Project 58 Indian

[sighlurr]

Hey guys, I'm new to the 47-59 section on this site.

I just sold a '68 SWB and came across a very clean 1958 Chevy Apache SWB. After searching multiple threads, I'm still unsure what is the best subframe to use on this truck. That is the first step on this build and I'd love to hear some of your feedback. I'd like to find something that I won't need to narrow to tuck tires, but that is wider than the Mustang II front end. I also will have a hard time putting any F*rd parts on this truck!

[entourageguy]

Welcome to another 4 lighter.
I've got a MII under my truck and love it.
Lots of guys have used the camaro / firebird front clip with very good results.
Do a search and you will find lots of info. I'm sure others will chime in as well.

[Kim57]

I'm building a 57 that has a 67 chevelle clip. I've seen some with the G body clips also.
Kim

[sighlurr]

After 48 hours of non-stop research, I'm leaning towards the MII frontend. I found one that is brand new for $1K shipped, with dropped spindles. May be the way to go unless anyone has any objections....

[50adrod]

Originally Posted by dsigh

After 48 hours of non-stop research, I'm leaning towards the MII frontend. I found one that is brand new for $1K shipped, with dropped spindles. May be the way to go unless anyone has any objections....

thats cheap where did you find it? go with tubular arms if possible they are stronger.

[sighlurr]

Originally Posted by 50adrod

thats cheap where did you find it? go with tubular arms if possible they are stronger.

Here is the kit I found on eBay -

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/MUSTA...1%7C240%3A1318

But I've decided to go with the FatMan setup.

[cajundragger]

you can always roll with the welder series stuff and then put your own control arms,spindles, springs/bags, brakes,rack.

http://www.welderseries.com/catalog/...hp?cPath=22_25

[PanelDeland]

You may also want to look around some more.There have been some street rod uses of the Dodge Dakota front suspension.I haven't used one but it seems like a 1/2 ton PU suspension would be stronger initially and that's always a good thing.

[sighlurr]

Santa came a little late this year...

[sighlurr]

3 more -

[Palf70Step]

Can 't wait to see what you do with the Apache!

[CAL 58 GMC]

Welcome to the fat fender side!! Keep those progress pics coming!

[poncho_villa]

I smell a fresh build coming up. Another short fleetside too!

[sighlurr]

Originally Posted by poncho_villa

I smell a fresh build coming up. Another short fleetside too!

Yea, I hope sooner than later too.

I'm on the fence right now between an Art Morrison front cross member and a Heidt setup. I've heard a LOT of negative feedback on the FatMan and have been able to narrow it down to these two.

Updates to follow...

[prostreeter58]

Originally Posted by dsigh

I've heard a LOT of negative feedback on the FatMan

Wow...........really curious to hear what you have been told..............I have had great results with the fatman setup. In fact, the only kit I had any trouble with is the Heidts.............

[entourageguy]

Check out on the HAMB.
Guy there had a 5 year old fatman set up and had some trouble with it. Monday morning the owner had emailed him to say that he would set him up with updated control arms. Not bad for the lenght of time.
I'll see if I can find the thread.

[entourageguy]

Here is something to read

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/s...&highlight=mii

[sighlurr]

As I go back and forth between the Art Morrison and Heidt crossmember, I knew I owed you all some type of update.

Pulled the seat and tank, pulled the industrial gheto rear bumper. I'm doing a lot of cleaning right now, removing the rust to preserve the baby blue paint.

The truck originally said "Souza's" on both doors because it was used as a work truck. I removed a few letters by wet sanding with 2k grit.

Below is my progress...

EDIT: I've been looking at this logo for the last 3 hours and am not happy with the original spacing. I'm going to take this completely down to the orginal blue and start over with new spacing with the letters, not using any of the original "SOUZA" letters. Gimme until Sat. for new pics. And remember, I won't let you guys down.

[poncho_villa]

Great! I was curious about the patina on the doors. I noticed it in the first pics you posted but couldn't make out what it was. Are you leaving it there permanently or just during the course of the build?

[sighlurr]

Originally Posted by poncho_villa

Great! I was curious about the patina on the doors. I noticed it in the first pics you posted but couldn't make out what it was. Are you leaving it there permanently or just during the course of the build?

It's on there for good. When I finished with this, it will look like it's in progress. The outside will definitely have a patina theme with the cash being blown on suspension, brakes and motor. I hope to be rockin' some 18" whitewalls pretty soon too.

Stay tuned!

[sighlurr]

Alright kids, I made some changes tonight.

WAALAAHH!!!

[poncho_villa]

Yeah! That is a better font. It looks like it belongs.

[pugs]

the Artwork look good, but you need to start on some other work lets see it as a roller. really wasnt a fan of the 58-9 beds bit they have grown on me i came across one for my 57

[pugs]

my bad as i am refering to a fleetside bed

[sighlurr]

Originally Posted by pugs

the Artwork look good, but you need to start on some other work lets see it as a roller. really wasnt a fan of the 58-9 beds bit they have grown on me i came across one for my 57

I didn't realize I was working for anyone here. You're gonna have to start funding some of this, boss.

As I mentioned, I'm trying to decide on which crossmember to get this thing rolling.

I'm also waiting for the weather to clear up to pour a RV access pad so I can start pushing pieces of this to the side yard.

Nothing better than the '58-'59 bulletsides!