1958 SWB C4 Fleetside - NZ Build
 

Hi guys. long time browser and reader but haven't posted much.

Thought it was about time as I have jsut secured a 1958 SWB Fleetside (small window).

It is currently sitting in Lomita CA waiting to be loaded onto a boat and shipped to me.

Only have the 1 pick at this stage but there will be plenty more as I start the build. It has no engine or trans atm but Ive been told buy my purchaser its a super solid body (rust free) even in the rear cab corners etc though there are a few dents.

Plans are
Flatout - C4 front and rear setup
stock 5.3L LS with holley high rise
Couple of small snails and associated plumbing
possibly bags though I have yet to find many c4 setups with bags (most do the aldan coil overs)
There will be a few other goodies while I am at it as I love to tinker (as proven by the 71 Nova Ive already built over here.

Quintin

Re: 1958 SWB C4 Fleetline - NZ Build
 

OK, so my importer/exporter (depending on which side you are looking from) has just supplied me the Vin number, 3A580110903

If I am decoding this right
3A = 3100 (swb)
58 = 1958
0 = Oakland
110309 = build number.

how would I establish if it come with what engine size as I know they come with 1/3 options.
235ci Inline 6
265ci V8
283ci V8

Quintin

Re: 1958 SWB C4 Fleetline - NZ Build
 

Your vin# would start with a "V" if was a V8. A=3100, B=3200

First two digits of my 59 is: VA

First two digits of my 58 is:3B

.

Re: 1958 SWB C4 Fleetline - NZ Build
 

I was just coming on to say stand down as I found it in small print at the bottom of the page.

Guess I'm looking for an inline 6, box and shaft if I want to get it running before I start the LS conversion.

Will post more pics once I get the truck I guess, not much more I can do till then. Been given the 16th of March at this stage.

Q

Re: 1958 SWB C4 Fleetline - NZ Build
 

So the guy importing the truck for me has sent me another few pics.

Now I am super excited. I never expected it to be that tidy for 4K and the dents can be pulled easy enough ...

Pics say a thousand words so enjoy

Re: 1958 SWB C4 Fleetline - NZ Build
 

So my 58 SWB Apache finally arrived in NZ the other day and my importer said it will need some assembly work as they squeezed it into a container with 3 other cars.

Man he wasn't joking......

Re: 1958 SWB C4 Fleetline - NZ Build
 

It only took a few hours to get it rolling again and the cab back on and now I need to wait for our transport agency to check the VIN numbers so that it can be registered in NZ at a later stage

I also took a quick video as I intend to do a running blog on youtube with this build to cover all the stuff I do as I go.

Video #1 - 58 Chevy Apache Build

Re: 1958 SWB C4 Fleetline - NZ Build
 

Holy cow! They took it apart to ship it? Nice truck to start with.

Re: 1958 SWB C4 Fleetline - NZ Build
 

I had the same thought! Made me wonder if they got authorization to do that? Anyway, it doesnt sound like Quintin is too bugged about it or if he is he's not posted it.

Qunitin, I hadn't see this thread before this morning but n first reading it i was going to post, "Don't be so certain it doesnt have rust, they ALL have rust!"

It was "born" in Oakland, a seaside town. Who knows where it lived its life. Check for rust around the rain gutters, headlight eyebrows, etc. Best of luck, Dan

Re: 1958 SWB C4 Fleetline - NZ Build
 

As for the dissassembly of the truck.... I know the importer and he knows me and my plans ... I told him if it makes it cheaper for me do it so he did ..... cheaper is good , plus im fully stripping it anyway as part of the build so it saved me time :)

I know it has some dents and some rust but i've seen examples where floors and a/b pillars are fully rotten which these arent. When I strip it down time will tell i guess.

oh - and here is a link to it a week or so ago before i went on holiday.
VIDEO OF MY 58 APACHE @ IMPORTERS


and its being delivered today ...........

yipppeeeee

Re: 1958 SWB C4 Fleetline - NZ Build
 

So i haven't done much to it at this stage other than bolt the front guards on with a few bolts and start to infantry-ise all the parts that come with it. got spare bucket surrounds and trim panels, a near new tank (which i sold already as im going under bed).

Think ill start by removing the doors and dash and wiring etc to strip it all down then soda blast the cab and prime it for now. I know the rook needs changing so ill get one of those on order shortly but im also in the middle of moving to a house with 3 car garaging to assist ...

watch this space I suppose.

