59 Apache/C6 Corvette build

[tdishon]

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/ss242/tdishon/Apache/6f5749b7-7bd0-4e27-9f07-a145f73b649e_zpsueabqomi.jpg
http://i580.photobucket.com/albums/ss242/tdishon/Apache/a8c98c01-f737-49bb-9b8d-d8cc9986be47_zpsiknmj336.jpg

[tdishon]

Progressive Chassis delivered(about 6 month lead time).

[tdishon]

Unboxed and Corvette cradles installed.

[SSLance]

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.

[tdishon]

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

[tdishon]

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

[tdishon]

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.

[WSSix]

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

[waynieZ]

What a nice setup this is going to be.

[Dave Pratt]

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

[tdishon]

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

[tdishon]

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

[tdishon]

Cut the old dash out.

[tdishon]

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.

[tubbed69]

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

[rixtrix1]

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

[johnnymac46]

Unboxed and Corvette cradles installed.

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.

[dhutton]

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

[jarhead]

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.

[SSLance]

I'm also in Peoria. Around 75th & 101

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!!

[NAPA 68]

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.
Cool addition! I'm diggin the project

Tim

[tdishon]

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

[tdishon]

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:

[fleetus macmullitz]

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

[214Chevy]

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.

[tdishon]

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

[WSSix]

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.

[tdishon]

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!

[DBasher]

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

[tdishon]

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

[JD67SS]

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:

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

JD

[dcracing]

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

[Cuttingedge]

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

[tdishon]

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

[will69camaro]

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

[tdishon]

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

[tdishon]

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.

[dhutton]

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

[tdishon]

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.

[dhutton]

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

Don

[tdishon]

I am using the brake pedal, but modified. It cleared my LS7/LS9 exhaust manifolds. Moving over a bit and shortening the stroke. We'll see. If I had headers I could see a real problem developing.
Do you have pics?

[dhutton]

I am using the brake pedal, but modified. It cleared my LS7/LS9 exhaust manifolds. Moving over a bit and shortening the stroke. We'll see. If I had headers I could see a real problem developing.
Do you have pics?

No pics but it is close to where the exhaust is on my LS mock-up block. Putting the cab back on the frame tomorrow to finalize the firewall mods. I have some Z28 LS7 manifolds. Thanks for the idea, I will test fit them tomorrow.

Don

[tdishon]

Here is where the brake pedal came from Progressive. Clears the exhaust manifold, but moves it over where the column is. Hmm. I am using a Wizard Fabrication Steer Clear and have my column way up high on the inside of the cab because of my 59 Impala dash, so this does not cause a problem for me. I am still changing the pedal so it is closer to the factory location. I mounted my truck low on the frame. I moved my mounts on the frame lower. It's still rubber mounted and clears everything by about 1/2"

Don: Where does your brake pedal want to hit the firewall?

Todd

[dhutton]

Thanks for the pics. I think your pedal is 2-3 inches further over than mine.

Don

[tdishon]

Here we go. Bob(Progressive) sent me some matching 2"x6" frame rail so I could extend the chassis. Today we built the inner sleeves to make sure that the extension will probably be the strongest part of the frame. Tomorrow we should have this completed, then torque tube comes out to get lengthened at Gamel Street Rods.

[tdishon]

Frame extended, Torque tube off to Gamel Street Rods. So I though we would tackle the firewall. We went a little tighter on the driver side for gas pedal room...

[tdishon]

Some more updates today. Still have metal work to do on firewall, but we are getting it things closer. Waiting for the torque tube to make it's way back from Gamel to make sure the engine is in the exact spot before finishing firewall.

[dhutton]

Any updates?

Don

[tdishon]

Sorry for the hiatis...
Finally back on things. Chassis was off a little bit so we had to take the cab mounts off the pass side and zero in the cab and front end assembled before welding back on the mounts.
Well, cab mounts and the core support mounts are tacked on too. Everything is lining up nice now and centered...
Here are current pics.

[CamaroAJ]

Looking good. I'd love to do an old truck with a vette swap one of these days.

[Timberline]

Nice build !

[tdishon]

Here are some updates. Slowly coming together. I bought the corvette wheels and wanted to stick with the Corvette Z06 factory wheel size and offset. I have to split the rear fenders and add about 1-3/8".
Here is the Mar-K bed coming together. raising the floor about 4-1/4" too.

