Re: 1958 Apache Big Window Loooooong Bed "Lucky"
i appreciate that drop-down box, i like it.
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Re: 1958 Apache Big Window Loooooong Bed "Lucky"
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I was daydreaming about some sort of spring assist add-on as well, since this battery weighs a ton when you're in an awkward position. I'm sure in practice, I'll hardly ever need to drop it down since I'm running a remote battery post to the front. |
Fuse Box Firewall Mount Under Dash
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I didn't really feel like uninstalling my battery box, so I'll deal with that another day.
Working towards my goal of getting the engine started: I need power to the fuel pump...for that I need: the rear wiring group down the drivers frame....for that I need: EZ-Wiring kit installed...for that I need: Mounting plate and a location. I have made peace with the fact that I will not be smoothing out the firewall on this truck, just plugging the holes most likely. Keeping that in mind, I chose some existing holes in the firewall to hold my fuse box and officially begin the chassis wiring process. I used a steel plate and welded 3 nuts to it so it stands off the firewall and allows room for hardware between the plate and firewall that is needed to mount the fuse box to the plate. The fuses are tucked high, but when you sit on the cab step you can see/access them. |
Rear wiring group routing
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I routed the rear wires through the kick panel and out, right above the hinge.
One step closer to attempting to fire up my disappointing 5.3-thats-really-a-4.8 and seeing if its a turd. If it runs, the plan may change to 4.8 turbo, blow it up, then 6.0. Trying to resist adding another year to my build by fussing with the engine, but maybe it runs like crap and I'll have to replace it anyways! |
Re: 1958 Apache Big Window Loooooong Bed "Lucky"
In the beginning I thought a 5.3 would be enough. Then I thought a rebuilt 6.0 with flat tops and a cam would be enough. Now I'm putting the 5.3 back in with a turbo and a 4L80. Probably, to my wife's dismay, I'll end up with a twin turbo 6.0 running a Nissan GTR all-wheel drive system in the future. lol
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Re: 1958 Apache Big Window Loooooong Bed "Lucky"
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Cleaning up and redirecting wiring
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I reworked the LS harness and taped it all up back to how it was factory... bad choice with the PCM in the cab and not behind the drivers headlight. I ended up with a bunch of unruly wires and things connected strangely. So I undid all of that, grouped things together differently, and started zipping things together on the engine instead so it make a bit more sense.
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Remote Brake Reservoir
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Planning out my Nissan quest remote reservoir location, I figured this spot in the cab might be a cool spot... maybe I can pump the pedal and fill at the same time??
Figured I would experiment with keeping this off of the firewall and keep the hoses far away from the head under the hood. |
Re: 1958 Apache Big Window Loooooong Bed "Lucky"
good lord, i never thought about filling while you pump for something like the factory location under the floor. those old guys were thinkin!
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Re: 1958 Apache Big Window Loooooong Bed "Lucky"
sometimes, when doing wiring rework like that, I use those velcro tie wraps. then they are easily undone if you rethink someting or when it comes time for loom. also, think about the tape you use when doing junctions or whatever. some is really pliable and some isn't. the pliable stuff works well at the "T" type intersections but I usuallyy like to pull it tight so it sticks well but cut it off instead of yanking on it hard so it breaks, that way there is an end to find if needed later and the wiring doesn't get deformed as you pull tight. split loom is ok for stuff with wiring connectors already on the ends but I like to use the chinese finger trap style stuff if possible, that means taking the connectors apart or installing them after the loom is on. I have used the flexible air brake line for loom before on heavy duty equipment where water concerns are a factor. there are waterproof junction boxes available. that is extra weight for the everyday vehicle though. those home wiring style connections where they use a rubber gasket and a nut to tighten down on the wires work well for bulkhead connectors, especially for battery cable into a box or whatever. they are plastic and have a pipe thread on the other end of the fitting.
nice work on the wiring and great idea for the brake master cyl reservoir. will the seat allow access once installed? |
Re: 1958 Apache Big Window Loooooong Bed "Lucky"
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The reservoir should be accessible, but I'm not certain yet. It might end up just a novelty and I have to fold the seat forward. It's still fun! No matter what, it will be better than filling a MC under the truck on my back, spilling everywhere. |
Re: 1958 Apache Big Window Loooooong Bed "Lucky"
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Hay Dave ,
On Tex I had enough room to stand on end a 80’s GM radio next to the stock seat . So if that’s what you’re using the reservoir should be accessible just barely with the seat all the way back . Look at the Suburban P.U. in the next bay . If you use a late eighties through nineties seat on its stock base legs you’ll have even more room . Pic. Of my ‘57 . Dang sideways pic , Just turn your computer on it's side :) Thanks for rotating the pic . |
Re: 1958 Apache Big Window Loooooong Bed "Lucky"
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Another method of filling from under the truck would be a squeeze bottle with a curved spout like this .
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Brake updates
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I got the hoses I needed and the other bits for the remote reservoir. Used the Nissan quest mod for the Ford Master cylinder and ran this into the cab corner, on the inside tucked behind the bench seat a bit.
I like the location, its easy access, keeps the firewall empty, and was just fun to figure out. It also prevents me from worrying about where the hoses go, whether they get close to exhaust, etc. (yes I added hose clamps and grommets, calm down) We'll see how practical it really is! |
Re: 1958 Apache Big Window Loooooong Bed "Lucky"
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I also needed to redo my brake valves... I was using a combination valve before, but for Ford brakes, and I have GM Vette, so I decided to just switch to an adjustable proportioning valve for the rear, and add the 2lb wilwood residual valves to keep pressure in the lines since I'm frame mounted.
