58 Apache short bed rebuild

[Scottish58chev]

As you can see the floor and firewall are in pretty bad shape. But being in the Uk and another cab not being an option it looks like I’ll be getting even more acquainted with the welder lol

[ChuckDriver]

You've got your work cut out for you on the cab! I like the cab lift you've made, I'll have to make one like that myself!

[dsraven]

your cab is in better shape than mine was when I stripped it down. don't worry, you will get it done.
the cab lift looks good. I built one like that as well. the stops on each end are a great idea to keep things from tipping too far one way and possibly causing a catastrophe. I installed some end caps on mine as well because all my work is done by myself with nobody else around usually.

[Scottish58chev]

Originally Posted by ChuckDriver

You've got your work cut out for you on the cab! I like the cab lift you've made, I'll have to make one like that myself!

My wife wasn't too happy when she realised i had borrowed two bits of timber from one of the garden benches to make it, but needs must ha ha.

[Scottish58chev]

Originally Posted by dsraven

your cab is in better shape than mine was when I stripped it down. don't worry, you will get it done.
the cab lift looks good. I built one like that as well. the stops on each end are a great idea to keep things from tipping too far one way and possibly causing a catastrophe. I installed some end caps on mine as well because all my work is done by myself with nobody else around usually.

I'm on my own when i work on the truck as well so this make a massive difference.
I just need to make a stand for the cab but i'll get that done once the floor has been replaced. It's repairable so thats a bonus and i have a lot of repair panels which should help cut the repair time down. At least i hope so lol

Your cab must have been pretty bad

[BC Toy chest]

Awesome project you got there. Looking forward to seeing more photos.

[_Ogre]

ogre is always in awe when he sees you guys across the pond build any classic vehicle
we get spoiled by 2 day delivery, a week delivery just pisses us off

looks like you have a good handle on the build and have the ability to do most any fab work

[Scottish58chev]

Thanks guys, I wish the wait time was as little as 2 weeks lol, we can get stuff fairly quick but it’s not cheap so sometimes slow is the way to go. Been having the usual run of bad luck with my welder giving up on me, sent it to get looked at and it’s done New one has arrived though so all good just waiting on the last of the cab repair panels to arrive before I start on the cab floor.
I decided to tackle the gearbox as it’s been stripped since may, the original box that came with the truck was completely wrecked, output shaft had worn through the bushings into the casings so I had to find another.
I managed to get a reasonably priced one that was needing the case repaired but seeing as I had the old one to butcher I bought it as it was a few hundred cheaper. On pulling it apart it was in good condition, other than one of the brake bands, I changed out all the clutch plates for good measure as I had stripped. I cleaned up the casing and smoothed off the casting marks that I could just to clean it up a little before paint. I then cut the parts I needed from the old box and welded them to the new one, all in all it turned out pretty good.

I decided on bed liner to paint the casing as I’m thinking it will be harder wearing and easier to clean, it went on pretty well and had a nice light textured finish which is what I was after.

[Scottish58chev]

1 more piece of the puzzle done

[Scottish58chev]

Also, I’ve managed to get my engine on the dyno and I’m very happy with the results 532.5bhp@6000rpm with a peak torque output of 578lbft@4700 and it sounds pretty sweet. considering it’s got budget heads and a flat tappet cam I’m more than happy considering it’s only ever going to see the street.

Trying to figure how to load a short clip of the dyno run.

[Scottish58chev]

https://youtu.be/OxbxX_5Sn2E

https://youtu.be/SgvJ5PFFSRA

[_Ogre]

sounds good!
will you be able to close the hood?
that would definitely be a sleeper

[Joe Pass]

Nice build.....

[Scottish58chev]

Originally Posted by Joe Pass

Nice build.....

Thanks Joe

The hood should close, as the blower has a fairly low profile but that being said I am fitting a scoop so time will tell ha ha

[Scottish58chev]

Start of the cab welding, decided to do the floor first to give me a starting point

[Scottish58chev]

Replacing the full floor including toe boards as well as inner and outer rear cab corners and both front lower hinge pockets and hinge mounting panels

[Scottish58chev]

More of the same 😃

[Scottish58chev]

More

[Scottish58chev]

Not sure what’s happening with the pictures but they’re loading arse for tit but you’ll get the idea

[Scottish58chev]

Basically repeating both sides but passenger side went together quicker as i knew what to do

[Scottish58chev]

So that’s as far as I’ve got, got the firewall and dash to do and one last panel on the passenger step then the cab will be pretty close, come a long way and the repair panels are pretty crap in my opinion, the fit is poor at best but they’re on. Hopefully update more soon.

[Scottish58chev]

With Christmas out of the way I decided to tackle the firewall, hopefully get it finished tomorrow. A nice start to the new year

[Flames97]

Wow, you're not messing around!! Awesome work!

[dsraven]

a steel wheel barrow tub makes a great bump for the firewall, unless you have other plans.

[Scottish58chev]

Originally Posted by Flames97

Wow, you're not messing around!! Awesome work!

Thanks man, getting there slowly