advice please, what to do with my 57 chevy

I just bought a 57 chevy truck that is very close to original. Has a 1957 283, hydomatic trans, and pretty much all original body with the big rear window. I got it from southern california and it was build in LA, so I think it never left southern California. It has almost no rust other than surface rust and one hole in the passenger side floor board about the size of a softball. I am not sure how I want to restore it. Since it is all original I am considering restoring it to stock, but when I bought it I was going to build a street rod and put a newer running gear under it. Am I destroying something valuable sice it is almost all original? I have it at the body shop all stripped down and everything really appears original, even the original spare rim. I have to decide soon and I keep changing my mind. The reason I bought a 57 is that I own a home improvemnet company that was started in 1957, so I thought it would be cool to have a truck for parades and car shows with my company logo etc on it. Please give me some advice. Will it be worth anything restored to original condition vs a street rod retoration? I actual drove this about 80 miles with no trouble to get it shipped home.  

In all honesty whatever you want is what you should do.  But keep in mind you can always hot rod it later if you want to.  Considering you want to use it for parades and such for your company, I personally vote to keep it original and keep the nestalgia of the 1957 era since that's essentially what it would be representing.  If that's not what you chose though, don't by any means feel like you're ruining a classic.  Even in the 50's and 60's there were many people who do exactly what they do today with a brand new 2009 vehicle.  Make it fast and make it theirs, whether by modifying the interior, or adding things to the exterior.  Either way you look at it, it's a piece of history no matter what you do to it.  Enjoy.  Hope this helps.

-Greg  

Thanks for your reply Greg. What you say makes sense to me. One thing I was hoping to get a feel for was the value of a restored original 57. If you street rod it the value I asume would very alot depending how far you go with the project, how much money you spend etc. But I was thinking that the value of restored original would be more stable from truck to truck. Is the 283 option in 1957 rare. How about the larger wrap around rear window or the fact it is an automatic. Are any of these options or the combination of make it more desirable as a restored original, or is it pretty much a run of the mill 57. Thanks Again in advance.
Mark  

I've come across quite a few that were restored to original and they are selling for under $10k.  The ones that I see going for more than that are usually modified with modern conveniences like power steering, A/C, sound, etc...  I'm sure it's just because that is what people are looking for.  Older vehicles are very appealing in appearance but the market for original ones just isn't there anymore unless all numbers match and there is something special in the history of the vehicle.  By that I mean something special about; who it belonged to, what it was used for, or if it is a limited production model (transition year or special edition)etc... As far as the options, I'm not too familiar with the 55+ trucks because I've done most of my research on the AD trucks since I own a '52.  I have heard some people boast about having the big rear window though.  Not sure how rare those are but I have heard of people looking for the big window pickups from 56 and 57.  Sorry I can't provide more information just yet .  I'll definitely post more if I come across some more info.  

Anybody else care to chime in on this. I really would like some opinions on this truck, if its worth restoring back to original or not. Can anybody give me a source for more info on the number of trucks produced with these options etc etc
Thanks
Mark  

Try going to one of the following sites for more specific ideas for your Chevy (such as www.chevytalk.com , www.67-72chevytrucks.com , or www.stovebolt.com ). Good luck !  

If it is just for promo work then keep it original, daily driver or fun use then mod it.  

Hey if you are doing this for your company I would keep the body of the truck original and change out all the running gear to give it a smoother ride, and if you and wanting like powered everything I would change all of that out too. oh and give it a nice paint job so people look at it and give you a call. hope this helps you out a little.

Nic  

Since its a work/promo truck I would make it an original. That way you can tie the original title to your truck and your company.  

I'm voting for resto, too.  The old 283 should motivate the old truck well, and give years of use.  The old slushbox concers me a bit.  I's surely have it servicedn at least.

Maybe you can find a shop that does 'vintage' paintwork.  Aged looking paintwork on the doors makes an old shop truck really stand out.  
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1949 Chevy 1 1/2ton, home-built hydraulic wrecker.  Rustoleum industrial black, with flames.  Flamethrowers out 5" dual stacks.
1962 Chevy C-20, 402BB, 4-speed, 3.90 positrack. Hauls my camper.... among other things.
Kaiser M35A Deuce, 4x4 4 wheel steering *work in progress*

A vintage paintjob would look perfect. If done right it looks awesome.

 

I like the package of 283 with the auto, especially for business promotion. Lower investment with the originality, promote your business and enjoy the cruisin. Plus the vintage paint would enhance focus on the business. Win/Win. Sounds like a very nice truck.  
T Sabo
57 3100 Big Window Chevy

my neighbor told me collectors have more $ than hotrodders but a sweet small block chevy is all i mess with...do what you like. if you want to restore do so, but a driver should rev and be streetable. save money and live better  

And collectors usually just store them away and never take them out to see the light of day.  

I have made up my mind on the truck.  I will change out the front and rear suspension to somthing more safe and modern, restore the interior and exterior to original with a vintage type paint job. Any suggestions on the suspension, for the rear I was going to use a ford 9 inch with leaf springs or a four link. Up front there are a ton of options, mustang II, camaro, aftermarket front end with rack and pinion, I really need some help. Any help would be greatly appreciated.