Project "Tracy Lee" 59 Apache
 

Here we go! the officical start to an all new build thread. Its a 59 Apache that I picked up for a great price. It already has a fresh 350 with a big cam. I fired it up yesterday for the first time and it felt like a concussion bomb (2 cherry bombs underneath). that thing runs strong. I just got a early 80's Blazer frame today and in a couple of weeks we will sandblast and paint it with new goodies up front. The truck already came with a F#rd 9" out back and we will use that. We're going to put a patch panel on the dash to smooth it out and also got a new instrument panel from Brothers filled with Autometer gauges. Knowing things dont always turn out as planned... I do hope to have it up and running in 3-4 mos. Other options I'm thinking about are a 4-link out back, Air-ride at all 4 corners, and a fiberglass top for the bed. Heres to a good beginning!:metal:

Re: Project "Tracy Lee" 59 Apache
 

more pics...

Re: Project "Tracy Lee" 59 Apache
 

Me and my wife (thanks to her for putting up with this habit of mine) think turquoise would be a good color for this project. I am open for other suggestions if yall have any... I will keep everyone well informed throughout the build so stay tuned!!! thx, J:cool:

Re: Project "Tracy Lee" 59 Apache
 

Cool project:metal: . Just so happens to be my wife's name (Traci Leigh):lol: Any color will look cool on that truck!

Re: Project "Tracy Lee" 59 Apache
 

Sweet project! That frame outta work great. The attachment points for cab location are the only real tricky part. Looks like you got tons of fun ahead of you. I like your color choice, but I'm partial to that one.:cool:

Re: Project "Tracy Lee" 59 Apache
 

good deal i was thinking of going that route with the blazer frame since i have a 81 k5 parts truck. have you figured out what changes you will have to do to make that frame work? keep us posted with progress

Re: Project "Tracy Lee" 59 Apache
 

Great start to a project thread, I will keep an eye on it. Welcome again to the club!

Re: Project "Tracy Lee" 59 Apache
 

Well, this weekend my build-up buddy with all the answers is out of town so there will be no work this weekend:whine:

Since I have to stay busy, I have been researching options about the frame. The current original frame looks pretty clean. The straight axle is a 3" drop axle and the PO had also re-located the shocks and has parts (some not all) for a pwr steering upgrade. I saw at Brothers a rear traction bar set (RTB5559) that would do well with the 9" out back. I also have that Blazer tank on that other frame pictured above that I'm sure I could install on the old frame (it'll fit ,right?)

Basically Im now leaning towards the original frame vs. the Blazer frame. There have already been mods to the original that I'd hate to just "toss". The Blazer frame will cost much more to clean up with all new hardware etc. I know the ride won't be as smooth w/ the straight axle up front but I'm sure I can live with it for awhile. This will not be a daily driver. If it was, I'd be pushing for the A-arms up front.

What do ya'll think I should do? Im looking to do It right but within a somewhat tight budget in a fairly short amount of time. It won't be rushed but it won't be a backburner project either...Thx for the input!!!:metal:

Re: Project "Tracy Lee" 59 Apache
 

It would be much easier and less cost to stay with the original. Unless you just have to have an IFS front end the 3" drop axle is fine and certainly different that the normal MII ifs swap. People complain about bump steer on straight axles but they still use them today on heavier trucks and I don't remember it being that bad on mine. P/S is a good idea if he has the parts or most of them I'd do it. I'm pretty sure you can get the blaser tank to fit in the frame in the rear. Swapping the blaser frame is a lot of work, You would need to stretch the frame, build the mounts and all the other un-known stuff that you have to fab up.

Re: Project "Tracy Lee" 59 Apache
 

dwcsr, thx for the reply. Even if I dont use that Blazer frame, I still got the tank. I paid $150 for the whole thing and people pay way more than that for just the tank (new).

I have only one real exterior body issue to deal with and thats the driver side door. The back side lower area of the door is in real bad shape. The PO alerted me to this before the sale. I started picking away and pulling on LAYERS of POORLY MIXED Bondo. I have to post pics later, left camera at work(oops). I'm not really a bodyman by any means, but I can tell thats not right!

Re: Project "Tracy Lee" 59 Apache
 

As promised earlier the pics of the heavily bondo'ed door bottom... This is not good...:barf:

Re: Project "Tracy Lee" 59 Apache
 

They must have held a form up against the door and poured it like a concrete wall. Thats some thick bondo

Re: Project "Tracy Lee" 59 Apache
 

Hey Tex, what are the dimensions on that fuel tank? Looking at it pictured it appears like it would be a very slick money saving upgrade if it fits... I may just have to use one of those.

I agree with dwcsr on this frame swap thing. If you want to get it on the road quick I would avoid removing the cab from the frame if at all possible. The deeper you get in the more stuff you want to "do while your in there". That's my 2 cents. That looks like a killer project, I can see several big dollar items already included!

Re: Project "Tracy Lee" 59 Apache
 

I'm 6 years into "more stuff" on a 2 year project. I have to stop getting these brainy ideas and just finish what I have.

