The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network







Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.

Go Back   The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network > 47 - Current classic GM Trucks > The 1947 - 1959 Chevrolet & GMC Pickups Message Board > Projects and Builds

Web 67-72chevytrucks.com


Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 10-21-2018, 09:14 PM   #26
daveshilling
Registered User
 
daveshilling's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: roseville
Posts: 823
Re: 1958 Apache Big Window Loooooong Bed "Lucky"

While I wait on more parts from Flat Out, I've been trying to keep busy with the truck in some way.

MY FIRST TIME DOING METAL WORK

I found a body hammer in a bunch of tools I bought, and also a tooth from an excavator bucket... so I figured what the heck, I have a pretty crunchy fender. Let's learn some body work!

Those of you who actually know what you're doing may just want to hit the back button right now. I just decided to experiment, have fun, and maybe have a slightly better looking fender.

MY FIRST PATCH PANEL

I also decided I would try and make a patch panel from some sheet metal and it was HARD! Definitely fun to do. I welded it in but the tacks didnt penetrate well......

so I grinded them all off and took my welder off the auto setting, brought the voltage up, wire feed down, and welded the panel from the back this time. MUCH better and I'll follow up with more pictures.
Attached Images
    
daveshilling is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-22-2018, 03:10 AM   #27
joedoh
Senior Member
 
joedoh's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Doodah Kansas
Posts: 7,774
Re: 1958 Apache Big Window Loooooong Bed "Lucky"

great work on the patch!
__________________
the mass of men live lives of quiet desperation


if there is a problem, I can have it.

new project WAYNE http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=844393
joedoh is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-22-2018, 09:58 PM   #28
daveshilling
Registered User
 
daveshilling's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: roseville
Posts: 823
Re: 1958 Apache Big Window Loooooong Bed "Lucky"

Quote:
Originally Posted by joedoh View Post
great work on the patch!

Thanks! I will definitely need to body work the panel, but thats okay with me, plenty of learning opportunity. This corner of the fender seems to curve inward, and I haven't really figured out how to resolve that yet..
daveshilling is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-22-2018, 11:43 PM   #29
BIGglaSS
Registered User
 
BIGglaSS's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2014
Location: ID
Posts: 663
Re: 1958 Apache Big Window Loooooong Bed "Lucky"

Heck , yeah. That's how I started, you're on the right track.
__________________
My museum of good intentions: 1957 3100 BBW restomod -- 1970 442 W30
BIGglaSS is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-24-2018, 12:10 PM   #30
daveshilling
Registered User
 
daveshilling's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: roseville
Posts: 823
Re: 1958 Apache Big Window Loooooong Bed "Lucky"

Quote:
Originally Posted by BIGglaSS View Post
Heck , yeah. That's how I started, you're on the right track.
Sometimes just getting your hands dirty and getting those first few mistakes over with can go a long way!
daveshilling is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-24-2018, 03:00 PM   #31
daveshilling
Registered User
 
daveshilling's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: roseville
Posts: 823
Re: 1958 Apache Big Window Loooooong Bed "Lucky"

rewelding the panel helped, but grinding is hard for me to do well on these panels... I cant tell when I've ground the weld level, too far, not far enough.. and getting too agressive is leaving some marks, both with the grinder and hammer.

I can see why guys would just coat the whole damn thing with filler, this is a skill acquired through hours and hours of practice.
Attached Images
 
daveshilling is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-24-2018, 05:52 PM   #32
dsraven
Registered User
 
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: calgary alberta
Posts: 8,174
Re: 1958 Apache Big Window Loooooong Bed "Lucky"

you may try the flap discs for the grinding down part.
sometimes a piece of plywood or mdf cut to the correct contour for the panel is good to have for this type of thing when starting out. that way you can double check as you go to ensure it isn't too bent or not bent enough etc. sheet metal pattern would also work I suppose, whatever you have lots of.
I recommend to cut the hole, then cut the patch to fit big and bent it to shape, then slip it in behind the original spot and mark it fit the shape of the hole. then cut it so there is a bit of a gap between the parts, then tack it in place, checking the contour with your pattern as you go. walk away to allow the whole panel to cool off. come back and spot a few welds between the original ones, like midway. walk away again. each time you come back check to ensure the panel is room temp again. that way it minimizes the warpage. when done use a flap disc to level out the weld, they work on a flatter surface than the usual grinding disc that is made to work on it's edge. again, slowly so things don't heat up and warp. a quick dusting of primer will show you the high spots when you touch it with the disc.
it's always good to have a few other small projects going on when doing this so you are not tempted to go back and "burn it in". less time cussing later when doing the sheet metal prep and bodywork.
what you have there looks pretty good though. some hammer and dolly work and you will be done. if you have a little "innie" dent that has minimal room behind it for a dolly, try to make it an "outie" dent so it is out where you can work it. then use some heat on the high spots (some guys even use a laundry iron because it only touches the high spots) and a wet rag to cool it right after. just enough heat to make the wet area steam, not like cherry red or turning blue or anything like that.
there is a few videos from wray schelin that show using a shrinking disc. same theory, different method. heat the high spot then cool with a damp rag.
dsraven is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-25-2018, 02:20 PM   #33
mikebte
Registered User
 
