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09-13-2010, 11:35 PM | #1 |
Hollister Road Co.
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Houston
Posts: 6,131
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Build advise for a 59 fleetside
I have a 59 Fleetside Custom cab big window short bed. Its in original condition with all the SS trim cab and bed, Chrome front and rear bumpers. I've had this truck for several years now and still can't make up my mind on how to restore it. I'm torn between a complete restoration to oringinal condition or resto mod with a LSx/4l60e, IFS and some road gears. I have 5.3 and 4l60e, I also have the IFS clip that was sold by RB's obsolete, I think Kimbridge was the maker of the clip, It uses Impala parts. Cost would be about the same for either rebuild. It does need the usual rust work. I just can't make up my mind on which way to go with it. Any sugestions?
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09-13-2010, 11:58 PM | #2 |
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Location: cameron park, ca.
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Re: Build advise for a 59 fleetside
I vote for keeping it stock, but I like my trucks stock. That would be a nice truck to stay original because it is kind of like a Cameo for 59. I just pulled the dropped axle out of 58 GMC this weekend and put a original one back in. Now I need to buy tires for the original wheels that came with the truck.
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09-14-2010, 12:32 AM | #3 |
Hollister Road Co.
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Location: Houston
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Re: Build advise for a 59 fleetside
That's one reason I'm undecided, Its a truck thats not often seen with all the trim. I would keep the outside looking original but do I modernize the drive line and brakes to make it a better driver. Most of the fleets I see are shaved slammed and bagged and purple. I don't see a lot of originals
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09-14-2010, 12:49 AM | #4 |
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Re: Build advise for a 59 fleetside
How about "upfitting" it with something like this ?????
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09-14-2010, 12:36 AM | #5 |
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Re: Build advise for a 59 fleetside
Why don't you redo it in such a way that you could reverse if you later wanted to? Full cosmetic restoration with stock color, etc. but don't clip it. Personally, as much as I'd love to have a truck like this I couldn't stand to saw the frame in half. I'd put a dropped axle, power disc brakes power steering in it. Put a modern rear end ratio in it so you can freeway cruise it.
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09-14-2010, 01:06 AM | #6 | |
Hollister Road Co.
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Re: Build advise for a 59 fleetside
Quote:
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09-14-2010, 01:45 AM | #7 | |
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Re: Build advise for a 59 fleetside
Quote:
It's a hard decision, but in the end you only have to please yourself, regardless what opinions the rest of us have. |
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09-14-2010, 10:15 AM | #8 |
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Re: Build advise for a 59 fleetside
Hard to tell by your picture but it looks like a nice patina. If it's not all rusted out perhaps freshen up the drivetrain and leave body as is, pretty popular right now. The modern ride and mechanics make the cruise much more enjoyable.
My 2 cents.
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1959 Chev Apache 3100 Short Fleet Big Window |
09-14-2010, 05:09 PM | #9 | |
Hollister Road Co.
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Re: Build advise for a 59 fleetside
Quote:
http://www.thehollisterroadcompany.c...a/59fleetside/ if anyone wants to look close up. |
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09-20-2010, 04:42 PM | #10 | |
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Re: Build advise for a 59 fleetside
Quote:
I agree with Dan, upgrade it but all make changes that can be reversed. This way if you're not happy, just put it back to stock condition |
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09-20-2010, 09:55 PM | #11 |
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Re: Build advise for a 59 fleetside
i love that color scheme your truck is right now
i'd say go with the resto mod. classic look with modern running gear to make a sick cruiser that can ride and handle like a modern day vehicle |
10-20-2010, 02:32 PM | #12 |
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Re: Build advise for a 59 fleetside
My opinion exactly.
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10-21-2010, 03:03 PM | #13 |
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Re: Build advise for a 59 fleetside
Don't touch the frame rails. Find a no-weld M-II crossmember and save all the stock suspension parts you remove. The only stock part you will have to sacrifice is the steering column/box (if you cut the column) so find another one to cut before you begin the conversion.
Ray |
09-14-2010, 12:59 AM | #14 |
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Location: cameron park, ca.