[tdishon]

More progress today:

[CamaroAJ]

Looking good. I want to build a C10 like it someday with a lot of carbon to match my Camaro.

[tdishon]

I have built a few Corvettes over the years and love the cove(bullet) on the side. I want to keep this truck 50's with the 59 Impala dash and decided to see what the Corvette cove would look like on the side.
I didn't like it so I thought I would see what it looked like with just the Spears behind the front tire and the same color as the body. I like it.
I changed my mind on the color combo too...
Thoughts?

[214Chevy]

Me personally, I like it with just the spears on the side without the "cove." I never knew that was called a "cove" until now. :goofy::goofy:

[WSSix]

I like the spears. I'm not sure I like the recess area they're in. It looks stuck on and doesn't flow. Might try having four spears more evenly spaced along the fender line with the original flat fender.

[tdishon]

Here we go. Getting busy on this project again. Bed mounted and fenders widened. Step is a little work. Also, Got my hands on a 51-52 Cadillac front bumper. Going to work that in.

[WSSix]

Fantastic work. I really dig this build. Glad you're making progress on it. Good luck!

[tdishon]

Doesn't stick out too much. Here is a pic looking back with the rear wheel wells just peeking out.

[tdishon]

Getting bed floor situated. Need a 4" floor lift and decided to have a tilt up floor.
I had my old tailgate and thought the script would look good on the back of the floor lift.

[214Chevy]

Nice little touch with the Chevy script on the bed floor when you let the tailgate down. I like it...

[WSSix]

Agreed. The script is a great idea. What's the purpose behind a tilt up floor? Having storage underneath?

[tdishon]

I wanted a tilt up bed floor to access the transmission(it's in the rear). Also, I need to remove the top shock mount to take the rear tires off. I might as well have the fuel fill under the bed(still undecided). But the battery will be under the tilt bed for sure. All in all, just for easy access to everything. It does make changing the tire cake.

[streetbird]

Pretty nice built

[ScotI]

I wanted a tilt up bed floor to access the transmission(it's in the rear). Also, I need to remove the top shock mount to take the rear tires off. I might as well have the fuel fill under the bed(still undecided). But the battery will be under the tilt bed for sure. All in all, just for easy access to everything. It does make changing the tire cake.


I'm setting the floor up on my patina 64swb in a similar fashion (center wood between the tubs will be hinged). Easier access to the exhaust, batt, shock mounts, gas tank components, & differential if needed.
I know on mine, rear tire changes are still going to be a fuss....

[tdishon]

Bed floor coming together.

[dhutton]

Looks great.

Don

[tdishon]

Tilt bed framing done and working. I have several rubber adjusters in several places that keep all squeeks away.

[WSSix]

Nice work on the bed! Will you keep it as a wood bed?

[tdishon]

Yep. Working on the wood next. Mar-K has nice stainless strips that hide the hardware between the boards.

[ScotI]

Do you mind confirming what your source was for the pivoting hinges?

[will69camaro]

Keep the updates coming, I'm loving this build and all the attention to detail in this.

[tdishon]

ScotI: The hinges are trunk hinges off a 2010-2015 Camaro. I tried Bilt-Rite scissor hinges from Sachse Rod Shop and then some Honda hinges I heard about, but the Camaro hinges were the ticket. Much beefier than the other hinges I tried and the factory gas shocks(on the hinges) help a lot. They are 90lbs gas assist from the factory. I just bought 186 lbs gas assist to replace them. Hoping to avoid a long intrusive gas assist shock. If it lifts with a finger with the new shocks, I may just use a prop rod to hold it partway open for showing off or filling gas. I like lifting the bed floor all the way up to work on the truck(makes things very accessible).

[ScotI]

ScotI: The hinges are trunk hinges off a 2010-2015 Camaro. I tried Bilt-Rite scissor hinges from Sachse Rod Shop and then some Honda hinges I heard about, but the Camaro hinges were the ticket. Much beefier than the other hinges I tried and the factory gas shocks(on the hinges) help a lot. They are 90lbs gas assist from the factory. I just bought 186 lbs gas assist to replace them. Hoping to avoid a long intrusive gas assist shock. If it lifts with a finger with the new shocks, I may just use a prop rod to hold it partway open for showing off or filling gas. I like lifting the bed floor all the way up to work on the truck(makes things very accessible).

Yes sir.... I'm very familiar w/the Sachse Rod Shop hinges. I've been a friend of that family since the 80's. Actually used to swap out labor for labor w/them in the 90's.