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Tucson, AZ
Posts: 639
Re: 1958 Apache Big Window Loooooong Bed "Lucky"

Not to bad, I wouldn't kick it. I may take on your design as I start repairing rust on my own ride.
mikebte is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-03-2018, 05:46 PM   #34
58 pache
Registered User
 
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: roseville,ca
Posts: 33
Re: 1958 Apache Big Window Loooooong Bed "Lucky"

Great build so far. I also live in roseville.
Been debating on the c4 or full IFS lately myself. not alot of vette parts in the norcal area.
58 pache is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-07-2018, 03:23 PM   #35
daveshilling
Registered User
 
daveshilling's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: roseville
Posts: 823
Re: 1958 Apache Big Window Loooooong Bed "Lucky"

Got the IFS parts cleaned up and mocked up one more time with the fender to make sure it looked good, then I went ahead and burned in the crossmember.




Now I'm on the hunt for a CTS V or F-Body oil pan setup... if anyone has one they'd like to sell, I'm interested! Hoping to buy used and save a few bucks since a used oil pan should perform as well as a new one. If I cant find one in decent time, I'll just order a takeoff from eBay.



I ordered some universal mounts From LSX Innovations HERE after seeing an artice where they were able to get the mount onto the crossmember using a slotted plate. I could have probable made these, but the water cut pieces are clean, precise, and already done.

Last edited by daveshilling; 11-07-2018 at 03:31 PM.
daveshilling is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-07-2018, 03:28 PM   #36
daveshilling
Registered User
 
daveshilling's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: roseville
Posts: 823
Re: 1958 Apache Big Window Loooooong Bed "Lucky"

Quote:
Originally Posted by dsraven View Post
you may try the flap discs for the grinding down part.
sometimes a piece of plywood or mdf cut to the correct contour for the panel is good to have for this type of thing when starting out. that way you can double check as you go to ensure it isn't too bent or not bent enough etc. sheet metal pattern would also work I suppose, whatever you have lots of.
I recommend to cut the hole, then cut the patch to fit big and bent it to shape, then slip it in behind the original spot and mark it fit the shape of the hole. then cut it so there is a bit of a gap between the parts, then tack it in place, checking the contour with your pattern as you go. walk away to allow the whole panel to cool off. come back and spot a few welds between the original ones, like midway. walk away again. each time you come back check to ensure the panel is room temp again. that way it minimizes the warpage. when done use a flap disc to level out the weld, they work on a flatter surface than the usual grinding disc that is made to work on it's edge. again, slowly so things don't heat up and warp. a quick dusting of primer will show you the high spots when you touch it with the disc.
it's always good to have a few other small projects going on when doing this so you are not tempted to go back and "burn it in". less time cussing later when doing the sheet metal prep and bodywork.
what you have there looks pretty good though. some hammer and dolly work and you will be done. if you have a little "innie" dent that has minimal room behind it for a dolly, try to make it an "outie" dent so it is out where you can work it. then use some heat on the high spots (some guys even use a laundry iron because it only touches the high spots) and a wet rag to cool it right after. just enough heat to make the wet area steam, not like cherry red or turning blue or anything like that.
there is a few videos from wray schelin that show using a shrinking disc. same theory, different method. heat the high spot then cool with a damp rag.

Excellent tips, thank you sir!

Quote:
Originally Posted by mikebte View Post
Not to bad, I wouldn't kick it. I may take on your design as I start repairing rust on my own ride.
Feel free! I dont think I'm doing anything worth copying quite yet, but definitely just start getting after it and make some mistakes, its fun!

Quote:
Originally Posted by 58 pache View Post
Great build so far. I also live in roseville.
Been debating on the c4 or full IFS lately myself. not alot of vette parts in the norcal area.
I have a 84-87 setup for sale since I had to switch to the later year due to a mixup with the crossmember that was shipped to me... You're welcome to stop by the house and check it out and get the forum member price 916-304-2145
daveshilling is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-12-2018, 01:21 AM   #37
daveshilling
Registered User
 
daveshilling's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: roseville
Posts: 823
Re: 1958 Apache Big Window Loooooong Bed "Lucky"

Well I've been apprehensive about welding on the coilover upper mounts, fearing that the coilovers might touch the frame. I should actually order some coilovers, perhaps, so I can check (:

Has anyone used something else besides the Aldan American coilovers that FlatOut sells?

