The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk 57 Chevy truck questions

Im looking at a 57 Chevy truck for sale. It is a 1 ton truck with a running 235. It has the small back window. It is a long bed that comes with a short bed also. Whats the difference between this and a 1/2 ton? How desirable is this truck?

a short bed won't fit on it without chopping the frame, so that's "spare parts" ... if it has a correct bed, the 3800 1 ton would be a 9' bed, not the 8' bed of a 3200 or 3600 [might actually be a 3/4T?] .... other differences are numerous, but mostly in the chassis/driveline, the cab and front are the same as a 1/2T ... it's "desirable" if you want it, if you're thinking of resale value or having the coolest truck in town, not so much - I wouldn't pay much for it because I have no need for a slow speed heavy hauler

Bill

A 1 ton will be heavier with heavier springs that ride rougher, probably a heavier frame, 8 hole lugs and either a 4.57 or 5.13 rear. It won't run as fast as a 1/2 ton. As far as desirable, it depends on if you like it. As far as value, a lot more people like a 1/2 ton, but a 1 ton is rather rare and people who are looking for them usually ay the price.

Hes asking $2000 for it. Sound high?

a '57 1 ton would have a 5.14 rear, not a highway machine .... might be OK if you want it, but depends entirely on the condition - does it run, drive, stop? is it a "driver" or does it need total restoration? is it fairly solid or a rust bucket? glass good or all fogged/cracked? what are your plans for it, just work it or restore it? think you want it for life or do you expect to make a profit flipping it?

Bill

Thanks for the input. Heres the link (link showed a picture of a partially disassembled truck.)

can't tell if it's actually a 3800 or a 3600, but it doesn't look too bad for the price, "some assembly required", but might be able to have a driver pretty cheap

Bill

I think I see a hand operated emergency brake - probably means a 3800.

Wow, I think I'd build me a nice flat bed and drive it.Larry

So, if its a 3800, its a 1 ton truck? Would the 235 be original? I have a 48 1/2 ton 5 window already. Interested in getting another truck.

yes, the 3800 is a 1T [5.14 rear] and the 3600 is a 3/4T [4.57 rear], and a 1T would always have the driveshaft e-brake [lever near the shifter], but a 3/4T could have been equipped that way as well .... yes, a 235 was the standard engine for '57, with the 265 [or 283] optional .... can never have too many trucks - if ya got enough money to support the habit

Bill

yeah, I see it that way, but my wife disagrees. Im working on her...Im hoping to check the truck out tomorrow if the guys available. Anything I should look at on the truck in particular?

Check the area above the headlights--mud frequently amassed there and rusted thru -- also check above the windshield for rust. I'm sure you already know about the rear cab corners and door bottoms but look closely where the floor attaches to the back of the cab.
Good luck!

Thanks for the pointers on rust. from the pics the one cab corner looks rusted. The fenders were blasted and primed from what i see. Would like a 1/2 ton. Would it be hard to swap over?

The swap over to a 1/2 ton is relative to how much money, time, and skill level you have. Since it comes with a short bed, you can use the cab, engine & trans. It would be better to find a short bed chassis and swap the components over to it.
Fred

Ive been looking for a 1/2 ton chassis. I just build my first hot rod, 1929 Chevy coupe. Did a lot of chassis work. Was considering just shortening the 1 ton frame perhaps....

The one ton chassis will still have the 8 lug front with larger spindles and a rear end with 5:14 gears. If you cut the frame and replace both axles you will have something close to a 1/2 ton chassis. A lot of work plus it still needs body and paint. Fred