57 Chevy Truck DD [Archive]

Mike Holleman

05-06-2010, 04:45 PM

I finally have some photos to share of my current project. It is being built to be my daily driver. Frame is modified with a 2nd Gen subframe and a Jim Meyers four link-9" rear.
Power is an LS2 / 4L60E dropout from an 06 GTO. The chassis is mostly built and the cab and frontend should be ready to mount within a couple of weeks. The brakes are Baers new Track 4 front and PBR rears. Speed tech control arms up front. Should be fun to run around town in.
Mike
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/05/itbegins028-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/05/itbegins020-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/05/itbegins021-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/05/itbegins023-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/05/itbegins022-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/05/itbegins024-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/05/itbegins026-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/05/itbegins027-1.jpg

Tucks69

05-06-2010, 05:18 PM

Looks good Mike. What color you going with?

796spdbu

05-06-2010, 05:56 PM

I dig it! what wheels and tires you planning on running?

Greg

CruizinKev

05-06-2010, 08:07 PM

awesome project :twothumbs looking good!

78 Type-LT

05-07-2010, 03:57 AM

That's going to make a killer DD...

94SNGLTURBO

05-07-2010, 04:14 AM

man that looks good.. what kind of wheels setup are you going to do?

Mike Holleman

05-07-2010, 04:56 AM

Looks good Mike. What color you going with?
Michael, The interior will be the same light grey as the chassis with a light tan contrast. Body and bed are gonna be satin finish but I've yet to make up my mind to the exact color. At first it was black but all of a sudden matte black is everywhere. With grey/tan inside most any color will work. I'm leaning towards gunmetal. Even considered olive drab. I'm open for suggestions. This is not a show build. Bed will be sprayed. It will truly be driven everyday.
Mike

Mike Holleman

05-07-2010, 05:01 AM

I dig it! what wheels and tires you planning on running?

Greg
Right now the plan is for 18x8 and 18x10. I want an all black wheel. I would really like an Aero race wheel but they don't make em that big. I've been looking at wheels for months without anything really grabbing me. I'm not spending Forgeline money for this project. It's a daily driver and I want something that fits that need.
Mike

Mike Holleman

05-07-2010, 05:02 AM

man that looks good.. what kind of wheels setup are you going to do?
I'm open to suggestions.
Mike

796spdbu

05-07-2010, 05:46 AM

Mike,
Have thought of the torq-thrust M, Summit sells them and the are pretty cheap and have a black center,they are avaliable in 18x8/10 or check out Boss 338 they have a black center or an as cast grey center. They look like a knock off chip foose Nitrous wheel.They are also avaliable in 18x8/10 and go for around $660 for the set. Hope this helps!

Greg

ArtosDracon

05-07-2010, 07:14 AM

I'll throw in a suggestion for american racing killers. Available in black and are a slim 5 spoke design. 18x8 and 18x10 available and are relatively cheap, though not as heap as many others, they're less than a grand for the set.

Mike Holleman

05-07-2010, 08:59 AM

I have looked at all of these. All are good suggestions. At this point I'm hoping I'll see a wheel that jumps at me. Definately want all black. I have seen some real good looking wheels on some imports but most don't come in the 5x4.75 pattern and they seem to have unusable offsets. Thanks for the suggestions.
Mike

John Wright

05-08-2010, 04:48 AM

Neat idea for the frame splice....I like.

This will be a really cool Daily Driver.

John Wright

05-08-2010, 04:52 AM

Body and bed are gonna be satin finish but I've yet to make up my mind to the exact color.
Will you go back with the wooden floor in the bed or something else? David Stacy did a really nice looking wooden floor in one of the projects he did on Trucks....stainless steel strips and bolts with the nice finished wood really set that thing off nice.

Mike Holleman

05-08-2010, 03:57 PM

Neat idea for the frame splice....I like.

