[Jagtec1]

I'm looking at a 57 4 door wagon, but it is 10 hours away. What are some common problem areas with these?? Things to look for, and get photos of?? It may become our family cruiser...with a Pontiac motor, of course.

Thanks!

[Blk 76]

Make sure that around the roof/gutter is not rusted out. It would be great if the rockerpanels/floor is not rusted out either. Is this a 9 passenger wagon? If this car has alot of rust you may want to hold out for one that does not take alot of money/work to get rid of all the rust. I would like to find one that has old paint instead of new paint so that I know it has not covered something up. You can get most of the pieces to rebuild these but if you can find a car that is more solid then it saves alot of time/money, you may pay more for a better car but that is the way I would go. The car forum (www.chevytalk.org) has alot of good information and I think you should check it out. BG

[daves57]

go to trifive.com its all about 55 to57 chevys

[salem1912]

Darin, there was a 57 s/w at the shop around the corner from me needed some work. I'll call them I worked there for awhile. It's in King of Prussia. Norcine Auto Body (Charlie) 610-265-4010 Good Luck Tom

[salem1912]

Darin I called he wants to hang on to it for now.

[justincampbell]

Take a good look inside the car where the floor and the tailpan come together. Also look close at the floor braces, especially the one furthest to the rear. There is pretty much guaranteed to be some rot in these areas. Also look the fenders over very carefully. Although it is nearly impossible to come across ones that are not rusted, careful examination will give you less suprises later. The obvious rot areas are the eyebrows and the very bottom rear of the fenders. In addition, these cars often rust along the top inside edge where the fender and apron being tight together has held dirt and moisture for 50 years. Also there is a brace that runs vertically near the rear of the fender. The bottom of this brace has sometimes gotten thin because it pretty much always holds dirt/moisture. Although rust is pretty much a given on a 50+ year old car, I believe the severity of the rust is the big issue. If you can repair the original panels, you are better off. I spent way too much money on new panels for the floor/trunk of my '56 because they were "the good ones" made in the USA. So far, not one has fit correctly or been shaped quite the same as the original. So, as I said, you are far better off if you can repair the originals. I hope some part of this rant has been helpful.
Good luck
Justin

[limejudge69]

Maybe you could find a PY member who lives nearby to check the car out for you. Might save you a lot of hassle. Just a thought...

[Jagtec1]

Originally Posted by limejudge69

Maybe you could find a PY member who lives nearby to check the car out for you. Might save you a lot of hassle. Just a thought...

I posted in the Lobby, car is near Cincinnati, in Newport, KY.

Thanks for the replies! Paint is old, I know there is some rust, I just don't know how bad. DS floor will need attention at some point, as well as floor braces. I am prepared to deal with some repairs, but I don't want a cancer ridden pile of junk.

[fyrffytr1]

I had one that was in pretty good shape except for the bottom of the tailgate. It was the shell only. No interior or drive train. Sold it at the Moultrie, Ga, swap meet for $1,800.00.