Projects Rear end swap for '59 Chevy Apache

Hey folks!

I am building a 1959 Chevy Apache pickup (custom, not stock) and am hoping to get a few ideas from those of you who have put a passenger car rear end under an Apache.

My backing plates measure approximately 57" as measured from inside to inside. I have a lead on an early Camaro 10 bolt (8.5 version) that measures 54", a little too narrow, but with the correct wheel backspacing...

Are there any other passenger car Chevy rear ends that might be a better fit without extensive mods?

Thanks!

 

2nd gen Camaro works very well, I have used em in 3 different 55-59 pickups. I believe they are 61" wide overall

 

My current daily driver has one with 8.5 " Americans with 255 70 15 tires .

 

So you don't even notice the approx. 2" width difference as compared to stock?

 

Don’t be concerned with backing plate to backing plate, what you want to do is look at wheel mounting surface to WMS.
And yes, 2nd Gen FBodies rears are a good fit width wise.

 

Another vote for 2nd generation Camaro or Firebird. I even had one of those in a 50 Chevy pickup and it worked out well.

 

I just looked under my ‘57, has an early GMC rearend with 10 inch wheels (about neutral offset) and had to raise it up an inch (will change that) to the L60’s wouldn’t rub the lip of the fender. But I could also , with proper offset gain another 1-1.5 inches inside. But An 8 inch wheel should be just fine.

 

It completely fills the wheelwells with not a lot of room to spare

 

Very helpful resource. Thank you!

 

So it's been a while... I am finally picking back up on my project. I forgot to ask you about the backspacing on your wheels on the rear? And, what are you running up front for wheel/tire and suspension? Thank you!

 

If memory serves me the back space is 3.75 the front wheels are 15x6 with 215 70 r15s

 

It has a subframe swap on the front but we're not supposed to discuss that here

 

Thank you for the info. It look good and the patina is awesome!