1959 Apache

[dagnabbitt]

Originally Posted by dsraven

there is a reinforecement panel inside the door with holes for the original mirrors. maybe a good idea to yake the door panel off and locate it.

Thank you, I will check that out!

[dsraven]

I think it shows up in the factory assembly manual. If you don't have one it is a free download on the trifive site. Google

55-59 Chevrolet truck factory assembly manual

Then pick the trifive site

[dagnabbitt]

I found it, very interesting read. Can't wait to get a door panel off.

[Az. Hank]

I like the off white. Can you post some pictures of the "grafting" done with the Tahoe parts? I'm trying to decide if I want to do it that way or just set my 57 body parts on the Tahoe chassis and not graft the dash and all. I know it will be easier to do it without cutting the cab up but it is intriguing to keep the Tahoe dash with air and gauges etc.
Thanks Hank

[dagnabbitt]

Unfortunately I don't have a lot of interior pics of when I bought it, but the PO really leaned into using as much of the Tahoe as possible. It had the Tahoe seats and dash in it, both of which I removed. The seats were too overstuffed for the cab, they forced you to to sit really close to the steering wheel.

They put a LOT of work into sectioning the dash for the cab since it was too wide for the Apache. The plan they had was to have it wrapped in leather afterwards.

Although I appreciated the work, I didn't like it and I removed it all. Most people think I am an idiot for that and I have certainly created a lot of work for myself and made the truck somewhat undrivable. I say somewhat because I still drive it without a dash or gauges... or anything.

I bought an old OE dash from someone and I plan to install it some time next summer, I hope. For gauges I am hoping that I can find an electronic Apache one that will work with the GMT electronics. When I first got the truck no one had really done this body swap before and I couldn't find anything. Maybe that has changed, I would appreciate it if anyone has info.

[dagnabbitt]

Got some 16" trim rings and the wheels are complete. I think they look ok, certainly an improvement.