***HELP***59 chev apache body transition to 4x4 what to use 4 donor??? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

twistedmetal · 03-15-2003, 10:29 PM

wanting to do a 4x4 conversion to a 59 apache..was told the frame from a full size 73-87 blazer will work,What is the easiest way to change this truck over so i can have some fun with it.any articles,pix or whatever will help thanks all.

Quote:

"If Fall Guy only knew how many trucks i've wrecked,He'd be proud"

pugs · 03-15-2003, 11:08 PM

i would just put reaes and spring from a 4x on your original chassis

DennyB · 03-17-2003, 09:26 AM

I just looked at an 84 blazer for the same purpose this weekend.

The springs would have to be moved back about 10". This would put the rear spring perch right on the rear of the frame. The bolts would be within an inch or less from the rear of the frame so something would have to be done there to reinforce the mounting.
When moving the purches back the angle/contour of the frame changes so additional fabrication would be needed to keep the springs square with the axle.
This also moves the axel back from the frame hump although if it is kept high enough this looked like it would clear.
When the front perch is moved back it would mate the frame in a higher position and this would lower the rear also.

I will be looking for a truck 4x4 chassis

If I find out any more info I will post and if you hear of any more options please post.

twistedmetal · 03-17-2003, 06:48 PM

what about an extended cab shortbox 4x4 s 10 hav you checked one of them out or a longbox reg cab.this may put everything closer with just having to trim the rear frame rails a bit.

DennyB · 03-17-2003, 09:13 PM

The s10 long bed is close. (117.9")
A '99 Silverado wheelbase is 119"
I have owned a few s10s and there front suspension wears out easy and Im looking for something a bit more sturdy.
I have not owned a s10 4wd though so...
I am also concerned with the s10 rear wheel base clearing the 4 foot wide bed of my 56. s10's are skinny, there length between wheel housings of the stock bed is 40.4". Perhaps a wider axel would solve that for you, but then the wheels wouldn't "track"

Do you have the exact wheelbase required to center the wheels in the openings of a 55-59 SWB stepside?
I was thinking in the area of 115"????

DennyB · 03-18-2003, 08:45 AM

I checked the factory assembly manual and it list the wheelbase for the 3100 as 114"

Bluegoose972 · 04-11-2003, 06:44 PM

Try looking at the frame assembly of the 73-87 SWB 4x4 pickups. I've been doing a little research into this lately. These years of trucks match up very closely to the wheelbase for the 55-59 Short wheelbase trucks. The 69-72 models measure at 115" (vs 114" for the 55-59 models) and the 73-87 models measure 117". I believe it is a fairly simple process to remove a 3" section from the mid frame area on these trucks. The 73-87 models should be fairly easy to locate at a good price.

twistedmetal · 04-12-2003, 09:33 PM

Cool ,thanks Blue

Lucky59 · 04-13-2003, 05:42 PM

My 59 is on a 76 Blazer frame, not a 4x4 but still. Yes it has to be cut a few inches. I dont know the exact specs of the chop, seing as how I didnt do mine. I will have some pics on here in a few weeks so i guess i can take a few of the frame if it will help out any.

Lucky

twistedmetal · 04-13-2003, 08:21 PM

any pics of the body mounts and the frame would be greatly appreciated,thanks

DennyB · 04-14-2003, 12:46 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Lucky59
My 59 is on a 76 Blazer frame, not a 4x4 but still. Yes it has to be cut a few inches. I dont know the exact specs of the chop, seing as how I didnt do mine. I will have some pics on here in a few weeks so i guess i can take a few of the frame if it will help out any.

Lucky

Lucky,
The blazer w/b is about 9" to short. Did they relocate the rear springs?
Got pics?

Lucky59 · 04-14-2003, 06:57 PM

Yeah I will get some pics pretty soon. Probably later on tonight, any other parts u want specific pictures of, besides the rear springs...?

Lucky

Lucky59 · 04-14-2003, 07:43 PM

Here are some pics... alot of pics rather...
hope some of these help

Lucky

Lucky59 · 04-14-2003, 07:45 PM

another mount pic...

Lucky59 · 04-14-2003, 07:52 PM

Back end

Lucky59 · 04-14-2003, 07:54 PM

sorry for small back end pic... engine pic now

Lucky59 · 04-14-2003, 07:56 PM

inner fender..

Lucky59 · 04-14-2003, 07:59 PM

where it is shortened...

Lucky59 · 04-14-2003, 08:02 PM

i doubt this makes a difference, but here are a few additional pics, the box...

