59 Apache/C6 Corvette build
 

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.
[IMG]http://i580.photobucket.com/albums/s...psiknmj336.jpg[/IMG]
http://i580.photobucket.com/albums/s...psueabqomi.jpg

Re: 59 Apache/C6 Corvette build
 

Progressive Automotive chassis. Took about six months. Just getting this thread up to speed. I have been reading alot of other builds and getting help from many of you, but just needed to get pictures on Photobucket and posted.

Re: 59 Apache/C6 Corvette build
 

Unboxed and cradles installed

Re: 59 Apache/C6 Corvette build
 

NICE!!!!! frame, those boys over a progressive do some nice work

Re: 59 Apache/C6 Corvette build
 

Everything installed and new motor mounts made. Set engine back about 2" so the blower pulley would clear the rack. Torque tube still too short.

Re: 59 Apache/C6 Corvette build
 

Engine mounts fabbed up and installed.

Re: 59 Apache/C6 Corvette build
 

Apache

This looks like more fun than is good for crazy boogers like us...

I'm in.....

:eek::eek::eek::eek:

Nut Case

Re: 59 Apache/C6 Corvette build
 

Wow. This is going to be nice! Sweet build!

I’m curious how that air compressor behind the truck is working for you. I have the exact same one and it leaks oil really bad. I can’t figure out where it’s comong from. I ended up putting a pan under it so it doesn’t mess up my garage floor and I have to add oil every time I use it. Lol

Re: 59 Apache/C6 Corvette build
 

The air compressor is going on 6 years with no issues as of yet. Where are you leaking oil from? sight glass?

Re: 59 Apache/C6 Corvette build
 

Gamel Street rods extended the torque tube and did a new larger drive shaft with ZR1 couplers. I have been getting the pics uploaded to get this up to date. The thread is almost current.

Re: 59 Apache/C6 Corvette build
 

Nice work, loving the chassis

Re: 59 Apache/C6 Corvette build
 

Nice like the chassis and drivetrain

Re: 59 Apache/C6 Corvette build
 

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).

Re: 59 Apache/C6 Corvette build
 

Moved dash forward about 2 more inches to give me more room. It looked better where I had it, but it was a little too close. This feels perfect.

Re: 59 Apache/C6 Corvette build
 

Cool build! Dash work looks familiar!!

:uhmk:

Re: 59 Apache/C6 Corvette build
 

Hey Chuck, you did inspire the dash for sure!

Re: 59 Apache/C6 Corvette build
 

I bought mine around 2009 from Home Depot if I remember correctly. It started leaking a couple of years ago. It doesn’t get that much use. I took all the plastic housing off and wiped everything down, but still haven’t been able to figure out where it’s coming from. Hopefully, I haven’t jinxed yours now! :lol:

Re: 59 Apache/C6 Corvette build
 

The dash looks killer! :metal:

I do use it all the time. It might be due for a leak. Lol


QUOTE=Greenlee;8291107]I bought mine around 2009 from Home Depot if I remember correctly. It started leaking a couple of years ago. It doesn’t get that much use. I took all the plastic housing off and wiped everything down, but still haven’t been able to figure out where it’s coming from. Hopefully, I haven’t jinxed yours now! :lol:[/QUOTE]
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Re: 59 Apache/C6 Corvette build
 

tdishon, can I buy the glovebox portion of your 59 Apache dash, I'm doing a double din stereo and the glovebox portion of the dash would save me a lot of fab work (don't need the glovebox door).

Jim

The truck started out as a GMC. The dash is a GMC. Not sure it it’s the same glove box.

QUOTE=idbeast;8291415]tdishon, can I buy the glovebox portion of your 59 Apache dash, I'm doing a double din stereo and the glovebox portion of the dash would save me a lot of fab work (don't need the glovebox door).

Jim[/QUOTE]
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Re: 59 Apache/C6 Corvette build
 

Bummer, I just ran out and looked at my 55 2nd GMC and it is different... but thanks for getting back to me!

Jim

Re: 59 Apache/C6 Corvette build
 

TD

Strong work!!!!! Using C-6 suspension, this is going to be fun to follow.

Are staying stock with leaf/shocks? Or?

Keep on keeping on

NC

:):):):)

Re: 59 Apache/C6 Corvette build
 

Love the dash, here's a shot of a finished one for inspiration...

Re: 59 Apache/C6 Corvette build
 

Black_Sheep: Dash looks right at home in that pic!

Re: 59 Apache/C6 Corvette build
 

Nut Case: I'm going to attempt to use the Grand Sport leaf springs I have from the donor Corvette. The spring rates are within 10lbs of what Progressive recommended for the coilovers. I have the coilovers as a backup. We shall see when it finally drives. It will be any easy swap if needed.

Re: 59 Apache/C6 Corvette build
 

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.

Re: 59 Apache/C6 Corvette build
 

Gotta love those NotcHeads, huh?

Cheers, Jim

Re: 59 Apache/C6 Corvette build
 

NotcHeads changed the game for me. Going to use on all lines, fuel, Tranny cooler & Hydroboost. Easy and they hold great! I used different clamps for the front crossover and put on the gravel guard over the brake line, but NotcHead everywhere else.

Re: 59 Apache/C6 Corvette build
 

Yep, same here. Have run them for my fuel line (both hard line and braided) and will use for brake, everything else. Great product!

Cheers, Jim

Re: 59 Apache/C6 Corvette build
 

Just following.

Re: 59 Apache/C6 Corvette build
 

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

Re: 59 Apache/C6 Corvette build
 

nice job on the gaps!

Re: 59 Apache/C6 Corvette build
 

Slammed57: Thank you.
As you know, they are a pain! LOL

Oh yes I do! But so worth it , your doin a fine job , keep up the good work bud!
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Re: 59 Apache/C6 Corvette build
 

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:

Re: 59 Apache/C6 Corvette build
 

looks really good.
one thing I would say is on the brake lines, if you have trouble bleeding the brakes you might try putting those circular loops in a configuration so the air can't get trapped in the loop, it would easily rise to the top through the loops and find it's way out through the master cylinder.
awesome looking clean job on assembly.

Re: 59 Apache/C6 Corvette build
 

Good call on the brake lines. I questioned that when making the lines. My buddy's shop seems to think they can power bleed it out. We shall see... I may have to turn the loops on their sides is it is an issue.

Re: 59 Apache/C6 Corvette build
 

yep, thats what I would do. been there before. they look so good though. they would still look good on their sides though.

Re: 59 Apache/C6 Corvette build
 

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