59 Chevy Build
 

I just became a member of this site and found it most interesting. I know that there are a lot of "builds" published but one more couldn't hurt.

I just returned from Arizona where I purchased a '59 Fleetside (4700 miles round trip). I already have a prostreeted '59 and thought this would make a good tow vehicle. So this build is going to concentrate mostly on the drive train. The truck that I am starting with is "barn fresh", actually the best condition '59 I have seen. I am going to power it with a 502 and an automatic, not sure if I will use a 400 or a 700R4. I hope you enjoy the ride.

Re: 59 Chevy Build
 

A couple of pics of the tear down...............

Re: 59 Chevy Build
 

Awesome score! Your right, it looks in great shape. Should make for a great build. Keep us posted of your progress. Nice to see that you have a good camera. :cool:

Re: 59 Chevy Build
 

Thats is in really nice shape. How long did it take before you put the shin guards on the frame ends? FYI that bed trim is worth about $500 by itself on ebay.

Re: 59 Chevy Build
 

That'll be cool, a 59 pulling a 59! Cool idea! Looking forward to fallowing the build!:metal:

Re: 59 Chevy Build
 

Welcome to the site. Nice start to a cool truck. Good to see another 4-lighter here. Keep those pics coming.

Brian ...:cool:

Re: 59 Chevy Build
 

A couple of people have asked me about the prostreeted truck ,so, I thought I would attach a few pics...................

Re: 59 Chevy Build
 

Sweet trucks! Welcome aboard!

Re: 59 Chevy Build
 

nice trucks

Re: 59 Chevy Build
 

:) During the build of the other '59 I must have smacked my shins 100 times. As soon as we started tearing it down this time my wife put those on for us.:metal:

Re: 59 Chevy Build
 

Well today was spent stripping off old paint. Thank goodness it is the original paint and not years of build up. The first thing I will be installing is the fatman's IFS front end. I am going with a power rack and AirRide. I have this setup on my other '59 and really like it better than some of the others out there. Other things that I plan on doing during this build is a 4 link / ford 9" setup, complete re-wire using painless, Ididit column, and a few other goodies. Here are some pics from today's adventure.

Thanks to all for the warm welcome and the positive remarks!

Re: 59 Chevy Build
 

Great find! Cool that it has the bed side "spear" trim, usually don't see that with a small window cab.

Re: 59 Chevy Build
 

"OOOO" look at that untouched dash. At the rate your going at it you should be done in what a couple of weeks or a month top!!

Brian ...:cool:

Re: 59 Chevy Build
 

This truck was 100% intact. I even have all the original paperwork showing the buying order and all service records. It is very interesting looking at the options and prices of the selected options. ie: two tone paint, $44.00 and the custom cab $102.00....I am only the 3rd owner of this truck. People are already asking me "why did you drive all the way to Arizona for that truck",.....as the saying goes, "if you gotta ask, you probably wouldn't understand".:but:

Re: 59 Chevy Build
 

The body is going to stay "untouched" as far as the metal. I am going to paint it black with the inlay on the bed in the same red as my other '59. I am even going to leave the radio delete plate in place.......

Re: 59 Chevy Build
 

That's one of the things i like about those trucks, stock or modified, they look great.

Re: 59 Chevy Build
 

Hey prostreeter58,

Somehow I missed the start of your thread. Your Pro Street 58 is seriously awesome! It sound like you will have one sweet vehicle for towing also.

Re: 59 Chevy Build
 

Well we finally got that rain that we so desperatly needed. Hasn't rained in probably 3 months here and figures it would come down in buckets the day I wanted to hang the front suspension. Anyway I got most of the stuff out of the way and started to box in the front section so I can set the cross member in place. The other cross members will be removed after I set the new one in place. The pics show a primitive spot welded only pieces in place. Tomorrow I will finish boxing the front up.

Re: 59 Chevy Build
 

Nice lookin 4-holers you got there, keep the pics comin.

Re: 59 Chevy Build
 

Thanks 58 GMC............I would like to see more of your ride too........

Re: 59 Chevy Build
 

Very nice projects you have there. I understand about the rain.

Bernie

Re: 59 Chevy Build
 

Okay so the weather cooperated more today. I tack welded the front brackets for the IFS in place today. Tomorrow I will remove the original cross member and finish boxing in the frame.......................

Re: 59 Chevy Build
 

i ilke the looks of this setup seems like a strait forward install

Re: 59 Chevy Build
 

I keep thinking about a Camero sub frame, but every time i see a MM2 style front end, i think maybe that's the way to go. They just look so clean and simple.

And i love your Pro-Streeter. It's a kick butt truck.

Re: 59 Chevy Build
 

Thanks for the compliment......as far as a front end. I am totally sold on Fatman's IFS set up. They have the best geometry and ease of install of any others I have seen. Subframes are great, but if you can spend the extra coin, this is the way to go,,,,,,,