Lucky59 · 04-14-2003, 08:04 PM

front end of truck

Lucky59 · 04-14-2003, 08:05 PM

cheap seats... got these babies for 15 bucks, plus seatbelts...

Lucky59 · 04-14-2003, 08:06 PM

Papa Larry's Chevelle...

Lucky59 · 04-14-2003, 08:08 PM

and the final picture, a pic of the rims on my truck, does anyone know the make, they say Progressive on the center cap but I cannot find another set of caps for them as the front caps are Cragar, and I doubt these are Cragars

twistedmetal · 04-14-2003, 10:45 PM

hey bud,as for the center caps i have 1,maybe 2 if i dig.we need more people like you on this site,those pix are great and will help me lots,thanks.as for the caps they are yours just pay me the shipping.if they are wrong though,i thing they can be bought at softy's speed shop in winnipeg mb.keep in touch,and thanks again for the pix.

Nova_Cobra64 · 04-14-2003, 11:18 PM

Sure man, just post your truck and the chevelle.......don't want to look like a car hoarder now do you?

Why don't you get some pics of the firebird, impala, or belair? I haven't really seen any of them.......

03-15-2003, 11:08 PM	#2
pugs Registered User Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Hamburg Pa Posts: 1,153	re i would just put reaes and spring from a 4x on your original chassis __________________ I don't do thing cuz I can, I do it cuz someone told me it couldn't be done...

03-17-2003, 09:26 AM	#3
DennyB Led Sled! Discs R 4 ME! Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Toms River, NJ, USA (Transplanted Hoosier) Posts: 7,327	I just looked at an 84 blazer for the same purpose this weekend. The springs would have to be moved back about 10". This would put the rear spring perch right on the rear of the frame. The bolts would be within an inch or less from the rear of the frame so something would have to be done there to reinforce the mounting. When moving the purches back the angle/contour of the frame changes so additional fabrication would be needed to keep the springs square with the axle. This also moves the axel back from the frame hump although if it is kept high enough this looked like it would clear. When the front perch is moved back it would mate the frame in a higher position and this would lower the rear also. I will be looking for a truck 4x4 chassis If I find out any more info I will post and if you hear of any more options please post. __________________ "Never ride faster than your Angel can fly" I.M.O.M,W,J&C Patriot Guard Rider

03-17-2003, 06:48 PM	#4
twistedmetal Take it to the limit Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Manitoba, Canada Posts: 145	what about an extended cab shortbox 4x4 s 10 hav you checked one of them out or a longbox reg cab.this may put everything closer with just having to trim the rear frame rails a bit. __________________ 1995 GMC SLE Ext cab 4X4 Z-71 loaded daily driver 87 k25 Fully Loaded inc captain buckets and console,12" susp lift,3" body lift 42"swampers 66 Cutlass 2dr hardtop currently undergoing frame off 55 chev 2dr hardtop awaiting attention 85 Chev silverado 1/2 ton loaded,daily driver(stolen) 80 chev silverado 1/2 ton farm truck 87 S-jimmy V-8,lowered ,Parting out 49 Chev 1/2 parting out parting numerous 73-80 chev trucks 01 Polaris edge X (highly modified) 58 NSU Prima scooter awaiting total restoration

03-17-2003, 09:13 PM	#5
DennyB Led Sled! Discs R 4 ME! Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Toms River, NJ, USA (Transplanted Hoosier) Posts: 7,327	The s10 long bed is close. (117.9") A '99 Silverado wheelbase is 119" I have owned a few s10s and there front suspension wears out easy and Im looking for something a bit more sturdy. I have not owned a s10 4wd though so... I am also concerned with the s10 rear wheel base clearing the 4 foot wide bed of my 56. s10's are skinny, there length between wheel housings of the stock bed is 40.4". Perhaps a wider axel would solve that for you, but then the wheels wouldn't "track" Do you have the exact wheelbase required to center the wheels in the openings of a 55-59 SWB stepside? I was thinking in the area of 115"???? __________________ "Never ride faster than your Angel can fly" I.M.O.M,W,J&C Patriot Guard Rider Last edited by DennyB; 03-17-2003 at 09:27 PM.

