59 Apache Stepside Rookie Build

[hotrodrookie]

It's been a while since I've touched the cab. I started cleaning up the firewall and prepping it so I could fill a bunch of the holes. I'm contemplating leaving the heater holes because I still would like a defroster, I think the battery is going to leave though. Where are you guys mounting your batteries?
I also plan on putting the master cylinder/booster on the firwall so I started to remove the old dash brace.. It's a pain, Im halfway there. It was getting pretty cold and I could barely see anything, and it's only 5 pm! I can't wait for long hot summer days..

[hotrod1]

can u please post your progress or build with the install of the brake booster/pedal set up. Would really like to see one done.

[hotrodrookie]

Originally Posted by hotrod1

can u please post your progress or build with the install of the brake booster/pedal set up. Would really like to see one done.

no problemo, it's going to take a while though Rather than buying a kit from CPP, my plan is to design my own pedal assembly from the dimensions of the dash bracket, and fit it to the master cylinder I already have from a , thus saving mucho bucks.

[99 to Life]

I ran my battery behind the seat, I have a 51' but ideally it is the same. I love it. Keeps the the under hood attention on the engine, not some out of place battery. I don't care much for the under cab ones. I ran a kill switch too. I love it, anytime I do electrical mods, I just pop the switch. Park in a bad place hit the switch, its a great safety feature to have. I also ran a pos terminal up in the firewall so you jump it and for some other uses, such as wiring my efan relay directly into the terminal.

anyway, def do your own pedals, they will be cool and will save you money. I had to modify mine so it's not like a stock pedal always works, the system isn't that hard to make and by the looks of what you done, it would be a walkin the park. Just make sure you got the geometry down good, you don't wanna be over pushing your push rod.

[hotrodrookie]

End of the school semester means time to work on the truck! Any ways, I had an itch to get my drivetrain going, and I've had all the parts to rebuild my 700 r4. This is my first transmission rebuild, here goes nothing...

[chevythechief]

Very nice build! Subscribed.... does´nt look rookie to me...

[hotrodrookie]

It's been a while since I've worked on my truck, let alone been on this site. But since then, I got my degree, and got a new job. I'm glad to be working on my truck again, and being alone in the garage is definitely a relaxation that I miss. I'm still in the process of getting my chassis in roller form, and the next order of business in finishing the brakes. I went ahead and bought the firewall master cylinder assembly from CPP brakes. It looks over built and like it will fit in very nicely, just the way I like things. I got the new rotors for the front, motor mounts, and a smooth dash insert. The rest of the brake parts are ordered but not delivered yet.

Here's to trying to finish projects!

[dicer]

When you welded the patch panels behind the door at window height, on that rear portion of the cab did you get much warpage and shrinkage? You sure did a bunch of work.

[BC Toy chest]

GR8 work hotrodrookie, keep the photos coming.

[hotrodrookie]

Originally Posted by dicer

When you welded the patch panels behind the door at window height, on that rear portion of the cab did you get much warpage and shrinkage? You sure did a bunch of work.

If you're referring to the vertical portions in the b pillar behind the passenger door then no. It's pretty rigid there. I will however get to replacing it all with cleaner patches. I did those when I was first learning how to weld I'm getting to the point where I'm going over all the stuff I did when I first started working on the truck that doesn't hold up to my current standards.

[Kabwe]

Congratulations on getting that degree, and I'm glad to see your back at it buddy.

[hotrodrookie]

Thanks Kabwe!

[Manic]

Congrats on the degree and the new job! Awesome work on everything, thanks for all the pics. Following this thread has inspired me to work harder on my 59, please keep the pics coming!

[hotrodrookie]

Not much to show for as far as progress goes, but I did finally finish the rebuild on my 700r4. It took much longer than I initially anticipated, and I had to completely disassemble it after I almost had it all back together, but its finally done. I ordered a B&M torque converter to got along with the B&M lock up control module I'll be installing.

Because the motor needs to located in its final place, the next thing I'll be doing is chopping the 5.3 l truck oil pan. I'll take about 2.25 inches out of it, and then shorten the pick up tube.

I'm still waiting on my brake parts to come, when those arrive I should be able to get it rolling soon.

[hotrodrookie]

No major updates on the truck, but I have been doing some welding for my buddies at school who are building a Formula SAE car. The jig makes easy work for fit up, and its all 4340.

[hotrodrookie]

I'm still in the process of cleaning up the firewall and filling in all the holes. Today I got around to mounting the master cylinder and pedal assembly. I'm really happy with how it came out. Next will be fixing that dash...

[SCHRUMGMC]

What is the Original Colors name ?

I am needing to know because that is the same color my 59 used to be

[hotrodrookie]

Beats me. http://paintref.com/cgi-bin/colorcod...r=1959&rows=50 maybe Neptune green?

[Kim57]

The pedal came out nice.
Kim

[hotrodrookie]

I've been wanting a blast cabinet for the longest time. I was considering making one myself, but just before I started do so, I found this baby for a screamin deal on Craigslist. The price was cheaper then the parts I could build one for, and it's a Snap-On! I'm excited to start cleaning some parts.

[ratty 46]

good score & it works!!! Priceless.

[Denee007]

That's really great!! Good find!!
Posted via Mobile Device

[Kim57]

Great find.
Kim

[hotrodrookie]

Made a little progress today.

I got around to shortening the 5.3 truck oil pan. Also shown in the shortened pickup tube. I had a hell of a time welding the cast aluminum pan, in the end, it will still hold oil.
Started painting the brake calipers. After the first coat sets, I'll scuff them up and hit them with gloss black.
Hang up of the day was making the transmission crossmember. That will be the next thing on the list.

[1959Chev]

why didn't you go with a 4l60e? are you going carb?