This will be a really cool Daily Driver.
It's a cheap way to get rid of the awful frontend setup these trucks came with. No wood in this bed. There will be tubs in the bed and a metal floor. It will be sprayed with a liner and maybe color matched. I mentioned olive drab to my painter yesterday and he was not happy. The truck will most likely be matte black. No chrome. What little trim that stays will get black paint with a little contrast. (shiny black)
Mike

protouring70

05-08-2010, 04:40 PM

Hey Mike, Looks like its going to be pretty sweet!

I enjoyed meeting you at the Mitty.

Mike Holleman

05-09-2010, 04:51 AM

Hey Mike, Looks like its going to be pretty sweet!

I enjoyed meeting you at the Mitty.
Same here Brent. See you at the next event.
Mike

tommycomfort

05-10-2010, 03:54 PM

Awesome Mike, I was hoping to see pictures before too long!

senor_camaro

05-10-2010, 03:57 PM

nice!

Mike Holleman

05-11-2010, 09:10 AM

Awesome Mike, I was hoping to see pictures before too long!
Thanks Tommy. The FR column worked out great. My body guy is hard at wiping and sanding, trying to have the cab and fenders in primer this week. He is holding me up on the chassis as I have done all I can until the cab get's mounted for the last time.
Mike

93Polo

05-11-2010, 09:24 AM

Hey Mike, Looks like its going to be pretty sweet!

I enjoyed meeting you at the Mitty.

Same here, keep us up to date on your projects :cool:

Mike Holleman

05-12-2010, 02:45 PM

Same here, keep us up to date on your projects :cool:
I'll start posting more pics once the cab get's mounted. That will be a couple of weeks from now. Hopefully the cab and front clip will be in primer next week and I can start wiring, plumbing etc.
Mike

Jim Nilsen

05-12-2010, 07:30 PM

Mike Holleman

05-16-2010, 04:46 AM

Hi Mike, I love the 57 -9 pickups. I wish I still had my 58 seeing yours.

I gather from the rear tub statement that it is a fleetside? i like the stepsides better but a fleet with all the mods will be awesome.

What ever you do for wheels it would be a good choice to have knock off center caps, I really love those trucks with them. Chrome or polished outers ,black centers and the knock offs would make it righteous!!

I am going to wipe the drool off my chin now !!!
No Jim, It's a short bed step side. It will require some tubbing to fit a ten inch wheel/tire. The 9 inch is 58" hub to hub. With a six inch BS I will get in to the bed. Not sure how much yet. These model trucks have always had my eye. This one will be a really fun DD.
Get yourself another one. I looked for 3 years and had given up finding a good project truck when this one came along. I drove it as is off and on but it was not dependable, so it mostly sat for the last four years.
Mike

1971CHEVELLE

05-16-2010, 01:58 PM

Looks awesome :1st:

Mike Holleman

05-17-2010, 03:43 AM

Looks awesome :1st:
Thanks Bjarni.
Mike

dropit69

05-17-2010, 06:35 AM

Looking good Mike ..that will be a killer DD and with you building it im sure it willl be sweet..i think olive drab would look cool on a truck like that..or the gunmetal grey..

Mike Holleman

05-17-2010, 04:10 PM

Looking good Mike ..that will be a killer DD and with you building it im sure it willl be sweet..i think olive drab would look cool on a truck like that..or the gunmetal grey..
Thanks Darrin, I'm getting close to the point I will have to decide on color. My body guy is complaining about my covering all his work with a matte finish. He says "paint it gloss black, it is straight".
I like the matte finish for a DD. It will not be washed everyday and driven in all weather. Matte still looks nice dirty. Time will tell.
Mike

Jim Nilsen

05-17-2010, 06:44 PM

Matte black with semi gloss flames, gotta have flames even if they are ghost flames somehow. Big horseshoe flames look best.

If you let a painter pick the color he can't complain when it comes to touch up but he will complain anyway,LOL ,if you need it touched up. They hate to see their work get abused.

I have always liked midnight blue on those trucks, black at night and color in the light.

