Re: Project "Tracy Lee" 59 Apache
 

cool stuff.

Re: Project "Tracy Lee" 59 Apache
 

I like the picture! Cool, way cool!

Re: Project "Tracy Lee" 59 Apache
 

For what its worth... Here is the color for the truck 1958 GM color Tropical Turquoise. I finally met up with my friend to get the paint samples. There was this one as well as 2000 Toyota, 2000 Peterbilt and 5 custom mixed turquoises. I was going to post all of them for a poll but you can't tell the difference thru pics (pointless). Last weekend was spent moving my old 67 GMC to a buddys house 200 miles away and it was a brutal trip. Ill spare you the horrifing details:barf: .

I plan on figuring out why I can't get "Tracy Lee" to start. I bought a new ignition switch and Im picking up an Optima Red Top battery tomm to take out there Saturday. If I can get other progress on the outside, Ill post pics...Later, J

Re: Project "Tracy Lee" 59 Apache
 

That looks like the original color maybe just a tad lighter.
One of the problems with Texas is that you can drive 2 -3 hours in one direction and still never be near the border.

Re: Project "Tracy Lee" 59 Apache
 

Like that airbrush photo....that will look great on your truck.

Re: Project "Tracy Lee" 59 Apache
 

Want To Meet Girl Who Posed For Pic. Woo Hooo. I Think I Am Going To Go With A 68-69 Camaro Tank. A Lot Thinner Than Blazer Tank. Long Neck On Tank So I Can Fill Up Behind Rear Licsence Plate Holder.

Re: Project "Tracy Lee" 59 Apache
 

Well I did some work yesterday on the truck. I was having a problem starting her up but that is now solved. I replaced the battery, ignition switch, coil and spark plugs. I did get a video clip of me starting the engine but I need to find a place to upload it (putfile?) The engine work took most of my time so no progress pics on bodywork:whine: . BTW the blazer tank is trashed. Its got a few pinhole leaks on the bottom and it would be better to just find a better tank...:whine: Later, J

Re: Project "Tracy Lee" 59 Apache
 

Sorry man, that sucks. It will still be much cheaper to replace it than to put a cell in it.

Re: Project "Tracy Lee" 59 Apache
 

OK Im on Putfile now. I uploaded a clip of me starting the Apache. The sound quality is not the best. The truck is so loud (I mean LOUD) that it distorts the sound quality somewhat... Just a little something to keep yall somewhat entertained! Later, J:metal:

Click here to watch 59-Apache-Start-up

Re: Project "Tracy Lee" 59 Apache
 

Looks great, needs more pictures:lol: :hiya:

Re: Project "Tracy Lee" 59 Apache
 

Needs more Bondo and a lot more Shiner Bock:agree:

Re: Project "Tracy Lee" 59 Apache
 

Welcome aboard Wrnchhead! About time you showed up...:fro: :clap:

Re: Project "Tracy Lee" 59 Apache
 

Sounds Like You Have A Winner Tex.

Re: Project "Tracy Lee" 59 Apache
 

OK I was able to do a little work on the truck yesterday. I pulled the bed off and fought like crazy to get the fenders off. I could only get 5 or 6 undone. The rest got the grinder treatment.:m6: . I cleaned up where the fenders attach to the bed sides and shot cheap primer on the bare metal for now. The rust wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. I was also able to get the brakes working. They aren't the best, but they should be enough to pass inspection. I plan on a disc brake upgrade but It'll have to wait for now. I plan on getting the pwr steering situation figured out soon. I will post install pics at that time (3-4 weeks away). Later, J:metal:

A couple more pics for those who wanted them (wrnchhead29)

Re: Project "Tracy Lee" 59 Apache
 

That all looks to be in pretty good shape.

Re: Project "Tracy Lee" 59 Apache
 

Hey that looks great! I still have a ton to do to mine. My son lives in CS and has an old Chevelle. If you are close to Texas Avenue, he could come by and give me a report.

Re: Project "Tracy Lee" 59 Apache
 

Hey KP, I'm not far from Texas Ave but the truck is. It's outside Franklin an hour away from here. Once it's shored up and can be driven and painted I will be bringing her home to do the minor work that the Homeowners Assn won't shoot me for...:hc:

Re: Project "Tracy Lee" 59 Apache
 

Thanks for the pictures, it's starting to look like a truck again after the Shiner bock wore off.....lol.:hi2: :b69: I think that I need one now!

Re: Project "Tracy Lee" 59 Apache
 

Today was the day for sanding...
LOTS of sanding. Just prepping for the paint that I still have to buy.

The Blazer tank I ordered from Classic Ind. should be in on Tuesday. The sending unit, mounting straps etc. should follow soon after.

I did remove the driver side door so I could remove the offending metal in preperation for welding a new panel on. pics enclosed...

For the heck of it, I put one of my new fender emblems on just to see how it would look...:metal:

Re: Project "Tracy Lee" 59 Apache
 

more pics...

Re: Project "Tracy Lee" 59 Apache
 

Your getting there, I like the emblems

Re: Project "Tracy Lee" 59 Apache
 

Nice work Tex! She's coming along fast, your making me Jones for a truck day!!!

Re: Project "Tracy Lee" 59 Apache
 

Thx for the responses guys. Its coming along as fast as I can do it. This truck wont be concourse perfect by any means but it will be nice enough to turn a few heads.

I'm needing to get it done pretty quick because I dont want to wear out my welcome where it currently is (not my shop). The big stuff such as body and paint are being done there then when re-assembled I will drive it home where I can work on a new wood bed, interior and other smaller things I dont need a ton of space for.

