Project 59 Apache "1st Build"

[Kabwe]

Hotrod1,

Harbor Freight does sell the 23 wire. Its okay, I use it as a backup. But I prefer the wire I get from the welding supply and I buy my tips from them also. It just seems to weld smoother. Any welding supply should be able to hook you up.

[jimig1]

Originally Posted by dewey777

Good idea, I will try that next time. I bought mine off ebay cheap. Can't find them local up here in Canada.

I bought 8 of them from harbor freight for $5

[Kabwe]

Oh Fatmike,
I forgot to ask, do you have an auto-darking welding helmet? it will make your life much easier. A hell of a lot easier. I just don't have the time, patience, or talent for the flip down helmet though it does look cool when you do it.lol

[Fat Mike]

I had a cheap helmet but then I went to buy a nice auto-darkening helmet and it makes it alot easier.

[jimig1]

I need to invest in to one of those helmets but i always find other things to spend the money on

[Fat Mike]

Me too! I just figured I better splurge because I only have one set of eyes. LOL

[hotrod1]

Hey Mike. What welding helmet did you get and are u happy?

[Fat Mike]

I am not sure where my girlfriend got it from but I am pretty sure it was just one of the local welding shops. It really does make a difference when you are trying to learn how to weld.

[Fat Mike]

Okay now that my shop is ready I'll start up on my build again. I decided that I am going to use the stock frame and will be looking for another camaro subframe or g-body subframe. Leaning toward the g-body subframe because I like the way it ties into the stock frame with out having to narrow the subframe to much like kim57. Just plate the top and bottom and can use s-10 frontend parts. I am cheap and have many of those parts and are easily available. I will have to move my cab mounts back about 6" and am not worried about anything other than the cab mounts. I have to do this because I only have about 12" in front of the front cab mount. Already have my hydrobrake assembly and will have to make a right handed braket to mount under the cab. I will be cutting the frame right behind the cab so that I have a c-notch that will tail all the way out to the rear of the frame that will be narrowed about 4"-6". Will post pictures in the next couple days.

[Fat Mike]

Okay, I had the day off today and was able to get alittle work done on the 59. Started by removing the old stock axle and started to shave the frame. I built a rotissire for the frame because I plan on doing alot of work to the frame. Unfortunately it got dark so I will put the bolts in tommorrow and start working on the under frame.

[Fat Mike]

Started removing all the rivots from the two crossmembers. Ready to weld up all the holes and box the frame in.



Someone recently on here said they needed these crossmembers? If anyone can use these please PM me and you can have them for the cost of shipping them.

[Kim57]

Looks like your making progress. I can't wait to be able to get something done on mine.
Kim

[Fat Mike]

Here is a picture of my truck new in 1959 with an old bicycle in the back. That is an omen that they knew I was going to collect old bicycles.


I am trying Kim57 to make progress on both projects and have been very fortunate that my girlfriend has been very understanding. Will post more pictures this evening.

[Fat Mike]

Well haven't been able to work on my truck like I thought I would, but trying to get as much done as possible. Started welding all the holes up on the frame and getting ready to box the frame in. Also removed the body mounts and I am going to box them in. I got the templates made and ready to tranfer to 16 gauge steel.

[Kim57]

Ah yes, the little time consuming things that seem to take forever. Looking good.
Kim

[Fat Mike]

Is it possible and safe to use this gas tank? It is a boat gas tank, 27 gallons, thickness is .125, and dimension are Height 8"-10" X Width 20" X L 45"? The lenght concerns me because it will over hang the frame on each side 4.5". The height will be okay because I plan on having a c-notch that starts about 18" after the last body mount and tails out straight to the end of the frame. When the frame is laid out the gas tank will stll be about 4" or more above the ground. Here is a picture of the gas tank. Tomorrow i will post pictures of how it looks on the frame.

[Fat Mike]

As you can see the tank over hangs the frame about 4"on each side. It is just inside the rear shackle mounts. Need some input!

This evening finally went very good because of the welding 101 info that Kawbe posted. Thanks again Kawbe. To all you beginners out there please start with heavier welding then work to small gauge welding. It is way easier!!!

[hotrod1]

I agree. Start with the frame (welding) and then everything from there is easy.

[Fat Mike]

Hotrod1 how is that firewall going? Did you get a chane to look at that website? Those are some very nice projects he has going. After talking with the owner of ironworks for about an hour the other day he said that the 48 is worth $250,000 so far. WOW!

[Kabwe]

Hey Fatmike, (I feel funny every time I type that.lol) I'm glad to see its all working out for you. Those engine stands come in handy huh?

[hotrod1]

Haven't done much other than cut the firewall out. Have not had the time. That guys work is unbelievable. It would be fun to do something that much over the top.

Kabwe:
I can tell you again and again and again how those engine stands worked wonders on the frame. THE ARE LIFESAVERS and make my work look better that my skills actually are. Thanks again.......

[Fat Mike]

Those engine stand are very helpful! Thanks for everything; now if I could find more time to work on my projects I would be doing really good.

[OrrieG]

I personally like my tanks tucked up under the frame rails out of harms way. I have a 19 gallon aftermarket one that hands down a little bit but is protected by my receiver hitch. With it hanging out like that, one moment of inattention and you could clip a parking bumper, landscape rock, curb, etc. and have a mess. Maybe you can cut down one end to tuck between the rails?

[jjjmm56]

Mike your doing a great job, your welding has much improved. Just 1 question. With your cab mounts welded up how are you going to bolt the cab down, and won't water collect in the bottom of the mount?

[Fat Mike]

I still have to cut a hole in the boxed side and put a piece of pipe through it to sleeve the hole for more support for that bolt. If you look very close there is a small gap if ther was any water and I was going to put 3 small hole as bleeders in the bottom.

Does anyone know how much it might cost to cut down one side of that tank and have it rewelded?