The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk 1959 Chevy Apache

I purchased this truck in North Carolina and had it shipped to CT where I live. It runs great but it was the frist time I have purchase an older truck. When I got it home I started inpecting the body and every piece of metal has a rust hole in it. I can't believe I didn't see most of the damage. I am really concerned about the cab corners. They are rotted out. Where do I start after I buy the cab corner? Should I look for a specific type of welder or should I go to a autobody shop and they will weld the cab corners on. Also about how much does it cost to sandblast the exterior. Can tthey do the whole truck or just parts?

Well, I guess if the cab corners are rotted out, there will be more damage in other parts. E.g. the breaks, the engine, the transmission, the steering, paint, wiring etc. needs a restoration.

You should decide if you want to make a rebuild or a complete frame up resto. There are many Restoration Guides and that should be a first step to make a decision. I recommend to invest a few $ before you start.

The whole truck can be done for about $175 as to the body work a Mig welder is the best for body work and light metal. Whether you
do it or have it done depends on how good you want the job and your abilities. I would think you could do some of it.

Keep in mind it will need to be primed or sanded right after sandblasting to keep from flash rusting. I'd try to acess all the damage and cost to fix the truck before spending any money.

Here's what I would do. Jack it up and do a complete brake inspection. Make sure, in your head, that you fully trust the brakes. Do a complete tuneup including changing all the fluids, tranny and diff included.
Then tackle the body.
I bought a little Lincoln welder, and the MIG kit. I've been practicing on an old fender that I can cut up and weld back for fun and training.
I'm in a delay mode right now as we're getting ready to move, but I plan to do it all myself, including the paint.

But get your brakes and drivetrain going, and take it for a ride. People appreciate old beater trucks as much as fancy restos.

Hey TPB,
I am working on a 58. Mine had a lot of rust hidden by bondo and tar etc. Here is a list of places to check out besides the cab corners that i had to fix or replace:
rocker panels
steps
lower front fenders where they meet the door
pillar pockets inner and outer
hinge plates
front bed panel
tailgate
front fenders in corners
bedside panel stake pockets
toe boards next to kick panel covers

Most of these issues can be dealt with patch panels and alot of the smaller areas can be cut out and you can fabricate pieces to put in.

If you blast the truck be prepared to find lots of holes and damage and keep in mind that once you do this it is harder to sell than as it is now.

I found these articles really helpful:
http://www.classictrucks.com/tech/0208ct_replacing_doorsills_rocker_panels/index.html

http://www.brotherstrucks.com/techa...%20CORNER%20PATCH%20PANEL%20INSTALLATION

Good luck!! its fun
brian

I would expect that every 58 out there (with rare exceptions) would have the cab corners rotted out. that's about the easiest to replace.\

Add to the list of trouble spots;

Lower door hinge area
Bottoms of the doors
Fenders above the headlights
Above the windshield (mice love it there)

I just had mine painted by a respected (though slow) local painter. He found a rusted cab corner on driver's side after stripping off the old paint and (mostly) minor rust spots. I think that the cab corners are going to be bad on just about every 50's or older Chevy. If you don't feel up to body work yourself, I recommend local car club meetings to get an idea of who has done other classic owners right and who to avoid. I second the idea of changing the fluids (including the brake fluid) inspecting the brakes (lines, pads, wheel cylinders, etc.) and making any necessary repairs so the truck will be safe to drive while you save money and decide just what direction you are going to take towards restoring the truck (full frame off resto or "hey, it's a truck not a caddy" resto).

Hey Builder,
I am thinking some drainage on these babies really could have helped these trouble spots.

brian

The AD trucks came with drainage holes in the cab corners. After 10 years or so, they were filled with dirt and never cleaned out. Then physics took over to create new holes.

Actually, Cletis, I think Chemistry takes over: H20 + Fe eventually yields Fe(OH)3, good ol' Iron Hydroxide, a.k.a. rust...

Regardless of physics or chemistry, you are absolutely right though, the holes do form.

Tb, you have some good advice here, and I can assure you that lots of online help is available with the accumulated knowledge represented above. Keep after it, we need a few more 58's in the Gallery.

Richard
58 3104

Brilliant. We can use 59's as well. Sorry

Hey Cletis,

Should I drill holes in the new inner and outer cab corners that I put in.

Thanks,
Brian

THe thing that rots out the cab corners is that they do trap dirt, which in turn holds moisture. It always seems to be a great place as a "catch all" for nuts and bolts, tools, rags, etc, which all can lead to moisture issues. The best thing you can do is to clean those cab corners out once and a while. When you park the truck for the winter it would be a good idea to make the cab corner cleaning part of your "winterizing" on your truck.

Hey TPB,
I finally got some pics posted showing some of the rust repair I just did on my 58.
This was my first time repairing a truck.

Richard,
Here is a 58!

http://good-times.webshots.com/album/561697792mXirVg

As Cletis indicates, these trucks did have drainage holes in the bottom of the corners--so , yes it would be a good idea to put them in AND be sure to clean them frequently--that way they will stay dry and , if well painted, never rust.
Glenn