1958 Apache Help
 

Hello everyone. First post here and looking for some help. I finally found my dream truck and now the fun (education) begins. It's mostly stock, except a 350 engine, and has some rust on both doors in the usual spot...all along the bottom and a little that has been "repaired" by the previous owner on the cab corners. Can these doors be reskinned? I was lucky enough to find a fleetside bed for sale so I plan on swapping that out. There are probably threads on what can be done to lower it, new front clip (Mustang II vs Camaro??) but I'd like to hear what some of the recent projects have used please. I'd like to have power steering, new steering wheel, disc breaks, convert to automatic transmission, new seats (from what?/fits?). What about the rear end lowering if I were to drop the front do I just need to flip the springs? I'm sure I'll have a more questions so I hope I've come to the right place. Thanks, Rob.

Re: 1958 Apache Help
 

welcome..I bet its hard to drive upside down..haha..your in the right place to find all you need to know

Re: 1958 Apache Help
 

Welcome to the forum Rob

There's a lot of ways to skin a cat, I suggest looking through the build threads. I used a Nova front sub up front and the TCI rear flip kit out back. I won't be bombing any cloverleafs with my truck but overall it rides and drives like a car, smooth and predictable. There's a lot of options to consider and guys here are happy to discuss the pros and cons of the various kits, subframe swaps etc... A lot will depend on your budget and skill set.

Re: 1958 Apache Help
 

I had to look to see if he was from Australia...

Nice truck BTW

Thanks...not sure why the picture posted upside down? I guess that could be my first lesson on how to post here. ??
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Re: 1958 Apache Help
 

I have never tried to upload directly to the forum, let's see what happens...

Re: 1958 Apache Help
 

I rotated your pic and uploaded it, hmmmmm...

Re: 1958 Apache Help
 

Good morning RostaRob
I to have a 58 Fleetside project,but mine is in the final stages.I have done all the mod you are talking about,I will post some pictures latter today.And you are welcome to come talk and take a look,It's just a short trip down the gorge

Re: 1958 Apache Help
 

Here you go

Re: 1958 Apache Help
 

more

Re: 1958 Apache Help
 

looks like a great start there rosta. nice to see it right side up, thanks blacksheep

how low do you wanna go? lower means more ,mods gotta be done so rear axle doesn't bottom on frame.

thinking about a fuel injection upgrade as well, possibly?

Thanks...I may just take you up on that some weekend. I'd be very interested in seeing you pictures from your build also. Rob.
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Re: 1958 Apache Help
 

TCI "flip" kit, other than welding the spring perches it was an easy bolt on. The one drawback is the non-adjustable static ride height.

Re: 1958 Apache Help
 

Thanks Black Shhep. I posted some more photos course but they also showed up as upside down.

Re: 1958 Apache Help
 

I only want to drop 2 or 3 inches and keep the mods to a minimum. Basically I'm looking for a smooth ride with power steering and disc brakes.

Re: 1958 Apache Help
 

I'd be ok with a static ride height. How much does this drop the rear?

Re: 1958 Apache Help
 

It's a 4" drop

https://totalcostinvolved.com/produc...af-spring-kit/

Re: 1958 Apache Help
 

you could mock up a 4" drop using wood blocking to see what you like and also what room that will leave you above the axle on your unit. you need at least 3" above the axle so the suspension doesn't bottom out over speed bumps etc. I recommend using one of those beehive suspension snubbers found on newer vehicle, like those found on a newer chevy truck. look up GM P/N 15712438 it's rear bump stops off a '99-'06 Silverado 1500

Re: 1958 Apache Help
 

This may be a dumb question but I was wondering if someone could enlighten me on something? Before I start this project does anyone think it would interfere with whatever route I go with lowering my truck (with power steering, disc brakes etc)if I were to swap out the steering wheel (column shift) and transmission to automatic? I have recently had some knee operations and want to make it easier to drive around in the meantime but not if it's going to make things more difficult later on in the build. Any recommendations if I were to do this now? Cost? Thanks in advance. Rob

Re: 1958 Apache Help
 

Automatic swaps are a common mod, even on the lowest of vehicles

Re: 1958 Apache Help
 

Thanks Black Sheep....but are there any issues with a new steering wheel now considering I may install a different front suspension...MustangII or Camaro flip?

