Sat. garage time with a '58 Apache and a 6 year old

[haulnrat]

This is my '58 Apache project. I decided to stay a little old sckool and keep a straight axle from and rear. The front is a CPP 3" drop with 3" lowering springs from Posies and a Speedway disc brake kit. A 9" from a '64 galaxy will bring up the rear. At this point I am attaching it on top of the rear springs with some leaves removed. I will probably have to a do a c-notch.

I was planning on using the original frame but discover the front frame horns were teaked. It sat in a junk yard with out a front clip and I think from moving it around with a loader they got bent. My plan was to find donor frame to give up its front rails to cut and graft on to mine, but I came across the frame from a guy at work. It was so nice and clean, the new plan is to put all the stuff on it and switch the body over.

My son was good help and had a blast going picking it up this morning and spending all day in the shop with dad working in it. Hope you enjoy the picks and I will keep updating as progress continues.

[haulnrat]

more pics

[haulnrat]

and more pics

[Kabwe]

Looks like a really cool project. good luck with her

[sgtusmc]

It's really cool you have the little one involved. Looks like you have a good start and good help.

[CAL 58 GMC]

That's really cool to get the kid in on the project too! Keep post your progress pictures.

[OrrieG]

That is great, if you keep him involved it will make a big impact on your relationship. I was that age when I started hanging with my Grandfather (the original Orrie G) on weekends while my dad worked. He was always tinkering with old cars and dragging some old Chevy or jeep home (this was in the mid 50's). I remember him always talking about what he was doing and telling me "Now Patrick you need to watch out for ...." as he progressed. Also got to hear a lot of stories about his life with cars and other sage advice. He died when I was 12, it had a big effect not having him around to talk to. I don't remember my other brothers being around, we had a special bond.

I like the old school build idea, especially the straight axles. They don't get the credit they deserve in my opinion, guys forget that they were used on hot rods as well as lakesters and dragsters at speeds well over 100 mph and did just fine.

[bensimmons_05]

I have to say I am partial to the drop axle myself... looks like this will be a cool truck. can't wait to see more!!

[Kim57]

Very cool.
Kim

[haulnrat]

Some of my buddies came over last night and helped me set the cab and the box back on. We also started mocking up the engine location. I just bolted it to the bell housing that was still attached to the crossmember. It looks like it needs to come up a little, but it's a good referance point. I will try and get some more over all pics later.

[nuke1]

that is awesome with you and your son in tha garage, and the truck is looking great, i love mock up stages, they give you a sense of getting things done.

[haulnrat]

I spent alot of time with my dad and grandfather growing up as well working on cars and trucks. Grandpa had hugger orange and black '72 cheyenne and dad was usually working some project or the family car. He just completed a '69 GMC short box with a 396. It's the reason I am into working out in the shop. I wanted to pass it on to my son (and daughter she sometimes comes out too). My wife thinks it's great too. IMO kids need something other that video games and TV to shape there minds.

[gmcer]

Keep your son involved I also have a 6 year old son and he is a great motivater to keep things rollin. Let him do things no matter what it is he will never forget helping you ! Truck looks good.

[B17CRX]

Sweet another solid drop axle truck. Looks like its gonna be a nice ride, great job so far!

-Joel

[haulnrat]

Rolled is outside today and took some pictures. This should be ride height. Next task is to build engine mounts.

[Kabwe]

I like the ride height, Looking good man.

[65panelrat]

Love it Man! Glad to see your boy involved in your project!

[haulnrat]

I have a question. What does the piece look like that goes between the bumper the grill suround? Does anyone local (south central Iowa) know where I could get this part.

Also the frame is a '57, do they have shorter frame horns than a '58. The bumper does not seem to be fitting properly.

Thanks for the comments and in advace for the help.

[OrrieG]

Bumper filler panel see photo. The 58-59 frames are longer in the front (about 2")

[haulnrat]

Thanks OrrieG, does anyone repop these filler panels.

[Alan's Classic]

Man, that's goin' to be a cool ride. Looks like you've got some good help. Don't you wish you had his energy.

[OrrieG]

Originally Posted by haulnrat

Thanks OrrieG, does anyone repop these filler panels.

I found them at Jim Carter and on ebay, google 1959 bumper fill panel and some others show up. LMC does not have them. I think it was around $80.

[Skirkpat]

Good show!! I am envious, I have had two sons and neither one was real interested in the same things I am....just a warning though, enjoy it while it lasts they grow up too fast.

[flatbedchev]

Very cool pics!!! We get to start in on the chassis work for our 58GMC short fleetside in the next month. It has a Nova subframe in it right now that is going to need some work. I'll be keeping my eye on this project