My 58 Fleetside

[Green 1959]

Working on the frame. Got the suspension off

[Green 1959]

Got the frame done and this much of the front suspension this weekend

[vwjohnny]

Originally Posted by Green 1959

Thank you Kim, hey you 55-59 guys can I get some picts of how the front shocks are mounted? My truck was kinda tore apart when I got it. Also would it be cool to paint the rims Kelly Green? I think it would look good with the trim rings and caps on there. I also think that doing a "truer" green would be cool, thats why I am thinking Kelly Green. Please let me know. And as always

These help ya?

[OrrieG]

Check the upper brackets carefully for cracks right below the shock bolt hole were it widens out. When I was running stock shocks in the 70's both of mine broke off. A search of wrecking yards showed that it was a common problem, all had been removed. I made replacements out of flat stock.

[Russell Ashley]

Green, the truck is looking good, I like the color you're going with.

I'd be interested in buying the part of the dash that you remove if it isn't already spoken for or trashed. I need to make some repairs to mine and just need some small pieces. You can see what I need from the pic.

[BC Toy chest]

Some gr8 work. #7 showing the lower front fender mount was the hardest part for me to repair, yours came out real nice. My cab corners are next.

[Green 1959]

Thanks BC Toy Chest. This is the steering wheel I want to use, I didn't want to go too custom but wanted a little more "spice" than the stock.

[BC Toy chest]

When I had the original sterring wheel years ago I repaired it, painted it and chrome plated the horn cap and it was still an ugly steering wheel, hahaha. Yes I like yours much better.

[longbike]

Lookin good Green!

[ChuckDriver]

Nice work! Keep the pictures coming!!

[Green 1959]

Thanks guys!! Your comments and support really keep me going!! Especially in this D@rn Arizona heat.

[longbike]

Originally Posted by Green 1959

Thanks guys!! Your comments and support really keep me going!! Especially in this D@rn Arizona heat.

Man I hear ya! Its been around and over 100 degrees around here for weeks after working in it all day I just cant go out to work on the 57 until it cools off some! Sucks for getting anything done.

[Green 1959]

Getting ready to do the brackes on the truck. Received the dual master conversion bracket from CPP..... No too impressed for the $93 I spend on it. It was completely covered with paint/power coat, the picture I have is the only side i didn't already clean and paint. Also there was mounting hardware missing and extra washers... Pretty sloppy

[Kim57]

It can be kind of a pain trying to do this without all the right tools but keep at it and you'll get there.
I had to do one of my lower front fenders also and it turned out O.K.
Kim

[Coupeguy2001]

Lookin good

[Green 1959]

The truck runs now, I need to get the cooling system installed before I can tune it but yeah.. Also got a factory (hens teeth) sway bar installed, and shocks. Be on the road beofre you know it. Also have the ac plate installed for the lines going through the firewall. I'll get pictures sometime when there is light out.

[Russell Ashley]

Green, a ram horn manifold will clear the steering box easily.

Now I know why my truck had a ram horm on the drivers side when I bought it and a twin to yours on the right side.

[OrrieG]

Maybe this pic will help. My box is up front, but you can see the stock recess next to the shock. I ran the stock box with the same manifold set up without any interference. Manifold dump is in front of the stock steering box location, the way GM designed it.

[Coupeguy2001]

Lee, I have a perfect virgin dash if you get tired of beating your head against the wall on this one, and the tubular corvette manifolds will clear the factory steering column and they are 2 1/2 inch outlets........just a reminder.

[Green 1959]

I'm getting the front clip ready to paint and was wondering how I should do it. Should I put the front together and paint it or paint the parts and them put them on. How hard is it to put the fender emblems on after everything is together?

[Coupeguy2001]

paint the parts separate then install the emblems, then assemble the fenders on the inner fenders after they are on the truck..... Just tape everything off really well prior to assembly to eliminate scratching.... try to visualize yourself on the assembly line in 1959. What is the fastest yet easiest way to do what you are about to do? Probably the whole front clip went together prior to installing.
I put my emblems on my 57 fenders with the fenders installed. I ruined a good T shirt doing it, but it can be done. (thank you armor-all) It definitely wasn't the fastest way. You have to use a box wrench so your wrench stays on the last nut. One of those new style ratchet wrenches would do fantastic.

[OrrieG]

Originally Posted by Coupeguy2001

One of those new style ratchet wrenches would do fantastic.

I got a set of Craftsman with the swivel head. Spendy but worth it to get into all the nooks and crannies. I sold a 68 Camaro that had a 7/16" wrench wedged up in a place I could not get too after it spun when tightening from the other side with a ratchet.

[A.T. RockDriller]

I love your truck, Orrie....
Those dogs of yours are quite the duo, too.

[OrrieG]

Originally Posted by A.T. RockDriller

I love your truck, Orrie....
Those dogs of yours are quite the duo, too.

Only Murph is mine (red one). The other was my karate instructors.

[Green 1959]

The patch for the left side. The right side on. The left side welded. The inside of the lft side with bedliner brushed in.