59 Apache/c6 Corvette build thread

[tdishon]

So I have built a few resto-mods in the past and just sold my twin turbo & supercharged Grand National and am ready to move on to my next project that will be my passion. As I'm getting older I have been really loving old trucks... So I thought I would spends a couple years building a 59 Chevy Apache with all Corvette C6 Grand Sport and ZR1 components.
I live in Arizona and sourced a good body.
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[tdishon]

Progressive Chassis showed up:153710

[tdishon]

unboxed and Corvette Cradles installed153711
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[tdishon]

Drive train installed. Set engine back about 2", but torque tube still too short.153826

[tdishon]

Fabbed up motor mounts to move engine back to clear blower pulley from rack.153827

[Motoracer838]

Your off to a nice start, good luck with your project.

Joe

[lilian]

nice work, !!

[dhutton]

http://www.c5-c6torquetube.com

Very cool build.


Don

[tdishon]

Yep, Gamel street rods took care of the torque tube. They installed a larger drive shaft and ZR1 couplers.
I'm a couple months behind with pics.

[01blacks4]

very cool!...
im doing the same thing with a '10 vette into 70 firebird. also in AZ... im in chandler, where are you located? lets exchange notes and ideas! marc

[01blacks4]

ha!! I just saw your using progressive stuff also...thought it looked familiar :) they are good guys and
Gamel street rods !

[tdishon]

01blacks4: pm sent

[tdishon]

Thanks for the positive feedback!
Looking forward to a unique build.

[tdishon]

Cutting out the old dash and putting in the 59 Impala dash. It was about 4" too wide. decided to take it out of the middle to line up the steering column with the factory location(hole in the floor).
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[tdishon]

Moved dash forward about 2 more inches.153950153951153952

[blade]

nice build, can't wait to see how this one goes!

[egoman]

I too am using the stock front suspension cradle from a C5-C6 corvette. I have to fab my top rails and could use some measurements from you. If that is ok with you these are what I need.
1. Face to face of the upper mounts across the top.
2. Angle of upper control arms.
3. Height of the upper control arms compared to a set spot on the cradle.
4. static caster.
I can provide a drawing of what I want in the next few days if that would make it easier.

[tdishon]

Egoman- PM sent

[egoman]

These are the measurements that I am looking for.
A is the degrees of the upper control arm
B is the distance between the mounting surfaces on the opposite sides
C is the distance from the center of the forward mounting bolt to the center of the control arm attaching bolt.
D is the vertical distance from the top of the sub-frame to the center of the control arm attaching bolt.
E may be redundant but its the distance from the top of the rear sub-frame attaching point to the center of the control arm attaching bolt.


Image_00287.jpg (158.6 KB)

[tdishon]

Egoman: To the best of my ability
A= 5 degrees
B= 35-1/2"
C= 2-7/8"
D= 6-3/8"
E= 8-1/4"

Hope this helps

[egoman]

Gives me a starting point, and if it allows me to get a setup that I like then it is perfect.
Thank you for taking the time!

[tdishon]

Thought I would spend some time on the brake lines. Progressive set up the under cab mount for a 7" vacuum booster, but I decided to go with a hydroboost so I cut out the mount and had a modified one water jetted out and moved the location a little to take advantage of the frame cut out.

[jschmidt97306]

Very Nice!

[SpaceCadet]

I know this is my first post, but looked like you need some help... so I finally made an account.
A: 6.57deg
B: 37.244" (945.99mm)
C: 3.410" (86.63mm)
D: 6.455" (163.96mm)
E: 8.484" (215.50mm)

Sending you a p.m.

[tdishon]

Egoman: SpaceCadet has the accurate measurements. I was close, but no cigar...

[andrewb70]

Cool build!

Andrew

[egoman]

Thank you for the time and the measurements. I have a small amount of stuff to complete before I start my build thread in earnest.

[tdishon]

I see where one of my measurements was off(B). I measured from the inside of my frame rails. After studying the picture of the factory frame rail...big difference.

[tdishon]

Getting the door gapping done and rounding the front corner of the door.155294155295

[FLYNAVY53]

very cool build

[tdishon]

Been a while for updates.
Chassis is ready to have the cab mounted and trial fit everything.
I had a couple renderings done to get an idea of wheels, colors and grill.
Here is what I have so far:157329157328

[skylark guy]

I love the second rendering. Very cool build!

