The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop My 59 apache

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Wanted to say hello i have been here at stovebolt lurking for a few days. I just bought a 59 gmc apache (yes i have pics). I recently was awarded full custody of my son after a 8 year horrible divorce and move. I spent every day of my life with my son till he was 4 and I moved to a different state to start over my life. a few years ago I was injured on the job (teamster). Right after the injury my exwife was arrested for a bunch of differnt felonies and put in prison. I spent all my savings getting a lawyer and fighting for custody and trying to survive on work-comp. In 2010 I was awarded full custody of Drake (my son). Back in highschool i built my first vehicle (1976 chevy truck). I always saw the old chevy trucks as beautiful works of art. I figured why not try to find a truck to build with my boy and build our relationship. I grew up without a father and always missed those fun times. Anyways enough about me I am sure you all would rather hear about the truck! So a few weeks ago I was searching around and found a guy in my area with a 59 for sale. I went to take a look at it and got to chatting with his wife and him. His wife was raised where I grew up. Needless to say all three of us hit it off real well. Wound up talking about the truck. it lived in Canada for most of its life. however the PO, started the restore on it then lost interest and its just taking up space in his garage. It has all the original parts 2 spare windows (passenger/driver). The truck still has the original motor and trans (4 on the floor). So the PO is going to be getting the title moved over to colorado and then we will be putting it in my name. I have started to research a lot of different aspects of what i want to do with the truck. I know some may cringe but i plan on taking out the original motor and trans and putting in a LSx in it with a 4l89e. However to keep it somewhat original i am going to keep the solid front suspension. I thought about doing a front clip but alas i just cant chop out 50 years of history just for ride quality. And before you ask why even take out the original motor, this is due to living at 6000 feet and in a bowl. there are 2 passes north and south of me to go out of town and I plan on driving this truck not just letting it sit in the garage and fetching groceries. I want to have something that i can drive back home to california if i felt the need. Plus in a few years Drake will be getting his licence and i would love for him to be able to take his prom date to prom in it. or out with the boys every now and then. WOW this post got long! So without further a due. here are the pictures. all comments, questions, concerns, opinions are welcome!
http://i1086.photobucket.com/albums/j441/Curtis59Apache/IMG_20110725_175547.jpg]
[IMG]http://i1086.photobucket.com/albums/j441/Curtis59Apache/IMG_20110725_175531.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://i1086.photobucket.com/albums/j441/Curtis59Apache/IMG_20110725_175511.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://i1086.photobucket.com/albums/j441/Curtis59Apache/IMG_20110725_175448.jpg[/IMG]
and the last one was taken right before the PO parked it and started working on the front end
[IMG]http://i1086.photobucket.com/albums/j441/Curtis59Apache/3n03o13lf5O15Q55T0b6q0c124e61171316d5.jpg[/IMG]

Thanks for looking
Curtis

Edit, ill try to make them actual pictures not just links. bear with me.

Welcome to the site, Curtis. Nice project but a GMC is not an Apache. That is a Chevrolet designation.

It should have a 270 GMC engine in it. I don't know where you got the idea it is incapable of long trips. I have made 2 trips this year of over 2000 miles each in my '54 GMC with a 248. The 270 is a great engine. I hope you consider keeping it.

The picture posting policy is explained in the link in the left column of this page.

Good luck with the truck.

Nice! welcome to the stovebolt neighbor.

Gotcha on the posting policy! i read that after i was researching posting here at stovebolt. no harm no foul! ill post lots of links though as i go with my project. Sorry if i offended you on the wrong designation!! so tell me what is the proper designation for my truck? I know the badges is a 100.. so would it be gmc 100? As far as the I6 in the truck I understand that with gearing and possible upgrading the manual trans as well i can get it to be able to run on the main highways. However its not something I want to do. If it makes you cringe about the swap im sorry. However i love to mix old with new. So far have i have been involved with a LSx swap in a 70 camaro a 78 chevy c-10. and 2wd full size blazer. Other than swapping out the motor/trans/rearend i am going to keep everything else original.

