58 apache 31 stepside noob project help!

[dcody619]

Well I really need your guys help on this one. I bought this truck not really knowing what I was getting myself into. Like the title says it's a 1958 apache stepside shortbed. I bought this truck late at night in the rain with hardly any light for $400. So I'm asking you where is where to go with this truck...what engine/tranny combos should I be looking at at? Its missing a rim so what bolt pattern does it use? And anything else you guys can guide me on...pics will be as soon as I figure out how to.

Thanks!

[OrrieG]

look at the build threads to see what turns your crank and the level of difficulgy for each gype of transplant. how are you going to use it? daily driver, occasional weekends or??? how much do you want to mess with it after its built? do not understand the rim comment, should have six or eight lugs if stock.
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[dcody619]

Well I don't plan on using it as a daily driver but more than once or twice a month. I would like to keep lookin mostly stock but with a simple v8 setup for the muscle/sound.

Thanks I figured out the bolt pattern.

I guess I just feel overwhelmed with options and things to do. So I'm not where to start or how to set my priorities.
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[Russell Ashley]

Welcome to the forum. You picked a good vehicle to start restoring since parts and accessories for these trucks are plentiful. Is your truck complete? What engine/tranny does it have now? I would say you got a good deal on it at $400 if it's even close to a running complete truck. Post up some pictures so the folks here will know what you are starting with and you are more likely to get some suggestions on where/how to start on it.
My first suggestion to you is, if you have never done a restoration, spend time cleaning, lubricating, adjusting, and tinkering with it, but don't jump in and take it all apart. It's too easy to get discouraged when the truck is in a thousand pieces.

[dcody619]

Originally Posted by Russell Ashley

Welcome to the forum. You picked a good vehicle to start restoring since parts and accessories for these trucks are plentiful. Is your truck complete? What engine/tranny does it have now? I would say you got a good deal on it at $400 if it's even close to a running complete truck. Post up some pictures so the folks here will know what you are starting with and you are more likely to get some suggestions on where/how to start on it.
My first suggestion to you is, if you have never done a restoration, spend time cleaning, lubricating, adjusting, and tinkering with it, but don't jump in and take it all apart. It's too easy to get discouraged when the truck is in a thousand pieces.

Well, thanks for the welcome. It has a lower half of the original 235 with original(unknown) tranny. Dont know if i should rebuild the original engine or upgrade to something else. I don't really want to start welding and compromise the original nature of it. And I just noticed it missing the driveshaft. I am assuming I will have to replace everything since it hasn't ran since 1978.

What other trucks can I look at for parts other than 58 & 59? I am willing tu upgrade but with direct bolt-ons.

I will post pictures up today after work.

you're probably right about getting discouraged early so where should I start? I wanted to tear it down so I can treat the rust.

[JMR5]

This is just my opinion, but I would start with the running gear to get the truck on the road long before worrying about the body. That way you'll get to know your truck mechanically and have some time to drive and enjoy it before you tear it down. I also think that getting a taste of driving your classic rig will make you appreciate it more and will give you more incentive to get it back together after you tear it appart.

[dcody619]

Originally Posted by JMR5

This is just my opinion, but I would start with the running gear to get the truck on the road long before worrying about the body. That way you'll get to know your truck mechanically and have some time to drive and enjoy it before you tear it down. I also think that getting a taste of driving your classic rig will make you appreciate it more and will give you more incentive to get it back together after you tear it appart.

You are probably right about appreciating it more if I can drive it. Now after getting under her today it looks like I'm going to have to replace a lot of parts. How durable are the rear leafs and axles?

I think I was able to upload pics and you can see here I able to save her but it looks like I have my work cut out for me....

[Russell Ashley]

Most everyone here on this forum, including myself, has started out with worse looking trucks than yours. If it were me, I'd get about 3-4 cans of Comet cleanser and and some WD-40, or other spray lube. Take out the floormat if it has one, and wash it inside and out. Don't hose the dash and guages, of course, just wash out the floor and cab corners. Then scrub the exterior, door edges, door posts, etc. with the Comet and a rag. You'll be surprised at how much better it will look. After it dries use the spray lube on hinges, latches, window rollers, and anything else that needs lubing. Then follow JMR5's advice.

