59 SWB Big Window Fleetside Apache Build Thread
 

Hi all,

Long time lurker.

I figured I'd start up a build thread for my Apache.

She's on original deluxe big window, short bed Fleetside. Originally, it was a 2-tone Frontier Beige and Bombay Ivory truck but was down to bare metal when I bought it. I It came from the Los Angeles plant.

I bought her as a roller from a guy in Philly about a year and a half ago. I drove halfway across the country to pick her up with my Dad (pictured below). He work for GM from the age of 18 to 62, so it's in my blood It's really a pretty clean and spent most of it's life in California.

I've been working on this truck for a good while, but I've got plenty of work to go. The plan is to paint her very similar to original, but updated a bit. LS powerplant, Choppin Block chassis, etc.

Hoping to share ideas and get your feedback as move along.

You can follow along on Instagram @59Fleet.

Re: 59 SWB Big Window Fleetside Apache Build Thread
 

lookin good either way !!

Re: 59 SWB Big Window Fleetside Apache Build Thread
 

I will be following this build as I have one myself waiting in the wings to be built at a later date. Jay

Re: 59 SWB Big Window Fleetside Apache Build Thread
 

4 headlights is always better than 2 :D

that's one way to know what your getting, buy it in bare metal!!!
that is about the cleanest truck i've seen in a long time
nice score ��

Re: 59 SWB Big Window Fleetside Apache Build Thread
 

nice lookin truck... but before you post to much an this thread , Move it over to the build page section.

Re: 59 SWB Big Window Fleetside Apache Build Thread
 

Haha. Yea. I built a 56 before this. Thought it was a "Clean SouthWestern Truck" and ended up cutting the bottom 12 inches out of the cab. Live and learn.

Re: 59 SWB Big Window Fleetside Apache Build Thread
 

same here. i thought i bought a clean truck out of arkansas. what i bought was a perfect skim coat of bondo with newer front fenders. drivers side had been wrecked: door and cab had a smallish dent filled, rear fender had a full inch of filler. i also replaced the bottom foot of the cab

Re: 59 SWB Big Window Fleetside Apache Build Thread
 

Hi guys,

It's been awhile. I haven't exactly been diligent posting here, but a ton has been done. Here's where I'm at:

- I received and assembled the Choppin Block Air ride chassis. It came together beautifully. Mocked everything up and it fit together nicely
- Metal went to the blasting shop. Only rot was in the cowl. Replaced it.

Re: 59 SWB Big Window Fleetside Apache Build Thread
 

- Had the chassis powder coated and re-assembled.
- Shaved the firewall with the LS Fab firewall. Looks like that's how it should have been from the factory.
- Doors have been gapped and bear claw latches have been installed
- Got the LS3 stripped painted and re-installed. Had to have some custom motor mounts fabricated to get the trans down low enough to clear the trans tunnel in the cab. It BARELY fit.

Re: 59 SWB Big Window Fleetside Apache Build Thread
 

- Cab body work is done. Bed is in progress.

Re: 59 SWB Big Window Fleetside Apache Build Thread
 

Will be a really nice ride. Nice update. Steve

Re: 59 SWB Big Window Fleetside Apache Build Thread
 

Wow, this is a huge update! Thousands of dollars and hundreds of hours later... you've been hiding some serious work from us. You gotta post more updates along the way, this is going to be a killer show truck!

Re: 59 SWB Big Window Fleetside Apache Build Thread
 

My bad! Definitely thousands and hundreds. I normally travel a lot for work, but since COVID I've been home for a lot more late nights in the shop.

I definitely plan to attend some shows, but I'm gonna drive this thing. No trailer queen!

Re: 59 SWB Big Window Fleetside Apache Build Thread
 

I really like that gold color...very slick.

Marc

Re: 59 SWB Big Window Fleetside Apache Build Thread
 

Another update:

Bedside bodywork is done. Engine is buttoned up.

Up next is the plumbing and final fitment of the air and fuel system, in addition to fabricating the raised bed floor, wheel tubs and inner fenders.

Re: 59 SWB Big Window Fleetside Apache Build Thread
 

this is going in good a good direction

Re: 59 SWB Big Window Fleetside Apache Build Thread
 

Great progress. A lot further along than I am. Steve

Re: 59 SWB Big Window Fleetside Apache Build Thread
 

- All the hardlines are done. Airline is aluminum, brakes and fuel are all stainless.
- Accuair air mgmt is roughed in and appears to work properly. Compressors and tank are mounted.
- Have begun re-assembly to check final fitment before blowing it apart one last time for paint. This is the first time I've seen the bed back on since I originally mocked it up on the chassis. My friend, Seth, at VZ Customs is a metal fab and body working master.

Up next, the bed frame structure, inner fenders, then paint.

Re: 59 SWB Big Window Fleetside Apache Build Thread
 

ccllleeeaaaaannn i like where this is going

Re: 59 SWB Big Window Fleetside Apache Build Thread
 

Very slick. I really like the color combo.

Marc

Re: 59 SWB Big Window Fleetside Apache Build Thread
 

Wow, you are moving quickly! Love the gold!

Re: 59 SWB Big Window Fleetside Apache Build Thread
 

It's been a long while. Unfortunately, the ol day job has had me traveling all over and I haven't been able to make the progress I would have liked. Inner fenders and bed frame are done though. The bed will tilt up in the center with some pneumatic pistons to access fuel, air, etc.

Re: 59 SWB Big Window Fleetside Apache Build Thread
 

very nice! quick build too, really, since you aren't able to work on it much it seems.
curious if the front axle centerline was moved ahead some, hard to tell from the pics as there isn't one from a "straight on from the side" view.
color choice firmed up yet? how many times have you changed your mind on it? haha
I see there are other projects in the background sometimes. are they your other projects or maybe the truck is at a shop somewhere?

Re: 59 SWB Big Window Fleetside Apache Build Thread
 

Fantastic fab work. Will be an amazing truck when done. Keep up the great work. Steve