If you're going to that kind of upgrade, you should consider upgrading the brakes too.

that is defiantly already planned and will be part of the build up. looking for a good conversion for up front. Should be fine out back with the upgraded rear end.

That looks like a great project to build with your son. Lots of help available here, just ask. Welcome to the "Bolt!

Thanks for the kind words everyone! i am sure ill be asking for a lot of help! the only body off resto i have ever done myself was back in highschool in the mid 90's. And that was to a 76 chevy. Granted i have been involved in many car builds upgrades, installs, etc. Just trying to do a frame up resto myself can be daunting. I am doing a lot of research and so far this site is AMAZING. Like i said about the LS1 going into a 59. Probably gets in under some people skins, but I want a certain amount of HP/TQ and 20 MPG. Plus living in the bowl I do and having the main highway in and out being 75 MPH with only a 55 Minimum MPH limit I have to do it. and one more factor is having a 10 year old son who will probably own this truck when he starts driving i want it a bit more reliable. Dont get me wrong the i6 is great motor. I have the new version in my trailblazer. I just want no fuss no muss. And owning HP Tuners already from my Chevy Cobalt SS I can do all the tuning needed. Again thanks for all the kind words. You all are a WEALTH of knowledge and extremely nice!

Curtis59
Consider getting a chevy instead! I absolutely hate hearing about GMC trucks being destroyed in this fashion. GMC trucks were built better than chevy trucks, and are a blast to drive in the mostly stock form. Go for it if you like, Sounds like a wonderfully creative build. (Sarcasm)

:End rant:

Im starting to think that I may have joined the WRONG forums here. Ill take my bow and step out. Sorry for making the mistake. I know to each is their own. Again my apologies.

There will be plenty that can help. Post in the Hipo forum. Some of the gmc guys like myself hate seeing gmc trucks get turned into chevy trucks by individuals believing there is only one path to achieve a highway capable vehicle.

In the end, it is your truck and you can do whatever you want to it and with it.

I have had 3 59 gmc trucks, so I am pretty attached to the model and year. My first had the 270 and a 3 on the tree and would go all day long at 70 plus on the freeway. It pulled high elevation passes as well in the snow with chains hundreds of miles from home.

One of the coolest parts of the 59 is the foot stomp starter. You will lose that as well as much of the feel, smell, sound, and charm of the 50 plus year old vehicle.

Curtis,
Don't let them get to you ;-) Some have forgotten manners and that not all are 'old boys' who know the in's and out's, a long solid knowledge base of these trucks.
Welcome and I hope you will stay as there are many who have the knowledge and are kindly willing to share and guide.
I do understand the sentiment expressed about pulling out the 270 engine and I am sure we can convince you of it's attributes and reliability. As well as help you make this truck into something that will fit your needs. There are options to help with speed
I live in Colorado and have a 1951 GMC 5Window with a 270 in it. I love it! If it ever DID (just wanted to make sure the DID, was clear) truly break down, I would rather be driving it than my 1998 Toyota corolla. I would be much more confidant of the ability to get it running again quickly.
Again, I do hope you will stay.
5WindowGirl

all is well! Im a truck guy and yes I dont know the differences in trucks way back then. To me they are GM trucks. Part of me wants to keep it original and bone stock. but that is just a small part of me . I am a bit of a speed junkie and have been known to spend some time up at Bandimere. This whole project really boils down to quality time with my son. The truck does not run and needs to be completely rewired and a bunch of other odds and ends done to even get it running again. I am going to be tearing it down bolt by bolt. I know what i see in the end and what i want right now. but that WILL change a lot between now and the first good cruise! Anyways I wont be running off. I look forward to opinions and such from anyone. It was just looking like I didnt find the right forums due to the few posters that seemed upset ill be taking out the original running gear.

Bandimere :-) haven't been there in a long time but have good memories of going there with my dad. I've got some parts laying around let me know if your looking for something and I'll see if I can help.
I'm sure you'll make some good memories with your son, I'm looking forward to doing the same with mine (he's 3 yrs)as he already loves my GMC.

Yeah, stick around. Ultimately it is your truck and you can do whatever you want with it. The beauty of this site is we can have differing opinions without getting disrespectful and the help available here is truly amazing.