Their hinges (while nice) allow too much side shift. I've been mocking mine up w/some gate hinges from Lowes ( :lol: ) to see how I want to accomplish things. Seeing your set-up had me thinking of pirating some under-hood items but all I've looked @ so far was G-body stuff (another weakness of mine).

[tdishon]

Funny, my last build was an LSA with 56mm twins 86 Grand National. Love Gbodys!

[ScotI]

Funny, my last build was an LSA with 56mm twins 86 Grand National. Love Gbodys!

Envious of a drivetrain in that realm....

My stuff is more blue-collar budget so sbc 406/200-4r; GN 3.42 8.5; 600# coils; Ridetech adj shocks; tall lower/upper BJ's w/SPC upper arms/Speed-Tech lowers; 1Le front 36mm bar; Currie-Trac rear C4L bars in a 50k mile survivor Malibu. I'm engineering/building taller height front tubs on a jig specifically for that 'Bu which is where the hinges came into mind. I had to research gas struts so I could eliminate the coiled-spring hinge set-up & that's when I learned GN's & others came factory w/the gas struts (I learn something new every day regarding g-bodys!).

Anyway, your Apache is turning out extremely nice.

[ZMAN1969]

tdishon, love it! classic truck with a brutal engine!

[tdishon]

Bed floor dialed in and done. Ready for wood. Added 60lb gas struts to lift and keep from lifting all the way up. Quick disconnects make lifting all the way up easy. I kept the gas helpers on the hinge, they keep it straight up when I remove the long struts. I added in tunnel clearance on crossmember for the torque tube(drive shaft).

[214Chevy]

Really nice!! Who's chassis is that you're using?

[tdishon]

Progressive in Ohio. Made for C-6 Corvette drivetrain. Their frame worked well and it's a nice well built piece. Lots of modifying for my application, but that's what it's all about.

[214Chevy]

Progressive in Ohio. Made for C-6 Corvette drivetrain. Their frame worked well and it's a nice well built piece. Lots of modifying for my application, but that's what it's all about.


Ohh boy...ain't that the truth.

[tdishon]

Update:

[camcojb]

Great fab work! :thumbsup:

[214Chevy]

Very nice!!

[Jimbo1367]

Badazz.

[tdishon]

Exhaust time

[tdishon]

Been a while since an update. Here we go:

[tdishon]

Step completed.

[tdishon]

Wheels came in bare. No powder coat yet. The rear is widened. The front is in the process. Hammer Fab is kicking some butt!

[jarhead]

My daughter and I took a class at HammerFab November of 19, learned allot.

Levi is a down to earth talented guy

[dhutton]

I didn’t realize this is a Hammerfab build. Has it always been there? For some reason I thought it was in Arizona.

Don

[tdishon]

I'm in Phoenix. It was in Carefree, but an opening became available at Hammer Fab. Levi is great to work with.

[WSSix]

Glad to see it on its wheels. You chose a great design.

[tdishon]

And so the front begins:

[tdishon]

A few more pics of the flares and grill progress.

[tdishon]

Progress:

[WSSix]

Gorgeous. The flow of the curves on this truck are just so nice.

[tdishon]

Fenders flared and holes/dents fixed. Could not be happier...

[zz430droptop67rs]

Fantastic metal work. Wow.

[tdishon]

Driver side fender done. Now on to remove the narrowed 59 impala dash we did a couple years ago. Then put in a 59 impala dash that is not narrowed. The steering wheel did not line up narrowing the dash. Now everything will line up correctly. We didn't have the Glide Engineering seat when we narrowed the dash the first time.

[tdishon]

The narrowed dash looked good, but with the new seat in, the steering wheel was off center to the right about 2+". I just wanted to get it corrected while the time was right and Hammer Fab is doing a new firewall, so...

[SuperBuickGuy]

Inspiring.

[tdishon]

Dash done. Lots of work on ashtray to hold A/C controls. But it is in and I like the dash not narrowed with the position of the seat now. The transition needed some work, but looks amazing now.

[tdishon]

And the A/C controls in the ash tray. Very solid design and easy operation. The original was very flimsy and clunky.

[tdishon]

Now on to the grill. Hammer Fab is blowing away my expectations!
mixing the GMC with the Chevy ends. The ends are enlarged to fill the space and will be blinker and cooling intakes.

