The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk How many 3100 series trucks were V8 equiped in '57 ?

Turns out my new project '57 Big Window was a V8 automatic truck, red with white interior and base level trim.

i got it from some really cool people who started to hot rod it with a nova front clip and a deep C-notch for the rear axle. engine and trans are long gone but the rear is there. all stock frame and suspension pecies were scraped when it was cliped.

now im not sure what direction to take with it, but if its a rare truck i will probably restore it.

Snowdog,

If you want to try to determine if your truck had a V8, the VIN can help you (you proably know this), a V in front of the VIN indicates a V8 truck.

However, it looks like there is no way to tell if it was a 265 or a 283 because that code was on the cylinder block (you probably know this).

If it was mine, I would restore it (and try to get a '57 truck 265 or 283 - the first of "small block" GM V-8s). But, do what ever you want - it is your truck.

Tim

I think all 57 3100 V8s were 265s, even though the cars were 283, but I've been wrong before.

The '57 1/2 through 1 1/2 tons used the 265 (also base v8 in cars), the 283 was used in 2 ton and larger.
There is one issue with restoring it, and that is the fact that the p/o already started to cut it up. Going back to original will most likely require getting an entire replacement chassis. You could go for a comprimise, use the updated suspension, brakes, etc, with a period dressed engine and steel wheels to get an original type look with modern handling and performance.

Tim, yes there is a V in front of the VIN # and it has all the V body trim.
how would the block codes read for a '57 ?

Baldy, i had read that the 283 was a late year option for '57 but the tag for the GVW and engine HP rating only list the 235 and 265

Bill, my plan so far is some kind of resto rod, but its a long term project so i'll see what parts turn up along the way.

Baldy & Bill are right. 265 was the only V8 available in 3100 trucks in 1957.

i have a stock 57 shortbed frame for sale but i am a long ways from jersey

yea Fort Worth is quite a drive for me, but i did find one closer to me for $175.00 and its a complete rolling chassis.


where can i find a guide to decode engine block #'s

following this thread brings a question to mind. How does one know what transmission originaly came in his truck?? I have a '58 3600 with V at the beginning of the vin. no. ( I think it would have been a 283). ...very interesting and informative all the knowledge passed along here.

I have all the fixins from a 55 2nd series,which should be the same as your 57,I drive truck most of the time so I am hard to get in touch with,but Email me and I will get in touch with you ASAP.Nothing for sale here if you can use it it is yours.