My 59 Fleetside Build

[mr59fleetside]

I picked up this 59 shortbed big window Fleetside in Rialto, CA in 2009. This is what it looked like when I got it.

[tpimuncie]

Nice and solid!!

[mr59fleetside]

Thanks, I will post more pictures as I can of the changes and parts changed out and added.

[Kim57]

Welcome.
Looks like a real clean truck.
Kim

[RockinKees]

Nice truck!
What are your plans with it?
Keep it stock are change a bit?

Do you have a larger pic of your avatar? Looks like a sweet truck!

[mr59fleetside]

Thanks Bro, my plans are to change it up a bit, not too much but just some subtle changes that only those who know these trucks will notice hopefully and will like it. The pics are the best but are the last pics. I took before tearing down in October 2013. I stripped the cab interior completely down to the bare metal, did some panel beating to remove some dents on the dash, replaced some the driver and passenger floor sections, cab corners, and passenger outer front cab panel. Epoxy primed the entire cab interior, and had to stop due to both lower door hinge pockets need replacing/repairing. They were so bad they were beyond repair, but finally found them at Brothers Truck Parts. Bad this is they're not a direct fit, you have to do some persuasive mods for them to fit, but at least someone is making them. Finally got them modified to fit and welded them in just 6 weeks ago and now working on getting the doors straight for painting. I didn't want to paint the cab interior without the doors, but now I can move forward towards the paint prep on the doors to paint them and the cab. Once done I can re-assemble and start driving it. I really miss driving it last 2 years it's been down.

[mr59fleetside]

Added outside visor, swapping 6 lug drums with 54 Chevy sedan 5 lug drums and installing Corvette Rallys wit BF Goodrich T/A Radials.

[mr59fleetside]

Man, is it hard to turn the wheels with these wide T/A's, gonna have to remove them and get some skinnys. Got the skinnies with wide whites and painted steelies red. Lowered the back by flipping rear end on top of the leafs. Looks better now.

[mr59fleetside]

"C" notching the back rails to get down in the weeds.

[59chev]

Welcome. I really like the looks with the wide whites and bullet caps.

[lowrodderchev]

Nice truck

[RockinKees]

Very nice!
I like the red steelies way more....

[tpimuncie]

Looking sick!!

[mr59fleetside]

Thanks, there's still a whole lot of work to be done though to get it how I want it. Here's some pics of the "C" notch my buddy Frank did. He has 57 big window stepside s/b in baby blue primer.

[mr59fleetside]

Before flipping rear end I replaced the painted bumper, and grill with chrome ones, and replaced the headlight bezels. I found the fender and hood emblems that were missing, months later came across the bed stainless steel trim from a long bed, cut them down to size, installed them, and boy what a difference they make. Pictures not clear but can see the fender emblems and bed trim.

[tpimuncie]

Badass! Gotta have the deluxe trim!

[Kim57]

Looking real sweet.
Kim

[Dan in Pasadena]

I don't want to come off as negative or critical but I AM concerned about the safety of that notch. Does anyone else think it's too severe? Leaves too little metal above the notch? Is there a plan to reinforce above or anything?

[Advanced Design]

Originally Posted by Dan in Pasadena

I don't want to come off as negative or critical but I AM concerned about the safety of that notch. Does anyone else think it's too severe? Leaves too little metal above the notch? Is there a plan to reinforce above or anything?

Wondering the same.

[tpimuncie]

Honestly i did a mini notch on mine went halfways but it really weakened the back half of my frame.

[Dan in Pasadena]

I'm going to notch mine too but I intend to add reinforcement. Either heavy plate above or additional extended boxing plates on both sides.

[OrrieG]

The strength comes from the deep vertical part of the frame. Adding the shallow channel will not resist the force, that is why the notches are usually boxed above and in front and back a distance equal to the frame depth. The force on the rear spring shackle mount points will push upward, the notch is where the bending point will be.

[mr59fleetside]

Yeah, gotta have the bed trim!
I completely understand what you all are saying regarding the notch. Honestly I thought I had gone too extreme also, but having laid that flat steel plate over the top of the rail and boxing the frame I haven't had any issues. I do however some pieces to weld in to reinforced the arch just in case their needed. I have really loaded the back end to go sell at the Pomona and Long Beach Vet Stadium swap meets and have not had any issues so far.
Pictures of dash and interior. I had already replaced the steering wheel, seat, added the deluxe heater/defroster, and some chrome dash knobs and ignition switch.

[mr59fleetside]

You can't really see it in the pictures but both dash ends were smashed almost flat, but some work with the stud welder and slide hammer they came out almost perfect.

[mr59fleetside]

Working the dash.