[tdishon]

Finally kissed the cab to the chassis. Time for firewall work. I cut out the small hump and will recess it about 3".157905157906

[tdishon]

Well, I am working with Bob at Progressive. They made an honest mistake and my wheelbase is 110", not 114". The step in the picture is pushed up to the cab. The fender and step still need to be moved rearward another 1".
I had a good conversation with Bob and worked on putting everything on the front to make sure it all mounted together. Fit great. The side rails to the rear are just short 4". Extending the frame will be the easy part. It's the torque tube that will be the pain. It will take about a month with the turn around times on shipping to be back on pace.

- - - Updated - - -

Bob and I worked things out (great guy to deal with!)
I have the chassis on the frame machine. The front was just a little off so we pulled it level and now adding in some cross members. Next, we are getting the frame set up for a little lengthening in the rear.

[windows]

Are those 19" wheels on the rear?

[tdishon]

Yes, 19" in the rear and 18" up front. I think the front need to be 19" too or more sidewall.

[windows]

I just have used/mismatched mock up tires on mine and the 18” fronts with more sidewall look way better than the lower profile 19” on the rear. I intend to change the rears to a higher profile on the rear. Btw, your build is looking very nice.

www.pro-touring.com/showthread/117557-56-chevy-pu-C6/C5/LS (http://www.pro-touring.com/showthread/117557-56-chevy-pu-C6/C5/LS)

[tdishon]

I agree. More sidewall the better on the 18". I'm going to try a larger tire on the rear and see what she looks like or go to an 18" rear too.

[LERM]

Killer truck. Love the dash swap. Chassis is pretty drool worthy as well.

[tdishon]

Here we go. Bob(Progressive) sent me some matching 2"x6" frame rail so I could extend the chassis. Today we built the inner sleeves to make sure that the extension will probably be the strongest part of the frame. Tomorrow we should have this completed, then torque tube comes out to get lengthened at Gamel Street Rods.158426158427158428

[tdishon]

Frame extended, Torque tube off to Gamel Street Rods. So I though we would tackle the firewall. We went a little tighter on the driver side for gas pedal room...159144159145159146

[ed1le]

Very cool build. Nice work!

[Sbeck09]

Super cool another AZ truck build! I like your choice in body and frame components. This thing should move well.

Feel free to give a shout if you need a helping hand. I'm over at 35th ave/Peoria.

[injcted]

Such a cool build! Waiting for more updates.

[tdishon]

Sbeck09: I may bug you since your in the area:-)

[tdishon]

Some more updates today. Still have metal work to do on firewall, but we are getting it things closer. Waiting for the torque tube to make it's way back from Gamel to make sure the engine is in the exact spot before finishing firewall.159200159201159202

[glitchz24]

Love the build thread! My favorite style of truck too! I’d throw out my daily if I had a reliable LS powered Apache to cruise in!
tdishon, I have a question for you. I’m doing a similar C5/C6 suspension and drivetrain build into a 73 Challenger with a Viper V10 engine. I’ve got my full drivetrain ready to go, and the shell. Now I’m laying out the framerails. I’m using the stock Corvette subframes although I may narrow them slightly. Can you give me an idea of how they bolt to the frame? Are there bushings required? It sure seems to me the holes in the subframe are much larger diameter than the bolts which would allow for a lot of slop if there aren’t any bushings or something similar.
Thanks,
Rex

[dhutton]

Love the build thread! My favorite style of truck too! I’d throw out my daily if I had a reliable LS powered Apache to cruise in!
tdishon, I have a question for you. I’m doing a similar C5/C6 suspension and drivetrain build into a 73 Challenger with a Viper V10 engine. I’ve got my full drivetrain ready to go, and the shell. Now I’m laying out the framerails. I’m using the stock Corvette subframes although I may narrow them slightly. Can you give me an idea of how they bolt to the frame? Are there bushings required? It sure seems to me the holes in the subframe are much larger diameter than the bolts which would allow for a lot of slop if there aren’t any bushings or something similar.
Thanks,
Rex

Not to hijack but have you seen these:

http://rick486.wixsite.com/dobbertinperformance

Don

[glitchz24]

I have, and they seem pretty slick, but IMO I’d rather build something than pay someone else to build it. Yes time spent at it will make up for the $ difference, but I’ve got free time in the evenings and weekends.

