'59 Apache "Low and Mean" long term project

[beanyard]

There is always the option of finding a grill from something else like a desoto...it would take some searching though.
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[1959Chev]

Not sure I like the merc grille looks out of place to me...
What static height looks to be a good height to go with. I'm planning to get the front clip done within the next month and need to know what height to set it to.

Still need doors and fenders as well. Anyone have a pair of doors in repairable condition? don't need hardware just shell

[pbeguy]

Here is something different I came across on Ebay.
The truck is sectioned and chopped.

[1959Chev]

Not a fan of the section and chop but love that grille. Any way you can find out how out was made
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[beanyard]

There is a 59 on eBay now that has a similar grill that I have seen on other trucks.
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[hotrodrookie]

Originally Posted by 1959Chev

Not a fan of the section and chop but love that grille. Any way you can find out how out was made
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That grill looks pretty simple to make. I would grab some 1.25" od stainless tube and make it out of that, then polish that bad boy. Another nice feature that the tube design brings is that you can french in some horizontal turn signals into each end of the tube and then run the wires inside the tube. Finally you could finish it off by painting the brackets black.

[1959Chev]

Alright guys I know it's been a little while. I've been working on my race car amd my buddy's truck. Building a new motor for my malibu and built a 383 for my buddy's 92 stepside.
Enough about all that, I've got an update. I went and picked up a subframe and rear end today. The guy says the sub is from a 69camaro but it is a front steer. I thought front steer didn't come til second gen cars. The rear is a ford 9" with strange axles, spool, and 4.11 gears. Now for the kicker, the guy threw in a new steering box and ls1 ps pump. Ok you all ready for this?



All for $350!!
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[Kim57]

Sounds like a great price.
Kim

[1959Chev]

Got an update on the truck. Finally got around to starting on the frame. Got the rear dropped out need to get the spring perches cut off now. Dropped the front suspension out yesterday and cut my front horns off for the core support and bumper brackets. Rolled the subframe up to the front. I'll start looking at where to cut the frame off at this weekend.

My original axle center line is 29" from the front of the rivet on the cab mount. Is this what you guys normally have? If so, am I right saying my new wheel centerline should be 31 1/2"? Just want to make sure I get it right the first time. Also can some of you guys that did the No Limit subframe post up a few close-ups of how you put the two together.

Here's some pics to show the progress.

[Kim57]

Cool pics. I love seeing this stuff being done.
Kim

[oldcouple]

Someone else posted this link, looks like a lot of good info. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/s...d.php?t=148978

[1959Chev]

I've been through that one. It keeps the horns on the back. Mine are cut off.
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[oldcouple]

I saw that, but mostly I posted it because he makes good reference as to where to find points to measure from, ones that will not move during assembly and alignment. As your asked for.

[1959Chev]

ok I got ya. Thanks

[1959Chev]

Can someone give me measurements for the cross section on the core support mounts from a reference on the frame. Preferably from the front rivet on the cab mount. This is where I've been taking all my other measurements from.

[1959Chev]

Got the front frame cut off and the subframe narrowed to slide in. I need to now spread the frame to get it all the way in then weld it out and box it.

[1959Chev]

Guys, I have been searching everywhere and can't find a reference on where I should level the subframe to attach it to the truck frame. I need a reference point to go by on the subframe. I have the truck frame level and need to install the subframe but not sure where My reference should be on the subframe to get it installed at the correct angle.

[1959Chev]

I found out a reference to use to set the subframe. Thanks Rob from No Limit! I will be going to pick up an angle gauge today to get it between 7 - 8*. I did get the frame spread enough to slip the subframe in. Here are some pics of progress. The tie down straps are holding it in place since I haven't welded it yet. I will weld it out the weekend once I find an angle gauge. Anyone know where I can find one at. Autozone claim they didn't have one... Go figure..

[Russell Ashley]

I don't plan on subing my truck but I'm enjoying looking at your detailed pics.

I got my angle guage at Lowes but I've seen then at the Ace hardware store and also at NAPA.

[1959Chev]

Thanks Russell. I would've never even attempted this if it had not been for the encouragement from the other guys on this site. It has definitely been an experience.. This is also my first time really doing some welding too. I'm an Electrical Engineer and do a lot of electrical troubleshooting and wiring on cars. I build quite a few motors too but never got big into welding. My wife bought me a welder for Christmas and it's been my coolest tool I've ever got. So I guess I can now add another skill to the list!

[1959Chev]

It's been a little while since I updated you guys on my progress but I was able to get some work done yesterday on the ol gal. Got the outside of the frame welded out and started cutting and fitting my boxing plates. Also was able to get that stubborn tranny crossmember and spring shackles out. What a pain in the a$$!! Those rivets are some kind of stubborn. Enjoy the pics and feel free to comment on my welding. I am still a rookie at that lol. I was able to get the anti tive angle set to ~6.5*. Squared it all up and got her in. I move the wheel base forward by 1" so it can better center the wheel in the opening. I haven't put the wheel back on to see it compared to the fender yet. Will see if I can do that this weekend. I know how you guys are about pics so here ya go.

[shadow1967]

Way to go. Nice job! Welding skill came as you go. Just amatter of time.

[1959Chev]

Got both boxing plates in and welded out from the top. I'll get the bottom once I pull the cab and flip the frame over. next is to start removing drip rail and seam on firewall. I will get some pics this evening of the boxing plates and how they came out. One thing for sure is that my welding skills are making a come up lol. Starting to get better as long as I can get in a good position. Those akward positions screw me up sometimes tho when I have to get in a tight space.

[1959Chev]

Haven't made it out to the shop to get pics yet. Hopefully today. Got a question, for the core support mounts can someone give me a measurement from a reference point to the mount and a cross reference. I have the measurement to the front of the stubs just want it verified cause one of my stubs was bent a little just want it square and straight.
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[1959Chev]

Although I never got an answer back I went ahead and tackled the bumper extensions and core support mounts yesterday. Got the passenger side close to completion and the driver side just tacked in. Also I finally got some pics of the boxing of the frame. Here you go!