It is said that variety is the spice of life, and we undoubtedly receive that in abundance at Barn Finds. We’ve seen almost everything from cars to boats and aircraft, although the trucks that we feature are typically lighter vehicles. This 1957 Chevrolet LCF 5700 is a gentle giant, but it isn’t the first we’ve seen on the site. It needs love, but returning it to its former glory would be no more difficult than any other classic from the same era. It’s just that the parts are typically bigger and heavier! It features a running V8 and is a prime candidate for a restoration or custom build. The seller has listed this beauty here on Facebook Marketplace in Eugene, Oregon. Their price of $7,500 makes it an affordable proposition, and I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder T.J. for spotting this heavy Chevy.
The LCF 5700 might be a 2-ton work truck, but Chevrolet adopted many of the design cues from the Task Force range to provide an almost elegant appearance. This vehicle’s Brewster Green looks tired, although it would be interesting to treat the exterior to a wash and polish. There is no visible penetrating rust and little surface corrosion. Therefore, some basic TLC may return the exterior to a presentable state for a survivor. The limited photos don’t reveal any significant dings or dents, but there are a few minor blemishes, and the grille is damaged. However, I believe that item could be twisted back into shape without resorting to replacement. The remaining trim is restorable, and the glass is remarkably clean.
Lifting this truck’s hood reveals the venerable 283ci V8. It originally produced 160hp and 280 ft/lbs of torque. The four-speed manual transmission feeds the ponies to a two-speed rear end, giving this truck excellent versatility and the ability to haul a full load comfortably. The news mechanically is pretty positive. The seller says the 283 runs and purrs like a kitten, and the truck drives, but there are shortcomings requiring the new owner’s attention. The clutch is questionable, and the tires are older, meaning those two items need to top the buyer’s “to-do” list. Otherwise, the vehicle is in sound shape. The interior has a question mark because the only image supplied is a close-up of the dash. Someone has cut a Bosch tachometer into the dash steel, but it is unclear whether there are any further additions. The attraction of these interiors is their simple construction. Most surfaces are painted steel, so a restoration entails little beyond dismantling, surface preparation, painting, and bolting everything back together. It will probably need a seatcover and a rubber mat, but the buyer won’t face the expense of an interior trim kit to achieve a high-end result.
I admit that trucks don’t immediately attract me because I typically prefer my classics in smaller servings. However, I understand why they enjoy a strong following in the classic market. This one is a promising candidate for a faithful restoration, although the seller floats the concept of a custom or ratrod approach. All scenarios are plausible and will be driven by the new owner’s preferences, vision, and budget. I am surprised the seller hasn’t received any bites after eight weeks because it is undeniably affordable. A classic truck project may not have been on your radar, but would this 1957 Chevrolet LCF 5700 leave you considering the possibility? We’d love to receive progress reports if you take this beauty home.
A day spent with some polishing compound & a few coats of
wax looks like it’d come out great.
I wonder what a set of tires would cost for this?
You might need more than tires cause they probably don’t make them to fit the rims. I have a 1957 Chevy 2 ton truck with 9.00 x 20 tires on the front and 8.25 x 20 on the rear. I can’t find the tires and no one would mount them on my rims if I did. Mine, (and probably this one), are the infamous “Widowmaker” split rims. I will have to go to the 19″ or 22.5″ rims with that 6 bolt lug pattern. I not only loved driving that truck but working it as well. I did not have 2 speed rear end, but I did have a 283 and a 5 speed transmission. I moved a double wide MH for a friend, 12’x 20′ storage building, along with the little things, like 56 Chevy school bus and a big 55 Chevy Tow truck with an old twin boom Holmes bed with outriggers. This one I would probably rig to haul the next project vehicle. A roll back bed would be nice…
Trend now is to use the cab on a newer chassis…
It’s ironic that this is how this truck was bought new. It was then shipped to a truck body firm that completed what the customer wanted. Most, if not all, became stake bed farm trucks, and no exception here. Not sure why GM made a Low Cab Forward. While GM called them LCFs, all the truck companies made them. Some say it was easier to get into than a regular cabover, and turned sharper, but I don’t see where that would influence a farmer to buy one. I can’t find a price new, but again, it was a major purchase for a farm. Typically only seen on sunny days, at the feed mill in Spring and Fall. Sky is the limit here, once again, I realize it goes against everything an old fart like me holds dear, but I’d plop the body on a modern chassis, and be done with it.
My one and only tip was several years ago, I found an ad of someone that made a manure spreader out of a LCF Chevy. I thought it was a hoot, but never made the cut.
And we all thought you knew about trucks…..shorter cab and you can get a longer bed….it helps in the hauling business and besides everyone was doing it.
Well, my friend, you do something for 35 years, you should know a little something about trucks. I agree, in a freight setup, cabovers did increase load capacity but the last thing Farmer Brown was worried about was the DOT. Fact is, many farmers would extend the sides with plywood, creating dangerously heavy loads, but weren’t going far, and the cop was their brother-in-law anyways. Many times a wagon was pulled behind as well, equally as overloaded. It’s why we didn’t need no stinkin’ truck driving schools, as farmers made excellent truck drivers. That, sadly, went the way of the family farm.
this truck was never a farm truck. too nice. mileage is not given but most likely had some kind of van body.
Hi Steve, couple things. The mileage was stated as 2,437, and judging by the general condition, could easily be rolled over, or broke, but as with all these, a wood stake bed doesn’t age well and is the 1st thing to go. Also a steel van body would still be intact, however, no truck used for road use would be this nice. And rest assured, Cousin Merle got chewed out for backing the tractor into the grill,,,
I love it! So many potential uses! Perhaps an RV box on the back. 😉
That was my thought too.
It would make a great truck camper for up here in Alaska and love the 2 speed rear.
Keep the chassis with the cab. put a hydraulic lift flat be on the back with cattle racks with some new chrome wheels and white wall tires and haul nothing. Just for show. I love it, but then I love odd stuff.
God bless America
Rat rod? Sorry, but that’s appalling.
All the truck builders got into this shortened arrangement. “Bubble Nose,” “Low Cab Forward,” or just plain “Cab Over Engine,” was the order of the day. I saw some on farms but most of them sported a freight box. Of course this setup would become permanent with International (Loadstar, S-line) and GM (C, J). I guess you couldn’t throw Ford out, with its N, L series.
I had a friend who wanted to build a crew cab out of two of these. He bought (2) complete trucks and proceeded with the butchering, the end goal, to have it all on a Chevy HD chassis. What he ended up with was (2) complete LCF chassis and (2) destroyed cabs. We don’t talk anymore…
Yep, two ruined units. That’s why I don’t build an 8 door Suburban. I’d never finish it.
This truck would make a great car hauler with a slide-back bed. You put your classic, hot rod, or custom truck on the bed and have a two for one car show. I would buy some modern radial tires and fix that clutch. The paint looks like it would clean up nicely with a wash and polish. No need for a giant V8 as that 283 would get the job done. Might have to go through the engine, but that would be so that it’s life can be extended.
C’mon people ..fb-Really??