Q

Re: 1958 SWB C4 Fleetline - NZ Build
 

Looks like a great starting point!!! We share the same roof problems. I'll be interested in seeing how you handle it. Enjoy the build.

Re: 1958 SWB C4 Fleetline - NZ Build
 

So I ordered my first parts and ot wasn't the roof skin ....

Decided to start with the Flayout Engineering front subframe kit. My NZ importer already had an 84-87 front end in stock including steering rack and he wanted it gone so I got it cheap ($200 NZD = 160 USD).

I plan on running a c5 brake setup with slotted rotors and the Vansteel adapter kit. Would prefer a 4 pot caliper over 2 pot but even that's better than the factory c4 single.

No pics yet but I expect to see it all in about a month

Re: 1958 SWB C4 Fleetline - NZ Build
 

Gotta love a rainy day when you have no plans .... So i decided to work on the Apache.

Started by removing the doors and other than 2 broken cage-nuts I managed to get them out without 2 much fuss.

I then proceeded to strip the interior of everything bar the seat as we may be moving soon so I need it somewhat steerable. Only had one stubborn screw on the glovebox to deal too. A previous owner has made a massive hole in the dash so ill either need to patch it or use it as a template for a tablet or similar ......

Next I started on the subframe. I removed the radiator support brackets and made them bolt on rather than those crappy welded rivets. I plan to use this point to mount a crossbar too when I remove the factory front x-member.

Does anyone know of an easy way to remove the x-member (I see a lot of those welded rivets which is going to be a pain).

I also drilled the rivets in the rear roof/rear panel section and chipped away at the bog, man, its pretty dented on the rear and right hand side. I am definitely going to need a new skin.

Anyone know of a how-to to remove the skin, I couldn't find one.

Re: 1958 SWB C4 Fleetline - NZ Build
 

So another rainy day, another day in the shed.

Decided to make a temporary front crossmember and ended up bolting a piece of 100x50 between the chassis rails. Not pretty but its going to ensure the width stays the same during the chassis mods.

Once that was fitted I got into grinding, drilling and punching the factory welded rivets out of the engine subframe. Once I had blunted my 10, 9.5 & 9mm drills I finally got there and while it is still in the chassis rail it is now loose. I plan to just grind right through the middle of it and let it hit the floor. :)

Here is a link to a video of it on my youtube channel

Cheers

Q

Re: 1958 SWB C4 Fleetline - NZ Build
 

Looks good man. Looks like a nice solid base to work with

Re: 1958 SWB C4 Fleetline - NZ Build
 

So I have finally received my Flatout Engineering C4 front subframe :metal:. Have to say it looks absolutely amazing and I cant wait to get started fitting it in the chassis.

I also took possession of what I believe to be some 85-87 C4 A-Arms and spindles although I am missing the right upper arm (wrecker over hear had 4 LH no RH doh....).

So if anyone has one of these kits and can confirm the missing part number I need that would be great , here is what I have so far.
LH SPINDLE -------- 14084041 L.H (cast) 304031 (stamped)
LH UPPER ARM ----- 3134923 (cast) & middle rod 11271 (stamped)
LH LOWER ARM ---- 3Z51 (cast) and H6568 (stamped)

RH SPINDLE -------- 14035700 R.H (cast) 3145006 (stamped)
RH UPPER ARM ----- missing
RH LOWER ARM ---- 4Z51 (cast) and H8314 (stamped)

Issue #1
 

So I also had a play today and struck problem #1 - the lower arms wont fit over the lower mounts.

Either both arms I have are too narrow or the lower mounting points on the subframe are too wide. I measured the following and if anyone can shed some light that would be good (anyone with first hand experience)

I measured
10- 1/2” (267mm) inside of bush to inside of bush on either lower arm.
10- 3/4” (273mm) the width outside to outside for mounts on the subframe.

While I plan on changing the bushes before final install they should be similar to what’s fitted.
As you can see by above dimension and photos below there seems to be a ¼” (6mm) discrepancy.
I expected the bushes to be tight but no matter what I try it just won’t go over, the one I did get over smashed the inside lip of the bush off (which im replacing later anyways).

Any ideas help appreciated.