[tdishon]

The bolts that hold the cradle to the frame are pretty large. I can find out the threads later, but the length varies from 9 1/2" to 12 1/2" long. The frame has sleeves from the top hole down to the bottom of the from for the bolts. this makes it incredibly strong and zero slop. and there are guide pins and each side so the frame has the guide pin hols too.
Hope this helps.

[dhutton]

I have, and they seem pretty slick, but IMO I’d rather build something than pay someone else to build it. Yes time spent at it will make up for the $ difference, but I’ve got free time in the evenings and weekends.

Ok here are some fabricated adaptors that might give you some ideas:

https://www.progressiveautomotive.com/installations-kits-parts/c5c6-corvettefrontrearkit.html

Don

[tdishon]

Yep, Progessive has the stuff. They built my basic chassis and I am in the process of fitting everything, cutting, fabbing mounts for everything and adding some cross members.
Bob at Progressive is great to work with.

[glitchz24]

Thanks Tdishon, when I started laying stuff out I bought a corvette frame section that had the bolts attached, I believe they’re 14mm (about 9/16”) if I remember correctly, my curiosity is that the holes in the subframes are closer to 3/4”. Just seems there would be play between the two even with the alignment dowels. Wasn’t sure if I was missing a sleeve/bushing for the subframe portion, but perhaps it’s solid under torque and the alignment pins do all the centering necessary.

I’ve looked into progressive also, they would probably be who I’d use for any parts I decide not to build myself, there’s also:
http://www.streetrodgarage.com/universalc5z06corvetteuppercontrolarmmountplate.as px
Who make an upper control arm mount plate as well as full subframes.
I recently acquired a CNC Plasma, and am hoping to make some of these type parts myself, but we’ll see.
Anyway, I’ll stop detailing the thread, I look forward to more updates!

[tdishon]

glitchz24: I don't have the original corvette frame sections. I see what you mean. The originals might be a loose fit. The frame from progressive was a different animal all together. The welded in tube(crush) sleeves were very snug with the bolts. No slop.

[796spdbu]

Cool Build! Those Task Force era trucks are one of my favorites.
Good Luck with the build!

[tdishon]

Finally have the front end all lined up and ready to make more attractive core support mounts.

[lxg44]

Really nice build! Subscribed

[Workinman]

SpaceCadet, do you have the same specs for the C6 rear?

[SpaceCadet]

I do, will shoot you a PM.

[qnitro]

great project

[dhutton]

Any updates?

Don

[tdishon]

Sorry for the hiatis...
Finally back on things. Chassis was off a little bit so we had to take the cab mounts off the pass side and zero in the cab and front end assembled before welding back on the mounts.
Well, mounts and and the front mounts are tacked on too. Everything is lining up nice now and centered...
Here are current pics.

[Motown 454]

It looks great, Sweet project.

[dhutton]

Looks good, can’t wait to see it painted.

Don

[Sbeck09]

Dear god that rear end shot is NSFW! This looks monstrous compared to my lowly Mustang IRS. I'm liking what I seeing. Keep up the good work!

Also just realized you're in Phoenix too...small world. We gotta get a truck cruise together when our trucks are done.

[qnitro]

Looks good, can’t wait to see it painted.

Don

Don you have to get yours done... this thing is awesome

[tdishon]

A local cruise would be great. This build is a slowwwww project. As you can see by my time line. Hoping to have it running by the end of the year though.

[tdishon]

Here are some updates. Slowly coming together. I bought the corvette wheels and wanted to stick with the Corvette Z06 factory wheel size and offset. I have to split the rear fenders and add about 1-3/8".
Here is the Mar-K bed coming together. raising the floor about 4-1/4" too.

[tdishon]

More progress today:

[tdishon]

I have built a few Corvettes over the years and love the cove(bullet) on the side. I want to keep this truck 50's with the 59 Impala dash and decided to see what the Corvette cove would look like on the side.
I didn't like it so I thought I would see what it looked like with just the Spears behind the front tire and the same color as the body. I like it.
I changed my mind on the color combo too...
Thoughts?