[WSSix]

I'm loving this build. All the curves and little details are fantastic.

[tdishon]

I'm loving this build. All the curves and little details are fantastic.


Thanks brother

[tdishon]

Progress

[Jimbo1367]

Bad ass ride

[tdishon]

Front getting dialed in. Lots of slicing and dicing the 51 Caddy bumper to fit just right.

[WSSix]

It's this approach to rods of grabbing parts from from different cars that makes them interesting to me. I'd have no idea that was a bumper from a 51 Caddy if you hadn't said something. It looks right at home on the truck.

[tdishon]

The new bumper def has character.

[tdishon]

Baby steps. 59 Chevy V8 hood emblem or 55-57 GMC hood vent?

[ScotI]

Baby steps. 59 Chevy V8 hood emblem or 55-57 GMC hood vent?

Merge the two options?

Use the 59 emblem perimeter w/the vent style insert? Some sort of mesh material as the 'screen'?

[camcojb]

I prefer the V8 emblem.

[jarhead]

I like the vent, maybe with a more modern screen

[Ketzer]

Both look good, I lean towards the V8 one.


Jeff-

[xabichin67]

I Like them both.
Depending on the modifications done the the stock hood to get it to the decision point and what my resources are and as crazy as it might sound, I would do one of each. That way you can change things up a bit and keep people scratching their heads.

[tdishon]

I found this picture of a 59 with the gmc vent grafted on. I assume the GMC emblem will go in it and the spears removed.

[ScotI]

The GMC opening seems too large to me. I guess the V8 emblem w/the bezel visually looks slightly smaller to me. I guess it's a subtle difference but my eye picks up on the difference.

[WSSix]

I don't like the vent. I'd go with some sort of emblem only.

[JB400]

Neither. I'd section the hood and remove 2-3 inches out of the front, to bring the top down. Afterwards, I'd reconsider the bowtie.

[samckitt]

And if you want the Chevy emblem , just my thought, narrow it so the sides are in line with the bumper/grill:

https://i.imgur.com/fzx76Ts.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/MBrFhXO.jpg

[tdishon]

Tailgate cleanup.

[SuperB70]

Tailgate cleanup.

Thats clean.

[tdishon]

Doors are next.
Love the new door handles I came across. Knuckle pockets are next for the door handle. I know everybody has different tastes, but I was never a fan of the factory door handles.
Electric door latches off 2020 Corvette and Nu-relics power windows with factory looking interior handle switch for both door and window.

[jarhead]

WOW those are cool!

[214Chevy]

I'm loving this build...

[Jimbo1367]

This build is sick!!!!!!

[tdishon]

Door jams about complete. Boxed in the switch mechanism with access panel.

[tdishon]

On to drip rails. I love them and they create a nice body line that takes away from the German arm helmet look. So just making them look laser straight.

[tdishon]

Bumper starting to come together and lower tailgate valance. Now time to work in exhaust and license plate into lower bumper. Looks too clean with no license plate and exhaust. That will all change... Also adding some weld-in tailgate anti-rattles that look good. #Hammerfab

[camcojb]

Great work!

[EVIL SS]

This is just an incredible build! Seriously great work and awesome details.

[WSSix]

What about a flip down license plate that would raise the plate up under the truck when parked? Are you going to be too low for it? Just thinking of ways to keep that really clear rear look while still being legal.

[tdishon]

What about a flip down license plate that would raise the plate up under the truck when parked? Are you going to be too low for it? Just thinking of ways to keep that really clear rear look while still being legal.

That's a tough one. It would be close to the ground, but maybe a mock up to see what she looks like.

[WSSix]

The only other thing I could think of would be for a plate to rise up straight out of the bumper or tail gate if it's thick enough. When in the recessed position, the top would simply sit flush with the surroundings.

[tdishon]

The only other thing I could think of would be for a plate to rise up straight out of the bumper or tail gate if it's thick enough. When in the recessed position, the top would simply sit flush with the surroundings.

Now that might be cool!

[waynieZ]

Amazing work.

[tdishon]

Tailgate bumper bullet installed and front bumper dialed in. The ends turned our great. #HammerFab

[Mikael A]

Nice work:thumbsup:

[Jimbo1367]

Sick build.

[WSSix]

Are those magnets holding the tailgate shut?

[tdishon]

Are those magnets holding the tailgate shut?

