Frame Up Built Stepside Pickup 350 V8 700R4 with A/C

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

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 that 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 on 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 $30,000! 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. There's no sign that this was a rusty truck, 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 chrome grille, and the original door handles, all of which have been restored to show condition. Also note the cool billet step plates on the bed, and the flush-fitting black vinyl bed cover, which is sleek as well as functional, giving this custom the largest trunk in the world. The emblems and badges have been shaved, but there's no mistaking the Task Force look, which was all-new in 1955, although 1957 was the last year for single headlights, which most enthusiasts seem to prefer.

Power comes from a nice-running 350 cubic inch V8 that's nicely detailed, but not so over-polished that you're afraid to drive the truck. 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 the construction. An original style radiator with a new core keeps everything cool, and things like power steering and A/C were added during the build to make it as comfortable as a modern truck. 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.

Another up-to-date modification is the 700R4 4-speed automatic transmission, which completely transforms the truck's on-road personality. When 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 the new transmission, updated with an early 60s Chevy truck torsion bar front suspension, fitted with a 70s GM 10 bolt rear end, then 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 the beautiful polished Torque Thrust wheels wearing BFGoodrich radials.

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 an up-to-date look and feel, complimented by all the creature comforts you'd expect from your new 2011 Chevy. Power windows, power locks, A/C, a digital dash, and a powerful stereo are all included with this truck, and you'll appreciate the fact that everything has been fully sorted and tested so it works as it should. Tinted glass helps keep it cool inside, and the wide center console looks like it was lifted directly from a new truck then wrapped in matching tan hides. Again, the seamless blending of original and modified components adds to the truck's appeal, and the workmanship is exceptionally good. If the original owner of this truck saw it today, he certainly wouldn't recognize it as the humble workhorse it used to be.

More than just a cool old truck, this custom is a modern pickup that merely looks vintage, with enough custom details to keep you looking at it for hours on end and that paint job that makes people stop in their tracks. It has also been fully sorted and drives beautifully, with no asterisks or disclaimers required. If you appreciate the good looks of the Work Force trucks, or just want something a little out of the ordinary, then a truck like this is the hot ticket. Given how quickly vehicles like this leave our showroom, I encourage you to call right away, because this one surely won't last. Call today!