[tdishon]

Here we go. Getting busy on this project again. Bed mounted and fenders widened. Step is a little work. Also came across a nice 51-52 Cadillac front bumper. Going to work this in.177163177164177165177166177167

[wfo guy]

Nice to see progress again. Is this a side project of your shop?

[David Sloan]

love these ol trucks
Very nice build i'm in for updates

[Sbeck09]

Those renderings look soooo good! I don't think I like the splash of red behind the front fender, but all the others look amazing!

[tdishon]

This is my buddies shop. Work is slow going on her, but I am getting progress now.
I am working on new renderings. I have changed course a little with the front bumper and grill. Going to use a 1951 Caddy front bumper and blend a GMC and Chevy grill.
here is a pic of the rear fender peeking out just a touch.

[tdishon]

Getting bed floor situated. Need a 4" floor lift and decided to have a tilt up floor.
I had my old tailgate and thought the script would look good on the back of the floor lift.

[tdishon]

The bed floor is making some progress.

[tdishon]

Tilt bed framing done and working. I have several rubber adjusters in several places that keep all squeeks away.178732178733178734178735178736

[TANKMASTERJ]

That's beautiful. I love the Apaches. Used to have a. 55 stepside I started and never finished. I miss that truck

[TANKMASTERJ]

I love the silver or titanium color. What about matte black on cab corners?
Jason

[tdishon]

Bed floor dialed in and done. Ready for wood. Added 60lb gas struts to lift and keep from lifting all the way up. Quick disconnects make lifting all the way up easy. I kept the gas helpers on the hinge, they keep it straight up when I remove the long struts. I added in tunnel clearance on crossmember for the torque tube(drive shaft).

[qnitro]

Bed floor dialed in and done. Ready for wood. Added 60lb gas struts to lift and keep from lifting all the way up. Quick disconnects make lifting all the way up easy. I kept the gas helpers on the hinge, they keep it straight up when I remove the long struts. I added in tunnel clearance on crossmember for the torque tube(drive shaft).

Man that is awesome

[wfo guy]

Is the bed floor for maintenance purposes or to allow people to see your work? A page ago, you asked for comments on the corvette cove. I think that would be a real nice addition to the truck. I wasn't fond of the red but have no thoughts on another color. No question, this will be a heck of a truck when finished. :)

[tdishon]

O wanted a bed floor that lifted, but was completely unnoticable when closed. I need it to fill the tank and to show off the drivetrain. Well, all maintenance too.lol

[Dragonfly]

That is an awesome project , very cool and nicely executed. As far as all the renderings that you have , I liked the robins egg blue , the very first ones that you posted. I think that looks awesome and keep the four headlights in it

[Peanut1959]

I agree. First rendering looks like a winner to me!

[Benttube]

Mind me asking where the bed wheel tubs came from?

[tdishon]

The wheel tubs are off a fleetside inner tubs. Just cut them down.
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[dhutton]

Awesome build.

Don

[TANKMASTERJ]

I love it. I had a. 55 for me and 57 for my wife. Sold both . Mine before finishing bees before starting. I regret selling both. Now neck deep in my 67 Camaro that must be finished

[tdishon]

Exhaust time
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[tdishon]

Been a while since an update. Here we go:
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Lots to update: New wheels. Not powder coated yet. Rear fenders widened and front close to dialing in the widened fenders. Hammer Fab has been kicking some butt!

[aeroocoupe]

Sick build, love seeing pro-touring trucks

[tdishon]

The front begins:
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[Samckitt]

I love it. Great work

[tdishon]

Here a few pics of the flares and grill progress.192855192856192857192858

[qnitro]

man this is truck is awesome

[214Chevy]

man this is truck is awesome


What he said...:cool::cool:

[wfo guy]

I'm anxious to see the fender flares on. :)

[tdishon]

Progress:

[Alwhite00]

Progress:

You Sir do amazing work.

[tdishon]

Thank you, but I cannot take credit. Levi Green at Hammer Fab has taken over this project to take it to the next level. Way out of my skillset. LOL. Out of the box thinking is a little risky, but I love the results so far.