It will look good no matter what you paint it with because it is a 50's mobile.

Mike Holleman

01-16-2011, 03:00 PM

Herb reminded me today that I have fallen down on the job, so here are up to date shots on my truck.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/01/DSC01232-1.jpghttps://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/01/DSC01233-1.jpghttps://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/01/DSC01234-1.jpghttps://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/01/DSC01235-1.jpghttps://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/01/DSC01236-1.jpghttps://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/01/DSC01237-1.jpg
Note the lack of wheels and steering wheel. That is all I need to get it on the road.
Mike

Tucks69

01-16-2011, 03:13 PM

Love it Mike!! Cant wait to see it with the wheels. Where is the surfboard rack?

Tig

01-16-2011, 03:43 PM

Beautiful truck, clean build. Looks amazing.
Thats going to be one bad ass DDer.

Mike Holleman

01-16-2011, 04:43 PM

Love it Mike!! Cant wait to see it with the wheels. Where is the surfboard rack?
It will definately be hauling surfboards and fishing tackle. The wheels are Pro Wheels Boost, soild gloss black powder coat. Rears will be 18x12s with 335/30s.. I'm spraying the bed with rhinoliner. This one is all business. That is as long as my business is fun.
Mike

Mike Holleman

01-16-2011, 04:45 PM

Beautiful truck, clean build. Looks amazing.
Thats going to be one bad ass DDer.

Thanks Tig, I'm looking forward to parking my 2500HD crew cab gas hog except when the haulmark is needed.
Mike

Yelcamino

01-16-2011, 04:59 PM

Awesome Mike! I can't wait to go for a spin in it with you!

You gonna toss Carol the keys with this one? lol

srh3trinity

01-16-2011, 05:34 PM

What paint did you use? Looks like it laid down pretty well.

wiedemab

01-16-2011, 05:50 PM

Wow Mike. The truck turned out awesome/sinister looking. You will definitely get some looks driving it around town.

That is my kind of DD.

DButler

01-16-2011, 06:12 PM

tommycomfort

01-16-2011, 06:46 PM

Flat out awesome! Thanks for sharing the pictures.
Tom

BulldawgMusclecars

01-16-2011, 07:42 PM

Very nice truck! I'm doing some work on a '57 truck for a customer soon. Its getting a C4 IFS, 12 bolt rear w/discs, and a mostly stock LQ9/4L65E. Its basically a finished truck (older resto).

Mike Holleman

01-17-2011, 06:01 AM

Awesome Mike! I can't wait to go for a spin in it with you!

You gonna toss Carol the keys with this one? lol
After Maxton Carol has proven herself worthy to drive anything I own.

Mike Holleman

01-17-2011, 06:04 AM

What paint did you use? Looks like it laid down pretty well.
Stephen, It's a marine version of Imron mixed 50/50 with flattening agent.

Mike Holleman

01-17-2011, 06:07 AM

Wow Mike. The truck turned out awesome/sinister looking. You will definitely get some looks driving it around town.

That is my kind of DD.
Thanks Brandon.

Mike Holleman

01-17-2011, 06:12 AM

I also have a 57 stepside like this. We did our frame the exact same way. As you said it is an inexpensive way to do a decent front end. I have to get back to mine as I have been working on my camaro project. The front valance I really like. Did you build it?
David, I guessing your talking about the bumper/spoiler. That's a VFN piece that we modified abit. They built it for their in house drag truck so it was not exactly street worthy. We beefed it up and re-shaped it to better fit the contour of the truck. It still weighs less than 4 lbs. Get back on that truck.

Mike Holleman

01-17-2011, 06:17 AM

Flat out awesome! Thanks for sharing the pictures.
Tom
Thanks Tommy, I'm very much enjoying the Farrington builds as well.
Mike

Mike Holleman

01-17-2011, 06:20 AM

Very nice truck! I'm doing some work on a '57 truck for a customer soon. Its getting a C4 IFS, 12 bolt rear w/discs, and a mostly stock LQ9/4L65E. Its basically a finished truck (older resto).
Thanks Joe, Pretty much any thing we do to these old trucks make them better. Sounds like your customer will have a real nice one.
Mike

Vinz68

01-17-2011, 07:49 AM

Awesome truck!!!!! I would love to have one someday!!

