SGTUSMC '59 build

[nickp51chevy]

Originally Posted by LEEVON

pass on the spider caps, they are overpriced and fit like crap. bullet lugs and shannon cones look about the same and are easy as pie.

I didn't know that the fit like crap. Maybe I'll do something else; I'll have to think about it

[sgtusmc]

Mounted them tonight. I was to tired to push it out into the darkness for some pics. My wife took these as I was wrap'n everything up for the night. The front bag cups need to be trimmed about 2" to even it out.

[sgtusmc]

I like the look of both the spider caps and the shannon cones. I'm not sure which way we'll go at this stage. I was given a chrome plated brass spider cap as a kid. It was heavy and well built/cast. It might have been a backyard cast deal or custom cast. It wasn't like any of the caps out there now. I think I traded it for some comic books at about 10 years old. Anyone know who might still make the ol brass spider caps?

[OrrieG]

I'd bet some of the low rider supply places might have some. There is probably a message board like this for low riders too that might get you connected with some original ones. And there is the HAMB too.

[sgtusmc]

I pushed the pig out and thought I'd snap a few before I get dirty. I'm going to try and cut the bag caps and remove a leaf from the rear. That should get it a lot closer to the ground. It's a chilly 72 deg out so I might not get to much done...hahaha (sorry for those that have snow on the ground)

[OrrieG]

LOvin' it, LOW and SLOW...

[Fat Mike]

That is a nice looking truck!! Can't wait to see what it looks like just a little lower. Better put some scrap plates on it!! LOL

[nickp51chevy]

Originally Posted by sgtusmc

I pushed the pig out and thought I'd snap a few before I get dirty. I'm going to try and cut the bag caps and remove a leaf from the rear. That should get it a lot closer to the ground. It's a chilly 72 deg out so I might not get to much done...hahaha (sorry for those that have snow on the ground)

72?!?! Really?!?! I think it's like 50 here. 72 is a nice day for us up here in WA. Get to work on that truck. There is no excuse when it's that nice outside.

Lookin' good BTW!

[sgtusmc]

Snapped a few while the guy was cutting the white wall. He was telling me he's been doing it since 1985. Cost per tire was $16. It took abot 20 min to do all four. I thought it was a cool set-up. They've done a few sets for me. I've never asked to watch till now.

[OrrieG]

Now that is interesting. Tire and scrubber both rotating at 90 degrees. Got to wonder how many it took to get it right?

[mylow53]

i knew there was white all the way around i just didn't think any one had a machine to reveal it.
Nice
GT

[sgtusmc]

I finally got around to mocking the front bumper. The 88 frame horns are spaced perfect for the 59 bumper mounts. With a piece of 1/4 plate I was able to join the two. I doubled up the flat plate and welded it together. I thought about another vehicle bumper, however the wife likes the stocker (once she hits and dents the stocker I'll switch it out for an ARB bumper).

[sgtusmc]

My son found this pic of this 58. I don't know who it belongs to or any info on it, but this is the look we are going for.

[nickp51chevy]

Originally Posted by sgtusmc

I finally got around to mocking the front bumper. The 88 frame horns are spaced perfect for the 59 bumper mounts. With a piece of 1/4 plate I was able to join the two. I doubled up the flat plate and welded it together.

That's awesome that it fits perfectly like that

I thought about another vehicle bumper, however the wife likes the stocker (once she hits and dents the stocker I'll switch it out for an ARB bumper).

And this is just funny.

[Spackle100]

Originally Posted by sgtusmc

My son found this pic of this 58. I don't know who it belongs to or any info on it, but this is the look we are going for.

Yeah! That thing is sick!

[sgtusmc]

Guy's, I was looking at the 88 gauge cluster yesterday. After ripping it apart I noticed that each gauge comes apart from the cluster via 3 plugs to the circuit board. I'm thinking with some trimming, JB weld, and some cussing they might fit in the 59 cluster. I'd have to use the circuit board to make it work. Since each gauge just plugs into the board, I could wire each gauge and mount the board somewhere under the dash in a case of some sort. Has anyone ever done this? I like the idea of not forking over big moneys for aftermarket stuff and the ease of just plugging it into the stock wire harness without any splicing. Any help would be highly appreciated.

[nickp51chevy]

That is an awesome idea! I wish I could help you with it, as far as input or info, but I know you'll figure it out!

[1958 FLEETSIDE]

LOVE THIS PROJECT,KEEP THE INFO AND PICS COMMING,THANKS

[OrrieG]

looks doable if the guages will all fit in the bezel. template will tell that. find a connector that will fit the board and guage, little soldering and you are good to go. take care to make sure all connections are protected from shorts. i'd make sure the board is mounted vertical. i will be watching this, i've been looking at newer dash layouts to maybe do the same.
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[Fat Mike]

What is the width of your front wheelbase compared to the stock width using the wheels you have on it right now?

[nickp51chevy]

So you've got those gauges figured out by now right?

[99 to Life]

love both your trucks. As for the gauges, I wanted to do something similar with my 51' speedo, as I am using an electronic pulse transmission. However, for your gauges, I can't help to wonder how well the speedo will mount up. Keep in mind even if they can fit in there, the numbers are spaced differently
and the needles are probably different lengths, so it might not read correctly. But, you might be able rotate the assembly to have say the 10's line up. Even then, I am not sure on the distance of all the numbers and also the radius of the overall numbers are far different. Fortunately they go in increments of tens. I would love to see how this pans out. I am betting if it doesn't work, there is prolly some cluster out there that will work well for apache's and also the advanced design speedos.

It's things like these that get us all wound up, in a good way.

[sgtusmc]

Do to my health, I haven't been able to mess with the truck these last few day's. I boxed up the gauges and set them aside. 99 to Life, I'm sure you right about the spacing of the numbers and all. After giving it some thought, I might have to change the gauge face plate (it's just thin sheet metal) to fit the design windows of the donor gauges. The easy part of the gauges, is that they don't use needles. They have an enclosed white area that moves +&-. I'll make a template of the 59 and cut out areas for the 88 gauges close to the original design. It will be a lot easier than trying to fit the gauges in the original 59. I'll also have to change out the bezel to some Plexiglas. I hope to get it done in the next few days.
I hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving!!!!

[nickp51chevy]

I'm sorry to hear about that. Did they ever fix what was wrong with ya or did they tell ya no? I hope that your feeling well engouh to have a good thanksgiving. Take care of yourself; the trucks can wait.

[sgtusmc]

No, Dr's still won't attempt the operation. I seen another surgeon at UCLA last month. He said there would be to much trauma to the skull. I'd have to wear one of those weird helmets for years. It would have to be a multi-surgery event with each being more risky than the previous. I was told that the scattered placement of the frags in the head are perfect to cause the most pain and suffering without causing actual death. So my enemy did an outstanding job, that rat bastid...hahaha
At least I'm still able to walk around this mud ball. There's a bunch that didn't even make it back.