Issue #2
 

The box plates are designed to fit with the factory xmember in place and ive removed mine. this in itself isnt the issue and I assume that the cutout on the front edge of the boxplates is to allow it to slip over the normal x-member would this be right? (pic below)

Also the instructions say to place boxplate inside the upper and lower frame rails, which mine simply won’t do.
The rear end is simply too wide and angles off where the chassis is straight (pic below) and the front end appears to be right where the chassis rail narrows as it goes forwards (pic below).

Does anyone have any pics of the plates once installed or during install so that I can pass to my fabricator and we can make mods as needed to get it to fit.

I assume that the new xmember passes up into the chassis rails and that the box plates should be the same width as the verticals on the subframe to allow for welding later ......

Cheers Q

Re: 1958 SWB C4 Fleetline - NZ Build
 

Issue #1 fixed.
Went back to my parts supplier and checked his other lower arms. All the other arms he had worked fine on my subframe. Guess there is something wrong with the initial set he supplied as they are simply narrower in both the arm and bush area. weird ?

Now I just need to locate a RH 85-87 non abs spindle and upper arm and I can get to test fitting everything.

Q

Re: 1958 SWB C4 Fleetline - NZ Build
 

watching with interest from across the little ditch... can't believe they pulled it apart for shipping :O Hope you got all the bolts/nuts/mounts/pads/linkages etc.

Good luck with it all.

Re: 1958 SWB C4 Fleetline - NZ Build
 

On hold again while I now wait to located another front end for the subframe. I cant find the missing bits in NZ so the supplier is going to return the bits I have

I have just contacted Don from Flatout Engineering in the hope he has one lying around which will help speed the process.

good things take time I guess.

Q

Re: 1958 SWB C4 Fleetline - NZ Build
 

So Don has a front suspension setup he is willing to part with now I just need to wait to get it loaded and on a boat and to my house..... what to do while I wait ......

Lets start on the cab and body I suppose.

Started on the RF AA pillar area today before I got rained off (damn I hate winter).

Only one small bit of rust in the out drain run I suppose you would call it. Ill cut it out and put in a patch , shouldn't be to big a job. Initially when I hit bog I was like oh no but was pleasantly surprised once I got rid of it all.

Weather allowing Ill get into the LH Side and cowl panel area tomorrow (if it fines up)

Re: 1958 SWB C4 Fleetline - NZ Build
 

Really ripped into it this weekend and made a quick video to show you all ....

Have sanded the bulkhead area, a pillar, and floors.

Plan to POR15 the floor and underside so used the marine clean and metal prep on everything including the Flatout C4 Corvette front member and started to etch prime the outside before my gun shat itself.

Progress Video 03 on Youtube

Re: 1958 SWB C4 Fleetline - NZ Build
 

And with a new gun this morning I was able to get the etch primer down on the front panels and part of the floor and steps.

I then used the POR15 and did the Flatout C4 member before doing the floors. After which I decided it wasnt worth saving the rest so then I also did the outer airbox area as well.

Come out quite nice.

Now to start on the millions of holes on the firewall .... sigh

Re: 1958 SWB C4 Fleetline - NZ Build
 

So Ive been buzy again over the last few days.

got in and sanded the firewall down so that I can have all the holes filled and the wall somewhat clean looking.

Also got in and took to the rear cab corners figuring they would need some work and I was right. Can probably patch the RH side but think ill get a replacement panel for the LH.

Re: 1958 SWB C4 Fleetline - NZ Build
 

I confirmed my C4 Suspension parts with don and also bought a set of the aldan coil overs for the front. Guess they should arrive via my freight forwarder in NZ in late September or early October depending on boats.

In the mean time today I decided to get in and remove the old roof.

Originally I was going to drill the spot welds but decided to just run a cutting disc on the angle grinder about 1/2" up from the channel base. Then I run a grinding disc in the channel to weaken the welds and used a pair of vice-grips to pull up the channel in sections. All in all it took about 2hrs to do as I was unsure on the front A pillar connection and cut it off slightly high above the led joining.

Then I hit the inner roof with a wire brush before covering it with a coat of rubberised underbody spray which should help cut noise a little and stop any rust occurring later on.

Re: 1958 SWB C4 Fleetline - NZ Build
 

Looks good, i'll be replacing my own roof and like the idea of not drilling all the spot welds out.
All in all man you're fairly getting on with it. Looking forward to seeing it progress.

Calum

Re: 1958 SWB C4 Fleetline - NZ Build
 

Great work!! It's going to be a super nice truck.

Re: 1958 SWB C4 Fleetline - NZ Build
 

Sorry for the slow delays but ive been in Fiji and busy selling and buying a new house.

