Becker

iTrader: (4)

I've been a lurker and LS guy for a long time and I'm looking for a little advice as I haven't done much older or custom builds. I got a 59 clean Chevy 1/2 ton stepside small window. The plan is leave the body alone for now and get it on a new drive train and suspension to be fun like my previous Vette and V's.

I tore down the entire truck to bare components. Ordered a boxed frame with 4link, IFS, power steering and the list goes on👍

I just got the chasis and have a LS3 tr6060 ready to go.

Question is what should I look out for during this new swap/build?
Anyone have advice on the build?

I know I'm going to run into problems but I want to get this thing driving asap regardless of body condition and interior.

Build thread started...

Becker

iTrader: (4)

Becker

iTrader: (4)

B52bombardier1

I absolutely LOVE Apache trucks. I will be watching your progress with great interest.

Rick

JosephIV

iTrader: (14)

Oh Mylanta, this is going to be good. Bonus points to you if you can work white powder coated wheels into the mix. Love these trucks!

Becker

iTrader: (4)

If anyone has done these trucks for full swaps please weigh in... The beautiful I love you phase is what got me here. I'm looking for someone who has done it and a lessons learned suggestions. -nick

Jimbo1367

Love the truck. Look for BAM55 s thread. Who did your frame? Is the truck really as clean as it looks?

onebadbowtie86

iTrader: (13)

Beautiful truck, this is going to be good!

Becker

iTrader: (4)

I'll look for the thread. Frame is done by No Limit. The truck is original and clean so I didn't want to have the frame cutup and boxed and such to get good performance out of it. So I opted for $$$ route and kept the original frame and driveline and have stored in a warehouse. Basically going to drop the body on to a new chasis🤘🤞

jweb

There are quite a few LS swaps in these trucks here: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/f...splay.php?f=13

On my '51 the main issues were header/steering linkage clearance, tunnel/trans clearance (4l60e) and you will need to lower the flow of the LS power steering pump, they flow too much for the MII racks.

Pop N Wood

iTrader: (1)

And what makes you think anyone will look at that truck and think "sleeper"?

Becker

iTrader: (4)

How would you like me to title it . Thanks for informative input, very helpful...

Changed the title just for you 😄 now give some valuable input on suggestions/advice/problematic areas.

Pop N Wood

iTrader: (1)

LOL. Bit too much caffeine this morning?

Cars get past a certain age and if they are out on the street running right than everyone knows the owner has put in the time. Some people would take it as a compliment, guess it didn't translate well. Sorry for the misunderstanding

If you want opinions I can give you a few of those. But you specifically asked for guys with these trucks to weigh in. Since I don't have one of these trucks not sure what you would want to hear.

I will give you one overall piece of advise in that you will get much better responses if you ask more specific questions.

Tuskyz28

Do you plan on putting a cam in the motor ?

TomM

iTrader: (56)

Other than cutting the floor for the trans, I think you just solved about 90% of your troubles with that frame.......going to be a great build...in for the results....

T,

CattleAc

iTrader: (7)

I've got a 59 fleetside long box that was my grandfathers...no advice on it though, I haven't started on it yet.

Looks like a bitchin' project.

G Atsma

Well you know we will all be here watching, advising, helping, and mostly encouraging ( and possibly living vicariously thru it...) you during the build, whenever that may happen. Sounds like a cool build!

Becker

iTrader: (4)

Well I decided to sell the tr6060 based on a recommendation for gearing. Also dealing with the shifter body mount and CV driveshaft. I got a good price for the whole engine and trans and felt like I sold the the trans for a fair price. Saving for a t56 magnum.

I have some cheap wheels on it now but they don't fit the hub and before buying new wheels, I'm debating machining these just for rollers or sell them . I don't want to buy expensive wheels yet without mesauring with fenders on. The current wheels need some ID hub Bore clearencing to clear

Also I tore down the ls3 to minimal bare bones deciding what I want to do.

Won't test fit motor until I solve problems...

Doug G

Love those old 50's trucks...sorry no help on the swap.

First car was a 51 2-door Deluxe (in the 80's)

kipps

What's the interesting looking equipment in the background of that frame pic?