Ron S

01-17-2011, 10:06 AM

Love it Mike. I know I told you, but this is my favorite truck. Flat paint looks sinister, and mean. Ron

Mike Holleman

01-17-2011, 02:48 PM

hna
Awesome truck!!!!! I would love to have one someday!!

Thanks Vin. Gotta go out and get one.

Mike Holleman

01-17-2011, 02:50 PM

Love it Mike. I know I told you, but this is my favorite truck. Flat paint looks sinister, and mean. Ron

I been trying to figure out how to get it to all my track events for my pit vehicle. Guess I need Jakes big rig.

hotrod56

04-08-2011, 08:24 AM

Finally another person that is doing what I want to do. An old truck that can handle.

Check out the build at http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/showthread.php?t=412449

vdaviemusclecars

04-08-2011, 11:24 AM

That is sweet! I just picked up a 55 Suburban done in flat black with a flat clear over it..love the color,,but i do think the Olive would have been pretty cool.

Vince

1red68

04-08-2011, 05:03 PM

Wow! very nice! Good job.
be sure to post some pics when you get the wheels.

Johnny Blaze

04-09-2011, 10:59 AM

And I thought I was building a cool daily driver truck!

Back in my model days I built a 56 stepside model and painted it satin black it was killer, just like your real thing here!

Mike Holleman

04-09-2011, 05:10 PM

Finally another person that is doing what I want to do. An old truck that can handle.

Check out the build at http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/showthread.php?t=412449
Very nice build. No weaknesses in that chassis. My truck is handling well. And the stock LS2 has more than enough power for a DD. Keep up the good work.
Mike

Mike Holleman

04-09-2011, 05:13 PM

That is sweet! I just picked up a 55 Suburban done in flat black with a flat clear over it..love the color,,but i do think the Olive would have been pretty cool.

Vince

Thanks Vince. The Olive was strongly considered but Matte black won out. 55 Surbs are way cool.

Mike Holleman

04-09-2011, 05:16 PM

Wow! very nice! Good job.
be sure to post some pics when you get the wheels.

Thanks for reminding me to call Frank. I will post some finished shots with the black wheels and the exhaust coming out the roll pan. 3.5 x 5.5 Magnaflow doubled tips.

Mike Holleman

04-09-2011, 05:17 PM

And I thought I was building a cool daily driver truck!

Back in my model days I built a 56 stepside model and painted it satin black it was killer, just like your real thing here!
Thank you Johnny.

tommycomfort

04-09-2011, 05:22 PM

I had the chance to see the truck in person earlier this week. All I could say was "amazing"!

johnny68

04-09-2011, 06:58 PM

454bug

04-09-2011, 07:11 PM

AWESOME Daily Driver Mike! :1st:

I love the color! :twothumbs

Mike Holleman

04-10-2011, 05:17 PM

mike great build makes me want to change up my 55 f100 or sell it for a 69 camaro i like the use of speed tech stuff what did your roller front wheels come off of i need a set for the nova when in paint
john

It was on C4 Corvette spares while being built. I keep several donut spares around the shop for that purpose. The C4s are 17" and needed three 1/8" spacers to clear the the T4 calipers.
Mike

Mike Holleman

04-10-2011, 05:19 PM

AWESOME Daily Driver Mike! :1st:

I love the color! :twothumbs

Me too. Does that Bug really have a 454?
Thanks Mike.

dropit69

04-10-2011, 05:24 PM

Aesome truck Mike...you build some Killer looking stuff..!!!..Whos second gen in the background?

454bug

04-10-2011, 06:12 PM

Does that Bug really have a 454?

