![]() |
Register or Log In To remove these advertisements. |
|
|
![]() |
|
Thread Tools | Display Modes |
![]() |
#1 |
Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Sacramento
Posts: 425
|
59 Apache Stepside Rookie Build
Hi guys, this is my first time building a vehicle, im 21, just finished jr. college and moving onto state next semester for mechanical engineering. I got this truck when I was about 17, my dad's longtime friend sold it to me for $100, it was basically stock except for the mild 350 that was in it, we drove it home.(thanks again Arnie) This build has and will continue to be a sloww one due to school and money(lack there of). But over the last few years I tore into it a bit and fixed some rust patches, and have collected an assortment of parts to throw at it. The basic theme of this is low sitting cruiser that will be a reliable street truck. I made the grill in high school, I wanted to use old bumper gaurds like the ones used for led sled mercs but I couldnt afford em, so I built something that kinda had the same theme. Im not sure if im gona use it though, but I still have the original grill.
At the moment, Im trying to fit my front sheetmetal to the cab and frame. For this I need to modify the camaro clip for new mounts. But my big problem is that when I went back to put my front fenders on, the bottom is sticking way too far out. What I think happened is that I replaced the firewall lower cab corners already without fitting the fenders. Has anyone had this problem or could advise me in fixing it? I'll put up some pictures of them tonight. suspension: camaro front, parallel 4 link/watts link in back engine/trans: 2001 5.3/th400 (maybe upgrade in future) Rear axle: ford 8.8 limited slip w/ disk brakes Wheels: Cheap ones that fit ![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#2 |
Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Sacramento
Posts: 425
|
Re: 59 Apache Stepside Rookie Build
These are in reverse order, but you get the picture.
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#3 |
Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Sacramento
Posts: 425
|
Re: 59 Apache Stepside Rookie Build
So it turns out that after I trimmed the front frame horns off the camaro clip, it allowed the sheetmetal to tuck around the hinge pocket on the driver side, it should be fine. The passenger side bolt bracket needs to be cut off and tucked in closer so that the fender doesnt stick out, that will be tomorrows goal, maybe even patch the fender too.
As for the rear coilover, I just did this as a mockup to see how the frame sits on the coil spring. I need to build the 4 link before I mount the other shock or else everything will come crashing down. ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#4 |
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Corona, California
Posts: 7,998
|
Re: 59 Apache Stepside Rookie Build
Thats a ton of work you've done. Looks good.
Kim |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#5 |
Yellow truck club
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Barrie Ontario
Posts: 2,080
|
Re: 59 Apache Stepside Rookie Build
Nice to see another 4 lighter arising from the rust.
Man you have done a ton of metal work. Nice job. For the coil overs you might want to try moving them to the inside for more wheel clearance.
__________________
................................................................ Brian ...... ![]() My hub garage address http://www.hubgarage.com/mygarage/59apache I gue$$ everything has it'$ price ALL GONE NOW ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() PRAISE THE LOWERED 350 700r lokar shifter power MII front end, shockwaves tilt, 4 wheel discs 4-link and bags 10 bolt limited |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#6 |
Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Sacramento
Posts: 425
|
Re: 59 Apache Stepside Rookie Build
Thanks for the compliments guys,
I thought about putting the coilovers on the inside. I decided to mount them on the outside like that because I dont plan on running that much bigger of a tire, theres going to be a watts link on the inside of the frame rail, and its very similar to the nolimit fat bar setup. But who knows, theres always room for modification and thats why im just mocking it up now. I think it will work. |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#7 |
Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Sacramento
Posts: 425
|
Re: 59 Apache Stepside Rookie Build
Today was the first time in a long time that I touched any sheetmetal (my patch panels were rusting) But I cut off the little fender tab and then had my way with the lower fender. The worst part was getting the tar off of the back, had to burn it a scrape it. It isnt much to show for today, but I tried to take my time on it.
Ill finish welding the patch tomorrow, and then move onto the radiator support mounts next..... |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#8 |
Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Sacramento
Posts: 425
|
Re: 59 Apache Stepside Rookie Build
part 2
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#9 |
Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Sacramento
Posts: 425
|
Re: 59 Apache Stepside Rookie Build
Update!
So Ive spent all summer working at a sheetmetal shop, and one of the perks was that I got to make some parts on the laser. I just got started assembling the parts. In the batch are brackets for a 4 link, watts link, and shock mounts. Hopefully Ill have the truck rolling by the end of next week. |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#10 |
Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Sacramento
Posts: 425
|
Re: 59 Apache Stepside Rookie Build
more
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#11 |
Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Sacramento
Posts: 425
|
Re: 59 Apache Stepside Rookie Build
....
