Re: 1958 Apache Big Window Loooooong Bed "Lucky"
 

When I did my Hydroboost i got fittings i thought i wanted along with hose that goes with the fittings cut a little long. took it all home and routed the hose to the fittings and cut it to length and slide it onto the fittings and marked the clock position i wanted fittings to end up. Then i took it back to the hose place and had them crimp the ends. If one end is straight and the other is a 90 its no big deal but if you have 2 90's they need to be clocked right.

Re: 1958 Apache Big Window Loooooong Bed "Lucky"
 

My local Napa is no good their. I had the local hose place make the hoses at $70 a pop :waah:

If I were to do it again, id make some AN line.

Re: 1958 Apache Big Window Loooooong Bed "Lucky"
 

Okay, I'm posting up another mini Tech Tip:

How to get cheap and attractive Aluminum 6AN hose frame clamps


They sell these aluminum hose clamps on eBay, Amazon, etc made for braided lines, but they also work well for rubber fuel line if you order one size up (Order 8AN for a 6AN rubber hose)

They're about $10 for a set of 4:

http://dshillingphoto.net/photos/luc...eclampmod0.jpg

Well I ordered a pack of these and decided to modify one to use as a frame clamp. It worked very well.


Step 1. Replace the screw that comes with it with a longer one.

I had to sand down an m6 socket head cap screw a bit for it to squeeze into the hole made for the original, but not by much. Use a longer screw that protrudes past the clamp.

http://dshillingphoto.net/photos/luc...eclampmod2.jpg


Step 2. Drill out the bottom threaded piece of the clamp to remove the threads, allowing the longer bolt to pass through freely

http://dshillingphoto.net/photos/luc...eclampmod1.jpg

Step 3. Drill and tap your frame in the desired location of the clamp

I used an m6 tap since I had a metric socket head cap screw. You could use a 1/4" tap instead.

Step 4. Screw in the clamp and marvel at your ingenuity!

If you use the right length screw or trim your down, it can sit flush with the frame. an M6x1.25 was a perfect fit for me.

http://dshillingphoto.net/photos/luc...eclampmod3.jpg

http://dshillingphoto.net/photos/luc...eclampmod4.jpg

http://dshillingphoto.net/photos/luc...eclampmod5.jpg

Re: 1958 Apache Big Window Loooooong Bed "Lucky"
 

I also got my homemade frame bracket installed. I like this one because it was completely free, and I can customize the design to include a longer mounting post.

http://dshillingphoto.net/photos/luc...hoseclamp5.jpg

http://dshillingphoto.net/photos/luc...hoseclamp4.jpg

http://dshillingphoto.net/photos/luc...hoseclamp6.jpg

In addition, I whipped up a little bracket for the breather coming from the fuel pump, and used an existing hole in the rear crossmember to mount it.

http://dshillingphoto.net/photos/luc...herbracket.jpg

Not big jobs, but things that need to get done. An hour here and an hour there and one day I will wake up to a finished project! **Plus these are good for when you only have a couple hours and you cant get covered in grease because you have things to do later.

Let me know what yall think!

Re: 1958 Apache Big Window Loooooong Bed "Lucky"
 

I've looked at this option as well, but it appears that it costs about the same. I guess that will at least give me the opportunity to build them at home in my flip flops and just get it done and over with!

Re: 1958 Apache Big Window Loooooong Bed "Lucky"
 

I've been humming and hawing on what to work on next... I'm a weird spot in the build where everything seems like it depends on something else to be done first in a strange chicken-or-the-egg circle!

I decided to make a home for my LS PCM in the Glove Box area for now. I don't if / how long it will stay here, but it will be easy to access while the build is fresh, and once the truck is running, driving, and shaken down, I can perhaps find a more elegant solution.

That being said, the tray is very sturdy for being a single piece of sheet metal, owing to the curved sides giving it strength as well as matching the curves of the opening.
I cut out a section of the rear to make room for wiring to easily reach the PCM.

