1959 apache fleetside

[aaronh33]

just have a few questions about this kind of truck. how rare are the fleetsides and would this be a decent setup 350 4bbl Quadrajet, TH400 automatic, B+M shifter, headers. thanks

[raycow]

Originally Posted by aaronh33

how rare are the fleetsides and would this be a decent setup 350 4bbl Quadrajet, TH400 automatic, B+M shifter, headers. thanks

It would be a lot more decent if you were planning to do something about the brakes, suspension, rear axle, etc

Fleetsides are rare enough that this guy choked when he found just the bed for sale at $2K.
http://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vboa...d.php?t=407454

Ray

[OrrieG]

Short Fleetsides are relatively rare because most work trucks had them in the long (8') configuration. I read somewhere but have not substantiated that there were more Camio's sold than short fleetsides in 58-59.

Engine trans combo is pretty standard and easy. What you do with the rear is a matter of present condition vs. upgrading to newer one. Upgrading to bags, 4-link, etc. is personal taste, springs will ride like a truck and keep it relatively high. Front suspension is same deal. I drove mine for 10 years with stock configuration and another 15 with 4wd on stock springs. If you don't mind the ride and don't tailgate stock will work fine, I'd upgrade to dual MC and power unit at minimum.

If not then let the debate start (again) on MSII vs Camaro/Nova clip vs other after market types. Cruise thru the builds to see what you are up against with each one in cost, time and level of experience needed.

[dwcsr]

No cameo's built in 59. 58 was the last year for cameo

[dewey777]

Mine has a camaro clip installed by the PO, very nice, clean install and truck handles like a dream. Cut coils in the front, how much I am not sure. Rear is a 10 bolt with drum brakes and stock springs. PO used some home made shackles to raise the rear mounting of the springs to dop the rear but did not flip the axle. I plan on changing this soon to an axle flip and proper shackles, hopefully lowering the rear more.
I had an appraisal done on my truck when I bought it and he figured it was probably about 1 of 10 registered in Canada (Big back window, short fleet). I think there is probably more after searching the internet but who knows, still rare enough.

[OrrieG]

Originally Posted by dwcsr

No cameo's built in 59. 58 was the last year for cameo

That explains 59, still wonder about 59.

[poncho_villa]

Originally Posted by aaronh33

just have a few questions about this kind of truck. how rare are the fleetsides and would this be a decent setup 350 4bbl Quadrajet, TH400 automatic, B+M shifter, headers. thanks

Sounds just like my truck. Same set up, but my 350 is very modified. I'm quite happy with it. But like Raycow said, the brakes, suspension, etc. needs to be looked at also. Got any pictures?

[aaronh33]

here is the add for the truck. my main plan was to just make a daily driver out of it. im kind of on a limited budget but i want something that i can drive and work on.

http://tucson.craigslist.org/cto/1789201729.html

[Wrenchbender Ret]

Looks like a good buy to me. I've got a 58 short Fleetside. 350, 5 speed. I'm not quite done with it but it will be a great truck.

[OrrieG]

Looks like a good deal if it drives ok. Can't tell for sure but it looks like it might have 5 lug wheels which would mean front and rear end replacement or conversion. The 8' bed was the one sold the most. 6.5 short and 9' long came in next. I think the 9' was only available in 3/4 and up trucks (8 lug axles). check to make sure the usual rust places are ok or have been fixed right (cab corners, cab floor and steps, front fender light eyebrow and lower brace area, cowl) that is where it can get expensive and time consuming. Also look at the wiring, alot of these have been pretty hacked up over the years. Its easy and not that expensive to rewire these.

[aaronh33]

[QUOTE=OrrieG;4034347]Looks like a good deal if it drives ok. Can't tell for sure but it looks like it might have 5 lug wheels which would mean front and rear end replacement or conversion. QUOTE]

should it have 6 or 8 lug wheels instead? im supposed to go look at it monday or tuesday so any other things like that to look at would be a great help. thanks for all of the info so far

[dewey777]

It would be 6 lug from factory for a 3100 apache and 8 lug for a 3/4 ton. Looks solid

[OrrieG]

Dewey is correct stock should be 6 or 8 I was speculating on 5 based on the trim rings and caps. But could be 6 lug truck ralley wheels too...