59 Apache/C6 Corvette build
 

So I have built a few resto-mods in the past and just sold my twin turbo & supercharged Grand National and am ready to move on to my next project that will be my passion. As I'm getting older I have been really loving old trucks... So I thought I would spends a couple years building a 59 Chevy Apache with all Corvette C6 Grand Sport and ZR1 components.
I live in Arizona and sourced a good body.
http://i580.photobucket.com/albums/s...psueabqomi.jpg
http://i580.photobucket.com/albums/s...psiknmj336.jpg

Progressive Chassis delivered(about 6 month lead time).

Unboxed and Corvette cradles installed.

Looks like a good start, gotta love them Arizona bodies...

What part of Arizona are you in? I'm a recent transplant to the Peoria area.

I'm a couple months behind on this thread. I have it posted on a couple other sites and thought I would get up to speed here. I'm also in Peoria. Around 75th & 101

Drive train installed. Set engine back about 2", but torque tube still too short.
Attachment 66417
Fabbed up motor mounts to move engine back to clear blower pulley from rack.

Chassis update: Just about current. This last month I sent out the torque tube to Gamel Street Rods to extend 2" and install a larger drive shaft with ZR1 couplers. The rear end is from RPM. ZR1 Stage4 with 3:42 and Wavetrac.
I have the body at my buddys shop. I'll get some pics of that up next. Cutting out the GMC dash to install a 59 Impala dash.

Welcome to the site. Very cool build you have going.

What a nice setup this is going to be.

That's going to handle just fine I'm thinking! Very cool build...

Time to do the body. Filling the 69 holes in the firewall.

Came across a 59 Impala dash and though it would look amazing. The factory GMC dash is kind of plain.

Cut the old dash out.

Fitting the 59. Had to cut about 4" out of the middle to get everything sitting correct. Added a spot for the A/C controls and stereo in the middle. Started on the floor cover and cut out the 6 cylinder firewall hump.

Nice work,that dash looks great in there:thumbsup::thumbsup:

This is going to be a very cool build. Thanks for sharing!

Awesome build! I’ll be following along for sure!

Do you have more pictures of the front cradle mounts? I happen to be getting ready to do a C6 from on my 57, and I was wondering if the cradle would fit.

Dobbertin has a lot of good dimensional information on his website. I’m going to use his adaptors on my 56 Cameo.

http://rick486.wixsite.com/dobbertinperformance

Don

Cool Build Don!

I will follow the progress for sure, Love the Apache body style!

Didn't realize Dobbertin was still at it building cars.

Not that far away at all, I'm near 75th Ave and Happy Valley. Thinking of running up to Gateway Classic Cars Cars-N-Coffee this Saturday morning for a bit.

Chassis looks fantastic!!

Cool addition! I'm diggin the project

Tim

Getting the door gapping done and rounding the front corner of the door.

Been a while for updates.
Chassis is ready to have the cab mounted and trial fit everything.
I had a couple renderings done to get an idea of wheels, colors and grill.
Here is what I have so far:

Looking forward to seeing this one come together. :thumbsup:

I like that color...real vintage'y so to speak. That was an original color back in the day if I'm correct, but with white bumpers.

Yep, the turquoise is the original color. I thought I would keep something original.

Love the color choice and overall look of the truck. I prefer the red calipers as it helps distinguish the truck even further similar to how the new, more performance oriented models of a car use colored calipers. The only thing I would change is the black rims. To me, black hides too much of the details of the rims. You can see what I mean just looking at the rendering. Maybe a different color that's still a dark color would help in this area. It's your truck though and it's going to be badass regardless. Good luck moving forward.

I agree about the wheels. I was thinking powdercoat a dark burnt bronze.
Calipers are on the chassis now. They are the C6 Z06 Calipers. The first pic just didn't get them added by accident. Good call!

The 55-56 Plymouth grill looks pretty good on the truck, who’d a thunk it?
:flag2::thumbsup:

I was shocked to see that the Plymouth grill fit the lines in the front too.

Just a suggestion...
But trends fade quickly, so full on paint is cool too

JD

Cool looking truck. Can't wait to see it finished.

Very cool truck, you’ll love the platform.

Back in 2013 I built a 32’ Chevy, built a chassis and ultized c5 ls/TT/trans, front and rear cradles.

To this day was/is one of the best driving and handling hotrods/classic cars I’ve ever built/owned/driven

Update: Finally kissed the cab to the chassis. Time for firewall work. I cut out the small hump and will recess it about 3".

In for more for sure. I like where this is going. Very cool body style and the project basis looks amazing.

Keep up the good work!

William

Well, I am working with Bob at Progressive. They made an honest mistake and my wheelbase is 110", not 114". The step in the picture is pushed up to the cab. The fender and step still need to be moved rearward another 1".
I had a good conversation with Bob and worked on putting everything on the front to make sure it all mounted together. Fit great. The side rails to the rear are just short 4". Extending the frame will be the easy part. It's the torque tube that will be the pain. It will take about a month with the turn around times on shipping to be back on pace.
Attached Images

Bob and I worked things out (great guy to deal with!)
I have the chassis on the frame machine. The front was just a little off so we pulled it level and now adding in some cross members. Next, we are getting the frame set up for a little lengthening in the rear.

Ouch. I am doing a similar build on my 56 Cameo and couldn’t figure out why you had to add so little to your torque tube. I had to add 12 inches if I remember right and I pushed the front wheels a skooch forward.

Glad they are making it right.

Don

Yep... I moved the engine back about 2" and made new mounts.
I will be adding about another 4.00-4.5" to the torque tube again. Good times. LOL. I did move the front wheels forward of the factory location. Probably about an inch or so. I centered them in the wheel well. I felt the factory location was a tad too far back.

Are you using the Progressive brake pedal? Mine is on a collision course with my headers... :lol:

Don