The Stovebolt Site Forums Welcome! Welcome Centre Do It Yourself (DITY) Gallery 1959 3100 Apache - the story

A couple of summers ago, as my family and I were traveling to my grandmother's house, I was pointing out old cars and trucks along the way and kidding (halfway) with my son about building a hotrod for him to drive when the time came (he was about 14 at the time). He showed absolutely NO interest whatsoever. Little did I know, someone else was paying attention and listening to every word.
As we pulled into the road to my grandmother's house, I noticed a 1959 Chevy 3100 hiding in the weeds that I had never seen before. Thinking nothing of it, we proceeded to greet my Mamaw and visit. My then 13 year old daughter disappeared for a short time and when she returned stated flatly "Dad- I want to rebuild that truck for me to drive". She had been down the road taking pictures of it with her iPhone.
Thinking that this was a temporary fancy, I brushed it off. 6 months later, after constant reminding (and making her ride around with no a/c and the windows down in Louisiana to get a taste of what it would be like), I spotted a 1959 3100 on eBay (attempts to contact the owner of the other truck were fruitless). I finally decided to go for it and paid way too much for a pretty rough truck. We drove up to northeast TX to get it, and hauled it back on a trailer.
Two years later and sporadic work on the truck I find myself on a deadline! Finally got it down to the frame and have started working from there up. We're planning a resto/mod, changing only items deemed necessary for safety and practicality for her to use it as a daily driver. Installing seat belts, moving the gas tank to under the frame, changing the electrical system to 12 volt with an alternator, upgrading to power brakes and an electric fuel pump are a few of the changes we're making. We're still 'discussing' installing a/c.
I spent several summers with my papaw riding around in and driving his old 67 chevy with a straight 6, no a/c and 3 on the tree and find myself longing for those days. Wish us luck on our deadline!



Chuck
Lake Charles, LA

Fantastic! Looks like you've got a pretty nice truck, too.

Bob

Thanks Bob! We're hopeful we can bring back it's luster.

"pretty rough truck"..... wow, you should see some that we drag home
Congrats on your pickup. I've always like the dual headlights but could never find one that followed me home. What wonderful project for you and your daughter. My daughter, when 12 years old, help me on the 37 for 5 years! She drives it like I do! When I'm gone, the truck is hers. Many many memories.
Let us know how we can help by posting questions in the garage forums so all can help. Good luck.

Thanks Achipmunk!

I'm with Alvin.

You need to adjust your "gas goggles" a bit. :-) That looks like a real nice truck. Good luck on the project.

I spent 2 years stationed at FT Polk from 90-92. I know what driving that in the summer with no AC will be like. That's "good training!" I had a 63 Chevy step side that I drove while stationed there. Had to have both wing window open and a fan on the dash to make it bearable. Nothing like driving a sweet old truck though.

Larry,
Thanks for the encouragement. We probably crossed paths- I was a freshly minted lieutenant in the LaArng 90-92 and spent a few weeks there each summer with my medical company.

Fly Army!
Chuck

Chuck;

Small world. I was a brand new Artillery 2LT at Fort Polk in 90-92 before we moved 5th Infantry Division to Fort Hood. We probably sat at the opposite ends of the bar at the O-club at some point.

Hooah!!

Larry

That's a BIG hooah Larry!

Test powder coated 1 wheel.....not too bad. The folks at prismatic powders were very helpful today when I called for technical support (I called AFTER we finished 1 wheel, of course).

The wheel

Chuck

Looks good Chuck. Maybe its time I get out the kit I've had for 10 years and try it. You give me hope!
....any problems or tips on doing this. I'm hesitant because of the mess the dust will make in my shop. Did you build anything to spray it in?? Just curious.

Thanks! I sure didn't- although Claire held a large piece of cardboard to block the wind while I sprayed the powder. I used the cheap kit for Harbor Freight and it worked pretty well. I did figure out to spray the hardest areas first (seams, hubcap clips, etc), then the larger areas. Also for the wheels, the smallest dispersal tip works best. Good luck! I'm currently working on an enclosure to media blast (3/4" pvc framed walls wrapped in plastic sheeting) in my yard (that stuff gets EVERYWHERE!) I've got the battery holder halfway done, then I'll try powder coating it black (I've got powder coat fever now). I'll post some pics the next day I get to work on it. Good luck! Let me know how it goes.