Crusty 1957 Chevrolet 150 Two-Door Barn Find

We all love a good tri-five, but how rotten is too rotten when picking a project car? This yellow 150 is already an uncommon example of a tri-five being the lowest trim level and a 2 door- what’s more special is that it also came with a factory 283 V8, just like a “Black Widow” racecar of the day would have. Each car tells a story, and this speaks to a hard life lived as someone’s hot rod back in the day.

On the bright side, we’re looking at a titled ’57 Chevy 2 door. It also retained all the trim, moldings, and bumpers most project cars are missing at the price point. On the other hand, mother nature already claimed a pretty big part of the bottom of the car, even with it sitting mostly inside a barn. Even though the car was an uncommon option package for its day, that doesn’t always translate to real value if it’s restored. The question is, is this one too rusted to be saved?

The shag definitely wasn’t hiding any good surprises. What used to be a trunk floor is now a window to the frame and the ground beneath it, thanks to rust and a rear-end accident. It’s pretty safe to assume the smashed quarter and missing bits of trunk floor were the final nail in the coffin for this car. Not a good start for anyone hoping for a survivor.

The car still retains some touches from its last owner. These rusted pie cuts and flaking Bondo used to be a pretty cool set of fender flares back when it was someone’s prized hot rod. Even as rough as it is, it definitely has some cues of Hot Rod Magazine’s famed “Project X”. A car like this is a perfect base for a gasser build, a restomod, or just a ratty driver.

Knowing how much metal needs replaced and the life it lived before, what would you do with this ’57 from days gone by?