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#1134717 11/17/2015 5:44 AM
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Wrench Fetcher
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I have a very nice totally stock 59 apache Short fleetside, with a 4 speed .only changes I want to make to it ,would be a seat from a 88- 98 chevy truck ,but most of all I want air conditioning, my ??? I have a nice rebuilt 292 that would be a sweet engine for it, but will lose the stock engine bay, will the stock 235 with A C be Ok ? Also might want P'S someday ? I really like stock, but ? Just want your 2 cents opinion? Thanks from a new Stovebolter


59 chevy apache fleetside

2007 dodge diesel
84 toyota 4 runner, v8,propane power
old55guy #1134718 11/17/2015 6:06 AM
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 86
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Here's my 2-cents: I, too, have a stock 59 Apache with a 4-speed and six cylinder. With the stock steering wheel and bias ply tires, I haven't had any difficulty with the steering and haven't considered adding power steering.

As for the seat, I'm glad I have the original one. It's got quite a bit of spring and absorbs some of the bumps, almost making it part of the suspension. With the solid front axle, you may find 88-98 seats a bit firm.

Bob



1959 Chevy Apache Short Bed Step Side
1967 Cadillac DeVille Convertible
1967 Pontiac Firebird Convertible
old55guy #1134758 11/17/2015 5:16 PM
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thank you , Ijust need a little more room behind the steering wheel ,,I just need a seat with , not as wide back rest ,,stock seat (backrest )somehow modified would work ,I"ve searched ,no info for that ???





59 chevy apache fleetside

2007 dodge diesel
84 toyota 4 runner, v8,propane power
old55guy #1134879 11/18/2015 4:08 AM
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 5,096
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Crusing in the Passing Lane
Crusing in the Passing Lane
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S-10 seats are thin?

Last edited by EdPruss; 11/18/2015 4:08 AM.

'37 GMC T-18 w/ DD 4-53T, RTO-610, 6231 aux., '95 GMC running gear, full disc brakes, power steering, 22.5 wheels and tires.
'47 GMC 1 ton w/ 302, NP-540, 4wd, full width Blazer front axle.
'54 GMC 630 w/ 503 gasser, 5 speed, ex fire truck, shortened WB 4', install 8' bed.
'55 GMC 370 w/270, 420 4 speed, grain, dump bed truck from ND. Works OK.
old55guy #1134893 11/18/2015 5:44 AM
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292 is a very good swap if you want AC and PS at a later date. 235 is harder to add those to and still have enough power to get into traffic.


Dave Chapman
The Hollister Road Company
713-937-0387
info@hollisterroad.com
www.hollisterroad.com
www.thoroco.com
old55guy #1134982 11/19/2015 12:22 AM
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I added A/C to my '57 with a stock 235 and a 4 speed. No problems.

I have the stock steering wheel and 19.5" tires. I don't have any problem with the manual steering. I do have a suicide knob on the wheel and find it very helpful, particularly when backing up.

I have the stock seat but felt cramped with my long legs. The seat can easily be raised about 2 1/2" with spacers made from 1/2" iron pipe. Doing this made it much more comfortable for me...no more feeling cramped.

old55guy #1135014 11/19/2015 4:13 AM
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thanks guys , that's the info I needed , I will try raising the seat ,hope that works , will leave the 235 in 4 now , will put ac on that motor , That would be great ! but I do have that nice 292 looking at me everyday ? More of your 2 cents wanted


59 chevy apache fleetside

2007 dodge diesel
84 toyota 4 runner, v8,propane power
old55guy #1135635 11/22/2015 4:27 PM
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Posts: 592
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Here is a picture of the 1/2" pipe spacers that act as posts to raise the seat. I inserted nylon spacers (available at any hardware store) into the posts to keep the new, longer bolts dead center. I recommend using fender washers at the top and bottom of the posts to spread the load.

http://s844.photobucket.com/user/ma...%20spacers/IMG_1135_zpsv5nl5bby.jpg.html

old55guy #1137382 12/02/2015 2:43 AM
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Thank you , I will try that ! ?? HOW DID YOU MOUNT that Ac ? Did you upgrade you generator?
How about your radiator ? Pulley on balancer ?
I Gotta know ? secret

Last edited by old55guy; 12/02/2015 2:48 AM.

59 chevy apache fleetside

2007 dodge diesel
84 toyota 4 runner, v8,propane power
old55guy #1137397 12/02/2015 4:06 AM
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Posts: 592
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Here are some pix of the A/C.

http://s844.photobucket.com/user/ma...2911_zpsda0c7c1c.jpg.html?sort=3&o=0

The evaporator/blower is mounted under the seat. The controls fit into the ashtray opening. Relays and fuses mount under the dash. The condenser and two 9" pusher fans fit between the grill and the radiator.

I upgraded to a 3 wire 10SI alternator.

The A/C and alternator run on one belt off the crankshaft pulley.

The radiator was fine. I converted from the original 4 blade fan to a 6 blade. I added the two pusher fans mentioned above, but that was more to circulate more air through the condenser than it was to cool the engine.

I also added an idle stop solenoid to bump the idle when the A/C is turned on.

Matt

EdPruss #1137465 12/02/2015 4:36 PM
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'Bolter
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Originally Posted by EdPruss
S-10 seats are thin?

They're also narrow. The 88-98 truck seat is a better fit.

That said, the OP could easily make a foam back for the seat that is thinner than the stock spring set.


1946 GMC Pickup - S-10 Frame, 455 Buick, TH400, original patina.

My 46 GMC on Photobucket
old55guy #1140390 12/20/2015 11:51 PM
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Wrench Fetcher
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thanks guy , I found a bench seat r
from a 88 chevy single cab ( $50 ) from pick pull )last of old school design seat ,no head rest ,no 60,40 ,also no special cutout on the bottom foam for each person ( my is flat from one side to the other side ) gotta check ? three different types out there !
my 2 cents


59 chevy apache fleetside

2007 dodge diesel
84 toyota 4 runner, v8,propane power
old55guy #1143288 01/06/2016 2:49 AM
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Posts: 55
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Wrench Fetcher
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ok guys here are my pics


truck pics


59 chevy apache fleetside

2007 dodge diesel
84 toyota 4 runner, v8,propane power
old55guy #1143298 01/06/2016 4:06 AM
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 6,189
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'Bolter
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Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 6,189
Nice Fleetside!

Mike B smile


Mike Boteler

1956 Chevy 3100 Resto Rod
1956 8400 Wrecker w/Holmes 525
1956 9200 Tractor w/Allison Automatic
1952 Willys M38 Army Jeep
1953 Willys M38A1 Fire Jeep
1978 Jeep CJ-5 Navy Jeep
1984 Jeep CJ7
+++++
Hughesville, MD

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