[thumper877]

Thank you, but I cannot take credit. Levi Green at Hammer Fab has taken over this project to take it to the next level. Way out of my skillset. LOL. Out of the box thinking is a little risky, but I love the results so far.I agree this will be a one of a kind build. Love it so far. Have u decided on a color yet

[tdishon]

Leaning towards a gray blue or Toyota Calvary blue ish.

[thumper877]

Like the middle one. That was the hardest thing for me to decide.

[tdishon]

Fenders flared and holes/dents fixed. Could not be happier...
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[thumper877]

Fenders flared and holes/dents fixed. Could not be happier...
193058Look amazing makes me want to go out and find a truck

[tdishon]

Driver side fender done. Now on to remove the narrowed 59 impala dash we did a couple years ago. Then put in a 59 impala dash that is not narrowed. The steering wheel did not line up narrowing the dash. Now everything will line up correctly. We didn't have the Glide Engineering seat when we narrowed the dash the first time.

[tdishon]

The narrowed dash looked good, but with the new seat in, the steering wheel was off center to the right about 2+". I just wanted to get it corrected while the time was right and Hammer Fab is doing a new firewall, so...
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[wfo guy]

Looking good. :)

[C Presley]

Dude, that is a Bitchin Build! The 59 Impala dash a very nice touch! Mixing the Old and the New giving it the right mix of Retro! Look forward to more updates. Excellent work!

[tdishon]

Dude, that is a Bitchin Build! The 59 Impala dash a very nice touch! Mixing the Old and the New giving it the right mix of Retro! Look forward to more updates. Excellent work!
Thank you Sir

[tdishon]

Dash done. Lots of work on ashtray to hold A/C controls. But it is in and I like the dash not narrowed with the position of the seat now. The transition needed some work, but looks amazing now.194480194479194478194481194482194483194484

[tdishon]

And the A/C controls in the ash tray. Very solid design and easy operation. The original was very flimsy and clunky.

[tdishon]

Now on to the grill. Hammer Fab is blowing away my expectations!
mixing the GMC with the Chevy ends. The ends are enlarged to fill the space and will be blinker and cooling intakes.

[wfo guy]

Good progress. I was surprised to see that he was brazing parts together. :)

[tdishon]

Good progress. I was surprised to see that he was brazing parts together. :)
I had asked the same thing. I guess the brazing is filler after the welding is done. Easier to work with after welding is complete. Wanted to reduce the amount of body filler in most places.

[jaybee]

This is very cool. One of my favorite cars I know almost nothing about is from this generation of Chevy truck. I saw it at the Goodguys Des Moines autocross and it never sat still long enough to give it a good look. I believe, however, it was built over a C5 Corvette chassis by shrinking and unitizing the entire truck to fit the chassis. Black, extremely low, chopped, sectioned, and shortened so much the rear fenders were blended right into the cab. It featured 60's style SS script which read "Super Short." Sorry to hijack your thread but the car really made me appreciate these trucks for the first time and I'd love to know a whole bunch more about the "Super Short" if anyone is familiar with it.

Yours is going to a terrific, one of a kind build.

[tdishon]

Progress

[wfo guy]

Nice.

[ryeguy2006a]

Wow, that fab work is amazing!! Just found this build today. Can't wait to see more!

[tdishon]

Front getting dialed in. Lots of slicing and dicing the 51 Caddy bumper to fit just right.

[GM Man]

Looks amazing!! Cant wait to see more of it, keep up the good work!!

[wfo guy]

I like good metal work. :)

[tdishon]

Baby steps. 59 Chevy V8 hood emblem or 55-57 GMC hood vent?195530195531

[dhutton]

There is a lot going on there already. I would probably do neither.

Don

[thumper877]

I agree with Don. I think it takes away from the work you have done. The bumper and grille are definitely the highlite.

[tdishon]

I found this picture of a 59 with the gmc vent grafted on. I assume the GMC emblem will go in it and the spears removed.

[jaybee]

I agree with the smooth hood idea.

[Peanut1959]

The Chevy emblem looks oddly futuristic. I like it with your other grille mods.

[Samckitt]

I would leave off the emblem, but if you are adamant on using on or the other, then the Chevy one.

