AURktman Posted June 20, 2021 Share Posted June 20, 2021 So, to make a long story short in the beginning, I’ve been working on a 57 sport sedan for the last 14 years that was literally saved from the crusher. It took a long hibernation as I was still finishing grad school and getting started in my career but now I’m determined to have it drivable for this years TriFive Nationals in August. I’ve been all 5 previous years without my car and it’s getting depressing. This car has been a headache and to just throw some info out there, here are some photos. I will add more info to this later on, I’m just sprinting to the finish through the usual proverbial minefield. Body will be white roof with 1959 Volkswagen Strato blue body, modified 670 interior, chrome smoothies wheels and 215/65/15 up front, 235/60/15 in the rear. Dash is Inca Silver and will have a black padded dash. Typical frustrations, I ended up with the radiator for the 6cyl instead of the V8 so I need to make some adapter plates. Radiator panels in satin black How she started out. Her interior laid out. Same as 670 trim but different cloth inserts. A fender in color, just making sure I like it. 6 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AURktman Posted June 21, 2021 Author Share Posted June 21, 2021 Here she is now. New floors, trunk floor, trunk lid, fenders, hood, and soon will have the rear quarters replaced. This is a Frankenstein of 5 different cars (2 bodies and all doors from different cars). 8 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
just me Posted June 21, 2021 Share Posted June 21, 2021 Excellent craftsmanship. Don't stop now! Charley 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AURktman Posted June 21, 2021 Author Share Posted June 21, 2021 (edited) Thanks! I need to have it drivable by August 8th with all the kinks and bugs worked out to make a 450 mile drive. I’m trying to decide if I want to run the fresh 265 that I’ve put in it (in the photos above) or spend the time assembling the 327 I’ve had machined for it. I can get the 327 done in a day and it would make my life easier on the transmission setup (TH350). Chassis work and all of the drivetrain is done, it’s just getting the bodywork finished now. I have to say I’ve dealt with enough rust to last me three lifetimes. I grew up in Arizona where rust was just a vicious rumor spread by those from New England. I’ve learned otherwise. This 57 was pretty rotted. Never again will I dive into another basket case like this one. I’ve done the chassis, drivetrain, etc. but a friend of mine did the floor / rocker replacement and divested the roof of its rust and dents. He does fantastic and charges a very reasonable rate. Edited June 21, 2021 by AURktman (see edit history) 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sebastienbuick Posted June 22, 2021 Share Posted June 22, 2021 Beautiful work ! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AURktman Posted June 22, 2021 Author Share Posted June 22, 2021 Thanks! The floors and roof are the work of a buddy, he is really good with floor replacement in these bigger cars. It should be back here on July 3, barring natural disaster. Then I can finish the rear quarters, doors, get some paint on it and assemble. I need to have it driving by August 8th for a shakedown run and then to the TriFive Nationals in Bowling Green, KY August 11-14. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sebastienbuick Posted June 23, 2021 Share Posted June 23, 2021 Your friend is very talented in working floors, ... Is she original ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AURktman Posted June 23, 2021 Author Share Posted June 23, 2021 1 hour ago, sebastienbuick said: Your friend is very talented in working floors, ... Is she original ? No, there are original aspects but custom color, custom cloth inserts in original style interior, etc. I’m building this to be a quasi-daily driver. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sebastienbuick Posted June 24, 2021 Share Posted June 24, 2021 17 hours ago, AURktman said: No, there are original aspects but custom color, custom cloth inserts in original style interior, etc. I’m building this to be a quasi-daily driver. ok it will do some work , it will be superb ! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stakeside Posted June 25, 2021 Share Posted June 25, 2021 I had Sport Sedan and it has new owner in Sweden. Consider this color combination of Sierra Gold and Adobe Beige. These 57s had certain colors that went with the model. Funny thing I discovered at my local Napa shop was a promo posted showing my model. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AURktman Posted July 14, 2021 Author Share Posted July 14, 2021 I was able to pick her up from the buddy that did the floor replacement and roof work. She is looking so much better! Now to sprint to the finish. This car is being built as a daily driver so the results won't be show quality, but they will be durable. I'm sure I will rework certain parts of her later on but I need to have this car to the TriFive Nationals on August 11th. Front doors are finished, rear still need work. I am also reskinning the rear quarters, I have a good smooth set to put on. Roof is pretty much finished. What do you think of my new radiator fan? Think it will push enough air? HA! 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TAKerry Posted July 14, 2021 Share Posted July 14, 2021 Good looking car. I like that youre re doing a 4 door. I dont remember the last time I saw one at a show. I have a buddy that did a reso mod 57 a few years ago that turned out really nice. If these pics are current, I am pulling for you. Looks like a lot of work yet to be done in a couple of weeks! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AURktman Posted July 14, 2021 Author Share Posted July 14, 2021 Thanks! Yep, those are current photos. Eating the elephant one bite at a time but I gotta chew really fast and taste later. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AURktman Posted July 18, 2021 Author Share Posted July 18, 2021 More sanding, priming, and pounding. Then my wife decided she needed to come out and “help” clean up my workshop since I need to clean out a storage shed Tuesday. That means car work = 0 when she arrived. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AURktman Posted July 28, 2021 Author Share Posted July 28, 2021 Well, my workshop has been thoroughly cleaned up and sorted but I'm not much farther along on the car and it needs to be drivable in 2 weeks. Ugh. Will post more tonight. