Nice Patina/Rare 150 Handyman/Early 1980's Restoration/283ci V8

1957 Chevrolet 150 Handyman

Back in the day, if an individual desired a wagon for the family, they arguably turned to Detroit's bowtie. Today, things are a bit different as General Motors holds a strong presence in the crossover segment. However, if you follow the thinking of GM, there's little difference between the golden era of station wagons and today's crossover and SUV boom.

On consignment here at Classic Auto Mall, the veritable hen's tooth of the Tri-Five era the 2-door working man's wagon, with completely folding down seats for cargo, and rare because so many were used so hard that there are not just that many left. The 150 Handyman, all dressed up and ready to go to work.

Exterior
With paint from the early '80's in a Light Blue respray, the car has faded to a nice patina. There are numerous areas of chipping, former repairs with amateur bodywork, and dents and dings throughout. Some invasive rust on panels will have to be fixed sooner rather than later. All stainless steel brite-work is in good condition, and currently on this car. Cragar SS wheels are on all 4 corners. Chrome areas show some pitting and rusting.

Interior
With the original interior we note the sky blue metal dash with dry rotted coring trim, rusted gauge bezels, and it's just overall dirty and paint rubbed off. Brown faded carpet covers the floors, a Hurst shifter is present in the hump. The seats are covered with saggy coverings and have little padding left underneath them. The original bench seat in the back has lots of paint drips on it, but it does fold down and a rubbed rubber cargo compartment mat with oil stains is noted. This same material can be seen on the door panels as well. A water stained and a bit droopy headliner in white is seen above the seats and cargo area.

Drivetrain
With the 1980's respray came a 283ci V8 engine (T0209D, 1958/1960 283ci), Carter 4-barrel carburetor and a Muncie 4-speed manual transmission of unknown origin. The valve covers are 327 Chevrolet's.

Undercarriage
With the original boxed frame having no corrosion or rust, and the lack of undercoating one can see exactly what they're up against. If you are to restore this car, you will need the typical floor pans, some rocker work to remedy the original amateur patchwork that was done in the early 1970's. If you strip this car be prepared to find some areas of filler, and areas that may need filler.

Drive-Ability
Since this car has not been on the road since the early 1980's we just took it around our lot, and it ran fine, steering was slightly loose, and brakes pulled to the right and required lots of pressure to actuate them.

With a good cleaning this car could be markedly improved. With some rust remediation, and body work it could be awesome. And with a restored interior you would have a rare bird (150) Handyman from 1957. Here is your chance to add your touch and remember the “Handyman mixes it with love and makes the world look good...or something along those lines. Cover it with siding and make the world look good...

VIN Decode
A57B137743
A-1500 Series 150 Model
57-1957
B-Baltimore, MD Assy Plant
137743-Sequential Unit Number

Trim Tag
STYLE 57 1263F-1957 150 2dr Wagon
BODY CL 1472-Cleveland Body #
TRIM 653-Green & Gray
PAINT 797A-Surf Green