I welded some nuts to the bottom since you really cant reach in there to hold one. This makes it much easier to install. Lately I've been doing this to many custom fabbed items.
http://dshillingphoto.net/photos/lucky/pcmglovebox1.jpg

http://dshillingphoto.net/photos/lucky/pcmglovebox2.jpg

I can grab ahold of the PCM and shake the entire truck, its that solid in there.
http://dshillingphoto.net/photos/lucky/pcmglovebox3.jpg

Re: 1958 Apache Big Window Loooooong Bed "Lucky"
 

Looks solid.
If its fabled up, mounted and done why change it?
When I get to a place in a build like you have I just make a list of things to do. Pick something and work on that to finish. I try not to do something that I will need to come back to at some point to rehab, change or finesse. Lately I have decided to start at the rear bumper and work forward, finishing everything as I go, like ready for paint kinda finishing. I will leave it in epoxy primer when done and drive it that way to make sure all the bugs are ironed out before a final paint job.all bodywork will be done so when paint time comes it will be less of an ordeal. I find lately that's what works for me to keep a forward motion going. There is too much going on these days to say I will do an hour a day so I try to keep the jobs manageable and not have a huge array of parts laying around disassembled. I pick a job and follow through till finished then start another job and do the same.

Re: 1958 Apache Big Window Loooooong Bed "Lucky"
 

I might change it up if I decide to install A/C down the road, but aside from cleaning it up and painting it, it should be good for now.

I like that approach, just start at one end and keep working towards the other! I do sometimes end up with multiple half-finished jobs just due to inexperience.. halfway through I didn't realize that I needed to order new bushings/bits/seals/etc and then I'm waiting for parts, so I start something else while I'm waiting...and that has its own considerations, so then I need parts, or I realize I cant finish that until I do something else too...I'm trying to break out of that, do my research, order parts, and don't start until I can finish.

Re: 1958 Apache Big Window Loooooong Bed "Lucky"
 

Analysis paralysis. Been there.... sometimes you just gotta pick something and start doing instead of wondering. I recently ran into this where I knew I needed to install a dashboard because I needed to know where to put a steering column. Before I could do that, I needed a dashboard support rail. Before that I needed to repair the body enough from a previous crap job on the rail so I could install it. Before that, I needed to mount the windshield frame so I could align the dash rail with the windshield. Before that I needed to cut 2" from the windshield frame.

Knocked most of it out over two nights by just getting out there and cutting bits of metal. Oh, I also fabbed up a radiator mount that I thought I'd save till later.

Re: 1958 Apache Big Window Loooooong Bed "Lucky"
 

:metal:Sweet project

Re: 1958 Apache Big Window Loooooong Bed "Lucky"
 

Like the truck so far. Any progress lately?
Posted via Mobile Device

Re: 1958 Apache Big Window Loooooong Bed "Lucky"
 

Thanks! Progress has stalled...I had the engine mounted tight to the firewall but then the brake pedal would hit the exhaust. I could either move the brakes to the firewall, or redo the mounts. I chose to redo the mounts, and made some adjustable plates but haven't figured out where the engine needs to sit yet and whether or not I can re-use my old mounts. If I can't, then I need to pull the engine out, cut off the old tabs, grind away the paint, make new mounts, figure out where they'll go, etc.

In the meantime, I have a 56 GMC Suburban next to it that I was working on, just maintenance after it sat for 15 years, and then I bought a 59 because I couldn't help myself. The GMC is mostly done for now, its running and driving again but it needs a new power steering box, so we'll see.

I do need to get back to this truck though, I have so many hours in it already and I refuse to sell a project. In theory, since I have the ecu mounted and harness redone, fuel tank installed and fuel line mostly done... Once I mount this engine I can do some wiring and see if this thing is any good. It's a completely untested engine/trans, so should be interesting!

Thanks for reminding me that I need to git er done!

Re: 1958 Apache Big Window Loooooong Bed "Lucky"
 

The Sub looks like you did some rubbing on the paint before you installed the trim .

Looking good .

I see you left off the rubber tips . What are you going to do about the holes ?

The reason I put them on is to protect the delicate edges of the bumper ( Dagmars ).
It took a lot of work to get the edges ready for chrome .

Re: 1958 Apache Big Window Loooooong Bed "Lucky"
 

It's the lean over polish...where you keep leaning over the fenders while you're working and clean them off with your clothes.

Leaving the holes for now, I have more drivability-related tasks to accomplish with this truck. I'm sure I'll find a solution I like if I'm patient about it.

Now get out in that garage and work on your project!! Start a build thread in the off-topic section.

Remounting the LS
 

By coincidence, ended up tagging along with a buddy to the metal store, grabbed some thick sheet, and knew I needed to tackle this engine mount situation.


