Kris Vierra's 1957 Chevy 1/2-Ton

12 November 2006 Update
# 975

From Kris:

        Here are some pics of my finished '57. It's been 2 1/2 years since I bought it. I plan to hit some cruise nights and road trips. I'm not really into the show stuff anymore. Been there done that in the past with mixed results. But enjoy meeting people with the same interests though.

       The engine is a LT-4 with a 4 speed automatic. It's equipped with old air.

        I put in new aftermarket inner fenderwells since the originals were butchered.

        The interior is gray leather on the original seat with Ididit steering column and a Grant steering wheel. The stereo is a custom autosound because I didn't want to cut the dash. The gauge cluster is aftermarket with Autometer gauges to keep accurate track of things.

        All the bugs are out and she drives great. I'm glad I stuck with it. All I can say to most folks on here is to stick with it even if you get burned out. Take a break and come back to it fresh. It's worth all the headaches for the finished product.

        Now what next? As far as a new project, Im thinking of a '47-'54 . But I'm going to take some time off and will see where the wind blows.

Kris Vierra
"Autoazore"
Bolter # 7744
Gridley, California

        Well, congratulations. She is beautiful. She'll made a nice "calendar girl" for our BIG 2007 calendar. ~~ Editor [an error occurred while processing this directive]

25 January 2005 Update
# 975

From Kris:

        Here is an update on my truck. I have finally finished all the cosmetic exterior work. It looks pretty much done or how it's gonna look when I'm completely done.

        It's got new glass rubber, chrome, wood and strips in the bed. The tailgate is back on. I've got New Americans to give it that '60's look.

        I installed an Ididit column and a wood grant wheel, autometer gauges (electric) inset into a billet cluster.

        I'm currently installing a modern wiper kit and Old airheat. By the end of the year I'll have the radiator and overflow laid out.

        Next year (because of house plumbing ) I'm going to buy and install an LS1 engine and 4-speed auto tranny. I hope to get it running next year ... but as you folks know, the best laid plans of mice and men.

        So thanks again for the site. It keeps me motivated and seem like I'm not going thru this alone.

Kris Vierra
"Autoazore"
Bolter # 7744
Gridley, California

01 January 2005
#975

From Kris:

        This truck was bought from a gentlemen in Oregon (I'm in California). It was already painted -- something I couldn't do myself.

        At this time its complete outside, paint, glass, rubber, chrome, etc. It's going to have ac / power steering / power brakes / modern wiper motor / electric windows / cd player. I am installing a Corvette LS-1 and a 4sp tranny. I want it to look stock outside but be modern underneath and ride well.

        The interior will be tan leather to be determined at a later date. Its been 12 years since I have done my last car (a 1965 El Camino) so I'm more than ready to jump right in.

        I really enjoy your page. It's very informative and I like to see what every one is doing out there.

        Thanks for your site.

Kris Vierra
Gridley, California