Re: Project "Tracy Lee" 59 Apache
 

Hey guys thx for the responses. I cant get to the truck til next weekend. It's all locked away at my buddys house and he's out of town. I will get the dimensions as soon as I can get it out of the current frame. You might be able to look up dimensions on-line for an 80-81 Blazer.

dwcsr, Ive seen your work and it looks great! You say 6 yrs on the 2 yr project and it would take me 12-15 yrs to achieve the same quality you've shown in your pics...(hydroboost...That is cool):lol:

Re: Project "Tracy Lee" 59 Apache
 

This pic is to show how much area the bondo covers...:crazy:

Re: Project "Tracy Lee" 59 Apache
 

Don't feel bad. My front fenders were almost solid fiberglass and bondo. On the bottom of the fenders it was literally almost a half inch thick.

Re: Project "Tracy Lee" 59 Apache
 

Hey Tex, I Might Have A Door Availble Later In The Week If Your Interested. Doors I Get Are Usually Solid But Need Patch Work At Bottom Where Skin Meets Door Frame. Dont They All Rust Out There Lol.skins Are In Nice Shape Though. Let Me Know. Just Pm Me.

Re: Project "Tracy Lee" 59 Apache
 

Tex, Got A Couple Of D/side Doors Today. Like I Thought They Have Good Skins But Will Need Frame Work At Bottom From Rot. Still Not Bad. Cheap Fix When A New Door Is Almost 500.00 Bucks. Pm Me. I Will Post Pics Tomorrow,i Am Beat. Worked All Day At Secret Apache Burial Ground Stripping Them Trucks In 104 Degree Heat. Lol

Re: Project "Tracy Lee" 59 Apache
 

:crazy:
I told Cal that I was just going to get mine running in flat back!!! I found a "few more things" that needed attention, what can I say??? Now I am out of money and my truck is in more pieces than before!:lol:

:drama:

Re: Project "Tracy Lee" 59 Apache
 

Hey Jimbo59, Any of those trucks in that grave yard have a deluxe heater box? I need one for my '58. Just the distibution box that sends the heat from the fan to either the vents on top or the floor. If you find one please let me know. You can pm me if you do to discuss the deal.

Thanks a lot man.
B.Sharp

Re: Project "Tracy Lee" 59 Apache
 

Hey b. sharp, send a PM to Jimbo59 that way it gets directly to him. His 'puter will notify him of a new PM. You probably will get a faster answer from him that way...Just a friendly FYI..:)

Now, "On With the Show"...
I put my new Harbor Freight DA sander to good use yesterday. The top portions of the truck (top of fenders, bed rails, roof etc.) are as cracked up as the ground in a dry lake. It took awhile to get it pretty smooth. I also took off the side mirrors on both doors and filled the holes left behind. those patches still need smoothing out. The interior has for the most part been totally stripped clean. Still need to pull the steering column. I need to get the "smooth dash" panel mig welded in place but I'm not a welder and my pal doesn't have a mig welder and has never mig welded before... The guy he had lined up to come out and do it yesterday fell thru:whine: I also figured out I'll need a lower patch panel for the driver side door.

Now, The paint poll...
I have two options about paint that I need opinions on:

1) A friend of mine has connections. He can get me Sherwin Williams auto paint complete with primer, reducer, hardner, clearcoat. Everything included for approx $580-$590. Thats their "top of the line" stuff. Is it a good deal?

2) Im looking into Auto-Air Colors brand paint. It is supposedly a lot more "user friendly". You can pour it directly from the can into your gun. NO mixing required.They have a Pearl Turquoise already mixed and I think that would look pretty sweet. I don't know the cost yet. Hope to call a distrubitor Monday for info. How does this option sound?

Sorry guys no pics of the progress today. Forgot to take camera this time around. Will post pics next weekend for sure!;)

BTW, I didn't get around to the Blazer tank this time. Hope to pull it out and take initial measurements Saturday! Later, James:metal:

Re: Project "Tracy Lee" 59 Apache
 

i have always used house of color products with no complaints. a little more expensive but when it comes to paint and getting the right look dont half step. you will regret it later. sigh with age comes wisdom hopefully lol.

Re: Project "Tracy Lee" 59 Apache
 

I appreciate that info Jimbo...BTW it was good talking to you on the phone yesterday. I looked on evilbay at your stuff. Nothing I need at this time but if I run into someone who does, I'll send them your way!

Re: Project "Tracy Lee" 59 Apache
 

Jimbo's right. House of Color is one of the best paints around, PPG is also a good quality paint. When it comes to paint, primer, sealer and plasitic filler don't go cheap, you will regret it later. BTW your project looks to be coming along great!

Re: Project "Tracy Lee" 59 Apache
 

Sherwin Williams is good quality paint, I am no painter but I know they used it on my Nova and that shop has done some really high end show cars.

Sounds like you really dug right in! I heard a rumor that the Blazer or Suburban takes fit just this past weekend. I am going to wait for you to verify and then I am going on the prowel for one. Thanks for sharing!