03-18-2003, 08:45 AM	#6
DennyB Led Sled! Discs R 4 ME! Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Toms River, NJ, USA (Transplanted Hoosier) Posts: 7,327	I checked the factory assembly manual and it list the wheelbase for the 3100 as 114" __________________ "Never ride faster than your Angel can fly" I.M.O.M,W,J&C Patriot Guard Rider

04-11-2003, 06:44 PM	#7
Bluegoose972 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Lubbock, Texas Posts: 248	Try looking at the frame assembly of the 73-87 SWB 4x4 pickups. I've been doing a little research into this lately. These years of trucks match up very closely to the wheelbase for the 55-59 Short wheelbase trucks. The 69-72 models measure at 115" (vs 114" for the 55-59 models) and the 73-87 models measure 117". I believe it is a fairly simple process to remove a 3" section from the mid frame area on these trucks. The 73-87 models should be fairly easy to locate at a good price.

04-12-2003, 09:33 PM	#8
twistedmetal Take it to the limit Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Manitoba, Canada Posts: 145	Cool ,thanks Blue __________________ 1995 GMC SLE Ext cab 4X4 Z-71 loaded daily driver 87 k25 Fully Loaded inc captain buckets and console,12" susp lift,3" body lift 42"swampers 66 Cutlass 2dr hardtop currently undergoing frame off 55 chev 2dr hardtop awaiting attention 85 Chev silverado 1/2 ton loaded,daily driver(stolen) 80 chev silverado 1/2 ton farm truck 87 S-jimmy V-8,lowered ,Parting out 49 Chev 1/2 parting out parting numerous 73-80 chev trucks 01 Polaris edge X (highly modified) 58 NSU Prima scooter awaiting total restoration

04-13-2003, 05:42 PM	#9
Lucky59 Do you feel Lucky...? Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Saskatchewan Posts: 452	My 59 is on a 76 Blazer frame, not a 4x4 but still. Yes it has to be cut a few inches. I dont know the exact specs of the chop, seing as how I didnt do mine. I will have some pics on here in a few weeks so i guess i can take a few of the frame if it will help out any. Lucky __________________ 1959 Chevy Shortbox Stepside 1969 Chevy Custom C/10 1991 S-10 Blazer Sport 2003 Dodge SX2.0 R/T 2001 Mountain Cat 800 LE

04-13-2003, 08:21 PM	#10
twistedmetal Take it to the limit Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Manitoba, Canada Posts: 145	any pics of the body mounts and the frame would be greatly appreciated,thanks __________________ 1995 GMC SLE Ext cab 4X4 Z-71 loaded daily driver 87 k25 Fully Loaded inc captain buckets and console,12" susp lift,3" body lift 42"swampers 66 Cutlass 2dr hardtop currently undergoing frame off 55 chev 2dr hardtop awaiting attention 85 Chev silverado 1/2 ton loaded,daily driver(stolen) 80 chev silverado 1/2 ton farm truck 87 S-jimmy V-8,lowered ,Parting out 49 Chev 1/2 parting out parting numerous 73-80 chev trucks 01 Polaris edge X (highly modified) 58 NSU Prima scooter awaiting total restoration

04-14-2003, 06:57 PM	#12
Lucky59 Do you feel Lucky...? Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Saskatchewan Posts: 452	Yeah I will get some pics pretty soon. Probably later on tonight, any other parts u want specific pictures of, besides the rear springs...? Lucky __________________ 1959 Chevy Shortbox Stepside 1969 Chevy Custom C/10 1991 S-10 Blazer Sport 2003 Dodge SX2.0 R/T 2001 Mountain Cat 800 LE

04-14-2003, 07:43 PM	#13
Lucky59 Do you feel Lucky...? Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Saskatchewan Posts: 452	Here are some pics... alot of pics rather... hope some of these help Lucky Attached Images __________________ 1959 Chevy Shortbox Stepside 1969 Chevy Custom C/10 1991 S-10 Blazer Sport 2003 Dodge SX2.0 R/T 2001 Mountain Cat 800 LE

04-14-2003, 07:45 PM	#14
Lucky59 Do you feel Lucky...? Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Saskatchewan Posts: 452	another mount pic... Attached Images __________________ 1959 Chevy Shortbox Stepside 1969 Chevy Custom C/10 1991 S-10 Blazer Sport 2003 Dodge SX2.0 R/T 2001 Mountain Cat 800 LE

04-14-2003, 07:52 PM	#15
Lucky59 Do you feel Lucky...? Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Saskatchewan Posts: 452	Back end Attached Images __________________ 1959 Chevy Shortbox Stepside 1969 Chevy Custom C/10 1991 S-10 Blazer Sport 2003 Dodge SX2.0 R/T 2001 Mountain Cat 800 LE

04-14-2003, 07:54 PM	#16
Lucky59 Do you feel Lucky...? Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Saskatchewan Posts: 452	sorry for small back end pic... engine pic now Attached Images __________________ 1959 Chevy Shortbox Stepside 1969 Chevy Custom C/10 1991 S-10 Blazer Sport 2003 Dodge SX2.0 R/T 2001 Mountain Cat 800 LE