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#12 |
Tripple Five Fanatic
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: USA
Posts: 658
|
Re: 59 Apache Stepside Rookie Build
Very nice work with the brackets, what application did you use to create them? What's the file format?
I created my brackets using the PlasmaCAM software and used the plasma cutting tool to cut, they sure are not cut as clean as yours. Again, good job. Tri5
__________________
1955 Chevy Stepside/LS1 drive train http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=371513 |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#13 |
Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Sacramento
Posts: 425
|
Re: 59 Apache Stepside Rookie Build
Thanks Tri5, I just came up with the design in AutoCad so it was just a standard dwg. The laser at work runs off of its own software and it just converted the dwg to its own usable code.
No kidding about the laser, Im very happy with how the parts came out. It sure beats my original plan of cutting all the parts out by hand with a plasma. lol |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#14 |
Registered User
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Lawrenceville, Ga
Posts: 2,645
|
Re: 59 Apache Stepside Rookie Build
Very impressive work, keep the pics coming. You can change your ID to HotRod Pro when you get this one finished, LOL.
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#15 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: kissimmee Florida
Posts: 494
|
Re: 59 Apache Stepside Rookie Build
Looking real nice!
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#16 |
Certified Car Nut
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Inglewood, California
Posts: 3,118
|
Re: 59 Apache Stepside Rookie Build
Looking great man, keep it up.
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#17 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Clovis Ca.
Posts: 3,311
|
Re: 59 Apache Stepside Rookie Build
NIce job! Your welds look really nice.
__________________
Classic Trucks Link http://www.classictrucks.com/feature...uck/index.html 1958 GMC.Project Build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=162816 1966 Chevelle Build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=443576 Video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=prrNKo8F7Zw#GU5U2spHI_4 |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#18 |
Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Sacramento
Posts: 425
|
Re: 59 Apache Stepside Rookie Build
Thanks guys, right now Ive been out of town for a couple days visiting family. Im really itching to get back to the garage and finish the rear suspension. I should have updates by the weekend...
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#19 |
Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Cali.
Posts: 958
|
Re: 59 Apache Stepside Rookie Build
I agree, I think it's time for you to change your name. "Rookie"...I think not!
__________________
My build, 53 GMC / S10 swap http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=305723 My build, 59 Chevy / 88 fullsize swap http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...hlight=sgtusmc U.S. Marines - Certified Counselors to the 72 Virgins Dating Club. |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#20 |
56 - autocross
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Camarillo, Ca
Posts: 1,121
|
Re: 59 Apache Stepside Rookie Build
NICE WORK! I think you almost completely built up the cab from nothing.
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#21 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Ozark, MO
Posts: 4,887
|
Re: 59 Apache Stepside Rookie Build
First off, thanks for saving the old '59. Lots of guys would have parted it or passed. Second you've got some skills! Your welds look outstanding, especially the lap weld on that shock bracket!
Leevon
__________________
'20 Silverado Trail Boss ~ '17 Tahoe ~ '79 K15 Sierra Grande ~ '76 Blazer 2wd ~ '71 Cheyenne swb ~ '55 Pontiac Safari ~'50 3100 bagged ~ '80 Wife ~ Late model kids
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#22 |
Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Sacramento
Posts: 425
|
Re: 59 Apache Stepside Rookie Build
Yesterday me and dad spent most of the day playing with the front sheetmetal to get the two radiator core brackets mounted to the frame. Now that they were in place, we took off all the sheetmetal as well as the body and I went to town cleaning and grinding up the framerails to prepair them for welding. That black tar sure doesnt like to come off, and it stinks when it burns. I also removed all the brackets from the leaf spring suspension with the good ol air chisel. It makes mince meat out of all those rivets. After that I cleaned up the rest of the rear axle by removing the stock brackets that were still atatched to it. Lastly I got a heads up on boxing the rear frame section which Ill most likely finish tomorrow...
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#23 |
Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Sacramento
Posts: 425
|
Re: 59 Apache Stepside Rookie Build
.....
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#24 |
Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Sacramento
Posts: 425
|
Re: 59 Apache Stepside Rookie Build
.....
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#25 |
Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Sacramento
Posts: 425
|
Re: 59 Apache Stepside Rookie Build
Today's slow progress. I have all the parts ready to weld in, its just that Im too scared of messing up the parts (only have one set) so I was using the tape measure more then the welder today. My grinder decided to stop working, the wire connecting the brush split at the connection. I'll have to deal with it tomorrow....
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
Bookmarks |
|
|