1958 Apache Big Window Loooooong Bed "Lucky"

[G&R's57GMC]

Another method of filling from under the truck would be a squeeze bottle with a curved spout like this .

[daveshilling]

Originally Posted by G&R's57GMC

Another method of filling from under the truck would be a squeeze bottle with a curved spout like this .

....and you still don't know how much is in there! I like the remote reservoir option, I'm looking forward to it. I should be able to get a bottle in there with the seat back.

[daveshilling]

I got the hoses I needed and the other bits for the remote reservoir. Used the Nissan quest mod for the Ford Master cylinder and ran this into the cab corner, on the inside tucked behind the bench seat a bit.

I like the location, its easy access, keeps the firewall empty, and was just fun to figure out. It also prevents me from worrying about where the hoses go, whether they get close to exhaust, etc. (yes I added hose clamps and grommets, calm down)

We'll see how practical it really is!

[daveshilling]

I also needed to redo my brake valves... I was using a combination valve before, but for Ford brakes, and I have GM Vette, so I decided to just switch to an adjustable proportioning valve for the rear, and add the 2lb wilwood residual valves to keep pressure in the lines since I'm frame mounted.

They're not the cleanest looking lines out there, but aside from showing yall this photo right now, nobody else will look here but me I bet.

You can also see the wiring update peeking through there... its just ran sorta temporary now to check lengths. It will need to come out to get loomed once I decide its how I like it.

[daveshilling]

Continuing to fuss with the engine harness. I decided to try running it beneath the intake... there's so much room under there! I stuffed a ton of wiring in the space beneath and now its all off the intake.

I will have an engine cover so its kinda pointless, but now I can remove the intake muuuuch more easily if need be. Paying my future self, if you will.

[daveshilling]

Wires, wires, and more wires. I still have plenty of cleaning up to do, but I got the truck wired up juuuust barely enough to run the engine.

My mystery 4.8 fired right up once I replaced a leaking injector seal and then remembered that something was still unplugged and and the fuse holder needs actual fuses in it. I only ran it for 20 seconds or so, but success!! It has sat here for 4 years now.. pretty impressive.

This was important for me in my process, it means I can start tucking some wires away in tape and loom soon.

I still need to wire the chassis...but there's no lights, so everything is just bundled. I'm waiting on Dakota Digital Gauges so I can wire those up as well.

[daveshilling]

Went ahead and cut down the DD shaft for the steering... I don't think I'll be shifting the engine or column TOO much in the future. Well I hope not.

Plenty of clearance without needing a support bearing. I really put some effort into this, so it's nice to see the direct shot down to the rack with no obstruction!

[G&R's57GMC]

Wow you have been busy ! Looking good .
Is the ecu under the dash ?
What exhaust manifolds are you running ? I like the steering set up .
BTW the brake reservoir set up worked out great . Also the brake lines look good .

[daveshilling]

Originally Posted by G&R's57GMC

Wow you have been busy ! Looking good .
Is the ecu under the dash ?
What exhaust manifolds are you running ? I like the steering set up .
BTW the brake reservoir set up worked out great . Also the brake lines look good .

I'm hiding the PCM in the glovebox for now... and maybe forever. If I get Vintage air some day, well then of course things will need to change. I can also hide the DBW module there, the fuses, and who knows what else!

I'm running TrailBlazer SS manifolts. I do soft of wish I had the Hooker swaps in here, with their smaller 2 flange, but this steering clearing is super generous! Had I known you can weld these manifolds, I may have just use truck manifolds and reworked the drivers side.

Thanks! I'm looking forward to feeling the brakes... hoping for short pedal travel so I can chop the pedal.

[NorCalGal]

For your wiring I’ve found these to be very handy.10 to a pack.

[daveshilling]

Originally Posted by NorCalGal

For your wiring I’ve found these to be very handy.10 to a pack.

Oh, I love this! Just use a magnet to pull the wires up high... check. I will be doing this. Thanks for the wisdom!

[dsraven]

if using the split loom for the harness control there is a tool made for helping install the wires into the loom.

https://www.cabletiesandmore.ca/wire-loom-tools

[daveshilling]

Originally Posted by dsraven

if using the split loom for the harness control there is a tool made for helping install the wires into the loom.

https://www.cabletiesandmore.ca/wire-loom-tools

Pretty cool!

[G&R's57GMC]

That MagDaddy would be great for hold wiring for lights, but it could cause havoc with computer circuits that are unshielded .

Would be great for layout work then use something else for the computer circuits .

[daveshilling]

Been tinkering and will have some updates, but here is a shot showing that my little boy has made more progress in the years than I have! Not so little these days.

[G&R's57GMC]

Hay Dave what’s happening ? Been awhile since the last update . Inquiring minds want to know .

[daveshilling]

Originally Posted by G&R's57GMC

Hay Dave what’s happening ? Been awhile since the last update . Inquiring minds want to know .

Perfectly reasonable question! It's running, but there is no life in the transmission yet, so that was a gut punch...I've goofed around with straightening out the fender eyebrow enough to hold some headlights, worked on getting gauges and wiring done, and I still need to find someone to tack my aluminum rad mounts on in the new location to make space for the electric fan... a few things happening, but nothing actually completed.

[daveshilling]

Since Glen is a bully, I did something and took photos. I wanted to shorten my pedal, but I figured while I had it hacked up, why not sneak a custom change in there that only truck guys would notice?

I got a disc brake rubber replacement pad for a newer chevy truck, made a new pedal, and welded it to the shortened rod. I expect much less travel with hydroboost so this should be plenty, and if it's not, I will change the pivot or just go firewall instead.

It's cut to match the DBW pedal I have installed right now.

[dsraven]

It's good to check that a full pedal travel equals a full master cylinder travel, plus a safety margin.

[daveshilling]

Originally Posted by dsraven

It's good to check that a full pedal travel equals a full master cylinder travel, plus a safety margin.

The original pedal had more travel and a shorter pivot point, creating more leverage due to the 4 wheel drum brakes on a larger cylinder. With power brakes, less force is needed, and the pivot point has been effectively moved further to center, increasing travel after that point per inch of pedal travel.

Hydroboost also just doesn't need much pedal, but we will find out one way or another!

[daveshilling]

I'm still on the hunt for a new red 58/59 front clip, and will likely be doing so for years, but in the meantime I need to attach a headlight to this crappy fender. It was hit, creased, and a light bucket could not fit.

Considering my absence of metalworking skills and the crap I was working with, think its a solid C-

There is still crappy sheet metal in this area, but It's not worth going further right now... I'd rather get it driving. Also I don't have the skills anyways.

[daveshilling]

Here is how it used to look:

[dsraven]

Looks ok to get it going and just keep an eye out for a better one.

[59chev]

What year is the replacement pedal pad? Looks great! I have been considering a similar mod for my 59.

[daveshilling]

Originally Posted by 59chev

What year is the replacement pedal pad? Looks great! I have been considering a similar mod for my 59.

It's a Dorman 20771. I think they make one with a metal insert in the center that says Disc Brake, but I couldn't find it and didn't try super hard either.