No, they are rubber bumpers to keep everything tight and no rattles. The beds on old trucks were rattle traps. That's why the whole bed has been welded together and the latches changed. No chains or scissor opener. It has a Hammer Fab flipper stop. Works great.

[WSSix]

Very nice. Thanks for explaining.

[tdishon]

Grill done. Baby steps.

[camcojb]

Looks great. :thumbsup:

[Jimbo1367]

Looks very DSE esk. Top notch fav work and ideas

[tdishon]

Hood latch is beefy. Release lever is inside the cab.

[tdishon]

Time for the firewall...

[tdishon]

Door gap time. I think this is everyone's favorite thing(to avoid).

[tdishon]

With the slimmer door handles, I wanted knuckle clearance.

[Goosesdad]

Awesome

[Jimbo1367]

The fab and metal finishing skills are amazing

[tdishon]

When the bed floor is up, the rear section looked very unfinished and ugly. This panel looks right. #HammerFab

[ScotI]

When the bed floor is up, the rear section looked very unfinished and ugly. This panel looks right. #HammerFab

I was out in the shop looking @ my 64's raised floor set-up last night debating whether to/or not hinge the center for access. I had all the outer boards in position & was thinking "the frame & stuff look decent but I need to figure out some inner splash shields (reverse image of the bumpers shields) so it looks finished".

Levi's 'next level' approach never disappoints.

[tdishon]

I was out in the shop looking @ my 64's raised floor set-up last night debating whether to/or not hinge the center for access. I had all the outer boards in position & was thinking "the frame & stuff look decent but I need to figure out some inner splash shields (reverse image of the bumpers shields) so it looks finished".

Levi's 'next level' approach never disappoints.

He really does have an eye for his craft.

[WSSix]

That close out panel looks like something you would see on a new car straight from the factory. Very nicely done.

[jarhead]

Any updates?

My daughter is getting married late September in Cedar Creek, I need to get up to Liberty Hill and take a look

[tdishon]

Update: HammerFab has been moving to their new shop. Column and exhaust parts ordered. Waiting for the move to be complete and progress in August.

[Jimbo1367]

Wow, gorgeous . What’ color is it gonna be?

[tdishon]

Wow, gorgeous . What’ color is it gonna be?
Thx,
Not sure yet, but probably a lighter blue or just clear on that metal work.

[Jimbo1367]

Those rims look really good on there. I hope you are keeping them.

[tdishon]

Those rims look really good on there. I hope you are keeping them.
Yes, currently they are bare aluminum. Probably a burnt bronze color or titanium.

[214Chevy]

Yes, currently they are bare aluminum. Probably a burnt bronze color or titanium.

I'm really starting to like bronze wheels more and more. Strongly considering that color for my C10.

[jarhead]

is HammerFab staying in Liberty Hill?

[tdishon]

They have moved about 20 minutes away. I forgot the name of the town, but it's still just outside Austin.

[Jimbo1367]

What is the name of the shop doing this incredible build?

[tdishon]

What is the name of the shop doing this incredible build?

Hammer Fab (Levi Green)

[tdishon]

I spent the day at HammerFab. Took some video and pics. We also discussed everything going on. Looking forward to the next step of new firewall and inner fender refinement. Got the column in the right spot and ordering the steering wheel. Exhaust is looking good/ Mufflers and resonators are from Stainless Brothers. Rear bumper is so clean, but making room for the license plate and still figuring out exhaust exit through the bumper.

[tdishon]

No success on my video. The file is too big. Here is a video Levi Green did and my truck is in it.
https://vimeo.com/748363090/2ab2db72e9

[tdishon]

Ok, I uploaded to YouTube. This link should work.

dXUmh28d2b4

[Jimbo1367]

Man that truck is sexy. Lol. I sound like a hill-billy

[tdishon]

Back to work: Dash getting more mods. Added another spot for the pass pwr window switch(Original A/C was in this area). It was off balance and bare. Inner fenders are getting finished. Exhaust is about done. Just have to figure out how we want to exit.

[camcojb]

Very nice work!! :welder:

[WSSix]

I really like seeing this one come together. Thanks for keeping us updated.

[Jimbo1367]

I totally agree. The workmanship is top notch. Very DSE-isk. Well, you get the idea. lol

[tdishon]

Update: Firewall about done with countersunk booster.

[214Chevy]

Update: Firewall about done with countersunk booster.

I like it....

[ScotI]

I like it....

x2. Recessing the booster is very cool visually while keeping the hydraulic fluid out of the pass compartment (like under-dash set-ups).