I originally went with a straight tubing mount, but I ended up not liking those, as well as hacking them up because I moved the engine and needed to redo the mounts.

I went back to my LS Flatout mount thread where I asked for help the first time. Almost 3 years later, I took another look at Dans mounts, and decided the 3 wall style, attached to my original tube/bushings at the frame would be my best bet. I liked Dans Ford flathead mounts better, but I already had this so I worked with what I had.

I mocked up with cardboard and a wood dowel as a steering rod, then refined the cardboard, then started cutting and welding. My air compressor is on loan so I couldn't use the plasma cutter which made it take awhile.

Slapped them together and they're waiting for paint now. This was a huge roadblock...nothing moved forward until I dealt with engine position. Glad to have it behind me!

Re: 1958 Apache Big Window Loooooong Bed "Lucky"
 

Torch, grinder, file,. Welcome to everybody elses world, plasma boy. Haha
Nice work.

Re: 1958 Apache Big Window Loooooong Bed "Lucky"
 

Ha, well I've been in that world for awhile and I do love my plasma cutter. I don't have an oxy torch, so its cut off wheels for me. Less high speed spinning things= less likely I hurt myself.

Re: 1958 Apache Big Window Loooooong Bed "Lucky"
 

Yeah, me too. Got the scars and pieces embedded from blown apart zip discs etc. Been thinking of a plasma cutter lately.
When I do cardboard patterns I always try to use poster board or cereal box type cardboard that is single layer because the patterns turn out more precise. Less flex than the thicker box style corrugated cardboard. Especially if there are drill holes to mark.

Re: 1958 Apache Big Window Loooooong Bed "Lucky"
 

Those mounts look great. And…poster board here, too. Anytime I ask my wife to pick some up she’s like “What color?” I just laugh. Won’t matter about 10 minutes after you give it to me. Also…same on cutoff wheels. Sooo many cutoff wheels.

Re: 1958 Apache Big Window Loooooong Bed "Lucky"
 

I built a set a lot like but used camaro ls clamshell mounts and made the part on the frameabolt on as well so the whole assembly can be totally removed if needed for spaceto pull engine and trans as an assembly.

Re: 1958 Apache Big Window Loooooong Bed "Lucky"
 

dsraven :

Do you have pictures of that ?

Re: 1958 Apache Big Window Loooooong Bed "Lucky"
 

Thanks! Get whatever color is on sale. I did like that in this case the corrugated sort of represented the metals thickness and helped me visualize the overlap.

Hopefully I can get my plasma going again, granted I think I've done a fair bit of the sheet good work already.

Mount up!
 

Got the mounts completed, painted (poorly) and installed. Glad to finally be back to where I was a year go :waah:

DBW Pedal install
 

I lied, I immediately started cutting sheet metal again. At least this time it wasn't as thick.

I searched around and found no installations of the the LS DBW truck pedals into 55-59 trucks, so I had to whip out the ole' cardboard and hook my brain juice onto some sort of bracket to hold the Go Button.


I decided on this little number, it uses existing holes in the cab only, and although it does have a bit of flex when you try to push your foot through the firewall, it's plenty stiff for everyday pedal mashin'.

This places the pedal exactly at the stock frame mount brake pedal height. I figure I'll eventually chop both of these down once I get a feel for how much brake pedal travel I need, but for now I can heel-toe between 'em this way.

I'll slap a how-I-did-it over in the LS section in case anyone reading this ran out of cardboard and wants to skip to the cutting.

Re: 1958 Apache Big Window Loooooong Bed "Lucky"
 

Swapped out the solenoid in the 4L60e with the Vette solenoid, a common upgrade. Not too terribly exciting, but I did get to see some dirty trans fluid that reminded me I should change the fluid and filter after I confirm that the trans works.

Back at it!
 

Bouncing around between trucks, I decided that I need to stop buying trucks and focus on the project I already have, and that I truly want to drive... not easy!!

Easing back into this project, I needed to handle some basics. First up is the battery box and location.

I made a drop down battery tray, although I made it for a Group 24 on accident and it should have been a Group 34. I will modify this and shorten the mounts.

when the bottom bolt is inserted, it's locked in the accompanying angle iron track on each side. When the bolt is removed, the top bolt can slide all the way down. The bottom bolt is easy to access, and easy to slide in place and rest there when you lift up the battery.

