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I have a offer on the table to restore a 1957 chevy pick up . the truck will be mine if I want it. right now as it sits. its a chassis off restoration. the cab is whole with doors and glass in very solid shape. the body as far as the cab is solid has dents. but im only seeing like 80% of it as its tucked away in a corner of of a building behind other stuff. told its all there but not seen the rest of the body parts like fenders or bed to the truck . also not seen the frame its stored someplace else. been thinking about this for a couple of weeks now and still not fully made up my mine up yet. i'm guessing to restore it will take about 2000 hours . I may have 10 grand or more into it.

this is what I like to turn it into .

this is about were its at now. I let you all know what I do soon.

I would double your estimate for the restoration. You will probably have 5 to 8 grand tied up in the engine and drive-train alone.

Unless you can do most of the work yourself, it'll cost you a buttload of $$. You're always better off buying a vehicle that's already been done by someone else (IF done right) because they usually have to sell it for less than what they have into it unless it's a highly sought after type vehicle.

EvilHorace wrote:Unless you can do most of the work yourself, it'll cost you a buttload of $$. You're always better off buying a vehicle that's already been done by someone else (IF done right) because they usually have to sell it for less than what they have into it unless it's a highly sought after type vehicle.

aid:

Unless you can do most of the work yourself

im thinking there a lot I can -and I have good friends who will show me how on a lot of it. im agree about my cost may be on the low side ! not planning on using the org. motor and drive train will sure bring up the costs.
with me thinking about chrome plating the front axle will cost extra bucks even with my connections at a chrome plate shop.

Best bet for engine and drive train if you don't plan to keep the original is to just get a E-Rod engine. All the modern hardware and easy to wire up to old vehicles.

E-Rod engine are ok. but im a old timer I Go carb like a small block 350 like this ! and build it.

Well If you want to put up with a carb then go for it. The power, efficiency, and reliability of the E-rod is hard to beat.

Pugsley wrote:Well If you want to put up with a carb then go for it. The power, efficiency, and reliability of the E-rod is hard to beat.

aid:

Just the savings in gas alone are worth it - your mpg should be double.

What I don't care for when I see modernized "hot rods" is that by doing that, they lose that hot rod look. Whenever I see stuff like that (e-rod type engines or Chevy 350 crate engines, modern grey cloth 80's style interiors, digital gauges, etc) at car shows, no one's even looking at them.

IMO, a hot rod type vehicle should look and be more unique and a '57 Chevy truck doesn't have to pass emissions in most states (if not all?).

The only thing that catches my eye any more is blowers and turbos. after that its just run of the mill. Could care less if its E-rod or classic.

Me personally, If I planed to use the vehicle as any sort of daily driver I would go E-rod just for the ease of operation and longevity. If it was a show car then I would go for original or super exotic or what not.

The only thing that catches my eye any more is blowers and turbos. after that its just run of the mill

True but modernizing an old vehicle if done for show is a buzz kill visually IMO.

I highly doubt anyone would try using a restored vintage vehicle as a daily driver. Most are just used occasionally and when so, efficiency or longevity aren't an issue.
One can get good ignition systems and carbs today that are very reliable and trouble free.

EvilHorace wrote:True but modernizing an old vehicle if done for show is a buzz kill visually IMO.

I highly doubt anyone would try using a restored vintage vehicle as a daily driver. Most are just used occasionally and when so, efficiency or longevity aren't an issue.
One can get good ignition systems and carbs today that are very reliable and trouble free.

if I do take on this project that is the way it be. used for show and hobby. maybe see 400-500 miles a year at most .any long travel it be trailered.
I can put as much or more then 5 grand in just painting , pin stripping and clear coating on this truck if I want to. that's not talking about the bumping and dent fixing.

wife said go for it even after talking to her about $$$$ I figure it will run to make it right. now I guess its up to me .found out yesterday that its all there to build. rolling frame, fenders, bed, bumpers org.motor and trans.

I hope you have more time than me. Every time I get somewhere, I get stopped by life.