1959 short Fleetside Apache AKA "Henry"

[CMACDONALD1]

Well here goes... I thought I would create a build thread on a truck that I purchased a couple of years ago. The truck started life in Alberta and has been a project for some time now. I bought the truck with most the suspension complete with a mustang II front end. As far a the powertrain goes its a running driving truck new motor ,trans and a Camaro rear diff. The plan is to carry on with what was already started and finish the body and interior. The truck is pretty clean as far as rust goes but definitely needs a lots of metal work to get it straight again. I gave the truck the name Henry because that is the previous owners name and thought it was a good name for an old truck. the first thing I did was start playing with some wheel and tire combinations. I sure am looking forward to getting Henry back on the road! The first two pictures are the day I picked him up.

[CMACDONALD1]

The first set of wheels I tried on for size were some Tourque thrusts. I like these wheels on it but they are just a little to wide.

[CMACDONALD1]

Here it is with its current wheels. So to this point I have driven this truck for about two years like this. I thought it was about time to give the body some love. time to tear it down.

[59chev]

Nice truck! Subscribed

[CMACDONALD1]

The first order of business was to change the exhaust. I did not care for the exhaust sticking straight out of the back. I rerouted the exhaust to down turn towards the corner of the box underneath the truck. I thought that the roll pan made it look to flat on the back so I mounted the sport bumper and left the roll pan in place.

[Kim57]

Nice looking truck. Will be watching your progress.
Kim

[CMACDONALD1]

Thanks Guys!

[CMACDONALD1]

here it is with the rear bumper installed.

[CMACDONALD1]

From the day I found this truck I started looking for the side trim. I think it looks fantastic on these trucks. I finally found a set after months of looking. This trim costs dearly these days but I think its worth it.

[CMACDONALD1]

eliminated the chains on the gate. I had some leftover tailgate pieces from the suburban I built and they worked great.

[CMACDONALD1]

The tailgate worked out great and I'm really happy with it.

[CMACDONALD1]

body work has now started. I should say that I have been working on the truck for about two months now in my spare time. I have a hard time sitting in front of the TV and this is my therapy to unwind in the evening.

[CMACDONALD1]

box is now in primer and ready for its first block.

[_Ogre]

i do like those fleetside truck, nice find on the trim; rare as hens teeth from what i hear
looks good so far, better now with the rear bumper and exhaust moved out of the fascia

[CMACDONALD1]

cab is starting to come apart. the overwhelming feeling is starting to set in. I have a time line on this truck because I want it painted by August. My plan is to have it at Super Run in Red Deer in August. Super Run is a week long event with a lot of rides from all over western Canada and its a great show.

[CMACDONALD1]

The steps are all welded in and body work started.

[CMACDONALD1]

Cab interior bodywork is done and now in primer.

[CMACDONALD1]

This is currently how the truck sits as of now. started working on the back of the cab.

[Daze57]

great work and great looking truck
wheels that are on it now really make it !

[CMACDONALD1]

So the previous owner used plywood for the bed floor. I have not been too keen on leaving it but want a few opinions before I go ahead with my current plan. I had originally thought I would box liner the floor and leave it but, have decided to put 16 guage tin on the floor and paint it tan in color with the original stainless strips. I'm hoping that it will appear to have wood in the bed but actually be steel. Thoughts??? I have laid out the stainless and the corvette fuel door that I want to use on the plywood. I'm thinking I can use all the stainless bolts to to hold the steel down to the plywood floor.

[Kim57]

Great progress.
It all looks really good.
Kim

[CMACDONALD1]

Originally Posted by _Ogre

i do like those fleetside truck, nice find on the trim; rare as hens teeth from what i hear
looks good so far, better now with the rear bumper and exhaust moved out of the fascia

Thanks Ogre. Yeah I like the exhaust underneath the truck. I know a lot of people like the exhaust running straight out the back but it did not suit the truck in my opinion.

[CMACDONALD1]

Originally Posted by Daze57

great work and great looking truck
wheels that are on it now really make it !

Thanks Daze! I like these wheels on it.

[CMACDONALD1]

Originally Posted by Kim57

Great progress.
It all looks really good.
Kim

Thanks Kim!

[59chev]

I like the Corvette fuel door. I was planning on using a reproduction 63 vette fuel door on mine. Before now, I haven't seen anyone else use one before. Great idea!