1957 Chevy 3100 Pickup Restoration -1 (January 2012)

I was its photo in one of my groups in facebook in December 2011, the guy posted its photo and told that the owner threw it out of his garage since he bought a new Ford Connect. The license plate was visible in the photo along with the information he has give: the car was seen in one of the county of Ankara - Çubuk-. He didn't have the phone number of the owner since he was already away from that county. And the people commented on the photo that the owner is not willing to sell. Then silence....

While regretting that i sold my 1956 truck a decade ago, i was dreaming of a truck to buy; and hopelessly searching one. I gave classified to the newspaper: Looking for Chevrolet Apache 1950-59. Many people called, offering me 60s or even 80s, one guy 60s Ford F100; no one came back with my match.

Jan 5th, i found the owners name from the registration but address was already abandoned. I decided to have a drive of 50 kms to Çubuk with my 1955 Chevy. Showing the photo to locals, asking for the owner, i bounced from village to village. Then i picked one hitchhiker to downtown, who told me surely where he has seen the car, behind a gas station.

I went to the gas station and ola ! I found him, taking me next to the park, under a shelter in the backyard. It was so in shape, almost untouched except the rear bumper. He told me that it was broken a year ago and he stopped driving.

  

We handshaked for the trade and agreed to meet next day for registration. And next day, it was unbelievable that it was mine. It had no battery, no brakes; for sure i had to have it towed to mechanics. Initial intention was to have it repaired in a week and drive until spring. Then start the restoration. However, it was not. From this point, i will turn the article into bullets of actions and progress.

- brake master cylinder was in terrible shape, totally leaked and full of mud. So we installed a new repair kit. Brakes and wheel bearings were ok.


- front and rear bumpers are ordered from classicparts.com, along with weatherstips and 1 original hubcap. Also fender emblems and some accessories ordered. I will find original wheels and try to fit the hubcap first. if it fits, i will buy 4 more.
- there is no provision for radio. so i ordered a dash repair kit to make holes for radio. will be cool !
- aluminum radiator and headlight bezels ordered from e-bay
- front grille, door handles, hood emblem, hand brake, gear column are sent for chrome plating
- starter didn't start, so we dismantled. It was rusted, now working after some touch
- lamps, horn, brake lights, horn button etc. all working
- 13.01.2012 - bad news. main rod bearings are knocking. that was the failure owner mentioned. engine taken down. Camshaft, main bearings and cylinder head needs replacement
- body works started. skirts, doors are rusted so bottom parts to be replaced
- these are the parts ordered:
https://picasaweb.google.com/111366493851145733942/57ApacheOrderedParts

Please CLICK for Part 2 and Part 3