Hot Rods Official 1959 Chevy Apache Build Thread

I ordered my Gennie shifter for my 700R4, it should be here mid-next week and I can get on to installing it! I am finally able to get away from using my column shift since I can't ever downshift in it correctly or even get it into drive, reverse, or neutral without hopping around gears. This will also give me more room to take a head off, make overhead adjustments, etc. without having to remove the transmission linkage; I am now getting something that mounts directly on top of the transmission, just like a Lokar. I will have to punch a hole (hole saw) in the transmission cover, but that is okay, it will look pretty nice when it is all said and done.

All in all, it was pretty much the same price as a Lokar trans mount shifter ($300 out the door w/ shipping), however, it came with a shift boot, polished stainless mount ring/mounting hardware, AND a 15% discount for HAMB members, which made it worth it. Also, it is all made locally in Denver (all made in USA), it comes with a shift stick, linkage, mounting hardware, shift ball. The shifter does not have a button. which means it is also, interchangeable with any shift ball you want, unlike Lokar.

So we will see how it goes and how it functions when it gets here next week. I'll snap a couple shots from the install

 

Havent been on in a while, truck sounded great in the vid man ! Keep up the great work

 

Too cool!

 

almost done....

 

Lots of nice work there.

 

Looks good, man!

 

Lookin good dew

 

I have been busy since the last time I posted... New exhaust done by a shop here locally. Now I can hear without going deaf. This was done back in 2015

 

I also installed front and rear sway bars, boy that makes a difference and a much more pleasurable ride. I also adjusted the ride height slightly.

 

It was then decided that I would make the truck my daily after a back injury because I couldn't drive my '95 lifted Wrangler anymore and can no longer drive a stick. So I sold it and used the money on the truck. New front fenders, installed all new hardware on the front end, new body panels for the bed (front bed panel, new tailgate, rear bed sill), decided to get the radio working, so I had new speakers with kick panels, installed an electric wiper conversion, new fuel pressure regulator, fixed all the wiring and added cannon plugs and other connectors to ease my work.... and the list goes on.

 

I ran into trouble doing my disc brake conversion, it was really a pain in the ass to go from one disc brake conversion to another brand.... the Speedway disc brake conversion is absolutely useless (using Chevy Astro Van calipers and rotors). I converted to ABS Brake Systems conversion from Orange, CA. Most of the hardware was unusable in the kit, however, so I had to make due with old hardware and go purchase others.... I think for $700 it should have been a complete kit.... I had to split the Speedway adapter and remove... it was a pain in my ass. Did I mention I am not supposed to be working on vehicles in the apartment garage?! lol

 

I scored these from a fellow rodder in the area for $50 new... he just purchased a '56 Chevy coupe and pulled them off to put moon caps on. I need to install them on the rear end. The only thing keeping me from driving it is draining the fuel out of the tank, which I plan to do this weekend.

 

Twice pipes out the side - I like!!

 

Nice upgrades man. That adapter looks like it was a pain in the ass!


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"Did I mention I am not supposed to be working on vehicles in the apartment garage?! lol"

Be nice to your neighbors........like the truck!

 

Spider caps look good.

How do you like the kickpanel speakers?