58 Apache Nailhead Build

[58ApacheNailhead]

Hello, I'm a long time lurker, first time poster.
I decide to finally join after perusing the site for sometime.
I hope this is Kosher that my first post is going to be a build thread.
I am amazed by the talent here on this board, and someday I aspire to be like some of the talented craftsmen here.

Alright I guess that is enough brown nosing for now.

So I picked up a 58 Apache about a year ago for the nice price of $ free.99.
I had been searching for a 58/59 for sometime, and could never seem to find one that fell in my price range.

This is what she looked like when I picked her up.


All 4 brakes were locked up, and we had to drag it out with a tractor.

Will post more soon!
Please follow along. I seek praise and admiration.

[meter swinger]

Congrats on the score. I love those old nailheads.
Posted via Mobile Device

[Red Foreman]

Nail head, I'm on board!

[58ApacheNailhead]

Originally Posted by meter swinger

Congrats on the score. I love those old nailheads.
Posted via Mobile Device

Thanks, I'm a fan of them also!

Originally Posted by Red Foreman

Nail head, I'm on board!

Cool, I am a bit ambitious and have very high hopes for this truck, but my lack of skills and current job are somewhat of a limiting factor.

[58ApacheNailhead]

You guys like pictures?

Here are some more pics of when I picked her up! Enjoy.


The bed that was on it was rough!!!


Luckily it had another bed! Score!

[Kim57]

Welcome.
This should be a nice build.
Kim

[58ApacheNailhead]

So my intent of this build is to build a cool daily driver/cruiser.

The plans are to get it running and driving, then tear down for full frame off build. (we'll see how that goes!)
Ultimately my end goal is to swap in a 64 425 Nailhead, with a 5 speed.
lowered all the way around, on bags....
Still learning as I go, and trying to weigh the pros and cons of a camaro clip vs MII.

When I got it, the P.O. had lost the keys, removed the starter to rebuild it; lost it, and someone had stolen the radiator.

********Lookin for a V8 radiator if anyone has a line on one!*******

So far I have replaced the starter, rebuilt the ignition switch, freed up the brakes, and have done some clean up.




It took a pretty good smack in the back at sometime in it's life.
So what to do now? replace that section, or build a custom tube frame with C notches?

Removed the bullet riddled rock smashed front windshield and was set back by the amount of rust that was in the eyebrow. I knew there was some, but I was not aware it was this bad!

[Dan in Pasadena]

Ok, I'll bite: WHY are you calling this "nailhead". I've never heard that name applied to anything other than the old Buick engines. I've been around old Chevy trucks all my life...if this is a common nickname, I don't know how I missed it.

[58ApacheNailhead]

Originally Posted by 58ApacheNailhead

So my intent of this build is to build a cool daily driver/cruiser.

The plans are to get it running and driving, then tear down for full frame off build. (we'll see how that goes!)
Ultimately my end goal is to swap in a 64 425 Nailhead, with a 5 speed.
lowered all the way around, on bags....

Originally Posted by Dan in Pasadena

Ok, I'll bite: WHY are you calling this "nailhead". I've never heard that name applied to anything other than the old Buick engines. I've been around old Chevy trucks all my life...if this is a common nickname, I don't know how I missed it.

Sorry I guess I should have explained a little better, or outlined my build plans up front.

This is my current car, It is a 64 Buick Wildcat with a 401. I like the power and torque of the nailhead. I just so happen to have a 425 that needs a home.

[Dan in Pasadena]

Ah....ok, I get it. It's unique to put a Nailhead engine in one of these trucks too.

I'm looking forward to see how this comes out. The truck looks like a challenge given the amount of rust I see in the cab roof. Mine has some too but less I think. Good luck to you!

[Denee007]

Thank goodness for google search! I had to find out what was meant by nailhead! That's a very interesting engine! Looks like you have some work cut out for yourself. I'll tag along, should be interesting ; )
Posted via Mobile Device

[Wheelie]

Great engine choice! Nailheads look absolutely amazing when all tricked out.

[58ApacheNailhead]

Thanks for comments, I make it sound cool, Hope it turns out the same!
Lets continue, Shall we!

So I knew there were issues with the cab, so I started my search for a better cab to replace the P.O.S. that I had. I posted a couple comments on the HAMB lookin for a better one.

I found one in Fort Worth and drove up to pick it up. I was lookin for a large window cab, but for the price of this one I couldn't pass it up! While I was up there I met another contact and picked up a few parts from them.











The cab I picked up has some issues, inner/outer cab corners, steps, lower hinge pockets, firewall, etc....

The plan is to remove the roof and back cab panel, patch it all together and make a good cab!!

[Kim57]

It's great your able to get the parts you need.
Kim

[Task Force Era]

I saw your thread on the hamb awhile back. Looking forward to your progress!!

[58ApacheNailhead]

Note to self, When using a spotweld cutter on a drill, make sure you don't slip off the piece of metal you are trying to seperate, and make sure your wrist is not in the direct path of the cutter!!!!!

Gonna take a week break and get back on it later!


It could have been alot worse than what it is, only 7 stiches! I guess I can say I was lucky!

[58ApacheNailhead]

I got as far as removing the rear panel, and was in the process of removing the inner roof panel, when I was so rudely interrupted!

[Denee007]

Gosh, sorry to hear about your wrist! Thank goodness our bodies heal! Imagine that if our wounds never healed!

You've got your hands full, at least your radio area isn't cut up!
; )
Posted via Mobile Device

[58ApacheNailhead]

Thanks Denee007! I was checkin out your build the other day, I like what you did for your radio!

At least thats one area I don't have to worry about!