A Rookie's 1958 Apache

[Mr.Jones]

Gentlemen,

I need your honest opinion. Is it worth saving this truck? I am a true rookie, meaning this will be my first restoration of any kind. I am afraid of getting into something that I have the slightest idea about. I must admit, I have read and read and read your amazing threads. However, at the same time I am extremely nervous about this project. Thank you in advance for your advice.

[Mr.Jones]

More pictures.

[Kim57]

IMHO for a first build I would look for something in better shape.
That can be saved but it will take time and money and for a first build it can get frustrating.
Kim

[Mr.Jones]

Originally Posted by Kim57

IMHO for a first build I would look for something in better shape.
That can be saved but it will take time and money and for a first build it can get frustrating.
Kim

Thank you for the kind advice. By the grace of luck, the guy ended up giving me the truck for free and I am now motivated to work on it. Since it was free, I guess this will be a great foundation to learn the many ends and outs of restoration. Where should I start? The cab?

[Kim57]

I would start with smaller pieces like the fenders and doors. They make patch panels for all the rust I see in the pics.
It's easier to keep motivated on a big project if you can see things being finished along the way.
Kim

[Mr.Jones]

Let's Begin!!!

[Mr.Jones]

Made some major progress today.

[Mr.Jones]

Save or salvage? More pictures to come.

[Mr.Jones]

More pictures.

[dwcsr]

That cab is scrap. I've done some extensive rust repair but I wouldn't do that one. It needs every panel the truck has. Find a cab and start there or part that truck and use the money to buy a better one.

[hopped up]

Man that thing it thrashed! I think it'd be better off as parts truck if there's any good parts left. Find another 55-59 they're all pretty much the same minus the frontend. That od us too far gone for a first timer. Don't wanna burst your bubble but you'll be overwhelmed and get burned out on it

[BC Toy chest]

WOW !! That's a lot of work. Please don't take this in the wrong way but the cab looks pretty far gone. You entertained the thought of looking for another truck. There are a few wrecking yards in other parts of the country that have a hand full of these on their lots and fields. What shape is the frame in?

[Mr.Jones]

Appreciate the feedback guys. Luckily I got the truck for free. I am definitely going to take your inputs into account and look for another cab. What can I really save on this truck?

[BC Toy chest]

Originally Posted by Mr.Jones

Appreciate the feedback guys. Luckily I got the truck for free. I am definitely going to take your inputs into account and look for another cab. What can I really save on this truck?

The frame hopefully, the hood, the back glass, the bumpers, the grill, various hardware parts of the cab and bed sides and tail gate. But not being able to see everything in person it is still hard to tell. Take your time don't get frustrated or rush. Are you looking to build as a stock restoration or a mild custom/ modified truck? If you have any automotive back ground experience it will be easier for you to tackle. If you have to rely on others at a shop you will encounter lots of problems. Sorry but that's the nature of the beast.

[Mr.Jones]

Originally Posted by BC Toy chest

The frame hopefully, the hood, the back glass, the bumpers, the grill, various hardware parts of the cab and bed sides and tail gate. But not being able to see everything in person it is still hard to tell. Take your time don't get frustrated or rush. Are you looking to build as a stock restoration or a mild custom/ modified truck? If you have any automotive back ground experience it will be easier for you to tackle. If you have to rely on others at a shop you will encounter lots of problems. Sorry but that's the nature of the beast.

BC Toy Chest, you definitely hit it on the head. The frustration was building!!! I am looking to build a custom truck. Again, thank you for helping an amateur out. Hopefully, I have a little time today to figure out want can be saved on this truck. Again, thanks.

[_Ogre]

time and money can fix anything
but i fear you would have a lot of time and lots more money getting that truck back on the road
pull off the parts you think are good and reusable and scrap the rest

[Mr.Jones]

Originally Posted by _Ogre

time and money can fix anything
but i fear you would have a lot of time and lots more money getting that truck back on the road
pull off the parts you think are good and reusable and scrap the rest

Orge, you and the others are right. I got so excited about having the opportunity to final work on a classic truck, that I was not thinking straight. Thanks for the sound advice.

[ratty 46]

"What can I really save on this truck?"

I dig the free on the front end , however, free is not what yo'll end up with coin wise and time ... unless you don't work full time you'll spend every waking hour trying to bring that one back to life. Don't get me wrong - It can be done but as a first build unless you've got some extensive body working skills & you own a welder, planishing hammer, set of rollers, a very big tool box, an air compressor & tons of dedications I might use this as a spare to the one that's in a bit better shape.

Before you start take the time to realize, with just the cab, you need floors, lower doors, rear panel to cab, etc, etc ... seek a donor cab at least.

Good luck my friend.

R46

[74project]

ratty i hoped he figured it out by now this post is 3 months shy of 2 yrs old...

[ratty 46]

I wasn't even paying attention to the date

I wonder what the outcome wash though ...