Re: Project "Tracy Lee" 59 Apache
 

Thx for the comments guys. I'm being sent a custom color chart of all the different hues of Turquoise that can be mixed up. Hope to get it fairly soon. I just got back from a week long trip and I'm beat (1300 miles on 4hrs sleep!). I have a meeting to go to Saturday morning and then Im off to play with my Toy! Jebb, I plan on getting down and dirty with that tank tomorrow to see how to fit it. I will try to get pics and measurements on the post tomm. night. I do know that the tank has been in the weather for a few years and needs a good cleaning and a new filler neck welded on. the old one rusted out!Hope the rest of the tank is OK. I'll be back with you guys tomm night!:metal:

Btw the new door patch panel from Brothers came in this morning. I just need to find someone with MIG welding experience and I'll be set!

Re: Project "Tracy Lee" 59 Apache
 

OK only had a couple of hrs avail today to work on "her". I did get the Blazer tank removed and got the measurements. I also started on trying to remove the rear crossmember on the apache frame. Looks like I'll be able to remove both rear crossmembers (or maybe just the rear-most) and install the crossmembers from the Blazer frame. Just have to measure distance between crossmembers and bolt them up!

Jebb, here are the dimensions I got:

Inside the Apache frame is 33 3/4 left to right
Blazer tank is 28 3/4 left to right and 28 1/4 front to back (these measurements include the tank's "lip")
Inside the Blazer frame is approx 33 3/4 as well.

Looks like the blazers crossmembers should slide right in w/ no problem.
Heres a couple of pics of so called progress today... ran out of time before I could get crossmember removed. At least I've got next Saturday...

Re: Project "Tracy Lee" 59 Apache
 

Couple detail pics...

Re: Project "Tracy Lee" 59 Apache
 

Wow, cool! This may just work. I will keep an eye on your progress.

Thanks as always for the info.

Re: Project "Tracy Lee" 59 Apache
 

Just made it back from a whirlwind trip across North Arkansas (UGH). One of two things will happen this weekend:

The paint samples from Sherwin Williams were finally rec'd by my friend today. He thought it would be a paper color chart. He actually got sample metal pieces painted with 9 different shades of turquoise! I think he said 2 were Peterbilt colors, 1 was a Toyota color(?), 1 was a 58 apache color and the others were all fresh custom mixes... I plan on meeting with him tomm (he lives 3 hrs away) but if he cant make it...

the other option is to drive 1 hr in the other direction to work on my "ride" for a few hours. I only have time for one or the other this weekend and I wont know til morning which one Ill get to do.

Either way, I will have some pics of either progress or of all the paint samples for y'all to judge... Later, J

Re: Project "Tracy Lee" 59 Apache
 

OK I didn't hook up with my buddy with the paint so I worked on the ride Sat and Sunday! I filled in the holes left by the mirrors on the doors with JB Quick. Its good stuff. Mix it togh=ether and its pliable til you put it in place. Strong as steel but still sandable. I still need a bit of Bondo to smooth it out.

My welding buddy was able to help me out today. We took the rear crossmember out of the 80's Blazer frame and "Southern Engineered" it to fit. We had to cut off part of the crossmember to fit within the framerail and welded tabs on the bottom to lengthen the crossmember within the framerails. Looks like it'll work! Thats all for now. Here's a couple of pics of what we were able to do... Later, J:metal:

Re: Project "Tracy Lee" 59 Apache
 

more pics...BTW, it's just a test fitting of the tank. It still needs to be sent out for cleaning...last pic is of a 1/2 inch notch I cut out for clearance...

Re: Project "Tracy Lee" 59 Apache
 

For the heck of it. Here's my daily driver on a small country road nearby. Thought it was a cool pic...

Re: Project "Tracy Lee" 59 Apache
 

I see the problem with the progress. Not enough beer bottles in the tire.

Nice truck

Re: Project "Tracy Lee" 59 Apache
 

^very funny! You didn't see all the bottles in the trash can.we've been working (cough-cough) very hard! I do appreciate your comments...Thx, J:cool:

Re: Project "Tracy Lee" 59 Apache
 

Nice work on the blazer tank fitting. That swap is going to save you a bundle!!

Re: Project "Tracy Lee" 59 Apache
 

I appreciate the comments Jebb. That tank is a bit "suspect". It needs a heavy cleaning and I will either JB weld a new filler neck on it or my buddy might weld one on. His dad said that it can be done. Just "fill the tank with water then weld it". Sounds like it would work to me...then again, I've never welded before.

BTW, the front of the front crossmember(?) will have some kind of tabs or eyelets welded on for the stock Blazer tank straps. I think its coming along pretty well! Later, J:metal:

Re: Project "Tracy Lee" 59 Apache
 

Another little highlight... This is the picture (in general) that I plan on having airbrushed on the tailgate in the corner. It'll be approx 4x6"..."The Tracy Lee" in cursive just above it at an angle.;)

Re: Project "Tracy Lee" 59 Apache
 

Cool. I see way to many sunsets, catus' and religious type things on tailgates. Its nice to see something original.