59 Apache Stepside Rookie Build

[Low Elco]

Wow, great fab work!

[hotrodrookie]

Currently working on getting the 5.3 straightened out. It seems as if it may need a trip to the machine shop. Hopefully the damages are too bad. Driveshaft and shortening will be next.

[Larry Lindley]

The rust is from my drooling over the pictures.

[hotrodrookie]

Got a little bit more painting done on the drivetrain pieces. My driveshaft also came in, it's from Crown Vic police car. The shaft currently measures 55.5" from joint to joint. Once the engine and trans are assembled and in, I'll send it out to have it shortened/balanced.

One big relief I was able to take care of was the rust in the water jacket issue. Rather than tear down the bottom end, I filled the jackets with Evaporust and let it do its magic for a week. Most all of the rust build up disappeared. After that, I steam cleaned the block, dried it, and gave it a heavy dose of Marvel's mystery oil. It's now waiting patiently in a bag before it gets reassembled.

[4Eyedtruck]

this build is looking great definitely not rookie in my eyes keep up the good work also what is the color of the paint you used on the valve covers and engine parts if you don't mind sharing id love to know

[Kim57]

Looking real nice.
Kim

[hotrodrookie]

Originally Posted by 4Eyedtruck

this build is looking great definitely not rookie in my eyes keep up the good work also what is the color of the paint you used on the valve covers and engine parts if you don't mind sharing id love to know

I'm not sure, it's the auto parts store metallic grey wheel coating rattlecan special.

[4Eyedtruck]

LOL I like it ill be sure to ask for the auto parts store metallic grey wheel coating rattlecan special next time I am at the parts store keep up the good work man I think 59s are taking over in here lately

[hotrodrookie]

Been getting the motor back together. New additions include Comp Cam, Texas Speed & Performace stage 2.5 ported cylinder heads, high pressure oil pump, ls7 lifters, ls2 timing chain, gaskets etc... It looks like the driveshaft will have to have a couple inches pulled out of it. Tailpipes and mufflers will be in the works soon.

[Kim57]

Looking good.
Kim

[Spblack]

im rolling the same motor and rear end. what year was that drive shaft? where did you get the front yoke?

[hotrodrookie]

Originally Posted by Spblack

im rolling the same motor and rear end. what year was that drive shaft? where did you get the front yoke?

The driveshaft is fairly common, I believe 99+ are nearly the same for the Police Crown Vics. I think mine was from an 06? The yoke was from a 90's 1/2 ton truck with a 700r4 (same spline count). I still need to get the correct U-joint to mate the two after the shaft is shortened.

[hotrodrookie]

Exhaust parts are coming in. Here's a drawing of what I'm thinking of doing. Simple x-pipe, flow through mufflers, turn down right after the muffler, all 304 stainless, and the cutouts will be just for fun

[Kim57]

That looks real clean.
Kim

[99 to Life]

gonna be sick, I like the cutouts for sure

[Rednek13x]

you are talented, great work so far!

[hotrodrookie]

Got my driveshaft back from the shop. Shortened to the 52.75" center to center on the u-joints, balanced, and new u-joints installed. I can't wait to get it spinning. I'm guessing that next up will be mocking up the exhaust and finishing the engine intake/accessory assembly.

[Kim57]

Very nice looking.
Kim

[hotrodrookie]

Started to tear into the wiring harness. lt1swap.com is definitely a great help. wish me luck...

[Kim57]

Good luck.
You're a lot braver than I was.
Kim

[BC Toy chest]

Can't wait to see it when you're done nice work. Keep the pics coming.

[hotrodrookie]

I tried to squeeze in a little time to get some work done on my exhaust. The hardest part was getting the x-pipe clocked correctly and locating the flanges on the header collectors. I'm really trying to button up all the little engine accessory/wiring/stuff etc. so I can this thing some time this decade

In other news, I just got a new job. Good news is that it's awesome, bad news is that I'm moving 120 miles away from my truck. Lucky for me, I can atleast keep my truck and work on it over the weekends.

[Kim57]

Congrats on the job.
Nice job on the exhaust.
Kim

[hotrodrookie]

I was able to squeeze in some time to weld in my dash panel. Pretty happy with how it turned out.

[Kim57]

Nice job.
Kim