How wide is a 1957 Chevrolet rear end?
There isn’t a single fixed rear-end width for all 1957 Chevrolets—the width varies by model and body style, but you can expect roughly 56–58 inches between the rear-wheel hubs (track width) on most passenger cars from that year.
Model variations and axle specs
In 1957 Chevrolet produced several passenger-car lines, including the Bel Air, 210, and 150. The rear axle track width is generally similar across these models, with minor variations caused by body design and wheel wells. The numbers below reflect typical ranges used by the factory for standard wheel assemblies of that year:
- Bel Air/Impala and other full-size passenger cars commonly share a rear track width in the mid-50s inches, typically about 56–58 inches (142–147 cm) from wheel mounting surface to wheel mounting surface.
- Two-door hardtop and sedan variants tend to stay within 1–2 inches of the same track width; substantial deviations are uncommon unless the car has undergone nonstandard modifications or aftermarket wheels/tires.
- Wagons like the Nomad could show slight differences due to wider rear fenders, but the axle track generally remains within the same overall range for compatibility with factory wheels.
In practice, the rear axle track width for 1957 Chevrolets tends to land in the mid-50s inches, with most examples falling between roughly 56 and 58 inches.
How to measure your rear end width
To get an exact figure for a specific car, measure the distance between the inner faces of the rear wheel hubs using a straight edge, or reference factory specifications for the exact body style and year. Use this method for accuracy when restoring or fitting parts.
- Safely lift the car and remove the rear wheels for access to the axle mounting surfaces.
- Place a measuring tape across the rear axle from one wheel mounting surface to the opposite side, keeping the tape straight and level.
- Record the measurement in inches (and convert to centimeters if needed: 1 inch = 2.54 cm).
- Cross-check with factory service manuals or Chevrolet data sheets for the exact model (e.g., Bel Air, 210, or 150) since there can be minor variations by trim.
With these steps you can confirm the precise rear-end width for your specific 1957 Chevrolet configuration.
Additional notes
The figure most people refer to as the rear-end width is the axle track width—the distance between the wheel mounting surfaces on the axle housing. This differs from the overall car width or body opening width, which can be larger due to fenders and trim.
For restorations, always rely on official factory specifications or original build sheets when possible, since wheel choices and aftermarket components can affect the practical fit.
Summary
Summary: The rear-end width of a 1957 Chevrolet varies by body style, but most passenger models exhibit a track width around 56–58 inches (about 142–147 cm). For the exact figure on a specific car, consult factory service manuals or the original build documentation and measure the axle track directly.
How wide is a 1957 Chevy rear end?
Products specifications
| Vehicle Fitment | 55-57 Chevy Tri-5 (120, 210, Bel Air and Delray ) Call for Station Wagons, Nomad and Sedan Delivery |
|---|---|
| Wheel Bolt Pattern | 5 on 4 3/4" with 7/16" studs installed |
| Brake Space | 2.5 inches (axle standoff) |
| Width | 60 inches (between wheel mounting surfaces) |
Are all 10 bolt GM rear ends 8.5 inches?
There is but one high-performance GM 10-bolt rear end, the 8.5 (and identical 8.6). The other versions are severely limited in capabilities. Built from 1964 through 1972, the 8.2 models are capable of handling about 400 hp with street tires in stock trim, about 350 on drag radials, and 300 on slicks.
How wide is a C1500 rear end?
88-98 OBS Chevy C1500/K1500 9 Inch Rear End Swap Kit, Stock Perch
| Position | Rear |
|---|---|
| Overall Width | 64.5" |
| Axle Splines | 31 |
| Axle Type | Semi-Floating |
| Brakes Included | No |
How to measure rear end width on a Chevy?
Place. All right so we're going to do that on both sides. And then the whole goal is Now that we can measure. From one side to the other we're going to use a tape measure.
