I got the wheels glued on and the final ride height is now set in stone…..er, plastic.?

[cobraman]

I like what you got going. 

[KWT]

I'm digging this. nice stance