[Spackle100]

For getting the rust off, this stuff works wonders. Read the warning label if you use it though, there are some things it doesn't recommend using it on.

[OrrieG]

Originally Posted by Spackle100

For getting the rust off, this stuff works wonders. Read the warning label if you use it though, there are some things it doesn't recommend using it on.

The HAMB board (google it) has a whole thread on using CLR. It is amazing for what it does but you do need to be careful and wear full eye, face and probably a good breathing mask, you are dealing with a pretty stout acidic material.

Looking at your photos I hope the bed/cab misalignment is in the body mounts and not the frame from sitting on the ground. Looks like a good builder.

[dcody619]

Here are some pics with the bed off and it seems like the frame might be off a bit on left side above the wheel...any ideas?

Also here is a pic of the engine bay where there isn't much of anything so I need help getting a plan on what to buy to get her running?

[dcody619]

Here's another one from a different angle...

Also in order to get it running I have a friend who will give me his running 283 with tranny or should I rebuild this 235? Will doing the 235 be easier to buy parts for and easier to install than a 283...and I don't have a drive shaft either.

[BC Toy chest]

Welcome Dcody619 glad to see you here loking forward to following your project. Don't think of it as work. Look at it as a stress relief, or mental comfort. My bucket when I first started on it gave me something to look forward to at the end of my work day. Drive and enjoy.

[dcody619]

Thanks guy! So cleaning is first then getting it running. Wow never thought about Comet i like the idea.

So you think CLR is better thanding off the rust?

What other vehicles from era can i look at for parts to complete mine or am i stuck to 58 & 59 apaches?

[58 gmc]

Looks like a great start to a great truck, love the 4 holers

[JMR5]

Originally Posted by dcody619

What other vehicles from era can i look at for parts to complete mine or am i stuck to 58 & 59 apaches?

You'll want to look at 55-59 trucks since generally speaking they share most of the same parts other than the front clip.

[dcody619]

What are my options engine wise to replace my 235? I am looking for direct bolt on, no welding. Is it worth spend more to rebuild and keep the original 235?

[OrrieG]

These trucks came with 283's so any sbc including the first generation or 350's will bolt in. You can use the stock front mounts (see my thread) or buy a bolt on saddle connector that goes frame to frame. You can find an original v8 bellhousing that uses the same mount as the 235 or get an aftermarket bolt on crossmember that supports the transmission. You will spend more to rebuild the 235 than on a good used sbc and 350/400 transmission. And you will have something you can drive over 55 without it sounding like it is going to explode. 235 was (is) a good engine for what it was intended for, 1958 utility truck before freeways when 2 lane road speeds were 45 mph. Put it in granny gear and a 4.10 rearend and it will climb a tree, I hauled a loaded 700# camper and family of 4 all over Idaho for 10 years with a 235, 4 speed, 4.10 rearend setup. In 85 I dropped in a 283, th350 and 3.73 rear end and actually got to spend more time camping than getting there.

[bensimmons_05]

I say good find for 400! you would be amazed what a pressure washer would do for starters. I say give it a good wash and lets see more pics

[hsdropout]

Nice raw materials you got there. It looked rather neglected........until it got on the truck to go home with you.........looks like it is happy somebody cares.

[dcody619]

Thanks you guys make a great welcoming committee. She feels a lot better at her new home...she told me.

I'm really excited about this one.

[ratty 46]

From the looks of the original engine ... I'd take the 283 combo & be roll'n.

Ratty 46

[Spackle100]

Originally Posted by ratty 46

From the looks of the original engine ... I'd take the 283 combo & be roll'n.

Ratty 46

What he said

[dicer]

That left hand rear frame rail is bent up pretty bad, in the very first picture it looked bent in the middle. It must have come down pretty hard on that side with a load in it. You can straighten it yourself, if you had some nice steel I beams, to clamp to and pull against, or talk to a frame shop. If you know someone that does heavy equipment mechanics they could do it.

[67chevy1series]

still a nice project!