[wfo guy]

I don't think either of the choices will add to your truck. I don't have a good idea but encourage you to keep looking. Broaden the horizon as gets said. :)

[tdishon]

Tailgate work.

[jaybee]

You really brought a finished look to the tailgate area, a part of every truck from that era which is WAY primitive from the factory. I've seen quite a few treatments for that area on old trucks, and it's a place where every one can be a little different.

[tdishon]

Doors are next.
Love the new door handles I came across. Knuckle pockets are next for the door handle. I know everybody has different tastes, but I was never a fan of the factory door handles.
Electric door latches off 2020 Corvette and Nu-relics power windows with factory looking interior handle switch for both door and window. #HammerFab
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[wfo guy]

Nice. Will you have some kind of backup in case of battery failure?

[tdishon]

Nice. Will you have some kind of backup in case of battery failure?

Yes, the Corvette latches have manual levers in case of electrical failure. One on each side bottom of seat and one exterior for the driver side with a key switch under cab.

[tdishon]

Door jams about complete. Boxed in the switch mechanism with access panel.

[thumper877]

That is some beautiful metal work

[tdishon]

On to drip rails. I love them and they create a nice body line that takes away from the German arm helmet look. So just making them look laser straight.198178198179198180

[tdishon]

Bumper starting to come together and lower tailgate valance. Now time to work in exhaust and license plate into lower bumper. Looks too clean with no license plate and exhaust. That will all change... Also adding some weld-in tailgate anti-rattles that look good. #Hammerfab
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[wfo guy]

Very nice. :)

[tdishon]

Tailgate bumper bullet installed and front bumper dialed in. The ends turned our great. #HammerFab

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[thumper877]

That is some quality workmanship there. Bumpers are tight. Looking amazing

[C Presley]

Dude, that's just a Bad Ass Truck! Excellent Craftsmanship!

[wfo guy]

Lots of good vision. :)

[TANKMASTERJ]

As with all the other guys I'm digging the metal work.
It's looking fantastic.
Jason

[tdishon]

Thanks for the feedback. The work is done by Hammer Fab in Liberty Hills, Texas. Best decision I have made in many years. I give feedback and what I want and these guys knock it out. This is way out of my skill set(unfortunately).

[Alwhite00]

Bumpers are on point. (No pun intended) ��

[tdishon]

Hood latch is beefy. Release lever is inside the cab.
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[tdishon]

Time for the firewall...
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[wfo guy]

Nice. :)

[tdishon]

Door gap time. I think this is everyone's favorite thing(to avoid).

[BrianP]

You definitely found the right shop to do your metalwork. They definitely have the right tools and skills to use them: that planishing hammer is humongous!! Using the silicone bronze rod to fill and smooth out the steel rod is a neat idea. Fabrication threads like these are my favorite because it is a great way to learn tips and tricks and come up with new ideas.

As far as the hood: Chevy emblem versus GMC vent….
Anyone who sees that GMC style grille will know that it is a GMC truck and wonder why there is a Chevy emblem above it. It would be like adding a Z28 emblem to a GTO.

[Senek67RS]

Time for the firewall...
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Bad ass build! Curious what valve covers those are, they look like the match the profile of the lid.

[tdishon]

You definitely found the right shop to do your metalwork. They definitely have the right tools and skills to use them: that planishing hammer is humongous!! Using the silicone bronze rod to fill and smooth out the steel rod is a neat idea. Fabrication threads like these are my favorite because it is a great way to learn tips and tricks and come up with new ideas.

As far as the hood: Chevy emblem versus GMC vent….
Anyone who sees that GMC style grille will know that it is a GMC truck and wonder why there is a Chevy emblem above it. It would be like adding a Z28 emblem to a GTO.

That's a tough one on the grill and emblem. The center section of the grill is GMC and the ends are enlarged Chevy. I can't stand he ends on the GMC grill. 58 and 59 didn't have the hood grill so we abandoned the idea. It's tough to pick a direction sometimes.

[tdishon]

Bad ass build! Curious what valve covers those are, they look like the match the profile of the lid.

The valve cover covers and supercharger extension were machined my EVOD. They make it all look seamless.

[C Presley]

Just a Bitchin Build! Very nice detail on every aspect!

