So after owning it since probably 8yrs, I finally spent time on it over this past year and got my 1957 Chevy 3100 on the road. The original plan was a full rolling chassis with the IFS and 4link rear, discs all around, etc, etc. That didn't happen and the itch to just drive it outweighed the dream scenario. So I did what was necessary. I had a spare drag race fuel cell laying around so I put that in the bed, replaced the fuel pump, a new carb (Mike's Carburetor Parts - single barrel replacement), battery, brake master cylinder and all four wheel cylinders, the front hubs were 5lug while the rear were 6lug, so I replaced the front hubs with new roller bearing 6lug hubs and drums, replaced all brake lines, door hinges, locks, strikers, and most door hardware, and I think thats about it.
Maiden voyage was this past 4th of July and have driven it a few times since. It's still got plenty to be done on it and it rattles like a coffee can full of bolts and nothing related to instrumentation works at all, but I LOVE IT.
More interesting to me is how my thinking has changed. I wanted this beautifully resto/mod truck at first and now I just want it as is, minus some fixed and such. It's got so much charm and character. If i did all that work, I feel like I'm negating all that. Now I have to figure out what I'm gonna do with the 375hp Chevy 350 I had built for it.
Anyway, thanks to all the folks who helped me with a little advice on some of my questions..... god I wish my father was alive. He spent years as a mechanic and a body man as well. He would be such a help, and he would love this project. None the less, Stovebolt and Youtube have done a great job filling his shoes. Thank You all. Here are a few pics of it and I'm sure there will be more questions to come.