04-14-2003, 07:56 PM	#17
Lucky59 Do you feel Lucky...? Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Saskatchewan Posts: 452	inner fender.. Attached Images __________________ 1959 Chevy Shortbox Stepside 1969 Chevy Custom C/10 1991 S-10 Blazer Sport 2003 Dodge SX2.0 R/T 2001 Mountain Cat 800 LE



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04-14-2003, 07:59 PM	#18
Lucky59 Do you feel Lucky...? Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Saskatchewan Posts: 452	where it is shortened... Attached Images __________________ 1959 Chevy Shortbox Stepside 1969 Chevy Custom C/10 1991 S-10 Blazer Sport 2003 Dodge SX2.0 R/T 2001 Mountain Cat 800 LE

04-14-2003, 08:02 PM	#19
Lucky59 Do you feel Lucky...? Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Saskatchewan Posts: 452	i doubt this makes a difference, but here are a few additional pics, the box... Attached Images __________________ 1959 Chevy Shortbox Stepside 1969 Chevy Custom C/10 1991 S-10 Blazer Sport 2003 Dodge SX2.0 R/T 2001 Mountain Cat 800 LE

04-14-2003, 08:04 PM	#20
Lucky59 Do you feel Lucky...? Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Saskatchewan Posts: 452	front end of truck Attached Images __________________ 1959 Chevy Shortbox Stepside 1969 Chevy Custom C/10 1991 S-10 Blazer Sport 2003 Dodge SX2.0 R/T 2001 Mountain Cat 800 LE

04-14-2003, 08:05 PM	#21
Lucky59 Do you feel Lucky...? Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Saskatchewan Posts: 452	cheap seats... got these babies for 15 bucks, plus seatbelts... Attached Images __________________ 1959 Chevy Shortbox Stepside 1969 Chevy Custom C/10 1991 S-10 Blazer Sport 2003 Dodge SX2.0 R/T 2001 Mountain Cat 800 LE

04-14-2003, 08:06 PM	#22
Lucky59 Do you feel Lucky...? Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Saskatchewan Posts: 452	Papa Larry's Chevelle... Attached Images __________________ 1959 Chevy Shortbox Stepside 1969 Chevy Custom C/10 1991 S-10 Blazer Sport 2003 Dodge SX2.0 R/T 2001 Mountain Cat 800 LE

04-14-2003, 08:08 PM	#23
Lucky59 Do you feel Lucky...? Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Saskatchewan Posts: 452	and the final picture, a pic of the rims on my truck, does anyone know the make, they say Progressive on the center cap but I cannot find another set of caps for them as the front caps are Cragar, and I doubt these are Cragars Attached Images __________________ 1959 Chevy Shortbox Stepside 1969 Chevy Custom C/10 1991 S-10 Blazer Sport 2003 Dodge SX2.0 R/T 2001 Mountain Cat 800 LE

04-14-2003, 10:45 PM	#24
twistedmetal Take it to the limit Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Manitoba, Canada Posts: 145	hey bud,as for the center caps i have 1,maybe 2 if i dig.we need more people like you on this site,those pix are great and will help me lots,thanks.as for the caps they are yours just pay me the shipping.if they are wrong though,i thing they can be bought at softy's speed shop in winnipeg mb.keep in touch,and thanks again for the pix. __________________ 1995 GMC SLE Ext cab 4X4 Z-71 loaded daily driver 87 k25 Fully Loaded inc captain buckets and console,12" susp lift,3" body lift 42"swampers 66 Cutlass 2dr hardtop currently undergoing frame off 55 chev 2dr hardtop awaiting attention 85 Chev silverado 1/2 ton loaded,daily driver(stolen) 80 chev silverado 1/2 ton farm truck 87 S-jimmy V-8,lowered ,Parting out 49 Chev 1/2 parting out parting numerous 73-80 chev trucks 01 Polaris edge X (highly modified) 58 NSU Prima scooter awaiting total restoration

04-14-2003, 11:18 PM	#25
Nova_Cobra64 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Melville, SK Posts: 1,145	Sure man, just post your truck and the chevelle.......don't want to look like a car hoarder now do you? Why don't you get some pics of the firebird, impala, or belair? I haven't really seen any of them....... __________________ 2004 Silverado - Beater 1969 GMC - In progress http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=441683 2011 Aveo - Work commuter 2013 Crestliner Fish Hawk 1650 - The reason no work gets done on the project truck.

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