58 Apache

[62 Barnfind]

I'm usually on the 60-66 site but I just started on my neighbors 58 Apache. Who ever put this thing together didn't have the right and all the bolts in it. I don't know how it stayed together. I have two questions. First is the truck has a newer rear 5 lug diff and it seems to be to big. Can someone tell me what is the correct diff, specs and measurement? I'm getting ready to remove the cab and wanted to know if anyone made a cab dolly? If so does anybody have the plans or is it just flat and level?

[Katrina/10]

That's a 71-72 rear axle, and yes it is a little too wide for those trucks. The options depend on what you have on the front and want for bolt pattern.

[62 Barnfind]

Originally Posted by Katrina/10

That's a 71-72 rear axle, and yes it is a little too wide for those trucks. The options depend on what you have on the front and want for bolt pattern.

Right now its stock 6 lug in the front. If he can find a shorter axle for the rear he would change it. Six or 5 lugs really don't matter to him. He does know 5 lugs have more wheel choices. Does it have to be a 58 axle? What else would work? I just started my research for this body style.

[Richs'55]

Just a quick question, is the frame an original 58? Being since the axle is 70-71, maybe the whole frame is too.

My '55 had a '76 frame under it when I bought it, and I replaced the frame with a '81 that I already had. So now I have 5 lug axle from a '81. Track width is tight. I had to put 7" rims on the back with a 4.25 " backset to get the tires under the fenders. There are options but try to get a narrower axle so you can find rims/tires easier.

[_Ogre]

first off... nice looking truck, too bad it was assembled poorly

have your neighbor buy a factory assembly manual, the fam show everything needed to assemble these trucks
unfortunately the fam does not give the size or length of individual fasteners, that's where we come in

i tried to find a pic of my cab dolly to no avail, definitely not flat unless it's just for storage
it should be the width of the frame and sit on the cab mounts structure, one foot high minimum

from the looks of your engine bay the po also used an old truck wiring harness or at least the firewall connector

[OrrieG]

http://www.roadkillcustoms.com/hot-r...#axzz3e5iYEYAJ shows common rear end axle widths. Note that second gen camaro is within 1/2" of stock and is commonly used. Later HP applications (Z28 Irock Firebird Transam) get you posi and disc brakes.

Here is a photo of my dolly. 36" solid core door with 2x4 short frame under the step brace. 1/2" OSB used to brace the side of frame, 2x8 on front to brace frame side to side at top. Heavy duty casters. Back end is open to get under the cab.

[Katrina/10]

Originally Posted by 62 Barnfind

Right now its stock 6 lug in the front. If he can find a shorter axle for the rear he would change it. Six or 5 lugs really don't matter to him. He does know 5 lugs have more wheel choices. Does it have to be a 58 axle? What else would work? I just started my research for this body style.

The 55-59 truck rear axles are all the same, and the bolt pattern matches the front. I would think that would be desirable.

[62 Barnfind]

Thanks everybody for getting back with me. This site is just as good as the 60-66, everybody iOS willing to help out. On the dolly, I was wanting to make sure it just had to be level to put the cab on. Thanks OrrieG for the pics I will get the owner to get the supplies so i gun build it. I have it all tore down except the cab. It really needed it. the PO did a bad job putting it together, again I don't see how it did't fall apart. It was held together by air not bolts. I did find out that it looks like the factory color was red. It was in the vents and under the front fenders. But also the dash was teal/ turquoise color. So i'm confused a little

[Coupeguy2001]

I used a 68-72 rear axle, but used 96 impala wheels. I bent the outside fender lip in a little, and have 1/4" clearance, and tires don't rub.
The look I have with my truck isn't for everybody, but it works for me.
Here are a couple pics.
after dropping the rear




before dropping the rear

[1-ton of fun]

Impala wheels look good!
Posted via Mobile Device

[Coupeguy2001]

Thanks,
I bought all 4 for $200 with tires. Only thing I did was clean up the clear coat.
They even had the chevy logo decals on em

[62 Barnfind]

Coupe guy, Your truck looks killer! I hope that the one i'm working on comes out as good. We dropped off the truck to the blaster yesterday, hopefully it will be back soon. I think the owner is going to get an origional axle and go back with the six lug. He found the look he wants to go with, smoothies, wide whites and satin red. i think it's going to look killer. Thanks for showing me yours, I might have to go your way if he wants to save some money.

[Coupeguy2001]

I have no idea where Killeen TX is, but there is a guy out near Cleburne that is parting out trucks. I see his advertisements on ebay all the time.
He would be a great resource for hard to find things that your truck is missing.
I have stuff also, like pumpkins, spider gears, backing plates, etc.
I wish you luck.

By the way, I think you had a great vehicle to start with, so it's probably a no brainer that your project will be a success.

[62 Barnfind]

Originally Posted by Coupeguy2001

I have no idea where Killeen TX is, but there is a guy out near Cleburne that is parting out trucks. I see his advertisements on ebay all the time.
He would be a great resource for hard to find things that your truck is missing.
I have stuff also, like pumpkins, spider gears, backing plates, etc.
I wish you luck.

By the way, I think you had a great vehicle to start with, so it's probably a no brainer that your project will be a success.

Killeen is the city outside of Fort Hood. Thanks for the info on the guy in Cleburne i'll have to look him up. We got a axle that will be shipped tomorrow morning, so I hope it will be what the pics say it is. Thanks for the confidence in my build. When you get a chance check out my 62 build on the 60-66 site.