Re: 1958 Apache Big Window Loooooong Bed "Lucky"
 

Very slick and simply solution. Beats shelling out the money for a drop down battery box from a manufacture.

Marc

Re: 1958 Apache Big Window Loooooong Bed "Lucky"
 

A couple of detail photos..

Since this is made of angle iron, I needed to round the edge of one to slide in the other.

I also drilled them together, so that the offset created by nesting the pieces wouldn't mis-align the holes with the track.

Re: 1958 Apache Big Window Loooooong Bed "Lucky"
 

Thanks! I was tempted to just buy the answer and save the time, but I liked that I could build this around a specific battery size from Costco since I know I wont be buying an Optima.

Re: 1958 Apache Big Window Loooooong Bed "Lucky"
 

Happy New Year Dave .

Yea , Dave is finally back at it .
Very nicely done. What’s next ?

Holding it down!
 

Continued working on the battery box, made some hold downs that function with a single 5/16" bolt. this constrains me to a size 34 battery, but the top and front are easily removed if needed and I can modify for another battery. It's a shame I wasn't using an Optima because there are lazer cut versions of this online for like $40.

Got my daughter to weld the back piece in for me, and I'm leaving the welds rather than grinding them. Her little signature!

Re: 1958 Apache Big Window Loooooong Bed "Lucky"
 

After I finish this battery box, I need to choose the location... I have a looong battery cable I got from a BMW at a Junkyard for only $7. It will reach darn near the rear bumper if I add a post in the frame and wire the starter to the frame separately.

Then I need to decide to either scoot the engine forward to clear the brake pedal, or cut the 3 bolt flange off of the TBSS drivers manifold and clock it, or weld in a 2 bolt manifold instead.

I didn't even know that welding an LS manifold with just plain ole MIG was possible, then Gregski showed me his custom versions all welded up...who knew?! So many Truck intakes have been discarded for nothing, I bet.

Re: 1958 Apache Big Window Loooooong Bed "Lucky"
 

Made a little trip to the yard today and got some bits for future steps in the process...prices are high at pick-n-pull but still cheaper than other options!

T-Bird 2 Speed fan that apparently fits factory width radiators perfectly-$35.29

LS Power steering fluid cooler $25.59

I need to head back for Volvo fan relays, and I guess buy a radiator..

Re: 1958 Apache Big Window Loooooong Bed "Lucky"
 

Looks like the PS Fluid cooler will mount perfectly to/beneath the typical front crossmember replacement we all do when the shackle mounts are removed.. The hard lines will come just beneath the radiator, and there's enough length to reach the low pressure tee as well as the low pressure pump return.

One more junkyard part made to fit!

The PS Pump high pressure inlet still might need a better solution to convert to -6AN, but that doesn't prevent me from making another PTFE line to the area. I think I'll run the low pressure with the leftover hose from the 20' kit even though it doesn't need it, because it will look cool.

Crossing my fingers that these don't leak! If they do, then at least I have perfect mock-ups to take to a hydraulic shop... just hand them my leaky lines and say "make these" lol.

Re: 1958 Apache Big Window Loooooong Bed "Lucky"
 

the cast headers i feel like would crack eventually if welded ... but maybe not since it should be a good cast like an axle housing. i used vette manifolds with a factory steel welded pipe that i cut n clocked for a Jeep.

Re: 1958 Apache Big Window Loooooong Bed "Lucky"
 

I guess its a cast steel, not iron, so it can be done. I have no experience but have seen it done so maybe its an option

Re: 1958 Apache Big Window Loooooong Bed "Lucky"
 

randomly going back up the page some ... did the engine mounts get a drain hole?

Re: 1958 Apache Big Window Loooooong Bed "Lucky"
 

No, I don't intent to be taking on that much moisture...but not a bad plan!

Re: 1958 Apache Big Window Loooooong Bed "Lucky"
 

spraying oil, unexpected coolant decompression, even washing it ... lots of reasons to keep things from holding fluids. something i've had to fight before, just a heads up.

Re: 1958 Apache Big Window Loooooong Bed "Lucky"
 

I finished the battery tray and installed it in the rear passenger fender well area. It's mostly under the bed, actually, but the idea is that the fender well gives me a bit more working space when the box is dropped down.

I think in practice, the truck will be low enough that any location not under the hood will be a pain.

After installing it, I notice that its not completely solid since its only mounted near the top of the frame....which means I'll likely have to remove it and add more steel somewhere lower.