The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk I need advice on starting a new restoration

I will soon begin restoration of a 1959 Apache 3100 stepside. I bought it for $800 and it looks to all be there including some extra parts. My first question involves the transmission. It currently has a stick on the floor with the V8 that wasn't original was it?

This will be my first project and intend for it to be a family event as well. Any tips or advice would be appreciated.

Yes, I've already got a divorce lawyer on retainer! Just kidding honey.

Thanks,
Andy

the first thing is to record your starting point, we like pictures on this site. get a notebook and record what you have and where you would like to go. set a realistic time frame. if you can keep it a driver most of the time it helps not to get bogged down. as far as the engine and trans there are other experts on this site who will chime soon. good luck with truck and the wife. ron

welcome to the 'bolt andy - like webe sez, we like pictures!! especially of more task force trucks

in 59 the 4 speed was pretty common as the standard trans - V8 was an extra cost option, tho if yours isn't a 283 it'd be a later replacement - the original V8 mounts were off the front of the block, and if the frame has 2 riveted on brackets that the motor mount pegs sit on, it's original, if they're not there [or are bolted on] it originally had a 235 I6

Bill

Congrats Andy, and welcome to the Stovebolt Page! There's planty of us in here who can help you patch things up with the missus ("Look what followed me home, Hon!!") It ain't so bad sleeping out in the barn -- sortta like summer camp. Only in the winter...

Anyway, have you been to the Tech Tips section of the Web Site? Use the menu bar at the top of the page. We have a lot of good info from the gang collected there. Please read the one about shop safety first. In the Tech Tips is an FAQ about how to start a restoration -- go read that, too.

Have you gotten a copy of Tom Brownell's book, "How to Restore your Chevrolet Pickup" yet? He has a new edition out. If you don't have it, go to the Features link (above in the menu bar), read the book review and go to the Motorbooks site from there (we get credit and it helps pay for the server and this bulletin board software) and order one.

After you do all that, then keep asking us questions -- lots of talent and experience here to be used. The only stupid question is the one not asked!

And thanks again for stopping by -- we're glad you're here and we hope you enjoy hanging with us.

Regards,
John

Hi Andy

Does your truck run and stop?

If so it's a good idea to drive it a bit and make a list.

There maybe something about a stock truck you don't like after using it for a couple weeks

If you go thru a restoration and then start drivin' you may have to do something again....more time and cost

I drove my 39 for many months before it started it's restoration
That gave me a long list and time to get info and pieces to start in with