Everybody has an opinion on what is "ok", or what is resto vs mod. I would count myself as leaning towards the resto crowd, and yet I find myself changing things too. I'm leaving the engine, tranny, and rearend all stock, but changed the wheels because I like the look and feel better. I'm leaving the dash stock, but changing the seat and steering wheel because I am a larger person and can't drive comfortably in the stock setup. I drove it 400+ miles on the first day I owned it and that convinced me it was "ok". Bottom line, enjoy your truck! I just love all these old trucks, and seeing people do SOMETHING to them to keep them around, even if it's not exactly what I would have done.

Hi Curtis59 and welcome to the bolt! You'll get oodles of help here.
When you get to a certain part of the project and need assistance, just remember your best result would be to find the right forum to post your question.
I'm about finished with my 261 engine for my '59 Apache. I'll probably be posting my questions in forums concerning the body/bed/brakes etc. soon... fingers crossed... it's been a slow go.
One thing is for sure, I've received a lot of help from some fine folks in here... and yes, you'll get differing opinions... but that's ok. You get to glean from the input and ultimately make the decision based on what you think is best for you and your truck.
I've also been able to obtain parts from friends I've made on here at great prices.
Best of luck to you and your son and thank you for sharing your story!
I like to read posts made on the thread "what did you get done on your bolt today" (in the general truck talk forum)... It keeps me inspired! ha!

Keep us updated!

Jerry

Welcome Curtis59, The bolt is a great place with plenty of info for the traditionalist & modified. I enjoy reading and learning about both. The bottom line is it's your truck and you have a vision of what you want. I have had both and they're both fun to drive but my preference led me to modify to my liking, my truck, my money and my vision. That's what makes it so great. If we were all alike how boring would that be? I have visions for my next project as well a little more traditional, straight 6 dual carbs, header...... maybe even an old flathead with Offy heads early Ford I know I cussed. Thing is I like the beauty of the old iron no matter the make. It's a hobby. Back as a kid I ran the SBC in a 55, 69 camaro etc while my brother ran all big block Mopars. It's a project you and your son should enjoy doing together and as he ages he can decide his path. I remember when my Dad told my Brother and I when we were 15/16 yrs old to come up with $100 bucks apiece for a car he found for US to work on 33 Ford 3 window coupe suicide doors, I still dream about that car.

Curtis,

Welcome to the 'Bolt. As others have said, I'm sure you'll find plenty of help, advice, stuff, and opinions here.

What folks do with their old trucks has been going on for a long time. This "commentary" is a Tech Tip from long ago. Still pertains. As these trucks get older and older, and more folks are coming into the hobby (and business end), seems like some folks are being more tolerant. Some for safety. Some for speed. Some because they want a daily driver. Some just because. Some say NEVER!

It's all cool. You'll find your niche.

Again, welcome.

Peg

Hey Peg, Great articles!! thanks for linking them here!

thanks for all the kind words about the project and my son! it really means a lot to me. The entire custody battle really drained me emotionally and has been really hard to overcome. I believe this project will help Drake and I bond even closer then we already have. He does have his bouts with depression over missing his half brothers and his mom. He loves it here with dad but sometimes it is hard on him, he is only ten after all. Thank you from the bottom of my heart on the comments about the custody stuff and the support for the project

Curtis,

We certainly hope things continue to build in a positive way. You should do a search for "Father-son" projects on the site. We have some really cool stories in there, too. If it's a team project, I always try to use those words in the story so folks can find them. Sometimes it's husband and wife, father and daughter, etc.

There are some funny stories in the Features section that your son may like. They are not technical. Very human interest. And most are funny.

We are all here to help, however we can.

Peggy

Curtis- It's your truck build it like you want it, unless someone gives you the money then you could give them a little in-put.LOL I also have 59 GMC 100 with a 270-three on the tree. It runs perfect. I understand your apprehenson about highway driving these trucks. At first I was lead to believe they all have low gears (4:10 or lower)in the rear end. Not so,my truck has orginal 3.07 in the rear end. So check the tag on the housing cover(if it's still there)or rotate driveline and count. Good Luck