It did for about 25 years... Now it has an all-aluminum 632 cubic inch!!! :woot:

You have a VERY cool ride!! I'd love to drive that to work everyday!

RobertGP

04-11-2011, 12:44 AM

Bad Project !!!

Mike Holleman

04-11-2011, 09:57 AM

Aesome truck Mike...you build some Killer looking stuff..!!!..Whos second gen in the background?

Darrin, That would be my Buddy Bobby Jones. He is planning on driving it to Nashville for RTMC and to Gingerman. He is out there blocking his heart out right now. He has a long way to go but he can get it done. Might need some help but has yet to ask for any. Done the whole car himself. I think he would really like to be able to say he did it all, but I'm not sure he will have time to not use the other resourses available to him.

Mike Holleman

04-11-2011, 09:58 AM

It did for about 25 years... Now it has an all-aluminum 632 cubic inch!!! :woot:

You have a VERY cool ride!! I'd love to drive that to work everyday!

Just not enough power eh?

Mike Holleman

04-11-2011, 10:00 AM

Bad Project !!!

But that's "good" right?

Yelcamino

04-11-2011, 11:58 AM

Mike, be a nice guy and post some current pictures!

Motown 454

04-12-2011, 11:48 AM

Wow I just saw this. Sweet DD I love it.

Mike Holleman

12-10-2011, 05:36 PM

Believe it or not I just got the correct wheels for the truck and can now call it finished. There is a long story behind the wheels and I will try to cover it in another post in a different thread. But for now here are some pics of the finished truck. Sorry I did not have time to get it clean. Wheels are Forgelines new CFC3 18x12 rears and 18x8 fronts. BFG KDW 335's out back 245s in front.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/12/DSC_1192-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/12/DSC_0008-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/12/DSC_1217-1.jpg

Tucks69

12-11-2011, 05:45 AM

That is one Bad Ass truck Mike!!

Mike Holleman

12-11-2011, 06:56 AM

Thanks Michael. It has been a fun build and even more fun to drive. People do look at me funny when I roll up with parts in the back or fishing tackle or my surfboard. But that is what it was built to be. A DD. Now it finally has the right wheels and tires on it. Looking forward to seeing your Camaro soon. You and you lady should take a break in drive down to the beach and drop by. Mike

John Wright

12-11-2011, 07:23 AM

Front of that truck looks angry......way cool Mike, that semi-black and the wheels really set it off.

Mike Holleman

12-11-2011, 10:30 AM

Front of that truck looks angry......way cool Mike, that semi-black and the wheels really set it off.

Thanks John. If you look at the earlier pics of the spoiler you will see we took two inches out of the height of it. It only had five inches of ground clearance and found the ground often. Now it has 7 " of GC at the spoiler. I have no more up adjustment in the front suspension. Truck may look angry but it is really very happy,lol.

66SuperSport

12-12-2011, 05:00 PM

Mike

The truck is fantastic !!! You're going to have al blast wheeling this thing around. Wish our weather was nice enough around here to be able to drive somthing like this on a daily basis.
Congrats on a job well done.

muthstryker

12-12-2011, 06:45 PM

This has to be one of the best '57 chevy's I have seen in a very very long time. Truck looks amazing with the new wheels.

rjsjea

12-12-2011, 08:54 PM

Truck looks great. Where did you find those headlights?

Mike Holleman

12-13-2011, 05:56 AM

Thanks Chris, It is genuine fun to drive. You could do the same but it may require 4WD. I can't wait for a look at the 66 with all the changes, maybe even a ride? That thang is awesome. Mike
Mike

The truck is fantastic !!! You're going to have al blast wheeling this thing around. Wish our weather was nice enough around here to be able to drive somthing like this on a daily basis.
Congrats on a job well done.

Mike Holleman

12-13-2011, 06:00 AM

Wow Matt. Not sure if my truck is up to the level of your compliment but thank you. I agree that the wheels seem right for the truck. They were worth waiting for.

This has to be one of the best '57 chevy's I have seen in a very very long time. Truck looks amazing with the new wheels.

