Chevy 1959 Apache.

[Krimics]

Hello to all.
I have just purchased a clean 1959 Apache which is to my understanding all standard with the 235 and “3 on the tree”. I have been fascinated with the American trucks being English and now I actually own one! It looks as though this is the correct place to ask for info on a few upgrades I wish to do. I do intend to upgrade to front power disc brakes which I’m comfortable with (will take photos during upgrade and will post). However I do want to install power steering and was wondering if there is someone who has actually done so on a truck with my setup?
Unfortunately this truck came with A/C (nice for the wife) and has both the Generator and Compressor on the right side of the 235. May be a problem situating the power steering pump!
So, what would be the A/C items to purchase, will the “kit” work with the “3 on the tree” and advice on the pump location…
A few pics of the truck enclosed.
Mike

[Denee007]

Hi Mike! Dne' here! Welcome! and my, what a nice truck you have! Is it that difficult to steer? I've never driven any truck like this, much less with or without power steering! lol I'm still working on my truck. However, I'm sure someone here will be able to help you or offer advice. Just thinking (I do that on occasion) you have an extra groove on your AC, perhaps a PS pump could sit above the compressor, fabricate a ps braket? Maybe even use a small general motors pump with a separate reservoir. gee, thinking is fun! lol
again, welcome, you'll love it here!
dne'

[Krimics]

Hi Denee007,
I have been following your rebuild intensely so I’m thrilled that you have taken the time to respond. Thanks for the truck complement, I had been searching for a truck for 8 months, seen and driven quite a few but ‘they’ did not speak to me like this one did. I was fortunate to be at the right place at the right time for this one, and it was just around the corner! Great idea on the A/C Compressor pulley, definitely food for thought. Keep your truck progress documented, it is great to see how you are doing..Great job sir.

[_Ogre]

nice looking truck krimics
welcome to this forum

[NEWFISHER]

Krimiks,
My suggestion and experience has been on non-powersteering trucks and early cars, get or keep the stock steering wheel 9 they look cool and are large enough to use the fulcrum advantage), ditch the aftermarket wheels and wider tires. Get some stock wheels or upgrade to a larger diameter wheel vintiques steelie and keep some skinny tires on it. I have found that with wider aftermarket tires, you will need the assist. If you plan on going with a more stock look, white walls or not, you will you notice a huge improvement.

[Kim57]

Welcome.
Kim

[Roadkill58]

Welcome. Nice truck!

[Krimics]

Thanks all for the welcome. Also thanks for the great suggestion on the differing wheels NEWFISHER but what were the original sizes. I"m all for getting this truck to original. Also I do intend to install front discs so I assume I will needs larger wheels? PS I think I may have the original steering wheel.

[OrrieG]

Looks nice. That is the original wheel and looks in good condition, usually they are cracked where the spokes meet the wheel and hub.

[arturo7]

nice truck

welcome

[_Ogre]

you won't need bigger wheels but the caliper will not clear a stock wheel
i have 4 wheel disk brakes and steel 15'' rims from wheels vintiques

[BOHICA]

That's a pretty truck, Mike.

Originally Posted by Krimics

Unfortunately this truck came with A/C (nice for the wife) and has both the Generator and Compressor on the right side of the 235. May be a problem situating the power steering pump!

Actually, those are on the left side. When talking about the sides of a vehicle, they're referred to as if you were sitting at the wheel, not looking at it head-on. Not being nit picky, just wanted to make sure you knew this in case you ever needed to get a side-specific part.

[huahuamick]

I also have the same problem, thank you guys.