I got some help from my sister to show everyone what I've been working on. Up to this point I have not been able to figure out how to post pictures. This is from Thanksgiving day 2018 when we loaded 92 bales of hay on her.
Last edited by 78buckshot; 06/10/20191:36 AM.
1957 Chevrolet 5700 LCF 283 SM420 2 speed rear, 1955 IH 300U T/A, 1978 Corvette 350 auto, 1978 Yamaha DT175, 1999 Harley Davidson Softail Fat Boy
Mike B, I think the bed has settled a little from the 60+ year old wood "joists" deteriorating, it's a 16000 lb. GVWR with a 15000 lb. axle, that load didn't even touch the overload springs.
1957 Chevrolet 5700 LCF 283 SM420 2 speed rear, 1955 IH 300U T/A, 1978 Corvette 350 auto, 1978 Yamaha DT175, 1999 Harley Davidson Softail Fat Boy
The 283 and SM420 are original as is the rear end, I don't know if it's 6.17:1 or the 7.20 but the engine doesn't need a 2 speed rear - plenty of grunt with this set-up, top speed against the governor = 45mph
1957 Chevrolet 5700 LCF 283 SM420 2 speed rear, 1955 IH 300U T/A, 1978 Corvette 350 auto, 1978 Yamaha DT175, 1999 Harley Davidson Softail Fat Boy
The 283 and SM420 are original as is the rear end, I don't know if it's 6.17:1 or the 7.20 but the engine doesn't need a 2 speed rear - plenty of grunt with this set-up, top speed against the governor = 45mph
Your truck would have had the 15,000 pound corporate rear with 7.20 gears as standard equipment and the 45 mph speed would pretty much confirm that's what you have. The 6.17 would give you speeds close to 60 mph.
Mike B
Mike Boteler
1956 Chevy 3100 Resto Rod 1952 Willys M38 Army Jeep 1983 Jeep CJ7 Laredo 1984 Jeep CJ7 +++++ Silver Spring, MD
Thanks Mike, when I had the diff. cover off I forgot to look for teeth numbers but I was leaning towards the 7.20 from what I was reading on the GM Heritage specs, I appreciate the confirmation.
1957 Chevrolet 5700 LCF 283 SM420 2 speed rear, 1955 IH 300U T/A, 1978 Corvette 350 auto, 1978 Yamaha DT175, 1999 Harley Davidson Softail Fat Boy
Hey Pvmt-Pndr, we're next door neighbors, I'm in Washtenaw county but I don't think we could be any further distance apart in our counties. I'm in the far northwest township and you're in the far southeast, we could try to meet some time.
1957 Chevrolet 5700 LCF 283 SM420 2 speed rear, 1955 IH 300U T/A, 1978 Corvette 350 auto, 1978 Yamaha DT175, 1999 Harley Davidson Softail Fat Boy
Mine is pretty road-worthy but I would hate to have to make a long trip with it, she's wound out against the governor at 45 mph, I haven't put a tach on it but the specs say GM didn't want it over 4000 RPM, it sounds pretty close to that. I'm guessing we are about 60 miles from each other, it would be a rough trip for the 5700.
1957 Chevrolet 5700 LCF 283 SM420 2 speed rear, 1955 IH 300U T/A, 1978 Corvette 350 auto, 1978 Yamaha DT175, 1999 Harley Davidson Softail Fat Boy
I'm against the governor at 59 currently and that's going down hill and she's singing away drinking gas and not getting anywhere fast. Once I pin down what gear to go with I'll be able to do over 70
"Modern" haha. I don't see myself doing 70 most days but having the option should be nice. It's amazing how similar a newer truck is setup to mine, not much of a difference really.
Thanks Spanky and all others for the thumbs-up, as you can see I haven't done anything to the body except lighting and mirrors. I've put in lots of hours on the drive train and brakes so most of the money and time don't show but I know everyone here can appreciate it. I don't know how far I will go with restoration but I'm having a good time with it regardless.
1957 Chevrolet 5700 LCF 283 SM420 2 speed rear, 1955 IH 300U T/A, 1978 Corvette 350 auto, 1978 Yamaha DT175, 1999 Harley Davidson Softail Fat Boy
As far as I'm concerned you've put the money where it needs to go. No sense in having something shiny that you can't use because of a mechanical problem.