The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk How popular are '57 pickups?

I have a line on a '57 project with a 350 engine. I already have more projects than I can handle, but it might be a good resale deal.

Seems to me that the 47-55 are the most popular right now. If I picked this little jewel up, do you guys think I could resell it easily, or would I end up with yet another "hanger queen"?

I don't think you will have any trouble selling it. In this area 57's are the most popular of all the TF trucks. Also TF trucks are easier to modify and upgrade than the AD trucks since they came with V-8's, have the open drive line, and 12 volt electrical systems.
Fred

Buy it!!!
How much?
Still buy it!

Buy it faster if it has a big back window.

The 47-53 are the most valuable according to the book, but I think the 55-II to 57 are the easiest to sell & the best trucks. The 58-9 are close behind.

Thanks guys. This is a craig list item from a guy who has to move in 13 days. It's a few miles away, so it may be a day or two before I see it.

look at price and condition before you make the jump...doc

The '55-59 trucks are probably the best looking trucks GM ever made. That alone should count for a few points. Plus like the guy said, 12-volts and V-8's and a vastly better six-cylinder. Need I say anymore.

I like the '57, same year as me. Keep in mind a short bed is more popular and worth more than a long. Honestly 55's & 57's are pretty close in popularity. Go look at condition of some on Ebay, rust buckets are 1K

That is my favorite year of truck. Let me know if you don't get it, I might be interested. Even if you do get it, I am still interested. How far from Canyon is it?

About 80 miles and that's all I'm tellin'

I sure wouldn't buy it out from under you. Let me know what happens with the truck.

I like the 57's, but then again I have one. I like all the chevy trucks from 41 to 59 the best, but never saw a Chevy truck any year I didn't like.

I didn't think you would, just giving you a hard time. If it turns out to be something I don't want, I'll give you the contact info.

If it has a ------350, what else has been messed with that you would have to correct? Cheap is good!
dg

Finally got to see the truck today. Looks like he took it all apart, then ran out of time and money. The engine has been swapped for a 350, and it appears the rear end is modern. The trans looks like it might be an original truck 4-speed on the floor. Steering wheel (but not column) has been swapped.

Parts are scattered all around, but most appear to be there, including most chrome. Most panels appear straight and rust-free. The major exception is the bottom cab corners, which are nearly gone.

I only got a few minutes to see it while running another errand, and it was after dark when I got there. It was in an unlit barn and I had to look by flashlight.

I took a few photos in case anyone wants a look.

Guest Pass to Flckr web site
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That looks like it's in excellent condition even though it is in pieces.

I would snap that up in a heartbeat if it were close by and I'm not just saying that. It's far superior to any Stovebolt that I own right now.

Don't just think about it, Do it! Do it! Do it!

So how much would you be willing to give for it including delivery from Amarillo, Texas???




The wife toured the Calgary area when she was a kid, absolutely loved it, and has always wanted the two of us to go there. Make it worth my while and I can save a Stovebolt and get a good trip out of it at the same time!

You may already know this, but if you look at the frame from the back you have a problem there. The left rear rail is twisted and swayed, so both rails are likley bent.You would have to straighten the frame before you could put a bumper on, and probably wouldn't be able to put the bed on straight either.

I think the price of fuel would kill the deal. You're looking at at least three solid days of driving and a 1500 mile trip one direction. You would have to reeeeeally want to come to the Calgary Stampede.

As far as prices go, if it were in one piece, you might get $2000 to $3000 Canadian close to Calgary. Out on the prairie, you might get $500 to $1000 for it. Other people might disagree but that's my experience in these here parts.

And while it's true the frame rail is twisted, that's nothing to repair compared to the rust on old trucks around here. Dang winter driving conditions.

Zeke

It looks like a fine project for someone. Most of the body looks to be in good shape.

John

a buddy and i built one last year alot worse off than that and got over 10,000 out of it id buy it if i were you definate money maker

If you get a good price on it,buy it. I notice it has the small back window which is OK. My 55 has the small window and I like it that way.Any old pickup is desirable right now,the 47 to 54s are nice as well as the early 40s,and 30s trucks.Also anything up thru 72 are very popular.To me having a 350 is a plus,but if you are wanting to restore it to original that would not be a good choice.My 55 has a 350,and 700R4 tranny,along with an M2 frontend and lowered rear.That the way I like it.I would not say it is more popular than a 47 to 54,but thats just personal preference.Everybopdy at the car shows and cruisins like my truck,so I guess its OK.

Thanks for all the advice and input, I did rescue it.

(Look what followed me home, dear, may I keep it?)

It's now in the swap meet section, and I will download a few more phtoos later tonight.