1957 Chevy 3100 1/2-Ton

Owned by Leonard "RATRODKING" Bolter # 15565 South Florida

14 July 2008 Update
# 2285

From Leonard :

          I have a new picture of my truck for the Gallery. I just lowered it and would like to show this!

          Check the new pics on my Photobucket web album.

          All the things I have done to the truck since I bought it in March of this year is:

• 3 inch dropped front straight axle
• power disc brake conversion
• steering stabilizer
• clean up the engine with some aluminum valve covers and air cleaner
• new centerline qualifier rims with BF Goodrich radial T/A tires
• painted the door panel inserts white with some rainbow flake in the clear coat
• rebuilt the Edelbrock 600cfm carb
• new starter

          That’s about all I can think of so far.

          My custom door handles (see Leonard's Tech Tip on this, pretty fun! ~ Editor) are working perfect, and I have plans to make some shorter ones for my window cranks also.

          Future plans are to re-upholster the seat myself, refinish the bed wood, get a new front chrome bumper and grille, and change the door windows and vent widow assemblies.

          Thanks so much. I love the Stovebolt site. I have learned so much from the great people on the site and have a few close friends from the here!

Leonard

28 April 2008 Update
# 2285

From Leonard :

          Hey guys!

          I finally finished up dropping my '57 [ pix ] . Check the new pics on my photobucket web album.

          I used SID's droppedaxle.com 3 inch front axle and removed one leaf for a total of 3 5/8 drop in front. I had to cut out 1/2 inch section of steering arm, driver's side, the forward eyelet for the drag link, and that moved it outward enough to clear the bottom of my driver's side shock.

          I TIG welded it back together. Also had to relocate my drag link to steering arm joint to now point upward, with the nut on top, instead of the factory nut on bottom. I also had to remove 1 1/4 inch from the drag link to keep steering wheel centered and drag link level.

          In the rear, I was going to go with 2 inch long rear shackles, but couldn’t get the darn things off. So I removed four leafs, bottom up, to give the rear a 2 inch drop. Kind of glad the shackles were hard to remove, since this way it now rides much smoother. Not like the rigid ride it did have.

          Up next is a front steering stabilizer, double check the toe, re-tighten all the bolts and nuts, then cruize. Hopefully within two months I will start on the power master and front disc brakes, then new rims and tires.

          I want to thank all of you who helped me over the past month or so with all my questions, especially FLA54CHEVY3100 and WALDO53. Thanks guys, couldn’t have done it without you!

           Any questions feel free to ask, and I shall respond. I can’t wait to go for a nice cruise.

Leonard

25 March 2008
# 2285

From Leonard :

          I bought this 1957 Chevy 3100 1/2-ton with a 350 and a 350 auto transmission at the end of February 2008. I found it about three weeks ago for sale on traderline.com.

        The last owner had it for 11 years and before that he says it was in Virginia.

        This picture on the right is how it looked when I got it. Very soon I will be lowering it with a three inch dropped front axle from Sid at droppedaxles.com. I will also be upgrading to power front disc brakes and changing the rims and tires.

        Here is a photo of the engine; and one of the interior.

        I’ve had cars all my life and let a 1966 Chevy Chevelle SS 396 go back in 1996. Wish I still had it.

        This time around I wanted something different and I really love the older Chevy trucks. The big plan for this one is simple, just cruise, cruise, cruise.

Thanks much,

Leonard

-30-