57 D100 Project

[clarkj]

So as I mentioned in my 55 build thread, I found a 57 that I liked and decided to sell the 55.  I sold the 55 to a guy here in town who is already working on it, so that is pretty cool.  I got this solid 57 with the idea I would drop my 218/4 speed into her for the time being and be running in short order.  Well, in my haste I did no research on frame differences, bell housing differences, etc. and now see that my 218/4 spd combo from a 49 Dodge truck is not quite the bolt in I had hoped.  The front engine mount is different, which should be no biggie, but the bell housing is where I am really seeing issues.  My bellhousing is the type with the master cylinder bolted to it, which makes it point the wrong direction and be in the wrong place all together for the brake pedal assembly on my 57.  Also, my 57 has a cross member for mounting the transmission, where this bellhousing has frame mounts built in to it.  These don't look to match up to the 57 frame at all.  There is also a big difference in where my z-bar for the transmission mounts in relation to transmission and frame.  None of this will be impossible to change, but I am starting to think I should work on finding a newer bellhousing that will work better in this truck.  Will the 4 speed from my 49 combo bolt to a later 3 speed bell?

 

Here are some pics:

 

 

 

 

 

[jeffsunzeri]

Your 49 4 speed should bolt right up to any later 3-speed bellhousing fitted to the flat 6.

As you are discovering, the V-8 trucks have different stuff from the 6 cylinder animals in the C series trucks.

If it were me, I'd source a V-8 and later trans for the '57.

[ruff1148kr]

going to be a great looking truck  must be hard to let one go before its done and after putting time into it. but since its local you will get to see it done

Edited June 5, 2015 by ruff1148kr

[clarkj]

Yeah, a part of me really hated to see the 55 go, since I at least somewhat resurrected it.  Thing was, this truck looks to nickel and dime me less (hopefully!) on things like glass, swapping the front hubs to stud style from bolt style, is already 12V, etc.  The glass was a big deal on this truck.  It is all there and not cloudy.  MY 55 needed at least $500 worth of glass, which was going to hurt.

[SmokeyC3]

I'm pretty sure you'll find there is a difference in depth between the two styles of bell housings and a corresponding difference in input shaft length on the transmissions. Not easily interchangeable. I have a '54 truck bell and 3 speed stick shift, and a '56 truck bell and 3 speed column shift out in the garage. I can take some pictures if it will help.

[clarkj]

I appreciate that offer, Smokey.  For now I think I will see what all I can locate before I make any plans.  I found a running 230/3 spd pulled from another 57 very close to me that is technically spoken for, but if that person flakes out I could end up with it.  It is ready to bolt right in to my truck, all there and complete.  Hard telling what I will do yet.  I do have Scarebird brackets to start working on converting the front axle to disk brakes in the meantime.  

[clarkj]

I have made up my mind to sell my 218/4 speed combo.  I got it running on the floor the other night and it fires up almost immediately and seems to run just great!  I put an ad in the classifieds section if any of you might be interested.  I would be especially interested in getting my hands on some nice Utiline rear fenders.

 

Link to vid of engine running: http://vid42.photobucket.com/albums/e350/jc3147/IMG_0998_1.mp4