Frame Off Built 3100 Stepside Custom Pickup 350 V8 700R4 4 Speed Auto A/C

SUMMARY

* $30K in paintwork / Chevy C/K bed
* 350 cubic inch Chevrolet V8
* 700R4 4-speed automatic transmission
* Custom leather interior
* Air conditioning
* Upgraded suspension
* Power steering / 4-wheel disc brakes
* Modern audio
* 16-inch American Racing Torq Thrust II wheels
* GM 10-bolt rear axle

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The mark of a great custom is virtually invisible work. You know something is different but, when you can't quite put your finger on it, that's a sure sign the builders succeeded at their task. This 1957 Chevrolet pickup probably had you guessing for at least a moment, seamlessly blending old and new to create a cool custom that's not only great to look at but will fit right in on the show field. especially with its astounding paint!

BODYWORK/TRIM

Yes, the bed is from a late model C/K pickup, but the way it fits on the vintage chassis is so perfect you'd think Chevy planned it that way. The body lines flow perfectly, unlike some jumbled-up collections of parts with strange angles and wide gaps. Look at the line that extends from the headlight bucket all the way to the back of the cab, then continues onto the bed. Cool, huh? Of course, getting a truck to look this good is more than choosing the right parts, it's getting them finished to show quality, including the paint and bodywork. The iridescent blue finish isn't very forgiving of mistakes or sloppy workmanship, and the paint job alone cost more than $30K! This isn't just some garden-variety machine, this is a truck that's capable of competing at the highest levels and bringing home the big trophy for “Best Paint.” The hood, which can be a big trouble spot on trucks like this, fits extremely well and closes with just a press of your fingertips. And there's no sign that this was a rusty project, with crisp panel details and nary a wave nor ripple to be found anywhere.

Customization is also about leaving original pieces alone when they're right, and this truck still offers brightly chromed bumpers, a very cool grille and original door handles, all of which have been restored to show condition. Note the billet step plates on the bed, and the flush-fitting bed cover, which is sleek as well as functional, giving this custom one of the largest trunks in the world. Traditional emblems have been exchanged for a tri-color Camaro header and GM Mark of Excellence badges. And there's no mistaking the Task Force look, with 1957 being the last year for the single headlights, tri-bar units in this case, that most enthusiasts seem to prefer.

ENGINE

Power comes from a solid-running, 350 cubic inch V8 that's nicely detailed, but not so over-polished that you'll be afraid to put it on the road. Plenty of chrome makes the top end sparkle, especially against that dark blue paint, and the hardware is durable and reliable thanks to decades of development. The firewall and inner fenders have been finished to the same exceptional standards as the bodywork, giving the engine a great background and strongly suggesting that no corners were cut during construction. An original style radiator, equipped with a new core, keeps everything cool. And things like power steering and A/C were added in the name of comfort and convenience. It's also interesting to note that the original exhaust manifolds were retained, since they fit well and control sound and temperatures better than headers.

DRIVETRAIN/SUSPENSION

Another up-to-date modification is the 700R4 4-speed automatic transmission, which completely transforms the truck's on-road personality. Where the original was working hard to achieve 60 MPH, this one cruises serenely at 80 with the A/C cranking. The clean, functional chassis has been modified to handle that fresh transmission, updated with early '60s Chevy truck torsion bars, fitted with a '70s GM 10-bolt and suitably lowered using modern drop shackles. Modern tube shocks smooth out the ride, and the exhaust system features tailpipes that dump just ahead of the rear wheels, NASCAR-style. There's also a disc brake fitted at each corner, just barely visible behind polished Torque Thrust wheels, which wear a combination of Goodyear and BF Goodrich radials.

INTERIOR

The stunning leather interior is worth the price of admission all by itself. Beautiful tan hides with dark blue accents give the driver's compartment timeless feel. Power windows, power locks, A/C, a digital dash, and a powerful stereo are all included. Tinted glass helps keep cockpit temperatures cool. There's a wide center console that looks like it was lifted directly from a new truck and wrapped in matching hides. Overall, the seamless blending of original and modified components adds to this classic's appeal, with workmanship that's exceptionally good.

More than just a cool old truck, this Chevy is a modernized cruiser that has enough custom details to keep fans captivated. It's also been fully sorted and drives great, with no asterisks or disclaimers required. If you appreciate the vintage appeal of Task Force trucks, or just want something a little out of the ordinary, then a classic like this is your hot ticket!