This truck is a half-ton, long box. It was built in Los Angeles and sold new at McMullin Chevrolet of Barstow, CA. Quite a few years ago, it worked its way to WI. The man that restored it purchased it in 1980.
He told me a story about working on local farms and falling in love with Chevrolet pickup trucks. He vowed to have a 1957 someday. He had early models over the years, but did not find a 57 to his liking until this one was discovered at the Iola Car Show.
A complete restoration was performed. It was done to perfection. This truck looks as if it was kept in a museum. Oh I suppose you could criticize it because the bed wood is a bit darker and the radio antenna is mounted to the bed rail. But otherwise, it is very, very stock appearing.
The engine is in great condition. The valve seats are hardened, so unleaded gas is okay. The exhaust was new, as was the radiator and generator. The interior is very, very nice and correct.
Due to this truck being from California, the body is very solid. It was not rusty and only required dent repair and paint. The paint is still very nice with only minor chips and scratches from his 28 years of driving it to many car shows.
The tires are in excellent shape, but are over 20 years old. They are heavy duty and of the correct size. This yields acceptable highway speeds into the 60’s.
Routine and necessary maintenance were performed and recorded. The brakes are new. There are no leaks. Every feature on this truck functions properly. All gauges and lights work. Even the glove box, dome and license plate lights work!
There is a spare wheel mounted beneath the bed. The correct jack is stowed behind the seat. There are two keys, including the well-worn original. The doors lock via key.
The tinted glass was likely replaced. It is just too nice to be over 60 years old. I guess I should really investigate. The emblems, hubcaps and mirrors are nice and correct.
This truck has a working AM radio, electric wipers, functional parking brake, quite heater fan and both the original horn and a set of train horns. The foot pedal still actuates the starter. The floor mat is correct and nice.
The ORIGINAL warranty document from the selling dealer listing the original owner is in the glove box. There is also the Owner’s Manual, some spare parts and a stack of receipts for parts and work done.
There are not many trucks this nice. Its early life in California is mostly responsible. But credit is due to the man that lovingly restored it and showed it for the past 38 years. He has a collection of trophies that would fill the long box to remind him of the fun he had.