I hope to get a TON of work accomplished the last weekend of the month. Those are vacation days I had originally put in for to go to the Good-guys show in Ft. Worth. If all goes as I currently have planned, There will be painting done that weekend.

Let the race begin...:bo2:

Re: Project "Tracy Lee" 59 Apache
 

I just got the Blazer tank from Classic Industries in today an it is in great shape! I sure like the coating put on it. I thought it would be bare metal I would need to coat before installing...The rest of the parts for assembly should be in in a couple of days. I'll try to install and plumb the lines Saturday. Of course I'll send pics of the install...Later, J:cool:

Re: Project "Tracy Lee" 59 Apache
 

Nice work on the doors and I love those Hot Rod emblems too!

Re: Project "Tracy Lee" 59 Apache
 

I appreciate that Cal. We will see what the welder (which I am not) can do with that door. I followed the directions from the Brothers website about door skin replacement. 1st time I ever did anything like that. I was a bit hesitant but I figured no one else but me could do it so I just "did it".

BTW those "hotrod" emblems came from mooneyes. They can be found at a lot of places. They were $10-15 each. They are solid metal with mounting tabs thru the fender...no 3M stick on stuff here!

Re: Project "Tracy Lee" 59 Apache
 

I'm glad to see that I'm not the only one with a gas tank in his living room.

Re: Project "Tracy Lee" 59 Apache
 

My wifes not too glad to see it in her living room!!!:lol: I assured her it won't be there come Saturday.;)

Re: Project "Tracy Lee" 59 Apache
 

Finally got the Blazer tank in!!!

It didn't take too long to install it. Along with the straps I purchased the stock padding to go in between the straps and tank and the pinch points on top.

After I installed the tank I removed the old tank and it hit me... I can use the original filler neck with the vent tube. I would have taken the little breather off and connected it but I didn't have the right hose with me (30 miles to nearest parts store). I think I will be using a cool cap in the fender. I just feel better putting a cap in the fender rather than a bed fill...I can't seen to find the picture of an installed one on the web. I guess Ill have to do it and bring the camera...BTW the fuel line will be more secure than it shows to be in the pics b4 I startr cruising around!!!:lol:

Re: Project "Tracy Lee" 59 Apache
 

couple more...

Re: Project "Tracy Lee" 59 Apache
 

Looks really nice Tex! Am I crazy or is it sitting to high on the frame to put the bed back on?

Re: Project "Tracy Lee" 59 Apache
 

Jebb, it's gonna be a close call. I will make the "southern engineered" modifications if necessary. It'll be awhile before the bed goes back on...

Re: Project "Tracy Lee" 59 Apache
 

Well either way it looks great!

Re: Project "Tracy Lee" 59 Apache
 

Awsome progress!

Re: Project "Tracy Lee" 59 Apache
 

I appreciate the comments guys! I did do a little work last weekend but it didn't amount to much (didn't have camera with me anyway). In an earlier post I made the bold statement that I would try get some paint on the truck this coming weekend. It's not going to happen. I ran out of time and money:whine: . I do have the next 5 days off to work on it and I hope(:rolleyes: ) to have it "ready" for paint at the end...

I did fill the old gas filler hole in the cab and some sanding but that was about it last weekend.

I originally took these days off to take my '71 to Ft. Worth to the Good-Guys show, but since I took on this project, I figured the time would be better spent getting "Tracy Lee" ready to shine. :cool:

Re: Project "Tracy Lee" 59 Apache
 

OK, Heres the progress report:

The old gas filler hole is now filled/smoothed.
I ran and bent the fuel line properly.
I had to move the Blazer tank down about 1 inch so the neck could fit under the bed.
I also tried to get the bottom of the driver side door in better shape.

Before everyone goes crazy... I am trying an experiment in this semi-controlled environment of a shop: I am trying the "JB Weld Industrial Strength" method for repairs etc. I have used it on the bottom of the door to hopefully re-form the door to where it needs to be. I cut out a piece of metal to fit into the fuel filler hole and "JB'd" it and I'm also trying the JB Method on the smooth dash panel. THIS IS ONLY A TEST!!! If it works, then I'll feel pretty good about the money I've saved. If it dosen't, Then I'll clean it up and get Professional help. I have only myself to blame if these things don't hold up, I'm just a trial and error kinda guy...Everythings clamped into place until I get out there Tommorrow. We will know the fate of the "experiment" at that time. I do know that the fuel filler hole is a success:rolleyes:

Wish me luck on my findings tommorrow!:crazy: Thx, James.

Re: Project "Tracy Lee" 59 Apache
 

More pics...

Re: Project "Tracy Lee" 59 Apache
 

looks scarey, good luck ! :-D

Re: Project "Tracy Lee" 59 Apache
 

Heres the latest:

The JB worked on the bottom of the door to hold it together. I also used it on the door skin. I let it dry overnight then today I sanded it down and smoothed everything w/ some bondo. I just need to get the door aligned properly. It fits ok up top and matches up w/ the striker but the bottom on the backside sticks out about 1/4 - 1/2 inch... :confused:

The JB for the dash panel inside has done well...but not perfect. I have to go back and take care of a couple of things in that department...:rolleyes:

Looks like the last weekend this month will be paint time! I'm getting everyone involved on notice and lined-up for the big event!:)

Heres the door:

Re: Project "Tracy Lee" 59 Apache
 

Wow Tex, nice work with the fuel tank and plumbing. Looks nice and clean. In regards to the JB Weld, I have not tried that myself. My thoughts are, it just may hold up for small stuff like the filler hole. I have conserns about you putting a nice coat of paint over that door though. It is a huge piece there and with it opening and closing I just fear it's going to start cracking within a few weeks or months. I wish you the best my friend, I hope it holds up.