Project 59 Fleetside
 

After a couple of years building I finally have a few pictures worth sharing. I have learned a lot of what not to do and will likely learn much more to come as the build continues. My biggest inspiration at this point is likely Wes Drelleshak's 59 fleetside.

Many thanks to those who have helped me get this far!

Re: Project 59 Fleetside
 

As you can see I started with a rust bucket step-side, long bed with plans of a short bed fleet side that is able to handle the road and put the power to the ground

Re: Project 59 Fleetside
 

Here are some of the progress pictures from shortening the rails to convert to a short bed.

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More of the rails...

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Now for the second gen camero front end install. This was possible after hours of reading this forum the HAMB and watching a video I purchased from Rob at No Limit Engineering. I am happy with the results but would be happier if I had purchased a wide ride kit from Rob.

Re: Project 59 Fleetside
 

This is a little bit of insurance with a fish plate and my twist on the second gen IFS install.

Re: Project 59 Fleetside
 

Some of the components after sandblasting, new bushings, and fresh paint.

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Now for the C-Notch and mock-up of the full floating 9"...

Re: Project 59 Fleetside
 

Here is where I learned to steal with pride as the bracing for the chassis is stolen directly from the design on Wes Drelleshak's truck.

I also was testing out the fit of the 18" wheels.

Re: Project 59 Fleetside
 

Here are some pictures to show the 295 35 18s I hope to run. Tight fit on the front as you can see.

Also visible is the C6 calipers and 14" rotors from Kore3. I will be removing the corvette logs as this clearance is required to clear the wheels.

Re: Project 59 Fleetside
 

Working in a one car garage you need to have the ability to roll the project in and out but the further the project moves along the heavier she is getting and the less I want to roll it.

Re: Project 59 Fleetside
 

Now for the power....

I started off with an aluminum block 5.3 from a 2009 Suburban that had a bad lifter but as we all know its easy to let scope creep get the best of us. I wanted to do a build that could eventually be turbo charged but also right out the gate have plenty of torque to get the big girl moving and moving fast. It didn't take long and I ditched the LSX path for a BBC 496.

Here are the pictures from the engine build process. My engine builder took 12 months to finish it but when he did the experience of hearing it fire off for the first time was priceless. You can't mistake the sound of a 496 Stroker!

Re: Project 59 Fleetside
 

Very pleased with the look of the Jones Racing Products Serpentine Drive.

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Here is current status as of Today. More to come...

Re: Project 59 Fleetside
 

Welcome.
Very nice looking stuff so far.
Kim

Re: Project 59 Fleetside
 

Thanks Kim! I just read through your build and am blown away at the work you have invested. Awesome Job!

Would love to know how high your frame rail is from the ground. I think I need to go lower but am not a huge fan of drop spindles...

Re: Project 59 Fleetside
 

Is your trailing arm setup a kit or did you adapt a 60s truck trailing arms and crossmember to your 59's frame?

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Its for a 67 C-10 from CPP if I remember correctly. I can look for the documentation tomorrow to confirm if you like. i had to cut some out of the cross member width wise to make it work but i think it looks good and have read good things about the design. I believe Nascar still uses this setup.

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Not sure what the final height will be. I don't have the tires I'm going to run on the front yet.
Kim

Re: Project 59 Fleetside
 

Just read this.
Very nice frame!
Great work so far, I subscribed!

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Very nice build!!! have the same front clip, and I like the 496 too and can totally relate to the sound of a stroker! good luck with the build and Ill be watching too.

Heres my 496 boat motor startup first time.

https://youtu.be/wi1kLIyw5_U

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Great job on the frame and subframe installation! Really nice. Thanks for sharing.

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Here is the first time I was able to hear my engine fire up. Sorry for the crappy iPhone audio. It was an awesome time!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fay_...ature=youtu.be

Also is the dyno Sheet....

Not very impressive to some but it will be a reliable engine with plenty of torque for me.

Re: Project 59 Fleetside
 

Groeten ! En bedankt voor de vriendelijke woorden !

I really like your build as well! Nice headers!

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Your boat is amazing and super fast based on the huge smiles.

Do you think my dyno sheet is reasonable for a mild 496?

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Thank You!! I am actually proud of the way the frame has turned out. This is fun stuff!!

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That looks great! I did my sub-frame like you did. I have drop spindles. With drop spindles, you are limited to 5" backspace. Any more than that and the tie rods will hit the wheel. 295's up front? I'm guessing your wheels have more backspace than that to get those tires inside the fenders. What is the wheel width and backspace, or offset?

If I recall, bottom of rocker panel is approximately 4" lower than the frame rails. Side frame rails under the cab approx 10"-12" from the ground would put the rockers around 6-8".

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Dutch roots?? :lol::lol:

Your youtube link is on private?
I wanted to hear your 500+ HP engine you call not very impressive...
I hope to get around 180 Hp on a stock 350 :lol::lol:

Re: Project 59 Fleetside
 

ah .... you must have found the other vids I have up... yea I get alot of first timers in a v-drive boat and they have no idea what they can do on water, so they come away very 'happy'!!!

Your 496 (based on the dyno info) looks real strong for a street motor and should be alot of fun. The reliability will be based on what parts you used and who put it together. But looks like it will work good for you.

I posted up some more info and pics on my boat and my 496 engine info on my build page so it didnt clutter up your build page, so check it out there on post #157

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The video clip was marked private when I clicked on it. I really like the looks of the accessory drive and I haven't seen that company before. Will have to go check them out.

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The wheels are Classic Torq Thrust II 18x10 5x4.75 5.75" Backspace all the way around.

I know I am taking a risk here but I spent countless hours looking at this and drawing it multiple times in CAD and think I can make it work. If not I'll just regroup.

This truck was running this size wheel and tire at one time I believe.

http://image.trucktrend.com/f/754902...ache-front.jpg

Re: Project 59 Fleetside
 

No on the dutch roots. I just work with a lot of good people from the Netherlands and have been traveling overseas a lot here lately and have a new found appreciation for those who are able to speak multiple languages.

I fixed the youtube link. I think...

Are you going to keep your truck blue in color?

Re: Project 59 Fleetside
 

Fixed the video link.

Here is the link for Jones Racing Products (The company I purchased the accessory drive from) http://www.jonesracingproducts.com

Click on the 2015 Catalog button on their homepage and look at all the cool stuff they offer.

Call them up too. They are very nice and helpful guys that go out of their way to make sure you get what you need.

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Engine sounds...and looks...awesome! Thanks for the Jones catalog link. Gotta look at their LS components.

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Link works, man, that sounds awesome :metal::metal:

Mine is going to be semi gloss black with high gloss red.
It would have been different if it was the original color, but the blue was a really bad overspray.

In the Netherlands, at least in my youth, we learned English, German and French in school, but that was some time ago ;):lol:

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Here are the bed sides and some of the other sheetmetal before and after sandblasting and epoxy primer

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These pictures show what was waiting under the old paint and scale. As you can see I made a few too many rookie mistake when picking out this old truck

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Here is the way I transported the cab back to my house from my buddies shop. Not sure how many guys have ever done this but it worked great for me.

Should have taken the cab straight to the scrap yard but it stayed at my house for a little while.

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Did some searching on craigslist and was able to find a cab in better condition. It was in VA about 4 hours away but originated in Arizona and was in fare shape with respect to rust. It even came with some paperwork....

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Here some of the sheetmetal replacement on the new cab.