new member 1st post 59 apache

[mud.man.rj]

Very impressed with how well thought out your build is Mike. Sure like the Gold with the Green and of corse the dash. Will have to post video (I know great more time figuring things out) of it running, would love to hear the blower, that will be a while. Keep on givin er, nice.

[spikes59]

Thanks Mud.Man.rj,There is a lot of talent here on this site,it sure has been helpful for me. Chuckdriver,it is a lokar 23 inch shifter.Mike

[ChuckDriver]

Thanks Mike! Lets see the new wheels!

[big mike71]

I never come over here, But I have to say that is going to be one sweet truck.

[spikes59]

Chuckdriver, first couple posts on page 3 show truck with new wheels.Mike.

[dug224]

Great truck! Working on tire size for mine. What wheel and tire sizes did you choose? I have a set of 18x8's. Was trying to put the same size tire on all corners but after looking at yours, it may not be the right thing to do. Thanks...Dug

[spikes59]

Hi Dug, I have 17s in front 18s on rear but i have not had the box on or front clip on so i cant tell you they are the right size for the wheel wells, i took them off my 61 impala for mock up and i like the look but i will not have box and front end on for a month yet. I know that does not help you much but if you want more info on tire sizes let me know,thanks Mike.

[spikes59]

Installed box tonight, 4 friends came over and 5 minutes later the box was sitting on frame,1 step closer to being done.Here are a couple pictures.

[apache200]

The truck is coming along nicely. Keep up the nice work. Did your truck already have the spear molding for the bed? I have been looking for sum for my bed.

[Kim57]

Looks sweet.
Kim

[spikes59]

Thanks apache200,yes truck had box trim on it,main reason i bought that truck. Thanks Kim,I have looked at your build quite a few times you do some nice work your fabrication skills are awsume. Mike

[Daze57]

v v nice truck

[ChuckDriver]

Nice progress, looking better all the time!

[OrrieG]

If anyone is interested there is a set of FS side trim minus the long strips on ebay right now. Ends in a couple of days. Not mine.

[dcnoel08]

It's looking good!
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[1project2many]

Very nice looking truck. Some subtle work, some not so subtle. I like the color as well.

I would like to address something:

With the engine you have that poor 7-5/8" rear end doesn't stand a chance. None of the 82-2002 F-body rear axles are worth a darn when you make any kind of power. They failed regularly behind stock low HP engines. The 82-88 rear ends have small 26-spline axles and the later ones bumped up to 28-spline. A little improvement but not much. I broke 3 with a wimpy 170 hp 305 & T-5 trans.

I installed a 455 Buick into a 79 Monte back in 89 and kept the 7 1/2" rear. Back then the 8.5" GN version cost too much. I didn't do any holeshots or burnouts but I didn't drive easy, either. The 7.5" rear did end up failing. But it was in 96 when the car's odometer read 167k miles. The failure was due to the axle bearings wearing through the shafts, a common problem with many '80s GM axles. The axle can live a reasonable life with the right conditions.

[mknittle]

Nick work, MY wife likes the color, I bet it looks great in the sun light!

[_Ogre]

dang, that's looking good
we'll be able to see you coming from waaay off

[spikes59]

Thanks for the kind words, been busy with yard work and truck work,I still hope to be driving the 59 to back to the 50s carshow in june. Here are a few more pictures with doors on. thanks Mike.

[ChuckDriver]

Mike, I really like that shade of green!

[apache200]

Man the truck looks killer!!! Keep the pics coming.

[Sin7]

great looking truck !. You've done a great job.

[spikes59]

Here are some pictures of the 59 out of the garage for the first time.Its been a long process but now can see some light at the end of the tunnel. Mike

[Kim57]

Sweet.
Kim

[apache200]

The truck looks great man. Congrats on the progress. Keep up the good work
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