1958 Apache Big Window Loooooong Bed "Lucky"

[daveshilling]

Since FlatOut is in SoCal, and I'm just 6 hours north, I got my part super fast and tossed it in yesterday.. HUGE difference in space, and whaddya know, the rear suspension actually has travel now!! I used to think my spring rate was way too high...

Waaay more room with this setup, not to mention the ease of adjustability(which wasn't needed but was appreciated!)

[daveshilling]

More photos where you can see how lowering the center point and mounting below instead of above the link attachment point really added a good amount of clearance.

Clearly, Don has seen this issue numerous times over the years! The kit also keeps a nice geometry that allows these rods to stay roughly parallel with half shafts, which I understand to be necessary for this suspension to function well.

I think I could still find a DIY solution, but it wouldn't look this sexy.

Also check out how perfect the Mustang tank is for providing access to the centerpoint! It looks like I planned it that way all along.

[dsraven]

that looks good. prolly less tire wear now too as they would likley toe in and out, with the old set up, as your suspension moved. well, maybe not if it couldn't move, lol.

[daveshilling]

Originally Posted by dsraven

that looks good. prolly less tire wear now too as they would likley toe in and out, with the old set up, as your suspension moved. well, maybe not if it couldn't move, lol.

That's a good point, I didn't even consider that defect.. granted they weren't even properly aligned in the first place, but I had more than one issue at hand.

Next up for the rear is seeing if I need to roll/trim the fender lip to clear these 225 BFG's....right now there is enough camber on each wheel to prevent rubbing, but if I correct that, I miiiiiight be in trouble!

[dsraven]

Personally I like a finger space between but that's just me. You could space the fender away from the box if need be.

[daveshilling]

Originally Posted by dsraven

Personally I like a finger space between but that's just me. You could space the fender away from the box if need be.

I do as well, but not enough to buy new tires or make custom fender extensions Since camber "solves" the problem and its not a commuter, it feels pretty optional...I'll likely add some more clearance in the lip, get the tires in a little closer, and just drive

[daveshilling]

Drivers side door is looking pretty complete!

This looks like just a regular old boring door... but I have spent HOURS to get to this point.

• Fixed the door bottom and cracked hinge bolt area
• new door seals
• new window felts
• new vent window rubber
• rebuilt the regulators by soaking in Evaporust, greasing everything, and replacing the 3 plastic pulleys
• Wrestled the window in
• Wrestled the interior door trim in that was bent to hell and back
• Added door handles...these should have been included, not optional!
• Replaced the mirror with an original white round mirror...had to drill out the screws

[Kevin_C]

looking good. I had considered buying that flip kit back when I bought my flat out kit. I think the price has gone up $100 since. Guess I shouldn't have waited

I just installed some repo exterior door handles and arm rest. I was surprised that the aftermarket interior trim panel did not come with the holes for the arm rest drilled.

[daveshilling]

Originally Posted by Kevin_C

looking good. I had considered buying that flip kit back when I bought my flat out kit. I think the price has gone up $100 since. Guess I shouldn't have waited

What's up build brother!

I drilled new holes and raised the brackets on the rear kit, and I'm also at the very bottom of these coilovers, so you might not need it.

The FlatOut kits sit too high in the rear for my tastes, which is why I adjusted the brackets and narrowed the frame channel. I know you are hoping for yours to come down with some bed wood, but just have someone stand in it and see if you like the height...better to address it now!

[daveshilling]

The last bit of regular progress has been fueled by one mission: Go on a lil cruise with my Grandpa while he's still around (which isn't much longer).

Grandpa got me started tinkering on things when I was little, so it's only fitting.

Mission Accomplished.

[Rickysnickers]

Very nice!!!

[Kevin_C]

Thats awsome!

[G&R's57GMC]

Happy New Year and congrats on mission accomplished !

[57tailgater]

Awesome!!!

[Tempest67]

Well done, That is great.

congratulations

[daveshilling]

Thanks, yall. I'm glad I got to have this moment with him.

I'll probably start tinkering on it again soon enough, it still needs plenty of work... a whole interior, a flip up bed, some wiring clean up, and who knows what else, but that stuff alone will keep me pretty busy

[G&R's57GMC]

Time for an update ?

[daveshilling]

Originally Posted by G&R's57GMC

Time for an update ?

It SHOULD be, but I haven't touched the truck in a lil bit.

If I do any tinkering right now, its going to be on your 56 big block!