They're not the cleanest looking lines out there, but aside from showing yall this photo right now, nobody else will look here but me I bet. You can also see the wiring update peeking through there... its just ran sorta temporary now to check lengths. It will need to come out to get loomed once I decide its how I like it. |
Re: 1958 Apache Big Window Loooooong Bed "Lucky"
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Continuing to fuss with the engine harness. I decided to try running it beneath the intake... there's so much room under there! I stuffed a ton of wiring in the space beneath and now its all off the intake.
I will have an engine cover so its kinda pointless, but now I can remove the intake muuuuch more easily if need be. Paying my future self, if you will. |
Re: 1958 Apache Big Window Loooooong Bed "Lucky"
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Wires, wires, and more wires. I still have plenty of cleaning up to do, but I got the truck wired up juuuust barely enough to run the engine.
My mystery 4.8 fired right up once I replaced a leaking injector seal and then remembered that something was still unplugged and and the fuse holder needs actual fuses in it. I only ran it for 20 seconds or so, but success!! It has sat here for 4 years now.. pretty impressive. This was important for me in my process, it means I can start tucking some wires away in tape and loom soon. I still need to wire the chassis...but there's no lights, so everything is just bundled. I'm waiting on Dakota Digital Gauges so I can wire those up as well. |
Re: 1958 Apache Big Window Loooooong Bed "Lucky"
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Went ahead and cut down the DD shaft for the steering... I don't think I'll be shifting the engine or column TOO much in the future. Well I hope not.
Plenty of clearance without needing a support bearing. I really put some effort into this, so it's nice to see the direct shot down to the rack with no obstruction! |
Re: 1958 Apache Big Window Loooooong Bed "Lucky"
Wow you have been busy ! Looking good .
Is the ecu under the dash ? What exhaust manifolds are you running ? I like the steering set up . BTW the brake reservoir set up worked out great . Also the brake lines look good . |
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I'm running TrailBlazer SS manifolts. I do soft of wish I had the Hooker swaps in here, with their smaller 2 flange, but this steering clearing is super generous! Had I known you can weld these manifolds, I may have just use truck manifolds and reworked the drivers side. Thanks! I'm looking forward to feeling the brakes... hoping for short pedal travel so I can chop the pedal. |
Re: 1958 Apache Big Window Loooooong Bed "Lucky"
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For your wiring I’ve found these to be very handy.10 to a pack.
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Re: 1958 Apache Big Window Loooooong Bed "Lucky"
if using the split loom for the harness control there is a tool made for helping install the wires into the loom.
https://www.cabletiesandmore.ca/wire-loom-tools |
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Re: 1958 Apache Big Window Loooooong Bed "Lucky"
That MagDaddy would be great for hold wiring for lights, but it could cause havoc with computer circuits that are unshielded .
Would be great for layout work then use something else for the computer circuits . |
Re: 1958 Apache Big Window Loooooong Bed "Lucky"
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Been tinkering and will have some updates, but here is a shot showing that my little boy has made more progress in the years than I have! Not so little these days.
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Re: 1958 Apache Big Window Loooooong Bed "Lucky"
Hay Dave what’s happening ? Been awhile since the last update . Inquiring minds want to know .
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Re: 1958 Apache Big Window Loooooong Bed "Lucky"
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Since Glen is a bully, I did something and took photos. I wanted to shorten my pedal, but I figured while I had it hacked up, why not sneak a custom change in there that only truck guys would notice?
I got a disc brake rubber replacement pad for a newer chevy truck, made a new pedal, and welded it to the shortened rod. I expect much less travel with hydroboost so this should be plenty, and if it's not, I will change the pivot or just go firewall instead. It's cut to match the DBW pedal I have installed right now. |
Re: 1958 Apache Big Window Loooooong Bed "Lucky"
It's good to check that a full pedal travel equals a full master cylinder travel, plus a safety margin.
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Hydroboost also just doesn't need much pedal, but we will find out one way or another! |
Re: 1958 Apache Big Window Loooooong Bed "Lucky"
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I'm still on the hunt for a new red 58/59 front clip, and will likely be doing so for years, but in the meantime I need to attach a headlight to this crappy fender. It was hit, creased, and a light bucket could not fit.
Considering my absence of metalworking skills and the crap I was working with, think its a solid C- There is still crappy sheet metal in this area, but It's not worth going further right now... I'd rather get it driving. Also I don't have the skills anyways. |
Re: 1958 Apache Big Window Loooooong Bed "Lucky"
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Re: 1958 Apache Big Window Loooooong Bed "Lucky"
Looks ok to get it going and just keep an eye out for a better one.
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Re: 1958 Apache Big Window Loooooong Bed "Lucky"
What year is the replacement pedal pad? Looks great! I have been considering a similar mod for my 59.
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Re: 1958 Apache Big Window Loooooong Bed "Lucky"
c'mon 59, its from a newer chevy truck. duh.
just kidding. what I would doif I were you, if you like the look and larger pedal pad, is look at a newer truck that parts are easily available, like in stock at canadian tire or auto value's "help" section etc, then go to pick n pull and find that truck, remove the pedal pad and take a pattern of the steel part of the actual pedal. then you can either keep the used pedal pad or order one for a vehicle of that year/series. when it arrives you can fab a steel pedal part for it and weld it onto your existing pedal. or get the complete pedal from the donor truck at the wrecker but you need the whole pedal as a hacksaw isn't gonna cut it well and they don't usually let you in the yard with any soet of power cutting tool. trust me, those pedal arms are hardened or treated steel. when I was working the rescue truck we avoided cutting the pedals if we could because they took the edge off our jaws of life tools, or they took a piece out of the cutting edge. |
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