[BrianP]

That's a tough one on the grill and emblem. The center section of the grill is GMC and the ends are enlarged Chevy. I can't stand he ends on the GMC grill. 58 and 59 didn't have the hood grill so we abandoned the idea. It's tough to pick a direction sometimes.

Boy did I have a brain fart! I had it in my head that this truck was a Jimmy.

[tdishon]

With the slimmer door handles, I wanted knuckle clearance.

[Dodge383fi]

THAT IS NICE! Man I wish I could afford to have you work on my truck.
I assume when you welded that in you had some warping of the thin section between it and the large hole that needed to be flattened?
It looks like you can’t get a dolly behind it. How do you go about fixing that?
-Ed

[tdishon]

THAT IS NICE! Man I wish I could afford to have you work on my truck.
I assume when you welded that in you had some warping of the thin section between it and the large hole that needed to be flattened?
It looks like you can’t get a dolly behind it. How do you go about fixing that?
-Ed

Excellent question. But since Hammer Fab is doing the metal work, I don't have that answer. These are the same knuckle pockets Levi Green at Hammer Fab put on their 58 Apache SEMA truck for 2019. They must have figured out either controlling warpage or a way to straighten.

[tdishon]

When the bed floor is up, the rear section looked very unfinished and ugly. This panel looks right. #HammerFab

[thumper877]

Those guys do some amazing metal fab.

[tdishon]

Update: HammerFab has been moving to their new shop. Column and exhaust parts ordered. Waiting for the move to be complete and progress in August.
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[Samckitt]

Love it, it's bad ass.

[wfo guy]

This is another build that unless you know what was done, you would need a stock truck next to it to see what happened. Looking good. :)

[C Presley]

Such a Bitchin Truck! Love the Stance!

[72srcool]

Great project that took some extraordinary skills to get to this point. Keep up the good work!

[tdishon]

I spent the day at HammerFab. Took some video and pics. We also discussed everything going on. Looking forward to the next step of new firewall and inner fender refinement. Got the column in the right spot and ordering the steering wheel. Exhaust is looking good/ Mufflers and resonators are from Stainless Brothers. Rear bumper is so clean, but making room for the license plate and still figuring out exhaust exit through the bumper.

[tdishon]

No success on my video. The file is too big. Here is a video Levi Green did and my truck is in it.
https://vimeo.com/748363090/2ab2db72e9

[tdishon]

Ok, I uploaded to Youtube. This link should work.
https://youtube.com/shorts/dXUmh28d2b4

[tdishon]

Back to work: Dash getting more mods. Added another spot for the pass pwr window switch(Original A/C was in this area). It was off balance and bare. Inner fenders are getting finished. Exhaust is about done. Just have to figure out how we want to exit.
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[C Presley]

Truck screams Pro-Touring! Gorgeous!

[jaybee]

That's one fancy exhaust hangar!

[tdishon]

Firewall about done with countersunk booster.
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[eversaul86]

Sweet build. Nice work! Plenty of motivation for me, in my dreams!
Martin

[Alwhite00]

Beautiful craftsmanship. Love it.

[tdishon]

Getting close. 95% of metal work is complete. Grill has ducts for intake and transmission cooler. 3D printed until all bugs worked out, then off to get machined out of aluminum. Blinker is around the duct just behind the lip.

[tdishon]

Working on intake to air box.
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[wfo guy]

Nice thinking on the ducts. :)

[C Presley]

Nice work Dude!

[Mommy Wagon]

Love this combination……. Sub’d

[iadr]

Beautiful work. Going to the video now.

IMO one tiny detail that should be "looked at" is the grill mesh- thats modern, too fine a mesh aesthetically. Hoping at most that is a mesh designed to "hide" the components behind it. And that you plan to put chrome fins or something across it? Something era-matching.

//edit- saw vid. Definitely needs a horizontal element. One thick one (1/2 aerofoil cross section), or maybe a pair- long and short, slightly thinner.

[tdishon]

Been a while for updates. Front is coming along nicely.

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[thumper877]

Truck is looking awesome. Going to be a world class truck for sure. They are doing incredible work

[tdishon]

Progress on air intake, trans cooler, brake pedal support and gas pedal mounting.
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[wfo guy]

Very nice. :)

[dcozzi]

Looks like you got it near 56th St/Sweetwater?
Those houses always have all sorts of vehicles sitting in the horse property out back.

