57' Chevy two ten project TV

[purman]

Well I may be taking on more than I have time for. But i'm looking at a 1957 Chevy Station Wagon for the family, and a tow Vehicle for short trips.

It's in pretty good shape. Will need minor body work and paint. Interior is in great condition with no rips or tears. Chrome all good.

283 with 4 bl Original except for newer carter carb and intake manifold. Two speed powerglide has been taken out and replaced by a Turbo 350 (which will be better for towing.) Will have to check on PS and PB. if none they will need an upgrade. Trans has leaks as does the engine so they will have to be gone through. Maybe do some power upgrades..

I will try to post some pictures later, but i'm thinking my 68' Ambassador would look great behind this thing.

Anyone else towing with a vintage tv I would appreciate any input.

[vswingfield]

I'll be watching your progress. My first car was a '56 210 sedan with the 4 bl carb, a 265 in 1956. I'll be impressed if your 210 has power steering and power brakes, mine didn't, but the station wagon might.

There are several threads on vintage tow vehicles, see http://www.airforums.com/forums/f463...cle-47507.html for starters.

[VIKING]

I just bought a 1964 F-100 4x4 to pull my '64 Safari to Burning man. It went well, but 55mph max. with 7 mpg running a 390FE with a 4 speed manual. It costs a lot in fuel but it looks great with the trailer. I will post pics as soon as I can.

Cheers,
Rich the Viking

[ROBERT CROSS]

Originally Posted by purman

Well I may be taking on more than I have time for. But i'm looking at a 1957 Chevy Station Wagon for the family, and a tow Vehicle for short trips.

It's in pretty good shape. Will need minor body work and paint. Interior is in great condition with no rips or tears. Chrome all good.

283 with 4 bl Original except for newer carter carb and intake manifold. Two speed powerglide has been taken out and replaced by a Turbo 350 (which will be better for towing.) Will have to check on PS and PB. if none they will need an upgrade. Trans has leaks as does the engine so they will have to be gone through. Maybe do some power upgrades..

I will try to post some pictures later, but i'm thinking my 68' Ambassador would look great behind this thing.

Anyone else towing with a vintage tv I would appreciate any input.

Jason,

PM Safari57...can you guess what he tow's with?

Good Luck with your project.

Bob

[SteveH]

That would be too cool! But, if I were doing it, I wouldn't fool with either the 283 or the T350. I'd get me a modern 5.3 or a 6.0 gm truck engine with the transmission, and I'd also make sure the brakes are upgraded to power discs. Maybe even the rearend because I believe those old Chevies had a 3.08 in them.

Yes, that would make it much more of a project, but when you were thru with it, man oh man.........

[Melody Ranch]

I am now doing a 1957 Nomad. I went 350, tri power, 4 speed and a stock 3.66 rear end. I would suggest a 400R-4 transmission with a cooler,,,,and a shrouded aluminum radiator with aux electric fan. Stock power steering always leaks...see if you can find a rack and pinion instead...they drive nice. Get a front sway bar...cheap and makes all the difference in handling. Power brakes and front disc conversion and your set. The LT or LS motors are great...but boy! are the conversions expensive.

[ALUMINUMINUM]

Dude,

57 wagons are cute. It'll take lots of modification.

I vote minimum... 4-bolt 350 motor with turbo 400 trans and a serious differential.
But way more importantly, How you going to stop it???

I'd build a '68 suburban big block for a vintage match if you need passenger room..

They offered a close to AS match medium blue that year... They adapt well to big disc brakes. many engine/trans options. Factory air conditioning!! should do better than 57 wagon in a crash test...

[purman]

Edelbrock Make some great upgrades for the motor and I have even considered a 350 crate motor with 331 hp and 330 trq. Also I found out you can upgrade the turbo 350 to a 400 for around $500. Either way I figure I will put $10,000 + in it when all is done. My farther in law has worked on cars since the early 70's and done body work so the labor will be free!!!!!!!
Hoping to pick it up for around $4000.00
Like I said I will only being using it for short trip around here. I don't think I would want to pull it over the rockies. But yes the brakes will be looked at and upgraded.

Thanks for the advice, I can use every bit..