1959 Chevy Apache Napco.

[carrid02]

Ok, so here's the story on this truck. It's been sitting on my uncles farm for about the last 10 years out in the open. I couldn't just watch it waste away so I offered to fix it up... and he let me just come get it. Pretty sweet deal. This truck has been in our family for a long time so I'm excited to be able to work on it and get it driving again.

This will be a slow build. My goal is to get it running, get it dependable, and street legal. Then, pick a few parts to really dress up. Probably not going to paint it for now.

Anyway, here are the details: 1959 Chevy apache fleetside short bed, Napco, 4 speed with granny gear, big back glass, 6 cylinder 235, deluxe cab, radio, heater, 2 speed wipers... pretty much the most tricked out 59 fleetside that you could buy... but also a Napco. Pretty stinking cool if you ask me.

One question: The truck has some 1" (diamond plate) looking trim that runs along the bottom of the truck... starting at the front behind the bumper, going over the front fender, back, over the rear fender, and stopping at the rear bumper. At first glance I would have said it was an addon, but it's actually bolted on like you would see a factory emblem bolted on. I'll try to get some closer pics to show... what do ya'll think? Anyone ever heard of this as a factory or dealership addon?

Here are some pictures:

[OrrieG]

Nice survivor truck, I would not sweat the finish. It looks in really good condition. If its as tricked out as you say the trim was probably a dealer add on, I've never seen it as factory option. Hows the interior?

[G&R's57GMC]

Nice score, Have fun with your build.

Heres my NAPCO.

[sgtusmc]

Beautiful truck. I love the NAPCO.

[carrid02]

The interior looks pretty good... not to beat up. I don't think I have any good pictures before I took the seat and gas tank out, but I'll look and post some. The radio hole was cut a little bigger, but other than that I think the interior is pretty nice. The seat has been redone once already.

Gonna start looking for the deluxe cab trim and bedside trim... anyone have any? I know those pieces are rare, but thought I'd throw it out there

-Craig

[longbike]

Wow what a great truck! your very lucky, please treat her as so!

[carrid02]

A few pictures of some progress... I got the valve cover painted and the carb cleaned/painted/rebuilt.

Also included some shots of the interior:

[nyncompute]

Old truck guys love toggle switches. I'd feel robbed if I got a project without a few

[carrid02]

yeah, those switches operate the add-on spotlights mounted just below the rearview side mirrors. I think they even still work!... amazing.

-Craig
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[carrid02]

I'm trying to decide on a bed choice that I can make look good and will also be super durable. What are the options? I was thinking of cutting the wood to the correct size and having it "Ryno liner" sprayed. Has anyone done that before?

Any other options besides wood...
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[renegade6]

If you are up to spray it yourself, Al's liner is pretty economical or some of the other two part ones that you can tint to match the body color.

[OrrieG]

That is my plan to, truck will be used and I do not want to do a ton of body work to the inside of the bed. You can get kits that are much cheaper than Rhino and can be tinted. Youtube has some videos, its not that hard and the kits include the gun so you don't have to worry about messing up your good one. I am looking at maybe using composite decking boards if the cost is not to bad.

[carrid02]

Thats true... didn't think about that. Composite might be a good way to go. I'll check things out and let you know what I find out.

Also, made good progress on the truck today. I painted tons of parts... still trying to return from lala land Hope to have the truck running (at least) by tomorrow. Will post pics asap.

-Craig
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[carrid02]

Got tons of engine parts/nuts and bolts painted this weekend. Also got the truck running. We didn't have any brakes, but that didn't stop us from taking it around the back field once or twice.

Here the progress:

[docrock]

looks cool

[bajabob]

carrid02,
Nice work, i really like the direction your going.... keep the pic's and work comin.... I hope get some stuff done today myself...

[carrid02]

Thanks man... I've had troubles with the Rochester carb over the last few weeks and ordered a Zenith 228 for the truck.

I've read alot about the carbs on these ole pickups over the last few weeks and think that the Zenith is about the best one to get. I should have it next week and can post pics then.

I hope to have the truck running and driving soon!

-Craig

[OKGMC4]

Love that truck! Don't get too crazy with it, just clean it up and drive it. I even like the original paint. Wish mine had been that complete when I got it. I wouldn't have gone as nuts as I did. I admit I hate fooling with carbs. I'd almost consider putting a single barrel throttle body on one of these to make it more driveable. Are you upgrading the ignition or just leaving it alone?

[carrid02]

Hey, thanks for the nice comments. I agree 100%... my goal with this truck is to keep it "old" looking, but upgrade a few things (chrome bumpers, a little paint here and there like I've done under the hood). But overall, I'm going to get it drivable and dependable... then drive it to work every day .

One thing to note... the doodoo brown isn't original paint. The original color is underneath that... tartan turquoise.

I haven't really considered doing anything with the timing other than maybe upgrade the internals to electronic (get rid of the point/condenser,ect...)

Check out this link. It'll give you a good idea on what I'm trying to do with my truck. Just replace whats broke, get it dependable, then drive it. Carb should be here today... I'm excited

http://www.cardomain.com/ride/336405...evrolet-apache
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[bajabob]

Got to lookin at your pics again.... is that a snow plow set up on the front bumper ???? That would be ba to show up a truck show with one of those things attached..... no such apparatus here unless they use it to push the sand off the highway...

[carrid02]

Ok, I've been working on other things lately and hadn't had time to work on the truck. I just sold a mustang so hopefully now I can get back on it.

Anyone have info on a "bolt-on" disc brake upgrade kit? I'd like to upgrade to a power booster and disc brakes in the front if I can but don't know how difficult that will be with a 4x4. Any thoughts?

[carrid02]

bajabob... sorry, no snowblower attachment. Although that would be awesome!

Another question: Does anyone offer a power steering kit for these pickups?

[bajabob]

carrid02
I had the very same thought (as far as brakes and steering) when I started my project but as I got into it, I pretty much discovered that the truck will retain more value if left close to stock as possible. On top of that there are not many floating around so you will most likely not see a bunch at the next show you go to (just my observation). I had even considered swapping in late model axles to get the good stuff and making it look old ??? In the end I went with the old school stuff. There was a guy who had done some machine work his his Napco Axles over on the Napco owners website. Not sure our it worked out for him. No bolt on kit that I am aware of.

I have installed a power booster to make the drums a little easier to live with and so far its been a straight forward deal. Got mine from CPP.

I am currently working on the brake lines and hope to get the motor redone soon.

[carrid02]

So, there is a power booster that bolts right in place under the cab? Does the current pedal/other hook ups work with it? Can you provide a link to the booster you got?

My problem (one of many) is that the current master cylinder is leaking. I'd just rebuild it, but I'm never going to sell this truck, so originality (considering resale price) isn't my main concern. I just want it to drive easier... a little more user friendly

Last question: After you upgraded your booster, how did it change the way the truck performed? You still had the drums on all 4's right?

[bajabob]

carrid02
Check these guys out, http://www.classicperform.com/Store/...ks/4754BBD.htm
I think most of the classic truck shops have their own or a similar version (brothers, The Truck Shop). I am still in the install phase so I have not had it up and running but everyone I have talked to about it raves about the easy of operation and how nice it makes the brake system on the truck. The only down side is, unless you cut a bigger hole in the floorboard, you have to service it from underneath the truck.... These trucks are not speed demons so, hauler her down from a hundi is never really going to be an issue, but I would like to stop before the limit line and not have to worry about her swappin lanes to do it.
My plan is to use the original steering wheel (the big one) and have as tall and as skinny a tire I can find. The power steering will be the old fashion kind.