In order to not lose any momentum, I'm trying to stay busy with the truck no matter whats happening. I decided it was time to inspect this $1000 LS engine/tranny that I got, and so far, I'm getting what I paid for:



This filthy disaster was missing a proper intake manifold gasket and instead had red silicone in its place. Abhorrent.

I cleaned it up to get it ready for a replacement manifold since this one was damaged, and a Fel-Pro gasket. I pulled the valley cover while I was at it, and will replace that gasket as well, since I'm already there, and it's cheap insurance to just do it now.

daveshilling is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-25-2018, 02:11 AM   #38
daveshilling
Registered User
 
daveshilling's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: roseville
Posts: 823
Re: 1958 Apache Big Window Loooooong Bed "Lucky"

Updates:

I found a replacement Intake Manifold complete with rails, cable TB, injectors, etc. for $40. It also has the original gasket, so reusing that will save me $50 and pay for the manifold essentially.

I swapped out the truck pan for a CTS-V pan, and although that hurt the pocketbook, it fits like a dream. The windage tray is the same full length tray as the 5.3 so at least I saved a couple bucks there.

daveshilling is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-25-2018, 02:22 AM   #39
daveshilling
Registered User
 
daveshilling's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: roseville
Posts: 823
Re: 1958 Apache Big Window Loooooong Bed "Lucky"

I've been bugging you fine gentlemen on other threads for specific issues and I appreciate the help with getting the mounting location sorted out. I discovered that a light trimming of the trans tunnel top lip allowed me to hit 3 degrees, clear the vette rack, and get the engine tucked in close and low.

I left some of the recessed lip and mounting hole so I can easily attach the trans tunnel cover once modified, and I'll clean that up with a grinder once the engine is out again. It only needed some of the unseen sheet metal trimmed, which I'm very happy about.

daveshilling is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-25-2018, 02:31 AM   #40
daveshilling
Registered User
 
daveshilling's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: roseville
Posts: 823
Re: 1958 Apache Big Window Loooooong Bed "Lucky"

I've also gotten some Trailblazer SS manifolds to help with mounting /steering. Since I'm new to truck building, I wanted all the help I could get in this category. I made a comparison of what the Truck vs. TBSS manifolds look like, side by side.

You can really see in the last image that there is CONSIDERABLY MORE room for steering linkage using the TBSS manifolds. This may even prevent me from needing an additional guide bearing.

TBSS Manifolds used on a TF 1959 apache with a Flatout Engineering C4 crossmember (to help with searching).

daveshilling is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-25-2018, 04:06 AM   #41
Roadkill58
Registered User
 
Roadkill58's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Under a bad sign
Posts: 498
Re: 1958 Apache Big Window Loooooong Bed "Lucky"

Looking good! Once you get the steering column in place it will become clear what you need to do.

It looks like you won't have any problems.

.
__________________
Rust Never Sleeps
.
Roadkill's 58 Chevy Stepside build

Roadkill's 69 Custom C20
Roadkill58 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-27-2018, 08:28 PM   #42
daveshilling
Registered User
 
daveshilling's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: roseville
Posts: 823
Re: 1958 Apache Big Window Loooooong Bed "Lucky"

Quote:
Originally Posted by Roadkill58 View Post
Looking good! Once you get the steering column in place it will become clear what you need to do.

It looks like you won't have any problems.

.

So I've been looking for a keyless 70's GM tilt automatic steering column with no luck.

I dont mind keeping the factory column for Lucky the Trucky if I can get it to shift the 4L60e smoothly...can anybody who has acheived this chime in with some advice/tips? The Jackalope used the factory column and frankly it shifts like crap.
daveshilling is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-05-2018, 07:39 PM   #43
FleetsideBill
Registered User
 
Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: ALLEN NJ
Posts: 32
Re: 1958 Apache Big Window Loooooong Bed "Lucky"

Question did you move you cross member back from flat out directions?
27 1/2 didn't work for me
FleetsideBill is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-05-2018, 08:21 PM   #44
daveshilling
Registered User
 
daveshilling's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: roseville
Posts: 823
Re: 1958 Apache Big Window Loooooong Bed "Lucky"

Quote:
Originally Posted by FleetsideBill View Post
Question did you move you cross member back from flat out directions?
27 1/2 didn't work for me
Yes, I did, to 28.75" I believe, since it appears that FlatOut based their directions on a 55.2-57 which has a shorter front.
daveshilling is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-11-2018, 05:07 AM   #45
Nut Case
Registered User
 
Nut Case's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Clear and Still Idaho
Posts: 509
Re: 1958 Apache Big Window Loooooong Bed "Lucky"

Looking grand, strong work. How did you establish ride height for the C-4 front and rear suspension? I'll be using the C-4 suspension as soon as I can get my 57 GMC build off perma-hold.

