Greetings,
New to the forums, introduced by a friend who shares similar interests. I just acquired a 1957 Chevy stepside shortbed with the 235 straight six and 3 speed column shift with overdrive. The previous owner told me about the overdrive and said that the OD is engaged by pulling a lever or handle in the dash.
The cab and frame (with engine and trans) sat in the elements for some time. I can see already that the left cab corner (probably inside and outside) and step, plus several sections of the lower firewall will need to be cut out and replaced.
I am new to body work. I will be working slowly to address the rusted out panels in the cab, but a good portion of the work that needs to be done on the fenders and hood is just surface rust.
I am hoping to obtain more information (or sources) for the following:
1. Information about rebuilding/maintaining the 3 speed w/OD trans
2. Local sources for possibly having the 235 rebuilt in the future (or resources that will help me do it myself)
3. Local sources for having the chassis and cab shot blasted and primered (so I know where to start and to buy time)
4. Recommendations for where to start...
My current plan is to perform a sorting-out restoration, starting with the brakes, then the drive train (the truck was started about 4 months ago, according to the PO, who I trust implicitly), then electrical, then rubber seals. I plan to do the body work in small sections at a time and take my time with it.
I do not want to return the truck to stock necessarily, but will try to maintain a stock appearance. I would like to add the following items to make it more "liveable:"
- 3-point seatbelts (my little boy, who will be helping me with this work, will be riding in it)
- A front defroster and new heater (would AC be too much to wish for?)
- Moving the starter from the floor to the dash
I would like to do the sorting to get it running well before deciding on a rebuild. Then, I will get the body work to the point that it can be assembled while in primer. I will then drive it for about a year to shake it down before disassembling again for paint.
Any suggestions are much appreciated.
fourbrads
