need some info...58 apache

[jglassjr]

Im going to look at a 58 apache fleetside this weekend.... can anyone offer up some suggestions on what to look for.... by the pix it looks very nice, asking price is $17500

[OrrieG]

Hidden rust, poorly executed clip, suspect wiring, leaking drive train components are biggies. Wear old cloths and bring a flashlight and good magnet.

Rust, at the minimum you usually find rust in the headlight eyebrows, bottom of front fender brace, bottom door hinges, bottom of doors and rear cab corners. If you are in a higher rust prone area then the steps, floor pans, A pillars, above front and rear windows get added to the mix. All metal pieces are reproduced to fix these, but bondo banditos with just use filler, you will see evidence looking from underneath. Magnet will help find plastic.

Front clipped? This is harder but a hack job will be obvious. If questionable ask for build photos to see if it is poor welds ground and covered with plastic. Look at some of the build threads here to get familar with the different ways the front suspension can be changed correctly.

Originally wiring should have been replaced, the original has other covering that hardens and cracks over time leading to shorts and fires. Does it look like a good installation, well routed and thought out or just strung willy-nilly? Good aftermarket system with color coded and labeled wires? Good splices or twist and tape method?

Leaks? I have never had a SBC that did not leak a little from the rear seal after it got a few miles on it. Other suspects are pan seals, tranny seals and pinon seals. Also check the MC/booster and brake disc/drums for signs of fluid weeping.

Drive it at low and high speeds. If its been clipped check for wandering at speed, binding during tight turns and shimmy or darting under hard braking. Listen/feel for vibrations at speed caused by rear drive train alignment issues.

I always take a knowledgable, but disinterested, friend along so emotions do not cause blindness! Good luck.

[OrrieG]

post up a link to the pictures....

[_Ogre]

Asking$17,500 it better have flawless paint and drive like a new Cadillac