With all the sillyness aside I have finally managed to get the cab sent off to the panel beaters so that I can fill the firewall holes, install the new roof skin, and patch the rear quarters and step plates. (the last 2 bits wont be here till mid october but thems the breaks).

here it is going off to the panel shop....

Re: 1958 SWB C4 Fleetline - NZ Build
 

A LOT of work done - kudos. But won't that rubberized coating just burn away when they weld in the new roof? Or do they plan on using #M Panel dhesive? If welding I'd say a weld-through primer would have been a good choice where the welds go.

Re: 1958 SWB C4 Fleetline - NZ Build
 

he hit the lip with a wire brush and used some goop between. I dunno.... he's the expert.

All I care about is he has now filled over 70 holes in the firewall and fitted the new skin from dynacorn.

looking good... now I just need the boat to hurry up with the steps and corners..

Re: 1958 SWB C4 Fleetline - NZ Build
 

Nice project!:uhmk:

Re: 1958 SWB C4 Fleetline - NZ Build
 

So I got some good news on Friday from my importer. His container finally arrived in NZ ......

First thing tomorrow I can go and collect all my goodies including;
* rear cab corners
* new cab step plates
* C4 front suspension setup including steering wheel
* window felts and rubbers etc for 1 piece conversion.

=========

With that in mind and being today is a public holiday and its raining cats and dogs I thought I might as well do some work on the ol girl.

I narrowed the chassis rails enough to allow the new FlatOut x-member to fit which included....
*measuring 27.5" (698mm) from front chassis to mark original wheel centre
*checked and double checked the C4 Flatout X-Member to ensure the wheel centre marking was 5/16" behind the centre
*ensured the box sections fitted in the chassis rails
*aligned and fitted the cross-member for the first time

It was about now that I remember reading somewhere that the original wheels don't centre in the fender and you need to move them forwards of backwards if you want to correct this.

As my cab is still at the panel shop waiting on the steps and corners I cant mount the guard up to check so thats all going on hold until the cab comes back. sigh.....

Being I was in the mood to do some work I decided to start the window conversion as well. I removed all the factory windows and vent glass etc and printed out the window template (c/- GRIMSS) ... which I then assembed and traced onto a piece of 3mm hardwood for testing.

It was about now that I realised I had no cutting discs for the grinder and being a public holiday nothing is open so I went inside and started drinking.... sigh......

Re: 1958 SWB C4 Fleetline - NZ Build
 

Yep, some days go like that. Fun build and I will be following along.

Is that carpet on your shop floor?

Re: 1958 SWB C4 Fleetline - NZ Build
 

Yes that is industrial carpet. Its a fully covered in carport off the double garage (which houses the Nova and and the 49 Fleetline). I think the old owner used it as a gym ..... regardless I cant leak any oil on it without an engine or trans and when I do ill just rip it up then.

-----------------

So collected all my goodies from the importer and am so happy.

Have already test fitted all the suspension bits but have struck one issue with dimensions. Basically, I am skeptical about the 27.5" back for the centre of the new X-member as it doesnt allow enough boxing plate for the cutout to reach and is 2-3" forward of what I marked as the centre line of the old factory solid axle centre....

Hopefully this short video can explain it more.....

Have arranged to drop the cab corners and step plates with the panelshop tomorrow so it shouldnt be long till I get that back and can mount everything up

Q

Re: 1958 SWB C4 Fleetline - NZ Build
 

I don't know this for fact but have been told that 58 and 59 frames are about 2" longer in the front than 55-57 because the fenders are longer, somewhere I saw somebody had to cut the cross member loose and move it back, wish old brain could remember the build.

Re: 1958 SWB C4 Fleetline - NZ Build
 

The 58-59's are longer in the front.

:uhmk:

Re: 1958 SWB C4 Fleetline - NZ Build
 

Thanks guys.

Knew the instructions couldnt have been right but couldnt figure it out.

Just been doing some searching and yeah that's what I have found (2" to 2-1/4" longer) and a lot of people reference it to the rad support panels....

I guess ill move the X-Member back 2" for now, see how it looks, then wait for the cab and guards before welding in place....

Glad I didn't weld it from the instructions (which I guess are only for 55-57)

Q

Re: 1958 SWB C4 Fleetline - NZ Build
 

Here's a pic of the front frame section from a 55-57, you could use it compare to your '58.

:uhmk: