1959 short Fleetside Apache AKA "Henry"

[CMACDONALD1]

Well here goes... I thought I would create a build thread on a truck that I purchased a couple of years ago. The truck started life in Alberta and has been a project for some time now. I bought the truck with most the suspension complete with a mustang II front end. As far a the powertrain goes its a running driving truck new motor ,trans and a Camaro rear diff. The plan is to carry on with what was already started and finish the body and interior. The truck is pretty clean as far as rust goes but definitely needs a lots of metal work to get it straight again. I gave the truck the name Henry because that is the previous owners name and thought it was a good name for an old truck. the first thing I did was start playing with some wheel and tire combinations. I sure am looking forward to getting Henry back on the road! The first two pictures are the day I picked him up.

[CMACDONALD1]

The first set of wheels I tried on for size were some Tourque thrusts. I like these wheels on it but they are just a little to wide.

[Fleet58]

I like the Americans, thats what I will put on mine one day... Old school never goes out of style, fine looking fleet my friend...

[CMACDONALD1]

Here it is with its current wheels. So to this point I have driven this truck for about two years like this. I thought it was about time to give the body some love. time to tear it down.

[59chev]

Nice truck! Subscribed

[CMACDONALD1]

The first order of business was to change the exhaust. I did not care for the exhaust sticking straight out of the back. I rerouted the exhaust to down turn towards the corner of the box underneath the truck. I thought that the roll pan made it look to flat on the back so I mounted the sport bumper and left the roll pan in place.

[Kim57]

Nice looking truck. Will be watching your progress.
Kim

[CMACDONALD1]

Thanks Guys!

[CMACDONALD1]

here it is with the rear bumper installed.

[Fleet58]

Thats the way it should be done, I'm doing the same thing. It just looks so much cleaner and finished with the pan. So many people just put the bumpers on and if they have a rear mounted tank the hangs just a little too low it just doesn't look good. Nice job right there...

[CMACDONALD1]

From the day I found this truck I started looking for the side trim. I think it looks fantastic on these trucks. I finally found a set after months of looking. This trim costs dearly these days but I think its worth it.

[Fleet58]

I totally agree, it just adds that much more appeal to the truck...

[Fleet58]

Forgot to ask, where did you find your trim, local or from the guy in Canada, I know he's really expensive, I think $2500 for the set.

[CMACDONALD1]

eliminated the chains on the gate. I had some leftover tailgate pieces from the suburban I built and they worked great.

[CMACDONALD1]

The tailgate worked out great and I'm really happy with it.

[CMACDONALD1]

body work has now started. I should say that I have been working on the truck for about two months now in my spare time. I have a hard time sitting in front of the TV and this is my therapy to unwind in the evening.

[CMACDONALD1]

box is now in primer and ready for its first block.

[_Ogre]

i do like those fleetside truck, nice find on the trim; rare as hens teeth from what i hear
looks good so far, better now with the rear bumper and exhaust moved out of the fascia

[CMACDONALD1]

Originally Posted by _Ogre

i do like those fleetside truck, nice find on the trim; rare as hens teeth from what i hear
looks good so far, better now with the rear bumper and exhaust moved out of the fascia

Thanks Ogre. Yeah I like the exhaust underneath the truck. I know a lot of people like the exhaust running straight out the back but it did not suit the truck in my opinion.

[CMACDONALD1]

cab is starting to come apart. the overwhelming feeling is starting to set in. I have a time line on this truck because I want it painted by August. My plan is to have it at Super Run in Red Deer in August. Super Run is a week long event with a lot of rides from all over western Canada and its a great show.

[CMACDONALD1]

The steps are all welded in and body work started.

[CMACDONALD1]

Cab interior bodywork is done and now in primer.

[CMACDONALD1]

This is currently how the truck sits as of now. started working on the back of the cab.

[Fleet58]

Did you have an issue with the driveshaft hitting the cross member, reason for the notch...

[Daze57]

great work and great looking truck
wheels that are on it now really make it !