Thanks in advance

NC
__________________
Been there, wrecked that
Nut Case is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-21-2018, 02:17 PM   #46
58 pache
Registered User
 
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: roseville,ca
Posts: 33
Re: 1958 Apache Big Window Loooooong Bed "Lucky"

Making some good progress. Nice work on the tbss manifolds.
I was gonna hit you up on the C4. But the wife got let go from her job. It's so weird that 5 yrs ago i sold my 67 cutlass and that money was going into the 58 and she lost her job the next day. It's a conspiracy I tell ya!
58 pache is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-01-2019, 02:40 PM   #47
daveshilling
Registered User
 
daveshilling's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: roseville
Posts: 823
Re: 1958 Apache Big Window Loooooong Bed "Lucky"

Quote:
Originally Posted by Nut Case View Post
Looking grand, strong work. How did you establish ride height for the C-4 front and rear suspension? I'll be using the C-4 suspension as soon as I can get my 57 GMC build off perma-hold.

Thanks in advance

NC

I measured the frame distance to ground front to back and made sure the back was about 2" higher only for the purposes of leveling the crossmember.

The Flatout kit seems to have a fixed ride height unless you modify the frame. Something tells me I'll wish it was lower when it's all finished, but I intended to use this for truck things, so it's probably for the best.
daveshilling is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-01-2019, 02:41 PM   #48
daveshilling
Registered User
 
daveshilling's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: roseville
Posts: 823
Re: 1958 Apache Big Window Loooooong Bed "Lucky"

Quote:
Originally Posted by 58 pache View Post
Making some good progress. Nice work on the tbss manifolds.
I was gonna hit you up on the C4. But the wife got let go from her job. It's so weird that 5 yrs ago i sold my 67 cutlass and that money was going into the 58 and she lost her job the next day. It's a conspiracy I tell ya!
It happens! Yes these manifolds are awesome, and certainly going to simplify the steering setup.
daveshilling is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-01-2019, 02:51 PM   #49
daveshilling
Registered User
 
daveshilling's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: roseville
Posts: 823
Re: 1958 Apache Big Window Loooooong Bed "Lucky"

Well it's been a bit over a year and I'm definitely nowhere near as far along as I'd hoped. Not even close, actually.

Over the holiday I finally decided on some mounts and ordered Randy Ellis's tubular mount setup. For $50 + shipping it was not too much more than buying the materials myself. I got the frame portion welded in and then cleaned up and primered all the bare steel since it was starting to get a bit of surface rust.





Not bad for a guy who has never built a truck before and has maybe 5 feet of welding under his belt, I think. Progress seems to come in spurts... nothing happens for a month, then one weekend I spend 12 hours in the garage.


While keeping busy since I'm not sure what the next step is without having more parts, I decided to clean up the dash area and get it ready for wiring and PCM mount. I learned this cool detail that the factory ignition has a little light bulb that shoots light through the hole where the key goes. Very cool.



Anyone know how to remove these ignitions, and can I get a key made?

daveshilling is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-01-2019, 03:10 PM   #50
G&R's57GMC
Senior Member
 
G&R's57GMC's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Shasta Lake, CA.
Posts: 1,619
Re: 1958 Apache Big Window Loooooong Bed "Lucky"

If I remember there is a pin hole in the key side of the switch that you would insert a paper clip wren in the lock position and then turn the key counter clockwise to release the lock cylinder. But you need the key to do this !

Then the bezel can be unscrewed and the switch can be removed.

Your option is to call a mobile locksmith and have a key made on site .
Be sure to tell them you need a key blank for the 50’s GM ignition . BTW if your lucky it will match the door lock
__________________
Glen & Jane's Rides
‘57 GMC NAPCO Long Bed V8 4 speed Bought 2008
7 other cars & trucks , 5 trailers
'56 Chevy Long Bed I6, 4 speed Bought 1990 Sold 8.22.2020
’56 GMC Suburban Pickup V8, 4 speed Hydramatic Bought 1996 Sold 10.11.2020
My Other Tinkerings http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...75#post8967275

Last edited by G&R's57GMC; 01-01-2019 at 03:23 PM.
G&R's57GMC is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Bookmarks


Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 07:44 PM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
Copyright 1997-2022 67-72chevytrucks.com