Project 58 Indian - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

sighlurr · 12-24-2008, 04:29 PM

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 · 12-24-2008, 05:36 PM

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 · 12-24-2008, 09:03 PM

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

sighlurr · 12-26-2008, 07:46 AM

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 · 12-26-2008, 07:56 AM

Quote:

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.

cajundragger · 12-26-2008, 10:52 AM

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 · 12-26-2008, 11:07 AM

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 · 12-27-2008, 02:45 AM

Santa came a little late this year...

sighlurr · 12-27-2008, 02:46 AM

3 more -

**Palf70Step** · 12-29-2008, 10:53 AM

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

sighlurr · 12-30-2008, 06:39 PM

Quote:

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.

CAL 58 GMC · 01-02-2009, 06:33 PM

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

poncho_villa · 01-06-2009, 12:35 AM

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

sighlurr · 01-06-2009, 02:46 AM

Quote:

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...

sighlurr · 01-06-2009, 04:24 PM

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 · 01-06-2009, 04:29 PM

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 · 01-06-2009, 04:40 PM

Quote:

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 · 01-07-2009, 01:13 AM

Alright kids, I made some changes tonight.

WAALAAHH!!!

poncho_villa · 01-07-2009, 01:28 AM

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

pugs · 01-07-2009, 03:39 AM

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 · 01-07-2009, 03:41 AM

my bad as i am refering to a fleetside bed

sighlurr · 01-07-2009, 04:30 AM

Quote:

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!

sighlurr · 01-21-2009, 02:15 PM

Still no updates on the beast; I'm in the middle of pouring a 38' x 11' RV slab for the project.

I'm running a 4" drain and liked this pic...

prostreeter58 · 01-21-2009, 05:14 PM

Quote:

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 · 01-21-2009, 07:40 PM

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.

12-24-2008, 04:29 PM	#1
sighlurr ______________ Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Danville, CA Posts: 1,285	Project 58 Indian 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! Attached Images

12-24-2008, 05:36 PM	#2
entourageguy Yellow truck club Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Barrie Ontario Posts: 2,080	Re: Project 58 Indian 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. __________________ ................................................................ Brian ...... My hub garage address http://www.hubgarage.com/mygarage/59apache I gue$$ everything has it'$ price ALL GONE NOW *59 Chev Apache* *PRAISE THE LOWERED* 350 700r lokar shifter power MII front end, shockwaves tilt, 4 wheel discs 4-link and bags 10 bolt limited

12-24-2008, 09:03 PM	#3
Kim57 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Corona, California Posts: 7,998	Re: Project 58 Indian I'm building a 57 that has a 67 chevelle clip. I've seen some with the G body clips also. Kim

12-26-2008, 07:46 AM	#4
sighlurr ______________ Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Danville, CA Posts: 1,285	Re: Project 58 Indian 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.... Last edited by sighlurr; 12-26-2008 at 07:48 AM.

12-26-2008, 10:52 AM	#6
cajundragger Registered User Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: louisiana Posts: 1,008	Re: Project 58 Indian 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

12-26-2008, 11:07 AM	#7
PanelDeland I am a Referee of life. Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Greensboro N.C. Posts: 13,992	Re: Project 58 Indian 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. __________________ The 47-present Chevrolet and GMC Truck Message Board Network,it's owners,moderators,members,and associates of any type should not be held responsible for my opinion. You can't fix stupid,not even with duct tape. "My appearance is due to the fact that "GOD" does punish you for having too much fun!" Barrett-Jackson has perfected alchemy,they make rust into gold! "You can lead a horse to water but you can't saddle a duck" "Cleverly disguised as a 'Responsible Adult' "Sometimes your Knight in shining armor is just a retard in tinfoil"

12-27-2008, 02:45 AM	#8
sighlurr ______________ Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Danville, CA Posts: 1,285	Re: Project 58 Indian Santa came a little late this year... Attached Images

12-27-2008, 02:46 AM	#9
sighlurr ______________ Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Danville, CA Posts: 1,285	Re: Project 58 Indian 3 more - Attached Images

12-29-2008, 10:53 AM	#10
Palf70Step State of Confusion! Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Gulfport, MS USA Posts: 47,224	Re: Project 58 Indian Can 't wait to see what you do with the Apache! __________________ Bill 1970 Chevy Custom/10 LWB Fleetside 2010 Toyota Tacoma PreRunner SR5 Double Cab - DD Member of Louisiana Classic Truck Club (LCTC) Bill's Gallery Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift. Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God!

01-02-2009, 06:33 PM	#12
CAL 58 GMC Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Clovis Ca. Posts: 3,311	Re: Project 58 Indian Welcome to the fat fender side!! Keep those progress pics coming! __________________ Classic Trucks Link http://www.classictrucks.com/feature...uck/index.html 1958 GMC.Project Build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=162816 1966 Chevelle Build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=443576 Video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=prrNKo8F7Zw#GU5U2spHI_4

01-06-2009, 12:35 AM	#13
poncho_villa Registered User Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: B.C. Posts: 457	Re: Project 58 Indian I smell a fresh build coming up. Another short fleetside too! __________________ 58 Apache short fleetside ona 64 chassis:

01-06-2009, 04:24 PM	#15
sighlurr ______________ Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Danville, CA Posts: 1,285	Re: Project 58 Indian 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. Attached Images Last edited by sighlurr; 07-21-2011 at 11:19 AM.

01-06-2009, 04:29 PM	#16
poncho_villa Registered User Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: B.C. Posts: 457	Re: Project 58 Indian 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? __________________ 58 Apache short fleetside ona 64 chassis:

01-07-2009, 01:13 AM	#18
sighlurr ______________ Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Danville, CA Posts: 1,285	Re: Project 58 Indian Alright kids, I made some changes tonight. WAALAAHH!!! Attached Images

01-07-2009, 01:28 AM	#19
poncho_villa Registered User Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: B.C. Posts: 457	Re: Project 58 Indian Yeah! That is a better font. It looks like it belongs. __________________ 58 Apache short fleetside ona 64 chassis:



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01-07-2009, 03:39 AM	#20
pugs Registered User Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Hamburg Pa Posts: 1,153	Re: Project 58 Indian 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 don't do thing cuz I can, I do it cuz someone told me it couldn't be done...

01-07-2009, 03:41 AM	#21
pugs Registered User Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Hamburg Pa Posts: 1,153	Re: Project 58 Indian my bad as i am refering to a fleetside bed __________________ I don't do thing cuz I can, I do it cuz someone told me it couldn't be done...

01-21-2009, 02:15 PM	#23
sighlurr ______________ Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Danville, CA Posts: 1,285	Re: Project 58 Indian Still no updates on the beast; I'm in the middle of pouring a 38' x 11' RV slab for the project. I'm running a 4" drain and liked this pic... Attached Images

01-21-2009, 07:40 PM	#25
entourageguy Yellow truck club Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Barrie Ontario Posts: 2,080	Re: Project 58 Indian 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. __________________ ................................................................ Brian ...... My hub garage address http://www.hubgarage.com/mygarage/59apache I gue$$ everything has it'$ price ALL GONE NOW *59 Chev Apache* *PRAISE THE LOWERED* 350 700r lokar shifter power MII front end, shockwaves tilt, 4 wheel discs 4-link and bags 10 bolt limited

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