1958 Apache Big Window Loooooong Bed "Lucky"

[daveshilling]

Hey Gang,

This stray truck followed me home yesterday. I was a self-described longbed disliker, but this one got me! Original paint (turned out it was just repainted the same red), little bit of aftermarket bondo, very little cancer.

The Good:


Floors are solid!!
Steps are solid!!
window areas all solid!
Hinge pocket seem solid, need to be cleaned out
One corner not rusted through
Original 283 still there, turns by hand when i turn the fan, oil in the block still
5 new spark plugs in the glove box.

The Bad:

Was hit in the drivers front, everything in that area is tweaked / off a bit
Previous owner resolved the resulting door fitment issues with a hammer until the door opened again

The Interesting:
No less than 20 wasps nests in there
Bench seat was replaced with a seat from a school bus and used like that for years
Rubber bumpers added to the front grill (why?) and the dangling horseshoe gives the truck its name.

Plans:

• 350 / 2004r or th350 depending on whats out there.. UPDATED: Going 5.3 LS
• Flatout Engineering C4 IFS kit - 84-87 C4 suspension with the small brakes
• Some sort of 5 lug rear, disc if I can get one, flipped on the leafs. UPDATED: Going Vette IRS.
• Mustang gas tank out back
• Replace the school bus seat with a recovered stocker/stock inspired.
• 15" chrome steelies and white walls UPDATED: Newer Vette front means 16's...Kinda bummed about that actually.
• Ignore the 5% of rust, scrub the interior a bit with scotchbrite
• New bed wood, maybe black walnut or burnt oak
• Be the envy of suburban husbands everywhere when I arrive at Home Depot to pick up lumber.

Please respond with excellent links for me to get this truck on the road safely! I can't seem to find a thread that journals a simple "get er going" process...(I've learned why-nobody ever stops there)