Project PT-57, 1957 Truck, Built By Hot Rod Jim's
 

I just wanted to introduce our 57 Chevy truck Project PT-57. This is going to be the test bed for our 55-59 Chevy and GMC trucks to C4 corvette suspension. The PT-57 will be replacing the shop truck so it will have plenty of power, gas mileage in the mid 20’s and an automatic transmission. We will also be going for the best ride and since the truck will see trailer duty as well as daily driving use by Jim, Billy and I so we’ll be equipping the car with air ride.

I’ll start posting updates as the build evolves and updates are available. Check out the project page and see where we are now.
http://www.hotrodjim.com/projects_shop_57_truck.php

Quick Run Down
LQ4
4L80E
Air Ride
C4 Corvette Suspension
C6 Z06 Corvette brakes
345's out back with 275's up front.
Air Brush work everywhere

Thanks to Ben and Hermance Design for the rendering and some of his ideas for the truck. Click here for a larger version of the rendering
http://www.hotrodjim.com/immages/pro...dering/l-1.jpg

Thanks
Russell Alexander
Hot Rod Jim’s

Cool Concept!! Kind of like F Bomb!! Look forward to seeing it come together!!

damn! thats gonna look so sick!

Cool concept but a pretty blatent influence by F-Bomb...

how...

o let me guess the color?
yeah because f-bomb was the first car EVER painted flat green!:lol:

Not seeing the whole F-bomb deal either. For christ sakes it's a truck. Looks like a cool project and off the beaten path.

Sorry but I'd not seen F-Bomb until yesterday when some one asked to see the two dog fight when we're done.

Thanks for all the kudos I want to try to get this one cranked out asap. Since I sold my 57 Sedan I've been without a cool car. And its getting to me. So with our further ado here's another update

With the new equipment we’ve obtained and the addition of the laser cutting to our arsenal we’ve decided to scrap the original frame for several renovations making it stronger and simpler to build. The easer to build the frames the lower the price will be. We’ve started over with the design taking everything to the computer to so we can look at every aspect of the chassis. This is how we will start playing with sizes and reference them to clearance on the car. Next we’ll take the corvette suspension geometry and plug it into Suspension Analyzer and then find the specific angles and mounting points of for the suspension that will best work for the trucks.

http://www.hotrodjim.com/immages/pro...awings/s-1.jpg http://www.hotrodjim.com/immages/pro...awings/s-2.jpg http://www.hotrodjim.com/immages/pro...awings/s-3.jpg

Parts have been rolling in steadily and work is progressing on the body. The Air Ride bags have been here for some time and we’ve been playing with them but the Air Ride 4100 Level Ride System just got here. You can see the details these guys go though to make sure you have everything. It never ceases to amaze me the quality in each box. You can see the considerably longer bags in for the rear pivot system. The two aluminum bottles on the corner are going to be 2 of the bombs for our bomb racks. These will be sealed and plumbed to act as air tanks for the air ride system.

http://www.hotrodjim.com/immages/pro.../parts/s-4.jpg http://www.hotrodjim.com/immages/pro.../parts/s-5.jpg http://www.hotrodjim.com/immages/pro.../parts/s-6.jpg

These are the tires going onto the PT-57 so we can put all this effort to the ground. The right is a 354/35/R19 for the rear and the left is a 275/40/R18 for the front. (no it’s not the actual tire for the front but I couldn’t get to it right then.) And a little reference for the guys who’ve never seen a 345 in person.

http://www.hotrodjim.com/immages/pro.../parts/s-2.jpg http://www.hotrodjim.com/immages/pro.../parts/s-3.jpg

The Transmission got painted then we noticed the case had that ear cracked on it, taped it with a hammer and chased it down. We’ll clean it up and patch it back up later. The motor and transmission goodies all came in a few days ago too. The custom PTC torque converter, custom cam, dual valve springs, titanium retainers, all the gaskets and bolts that would need to be replaces also come with Thunder Racings swap kit all shown here.

http://www.hotrodjim.com/immages/pro.../parts/s-7.jpghttp://www.hotrodjim.com/immages/pro.../parts/s-1.jpg

The 6.0 is in another chassis having headers fitted right now but the next set will be the same. We get the LS1 Street headers from LG Motor Sports then modify them to clear the transmission. Their tight and clear the steering linkage beautifully, plus there stainless.

http://www.hotrodjim.com/immages/pro.../parts/s-8.jpg http://www.hotrodjim.com/immages/pro.../parts/s-9.jpg

-Russell

Not to mention the blatant rip off the whole WWII bomber fleet! I wish we could be original here! :lol:

This project is looking Bad A$$. Great Job to Ben as usual! I'll be subscribed to this one.

:thumbsup: Can't wait to see this come together:thumbsup:

I have seen many cars that were similar to F-bomb built many years before, since you must just look at mags, and the internet you have not seen any of them.... It helps to get your stuff in ink when your in the biz...