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AURktman Posted July 29, 2021 Author Share Posted July 29, 2021 Trunk area almost done, just more sanding, filling, sanding, then final prime. Passenger side of roof almost finished. More work finished on dash, it will be pretty smooth once done! And the zero mile 265 is coming out in favor of the 327 I built for it. 7 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AURktman Posted August 1, 2021 Author Share Posted August 1, 2021 Hopefully this will be the last time the body is in the air. I will RaptorLine the underside, clean up some welds, finish the install of my drivetrain, and marry the two together again for the last time for now. I will also finish the firewall weld smoothing and paint. 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AURktman Posted August 18, 2021 Author Share Posted August 18, 2021 Engine assembly progressing. Intake and carb ready. Underside of floor painted and RaptorLined. I’m in love with this stuff. 6 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AURktman Posted August 25, 2021 Author Share Posted August 25, 2021 Tank painted, but last weekend was one of those "1 step forward, 2 steps back" type of weekends. Ugh. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AURktman Posted September 10, 2021 Author Share Posted September 10, 2021 (edited) Tank done, completely painted with sender installed and straps painted with foam on back side. Now to mount it in the morning. Short block finished, will get the rest of it assembled tomorrow and hopefully put in the chassis. Edited September 10, 2021 by AURktman (see edit history) 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AURktman Posted September 12, 2021 Author Share Posted September 12, 2021 Long block done just in time for my refrigerator to conk out and send my wife into a tailspin. Spent the rest of the day working on that. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AURktman Posted September 17, 2021 Author Share Posted September 17, 2021 Engine almost finished and ready to drop in. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AURktman Posted October 2, 2021 Author Share Posted October 2, 2021 New front suspension in and engine installed. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AURktman Posted October 8, 2021 Author Share Posted October 8, 2021 Old shock bar cut out and new one welded in. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AURktman Posted October 10, 2021 Author Share Posted October 10, 2021 Body back on frame and trunk Raptor Lined. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AURktman Posted October 23, 2021 Author Share Posted October 23, 2021 (edited) I did the passenger front door in single stage to check my bodywork and see how it will look with the chrome on. It will get sanded down with 600 grit and resprayed with base/clear. Edited October 24, 2021 by AURktman (see edit history) 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
F&J Posted October 24, 2021 Share Posted October 24, 2021 2 hours ago, AURktman said: I did the passenger front door in single stage to check my bodywork and see how it will look with the chrome on. That honestly looks like "a brand new door back in 1957". Impressive. I'd bet that test spray and chrome laid on it is a real morale boost in the project outlook. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AURktman Posted October 24, 2021 Author Share Posted October 24, 2021 It was a massive morale boost! This car has drawn more blood and sweat than any other project I’ve ever had. Now to finish the other 3 doors and rear quarter panels. Also, my trim is laying upside down so pay no attention to it. 😄 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AURktman Posted October 24, 2021 Author Share Posted October 24, 2021 (edited) Closer look. This 1959 VW Strato blue changes color a bit depending on what light you’re in. Greenish and bluish. Edited October 25, 2021 by AURktman Add photo (see edit history) 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AURktman Posted November 4, 2021 Author Share Posted November 4, 2021 (edited) Cowl finished up and ready for paint, laying out the inside windshield trim and making sure it’s good to go. Edited November 19, 2021 by AURktman (see edit history) 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AURktman Posted November 19, 2021 Author Share Posted November 19, 2021 I’ve learned what a pain it is to block sand a sport sedan roof with no rotisserie. Ugh. I would rather go back through Army basic again. Or at least spend two weeks at 30th AG…. Lol… 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AURktman Posted November 22, 2021 Author Share Posted November 22, 2021 I keep forgetting to snap photos of the roof as I progress so I used a snapshot from my webcam. There has to be 10 pounds of filler and primer dust on the ground now and I’ve vacuumed it twice. It won’t be perfect, but it’s a driver anyway. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AURktman Posted November 26, 2021 Author Share Posted November 26, 2021 Wheels painted. I have a couple of runs to sand out but almost ready for chrome valve stems and tires. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laughing Coyote Posted November 26, 2021 Share Posted November 26, 2021 Are you going with the trim rings and derby caps? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AURktman Posted November 26, 2021 Author Share Posted November 26, 2021 1 hour ago, Laughing Coyote said: Are you going with the trim rings and derby caps? Same caps as on my Pontiac. I might add rings too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laughing Coyote Posted November 26, 2021 Share Posted November 26, 2021 The rings would give it more pop. Looks good. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AURktman Posted November 26, 2021 Author Share Posted November 26, 2021 Thanks! I was thinking of putting a matte clear on them instead of gloss. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AURktman Posted November 26, 2021 Author Share Posted November 26, 2021 The firewall was bugging me so I lifted the body again and resanded/filled/sanded, primed, sealed, and resprayed. Here it is in sealer, I just finished respraying paint and no photos yet. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AURktman Posted November 26, 2021 Author Share Posted November 26, 2021 Annnnnnd single stage Strato Blue. Firewall done! 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AURktman Posted November 28, 2021 Author Share Posted November 28, 2021 Passenger rear door 75% finished. A ton of sanding and tapping out one small prang left. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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