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Re: Build advise for a 59 fleetside
That 58 Cameo is nice. I did the rust patch panel work on it for the guy that restored it for the owner. Here is the owner of the resto shops truck.
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09-14-2010, 01:10 AM | #15 |
Hollister Road Co.
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Re: Build advise for a 59 fleetside
Both the red one and the tan one look good stock. The tan one has 59 spears on it. Mines not a 4x4 so it wouldn't end up that tall. But the stock look is what I intend for the outside.
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09-14-2010, 01:15 AM | #16 |
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Re: Build advise for a 59 fleetside
DW
If you want something a little different or rare think about it, not many of these trucks floating around ??? Anyway you go, thats a great truck to start with. Mr GMC I like your style and I agree with you. Restorod ??? Stock looks with something alittle different underneath ??? I did not see the Cameo in person but It looks awesome from the photos, great work. bb
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09-14-2010, 01:22 AM | #17 |
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Re: Build advise for a 59 fleetside
DW
Those are both NAPCO trucks. They were either built at the factory or "upfitted" by the dealer. I agree with you as far as the ride is concerned on straight axle trucks, I just kinda of dig how there is not many around and they were "custom" back in the day.
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09-14-2010, 01:31 AM | #18 |
Hollister Road Co.
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Re: Build advise for a 59 fleetside
Maybe I'll do a drop with discs and P/S and if its to ugly to drive in Houston I'll clip it.
Thanks for the input. |
09-14-2010, 06:39 PM | #19 |
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Re: Build advise for a 59 fleetside
It depends on what you want to do with it. Daily driver? LS and IFS. If your just going to own it. Keep it stock.... My vote (if were votin) LS it and drive the wheels off it.
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09-16-2010, 02:37 PM | #20 |
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Re: Build advise for a 59 fleetside
Restore the top side and upgrade the running gear. That way you get the best of both worlds - original style and modern mechanical. That would work well here in Houston. Lets your ride stand out from the sea of Suburbans, minivans, and mid size sedans that cover our roads.
That is the basic recipe I followed on my 54 and am using for the 58 project. There are plenty of patina (fake & real) task forces out there already. With that stainless trim your truck would look great with new paint. That current color would be a good option IMO. It sounds like you have lots of metal work to address before the paint decision needs to be made though. |
09-16-2010, 05:38 PM | #21 | |
Hollister Road Co.
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Re: Build advise for a 59 fleetside
Quote:
I'm not worried about the metal work, I just did a big window that needed far more that this one does. So I think I'll leave the top side original looking, do the clip I have and the 5.3 I have. I can figure out what I want for the rear suspension and gears later. I do like the ride the truck arms on my 72 give. |
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09-16-2010, 03:14 PM | #22 |
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Re: Build advise for a 59 fleetside
The only problem with the full resto built is that will drive like a restored 59 chev. Thats great if you run 50mph max, and have no traffic to deal with. If you clip it, just do it right. Tkae your time, or pay a professional to help you. Looking old and OG is cool, driving around in an ill-handling truck is not
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09-16-2010, 05:21 PM | #23 | |
Hollister Road Co.
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Location: Houston
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Re: Build advise for a 59 fleetside
Quote:
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10-24-2010, 11:51 AM | #24 |
Elev8r Man
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Glendora, CA
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Re: Build advise for a 59 fleetside
Just an opinion but, how about a front clip out of a 71-72 C-10. They had disk brakes and the frame width and height are the same. Easier clip to do than a camaro by far. Mine is done that way and if I bag it the parts are easy to find as well as drop spindles. I always opt for the mods that I can walk into your local auto parts house and get parts easy, rather than wait because it is a special order orthe company went out of business. These trucks are easy to find still and relatively cheap too. The front ends on those trucks used almost no rubber bushings to replace, just grease her up and go. Also if you plan to bag it, go check out the 67-72 section here on this site to see how low you can get it. As I said, Just my opinion.
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10-24-2010, 01:02 PM | #25 |
Hollister Road Co.
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Re: Build advise for a 59 fleetside
I already have the clip thats based off a G body. It was sold by RB's obsolete and uses G or A body suspension parts. So the clip is set in stone with a G body A arms and S10 Blazer 2 dr spindles and C5 disc brakes.
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