Mike Holleman

12-13-2011, 06:04 AM

Thanks Rob, The headlights came from Yogi's. They were pricey, but the leds should hold up and the HID's are std new car style available anywhere.

Truck looks great. Where did you find those headlights?

grenade inspector

02-16-2012, 07:51 PM

Awesome truck, this will be a huge inspiration for my 58 gmc build, thank you for sharing it!!!

If you don't mind me asking, where did you get those tail lights? Also, how do you feel about the opening rear window in retrospect? I've been on the fence about that part.

Mike Holleman

02-17-2012, 06:35 AM

Tom, Thanks for the compliment. The tailights are from Speedway Motors. They are 39 Lincoln lights and come chromed. I had them powder coated. The rear window fit real well, but I have found that I really don't use it. Not sure if I would go that route again. No negatives except for not being used.
Mike

Awesome truck, this will be a huge inspiration for my 58 gmc build, thank you for sharing it!!!

If you don't mind me asking, where did you get those tail lights? Also, how do you feel about the opening rear window in retrospect? I've been on the fence about that part.

L-Diablo

07-30-2012, 06:46 PM

hey mike do these two points match up on the lower, also would you happen to know the upper measurement from mount to where the frame is cut, im trying to get a reference to match when i do my clip , also do you have the original wheel base or did you move it up a few inches?

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/07/itbegins0222-1.jpg

dug

07-30-2012, 07:39 PM

what front end is that spliced on? I imagine this would work on a 53 chevy as well? This truck is ****ing awesome by the way. good job.

Mike Holleman

07-31-2012, 09:17 AM

LD, The wheel base is as close to stock as I could get it. That measurement is a little difficult for me to get right now, but consider this. If I was doing the truck over, I would have attached the subframe a couple of inches higher up. The way I did it was easy but getting the ride height up has been a real challenge. I did every trick I knew to get it where it is up front and basically it is maxed. A little more adjustment would have been nice. Live and learn.
hey mike do these two points match up on the lower, also would you happen to know the upper measurement from mount to where the frame is cut, im trying to get a reference to match when i do my clip , also do you have the original wheel base or did you move it up a few inches?

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/07/itbegins0222-1.jpg

Mike Holleman

07-31-2012, 09:20 AM

Doug, Thanks for the kind words. The subframe was a stock second gen camaro. I know nothing about 53 chassis so I can't help there. The nice thing about using the Camaro Sub is all the bolt on components available.

what front end is that spliced on? I imagine this would work on a 53 chevy as well? This truck is ****ing awesome by the way. good job.

85coupe50

07-31-2012, 11:17 AM

This truck is nice...

L-Diablo

07-31-2012, 01:21 PM

many people move up the wheel base to better center it on the frame , would you say yours is centered on the wheel well , also what references did you use to do this graft , i am getting ready to do this conversion but im trying to get as much measurements as posible , not many people show the step by step process or measurements.

also are the inner measurements on the camaro clip and the truck frame the same?

LSXZ28

07-31-2012, 03:48 PM

Awesome truck! Would love to drive that every day!

Mike Holleman

07-31-2012, 03:49 PM

Not sure what you mean by inner measurements. The truck frame pretty much centers on the subframe. Mainly you don't want to change the position of the stock front cab mounts. Like I said if I were to do it again I would do whatever is needed to raise the subframe 2 inches higher in relationship to the stock truck frame. Maybe shorten the subframe to just ahead of the cab mount and splice the two together rather than setting the truck frame on top as I did. Many people have done this before and I would guess one of the classic truck sites might have more info. The build plan I used was all in my head. No drawings or written measurements.
Good luck.
Mike

many people move up the wheel base to better center it on the frame , would you say yours is centered on the wheel well , also what references did you use to do this graft , i am getting ready to do this conversion but im trying to get as much measurements as posible , not many people show the step by step process or measurements.

also are the inner measurements on the camaro clip and the truck frame the same?