Project 59 Apache "1st Build"

[Kabwe]

Originally Posted by Fat Mike

Thank you BC Toy Chest! How is your build going? Haven't seen you post anything in awhile. Look forward to some new posts.

He's not going to post anything he is just a looky-loo and a butthead.lol

Nice work Fatmike, everything is looking good.

[BC Toy chest]

Originally Posted by Kabwe

He's not going to post anything he is just a looky-loo and a butthead.lol

Look a here it's Mr. Butthead to you. And ohh yeah I got your Butthead my 'Lil trouble making friend, haha

[Fat Mike]

Originally Posted by BC Toy chest

Look a here it's Mr. Butthead to you. And ohh yeah I got your Butthead my 'Lil trouble making friend, haha

Sometimes I would think you guys aren't friends!! LOL

[Kabwe]

Originally Posted by Fat Mike

Sometimes I would think you guys aren't friends!! LOL

Mike believe it or not he is a good friend of mine although I don't know why. I guess I just feel charitable sometimes.lol BC Toy chest that is a great likeness of you.lol

[BC Toy chest]

Originally Posted by Kabwe

Mike believe it or not he is a good friend of mine although I don't know why. I guess I just feel charitable sometimes.lol BC Toy chest that is a great likeness of you.lol

HAAAA YOU WISH YOU LOOKED THAT GOOD.

[Fat Mike]

Hoping someone chimes in that knows alot about the cantilever airbag setups. This is what I am hoping to do. The picture below show a setup that I really like and am going to mimick. The only thing I would like to change is the placement of where the bags mount. I would like to have the bags mount on the side of the frame rails instead of over the rear pumpkin. Is this reasonable??

[ratty 46]

WOW ... that set ups a bit .... wild & looks like a lot of fab work. But ... wtf ... go for it.

Ta got me hooked ....

Ratty 46

[99 to Life]

ummm, I think that is wayyy overkill. You would get a better ride not having
it on the axle or above in this case, so I am told. But it would take less psi to get it up rather than
below the axle. I don't like the fact that you would have no bed. I think there are far better ways to run the rear. but it really depends on what you are going for.

[Fat Mike]

Here is another setup I really like!

[R.A.D]

cool build it how you want it

[troy54gmc]

Man Mike that hurts my eyes just trying to figure out what goes where.. hey check out chevyrestoguys build he did a cantilever setup on the outside of the frame and it looks sweet.

[troy54gmc]

Hey Mike. what happened to you buddy? havent heard from you in a couple of months. How is the build coming????

[Fat Mike]

I will be getting back to my build here in a week or so. Have had alot going on and trying to get as many hours in at work as possible.

[yukon ratrod]

Hey!!! whats going on over here!!! you guys all forget about me or what??? you making any progress?

[Barney Rubble]

impressive Fat Mike. Love the way you have openly and honestly posted your learning curve. Your fab work has really come on. Welding is great fun, even better when you can proudly show off your results as you are.
I'm going to do my 59...... sometime....... your thread makes me want to do it NOW.
Barney

[BC Toy chest]

I like both setups, it's mechanized art. Go for it. Folks will be standing at the back of your truck trying to figure it out. If you don't mind giving up the bed space, have at it. You come this far you don't want to carry anything back there any way. Your friends need help hauling stuff ? tell 'em Home Depot rents trucks,
I know the placement of the bags on that orange truck was a concern to you, but I like that placement because I like easy access to stuff that has the potential for problems. I know air bags are pretty reliable but I have worked on a few vehicles with problem bags and hate the added work to get to them. I always think in terms of what could go wrong and how to tackle it in the easiest way, but you do what best suites you. Can't wait to see yours completed.

[Fat Mike]

Thanks for the info. Glad to see that you have got back to your project. It is coming along really well.

[Fat Mike]

Trying to get back at it! What is the best way to attach the new frame to the existing frame? I will be narrowing the rear portion to the inside of the frame.

[Kim57]

Fat Mike
Nice to see you back on it.
Kim

[99 to Life]

mike, so where you have your back half of the frame is where you will want it right? To attach it to the existing frame, I'd think you would want to box that back half of your existing frame first. then maybe do four bolts through both frames, then weld it up. I'd also weld a triangular brace from the outside of the old frame to the new frame. Kinda where your webbed square is. I never done it, so I don't know the pros and cons of that. If the width wasn't the problem, I'd say beat it into the C channel of the existing frame, but I'm sure you have it there for a reason, or am I not seeing eye to eye with what you are trying to do. also I'd put gussets on all your welds on your custom frame. meaning a diamond square welded over the seams, just to help with support of the welded seams.

[Fat Mike]

Finally got my camaro subframe lined up and welded. Need to graft all the metal together better but want to make sure everything is correct first. Also boxed in existing frame so I can attach the new rear portion of frame to it.

[Fat Mike]

Also trying to figure out the best way to attach the two frames together. I am going to run them side-by-side so I can narrow the rear alittle. I plan on using some 1/4" square tubing to reinforce the inside of the frame , then box it in, and finally attach the rear portion on. I will add some gussets to the outside and box the whole thing in.

[99 to Life]

I think the rear portion will work out great. As for the front, how are you keeping everything lined up and level? ex. your wheel base is probably figured out right? I'm assuming you had your cab and fenders on or some type of reference? But to keep front clip at the proper height you want, did you measure the original set up? Some guys get a lower stance in the front with the front clips, would be a nice option. Anyway, I can imagine it being a pain doing all that outside on the dirt. It's nice to have a ground to keep marks on and have it level and use a plum bob and all that. That front clip will be critical to keep height, proper alignment and all that. You will probably have to degree the engine when you put it and the trans on, since all factory locations have been done away with.

I'm sure you will be aiight. keep it up.

how is your AD truck??

[Fat Mike]

Originally Posted by 99 to Life

I think the rear portion will work out great. As for the front, how are you keeping everything lined up and level? ex. your wheel base is probably figured out right? I'm assuming you had your cab and fenders on or some type of reference? But to keep front clip at the proper height you want, did you measure the original set up? Some guys get a lower stance in the front with the front clips, would be a nice option. Anyway, I can imagine it being a pain doing all that outside on the dirt. It's nice to have a ground to keep marks on and have it level and use a plum bob and all that. That front clip will be critical to keep height, proper alignment and all that. You will probably have to degree the engine when you put it and the trans on, since all factory locations have been done away with.

I'm sure you will be aiight. keep it up.

how is your AD truck??

I have about four pages of reference points if you can believe it. I have been using several 6' levels to make sure everything is level while i weld. I have had to use reference points such as old cab mounts as reference points. Also have asked hundred of questions on centerlines of axles from refernce points and ect. Rob at nolimits had a subframe threadon here awhile back but am not sure what happen to it. Have my subframe sitting at 8 degrees for my anti-dive so I do try to do my homework first.
My ad truck I am going to box in frame in the next couple days and get some body mounts built. Someone stold my front grille and rad support so have to locate another chevy one.

[99 to Life]

ok, sweet sounds like you got it dialed.

sux about your grill, can't wait to see it done