[tdishon]

Looks like you got it near 56th St/Sweetwater?
Those houses always have all sorts of vehicles sitting in the horse property out back.

I picked it up in Gilbert. It was a horse property and the guy collected old trucks. Probably had about 30 of them.
I went back for some parts a couple years ago, but he had passed and everything was gone. I think it was called Johnny's Junkyard.

[tdishon]

Getting some pics done for a poster in its current state. Still need the impala taillights and other things, but she looks good in bare metal.
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[Gil]

looks very good imho... sexy... Very well done sir !

[wfo guy]

Very nice. :)

[tdishon]

Brake pedal assembly about dialed in.
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[C Presley]

Just Bitchin!

[tdishon]

Engine bay getting closer.

[wfo guy]

That will be an engine bay that you will want the hood open on. :)

[tdishon]

Looking for input on exhaust exiting.
A or B?

B might be changed up a lil. Just trying to figure out a direction.
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[ryeguy2006a]

That's a really tough call since they both look really good. I went back and forth and each time I was thinking the picture I was looking at was the best. I don't think you'll go wrong with either choice, but B is way more unique and to me matches the theme of the truck. It's super clean.

[thumper877]

Agreed custom truck your building deserves custom looking exhaust so B for me.But I also think either one looks good
That's a really tough call since they both look really good. I went back and forth and each time I was thinking the picture I was looking at was the best. I don't think you'll go wrong with either choice, but B is way more unique and to me matches the theme of the truck. It's super clean.

[Alwhite00]

That's one fine 59. Craftsmanship is beautiful. I vote for B on the exhaust. It drives home the Corvette aspect.

[tdishon]

Well, it looks like wrapping the gas tank with exhaust is about the only way to do exit by the license plate. Decided to un-complicate the exit. In the options with the exits on the outer bumper, the muffler is right in front of it. Well, we will figure out some cool machined tips. I didn't want to have turned down exits facing the ground. It really stirs up the dirt. Eh, its a work in progress. Thanks for all the input!

[tdishon]

Getting closer:
3d scanning helps.

[wfo guy]

I like where that is headed. :)

[tdishon]

Taillight design. Based off 61 impala, but with back lit turn signal like the front vents. The lens will be 61 impala.

[tdishon]

Great show in Nashville. Got to meet Chip Foose and Dave Kindig. Made the trip well worth it. Also got to see my truck and hang out with Levi Green. Very good trip.
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[tdishon]

Time to get the interior figured out: Phil Cato is doing the interior.
Seat getting dialed in with the impala center. The emblem will be swapped out for a 1954 Pontiac chieftain emblem(Apache).
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[wfo guy]

I like what I see. :)

[tdishon]

Lots of updates: Electrical, Windows and door nu-relic switches installed with modified studs to accommodate the Chrysler inner handles that match the Impala knobs on the dash(who da thunk...)
Skid plate finished with tow hook, Inner fenders done. That was a big project to make nice and solid. Stake pockets bottoms finished. Rear suspension needed major beefing(before and after pic). Done. Ride height set and adjusted.
It's been a busy last couple months...Getting so close!



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[wfo guy]

I don't remember, are you painting or leaving in bare metal?

[tdishon]

I don't remember, are you painting or leaving in bare metal?

I still can't decide. The bare metal looks so good. Interior painted and underside coated for sure. Engine bay satin black. Exterior?

[TotallyHucked]

Man this is such a killer truck! I saw it just briefly at Triple Crown and it blew me away, wish I would've had more time to really look close but I had to get back to our booth

[wfo guy]

I think the maintenance of bare metal might be worse than a really good paint job. But in my world, I grow tired of the "unfinished" look after a while. I have become my own worst enemy in regards to the finished product. My current project is my daily driver. I wasn't going to cut and buff. About 30 days in, I can see that after it warms up, that will happen. If you have done really good stuff, I find it tough to go backward. It's not about logic but about always trying to be better. I struggle more with color now than any other decision on a project. You have a great project. The decision to go forward or not I doubt will be easy. I hope the rest of your project goes well. I'm excited for you. :)