1961 Chevy Apache aka Cowboy Cadillac
 

Hi im Colin Smith and this is my 1961 Chevy Apache 10 long bed step side that I plan on making into a short bed fleetside. I bought the truck at a local storage auction for 400 dollars. Me and my dad are going to build it together and will be my first truck. When we finnish it I will be driving it to high school. Follow me on Instagram at colin_smith13

Re: 1961 Chevy Apache aka Cowboy Cadillac
 

Welcome. Nice patina.
Larry

Re: 1961 Chevy Apache aka Cowboy Cadillac
 

After we got the truck home we put some gas in the tank, and a new battery in the old girl and made shore she had oil. We were able to get her started in less than 15 minutes after sitting outside for 15+ years. When she started up it purred like a kitten sounded like it was brand new.

Re: 1961 Chevy Apache aka Cowboy Cadillac
 

Thanks Larry

Re: 1961 Chevy Apache aka Cowboy Cadillac
 

Awesome project! My dad tried to get me to buy a 65 short bed step side but I passed. I kick myself now for not getting it, so much that now iv bought a 64 stepside. What's the plans for the truck? Keep up posted

Ryan

Re: 1961 Chevy Apache aka Cowboy Cadillac
 

Plans are to shorten the frame, and get a shortbed fleetside to replace the long step. Im am also going to lower it a few inches, replace the 235 with a small block chevy, and will also have to fix a lot of rust holes. Other than that just make it a good safe and reliable daily driver.

Colin

Re: 1961 Chevy Apache aka Cowboy Cadillac
 

So here are some pictures of were the body has taken a beating over the years from rust, being ran into. I can see day light from the inside above the windshield, Both of door bottoms are completely rusted through, and the passenger side door was hit at some point in time. I will also need new front fenders. lastly the hood will need some love due to someone, or something hitting the front diver side of the hood.

Re: 1961 Chevy Apache aka Cowboy Cadillac
 

Welcome aboard! Little rust won't hurt. lol 235 is a darn good engine. :chevy:

Re: 1961 Chevy Apache aka Cowboy Cadillac
 

I have already started buying patch panels to fix the rust but there will be some spots that we will have to make, but that's no big deal because my dad is an amazing fabricator. The 235 started right up after sitting for 15+ years after putting in a new battery, and some gas in the tank.

Colin

Re: 1961 Chevy Apache aka Cowboy Cadillac
 

So a few weeks back I went to an old junk yard, and picked up a shortbed fleetside for my truck. The bed came off of a 66 Chevy that came from Texas so it was basically rust free. The guy at the junk yard cut the frame under neath the cab so we got the bed, tailgate, rear half of the frame, and the trailing arms.

Re: 1961 Chevy Apache aka Cowboy Cadillac
 

So if any of you were wondering how I came up with the name Cowboy Cadillac here you go. When I bought the truck it had an old faded sticker on the back window that Cowboy Cadillac. When I first saw it I thought that the name was catchy so I named it the Cowboy Cadillac.

Re: 1961 Chevy Apache aka Cowboy Cadillac
 

Nice looking truck, im kinda partial to the 61's! I will be following to see how the build progresses!

Re: 1961 Chevy Apache aka Cowboy Cadillac
 

I bought some more parts for the truck at a swap meet a wile back. I bought patch panels for the cab corners, and the rocker panels. I also bought some stainless steel cab sails, and another grill. Then I also included a picture of the tail gate that came with the bed.

Re: 1961 Chevy Apache aka Cowboy Cadillac
 

Nice project.

I'm curious... are you going to try to use the rear frame section and mate it to the x-frame?

Re: 1961 Chevy Apache aka Cowboy Cadillac
 

Currently I am not shore how i am going cut the frame when shorting it. But I would love to keep the X-frame. If anyone has shortened the frame on a 60-63 I would love to see some pictures to give me an idea. thanks
Colin

Re: 1961 Chevy Apache aka Cowboy Cadillac
 

Colin,

Nice score for $400! I got a 61 too, swb. Look forward to seeing the progress. You keeping the original hood? Or going "flat"?

Re: 1961 Chevy Apache aka Cowboy Cadillac
 

I'm keeping the original hood. This style hood has always been my favorite of the two hoods that the 60-66 came with.

Re: 1961 Chevy Apache aka Cowboy Cadillac
 

On Friday I got a new engine for the truck It is a small block Chevy 305.We did an engine swap in a 47 chevy pickup and the 305 was in it and he wanted to put a crate engine init ,and said that we could have the old engine because he did kneed it anymore. So it will be making its new home in the 61 Chevy

Re: 1961 Chevy Apache aka Cowboy Cadillac
 

I recall hearing that the "x" pieces of the frame fit really well for boxing the outer rails, if you decide to do something like that. But don't take my word for it. Hopefully someone can offer some x-frame shortening ideas.

Re: 1961 Chevy Apache aka Cowboy Cadillac
 

Thanks for the Idea I will keep that in mind once im ready to start cutting, and shorting the frame.

Colin

Re: 1961 Chevy Apache aka Cowboy Cadillac
 

So now that I know what engine im going to be using in the truck witch is a small block Chevy does anyone have an suggestions on ether 4 or 5 speed manual transmissions that are good reliable and will fit with the stock bench seat. thanks

Re: 1961 Chevy Apache aka Cowboy Cadillac
 

So I picked up a front end off of a 77 Chevy truck over the week end. I'm going to use it to replace the current front suspension and get rid of the torsion bars.

Re: 1961 Chevy Apache aka Cowboy Cadillac
 

I haven't posted in a wile due to being without a computer so ill update yall with the progress that I have made on the truck since iv been gone.

Over the summer at a swap meet i scored this steering wheel and a 1961 licence plate.

Re: 1961 Chevy Apache aka Cowboy Cadillac
 

I also have worked on getting the interior taken apart.

Then the last picture is a drawling i did of what i want the truck to look like when its finished.

Re: 1961 Chevy Apache aka Cowboy Cadillac
 

Great score on steering wheel and plates....I like where you're going with your build....dig the tail pipes....