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1959 Apache Project
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My name's Andy and I wanted to give everyone a peek at my ongoing 1959 project. I live in central Texas and have had a relationship with this truck for about 5 years. I started with a 59 I bought from a coworker. Texas truck with only 2 owners. It looked like it was going to be restored and then someone gave up. We trailered it home, in pieces and didn't run.
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Re: 1959 Apache Project
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I tore it apart and got the interior straightened out, new wiring harness and got the engine running. I determined it had a 350 with a 2 barrel and a 4 speed. It had dual exhaust with glass packs.
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Re: 1959 Apache Project
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My Dad as been in the car business his entire life but this was my first project, so I had a lot of learning along the way. I got it pieced back together and running. I had it inspected and registered, that was a high point for me.
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Re: 1959 Apache Project
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I got some rally wheels for it and was getting ready to look at painting it when I had a fantastic idea.
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Re: 1959 Apache Project
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Tear it apart and put a 454 in it....
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Re: 1959 Apache Project
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I had the front axle dropped 4", put a Camaro rear end in it and acquired a 454 and auto trans. I also put front disc brakes on it and replaced the shocks.
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Re: 1959 Apache Project
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It sat that way for about a year while I coached baseball and worked. I then decided to finish it and changed my mind about the 454 and instead went with a rebuilt 350 (my first rebuild) and the original 4 speed. I thought the engine came out pretty good.
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Re: 1959 Apache Project
I have the cab back on and the engine in and I'm sorting out the wiring and getting a few parts to get it ready to fire. I'll get some more pics tomorrow of it's current condition. I want it finished by the end of the year, I've been putting it off too long and I want to finish it.
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Re: 1959 Apache Project
:welcome2:
Looks like a great project. I personally liked the 454 though. Kim |
Re: 1959 Apache Project
the transmission looks like a car 4spd to me. were you refering to the tranny that was in the truck when you purchased it?
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Re: 1959 Apache Project
Correct. That's the one that came in the truck when I purchased it, I realize it isn't the "original" stock tranny, that one would have been the three on the tree. Who knows when it was retired and replaced with the 4 speed.
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Re: 1959 Apache Project
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Hard to work on a truck when you are dealing with this...
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Re: 1959 Apache Project
Looks like a perfect time to wet sand it.
Nice work. Are you going to stay with the stock front suspension, steering, and brakes? Discs on the front will help reduce the pucker factor under hard braking and brake shoes do not work that great when wet. I mention that becuase it appears that is a problem there from time to time. |
Re: 1959 Apache Project
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Stock front straight axle dropped 4" by Nostalgia Sid's, front disc brakes by CPP with power booster, '75 Camaro rear end and new wiring harness. The engine is in, clutch linkage in, brake lines finished and new front engine mounts. My next step is alternator, finish wiring, fuel line, reroute battery to bed and finish firewall prep.
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Re: 1959 Apache Project
Wow - to almost have it "finished" and then decide to tear it apart, swap a few engines and do it again - you've got some energy!!
Good luck on getting it done - it's gonna look great! |
Re: 1959 Apache Project
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I finally heard it run yesterday! It started right up, this is my first complete rebuild on an engine and carb so I was a little anxious. It sounded great I just need a little valve adjustment, I was close but just missed a couple. I'm going to move the radiator back about 3 inches, adjust the valves, fab a throttle linkage and clean up my wiring.
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Re: 1959 Apache Project
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I'm keeping the brass top radiator, I stripped the paint off of it and I think it's cool. Here is my problem, any ideas on getting that tie rod end farther away from the tire? Different wheel setup? I'm open to ideas.
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Re: 1959 Apache Project
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Interior shots. I'm going to replace the rust and put the original bench seat back (with seat belts). The rest just needs cleaning it's already been painted.
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Re: 1959 Apache Project
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Rear end setup.
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Re: 1959 Apache Project
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I like the stance but I think I might be too low in the front. The roads better be flat. I put some sheet metal on it just to see how it's going to sit. I have to build a box for the battery, throttle linkage and then start putting the body on it.
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Re: 1959 Apache Project
Quote:
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Re: 1959 Apache Project
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I've attached the front end, replaced rear pinion seal, bolted the bed on, secured the battery and getting ready to do exhaust and finish the body panels. I also have to trim the rear fenders to clear the tires. These aren't the final wheels just using them to drive it. I am going to get steel wheels with smooth hub caps. All the electrical is finished, fuel lines finished but still need to set the timing. I am really pleased with the stance, it turned out just like I wanted.
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Re: 1959 Apache Project
Looking good.
Kim |
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"Nice project you have and in my opinion there is no such thing as too low the problem is with the roads."
I knew that was coming, just wondered how long it would take... lol sweet project... looks like you have lots of room for the others as well.... |
Re: 1959 Apache Project
That is really looking good. What color are you going to paint it?
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