Re: 1958 Apache Help
 

A steering column swap is more or less a necessity with suspension and steering upgrades. Shafts, u-joints and other parts you would need are all redily available

Re: 1958 Apache Help
 

the column and wheel, from the firewall into the cab,should be unaffected by the height of the vehicle.the automatic swap shouldn't change anything either once you start the drop. a cable operated style shifter would help because it is unaffected by stuff like body to frame height.

Re: 1958 Apache Help
 

Hey Black Sheep how much of a drop is this?

Re: 1958 Apache Help
 

I've decide to make my first upgrade and swap the manual transmission for a automatic. Can anyone recommend a decent swap? I think I've read that the 7004R would be a good match. I have a 350 engine and am looking for some help. Thanks. Rob

Re: 1958 Apache Help
 

It depends a lot on your anticipated driving - occasional, daily, highway? TH350 is a reputable, sturdy transmission, but if you are planning on driving some highway miles, look into a 4th gear and overdrive to drive the RPM's down (i.e. 700R4). Of course, there are other things to consider - what diff ratio do you have, keeping the 350, etc.?

Cheers, Jim

Re: 1958 Apache Help
 

One thing to consider will be how is your engine mounted? stock mounts go on the front of the block but a 350 can also be side mounted. You will want side mounts and a new crossmember to mount the transmission. Use the search feature and look up 700r4, automatic transmission, steering column etc. This is a great resource but if you haven't done this kind of work before you need to do a pile 'o reading to get some ideas...welcome to the madness! :)

Re: 1958 Apache Help
 

Thanks Jim and Bob. Jim-I plan on just driving it occasionally as nice weather permits and probably on the freeways also. I do plan on keeping the 350. Forgive my ignorance but how do I know what differential ratio I have on my current rear end?
Bob-Are you saying I have to remount my engine differently if I go with the 700R4 automatic?

Re: 1958 Apache Help
 

If you are starting from scratch, do a 700R4. Having an overdrive will make the truck a lot more enjoyable to drive.

Re: 1958 Apache Help
 

https://www.ringpinion.com/calculators/Calc_RPM.aspx


I would recommend the 700r4 as well. I tried to attach a link, but if it didn't work just Google a "differential, mph, rpm calculator" you can input your rear end, tire size and mph and see what rpm you are at with OD or just a 1:1 ratio trans. I'm running a 350/700r4 w/ stock 3.90 rear end and 235/75/15 (28.5" dia) and I can cruise 75 all day at 2500rpm. Way better than the 3 on the tree it had! As others said, do some reading, some years are better than others. After I swapped in this motor/trans I took my driveshaft to be shortened and I was back on the road.

Re: 1958 Apache Help
 

If you have the stock front mounts you can leave them and hang an auto on the engine with a trans mount/crossmember, but it is asking for trouble if you drive it hard.
If the rear is stock it will have low gears. 700r4 is a great mod.

Re: 1958 Apache Help
 

Thanks for all of your input but I decided to go with and purchased yesterday a turbo 350 automatic trans. Since I will be needing a shifter (floor mounted) can anyone recommend a good one for me? Sorry if I dint seem like I know to much about this...it's is my first classic truck. Rob

Re: 1958 Apache Help
 

Finally got my truck back from paint. Attachment 1901799

Re: 1958 Apache Help
 

Looks great! I like the stance, what route did you end up going?

Re: 1958 Apache Help
 

I'm not sure what you mean by that but I put in a Heidts front end and C notched the frame. Turbo350 trans. Drives great!

Re: 1958 Apache Help
 

Yes, thats what I was asking. Your first post in this thread you were asking about different options to lower it. Looks nice. I'm surprised you went with a turbo 350, did you swap out the rear end or just stay off the freeways?

Re: 1958 Apache Help
 

I don't really plan on driving it that much on the highway, plus I got a good deal on the 350 turbo. Yes I did swap out the rear end from at 67 Camaro, 3.08. Runs down the road...and highways just great. I also had to put wheel spacers on it to properly fill the wheel well.