[syborg tt]

Loving the progress and I love the recessed brake booster

[jarhead]

Any new pictures? Love this build!

[tdishon]

Any new pictures? Love this build!

Update: Getting close. 95% of metal work is complete. Grill has ducts for intake and transmission cooler. 3D printed until all bugs worked out, then off to get machined out of aluminum. Blinker is around the duct just behind the lip.

[tdishon]

Working on intake to air box.

[jarhead]

Update: Getting close. 95% of metal work is complete. Grill has ducts for intake and transmission cooler. 3D printed until all bugs worked out, then off to get machined out of aluminum. Blinker is around the duct just behind the lip.

Thats going to look awesome!

[tdishon]

Been a while for updates. Front is coming along nicely.

[camcojb]

:king:

[214Chevy]

Ooooh weee!! Top notch...

[WSSix]

Driving lights or turn signals or both? Love them either way.

[tdishon]

I think the lights are just going to be turn signals.
Progress on air intake, trans cooler, brake pedal support and gas pedal mounting.

[syborg tt]

I am truly looking forward to seeing this in paint.

[tdishon]

Getting some pics done for a poster in its current state. Still need the impala taillights and other things, but she looks good in bare metal.

[camcojb]

Looks great!!

[fleetus macmullitz]

Looks great!!

Wow…it sure does!

[WSSix]

Clear coat it and call it done! Wow, does it look great.

[Dave Pratt]

I'll second that! She looks killer just the way it stands...very nice work!

[214Chevy]

Sweet!!

[Stielow]

Clear coat it and call it done! Wow, does it look great.

Looks great!

[tdishon]

Brake pedal assembly about dialed in.

[syborg tt]

I am really looking forward to seeing this truck in paint. Are you still planning on painting it Blue ??

[tdishon]

I am really looking forward to seeing this truck in paint. Are you still planning on painting it Blue ??

Man, I just don't know.
I like the old looking color that is now on the Toyota (Calvary Blue) and the Ford Bronco (Area 51 blue).
These colors are close to the original 1959 colors on the GM chart(Artic Blue, Tartan Turquoise & Orbit Blue).

[WSSix]

Blue is my favorite color and those are some nice blues you're looking at. I don't envy you on having to make this decision. Good luck!

[tdishon]

Engine bay getting closer.

[jarhead]

Totally speechless.

Hammerfab is awesome at what they do.

You have a work of art :king:

[Jimbo1367]

Amazing build.

[syborg tt]

Totally speechless.

Hammerfab is awesome at what they do.

You have a work of art :king:

Amazing build.

Holy Crap I agree with these guys

Amazing !!

[tdishon]

Thx. This is the second version of the cover panel. I didn't like the direction of the first. I think they nailed it.

Totally speechless.

Hammerfab is awesome at what they do.

You have a work of art :king:

[tdishon]

Looking for input on exhaust exiting.
A or B?

B might be changed up a lil. Just trying to figure out a direction.

[camcojb]

They both look very clean, can't go wrong with either IMO. A is a more traditional approach while B is very modern Euro tech. Would depend on which look the overall build is.

[OLDFLM]

Something like A that mimics the turn signal air ducts up front!

[214Chevy]

I like option B myself. It's different.

[Goosesdad]

Agreed. No bad choice here. Looks fantastic.

[WSSix]

B or hide the outlets by having turn downs tucked behind the bumper. To me, A breaks up the flow of the rear end. I would try to go for a different shape with the outlets on B but it blends in with the flow.

[syborg tt]

B or hide the outlets by having turn downs tucked behind the bumper. To me, A breaks up the flow of the rear end. I would try to go for a different shape with the outlets on B but it blends in with the flow.

Personally I like to hide the exhaust so I would have to go with B and depending on where your gas tank is this is adding a bunch of exhaust tubing which will create heat.

[tdishon]

Well, it looks like wrapping the gas tank with exhaust is about the only way to do exit by the license plate. Decided to un-complicate the exit. In the options with the exits on the outer bumper, the muffler is right in front of it. Well, we will figure out some cool machined tips. I didn't want to have turned down exits facing the ground. It really stirs up the dirt. Eh, its a work in progress. Thanks for all the input!

[Ketzer]

Machined tail light housings with the exhaust combined....

[tdishon]

Getting closer:
3d scanning helps.

[WSSix]

That's really cool. It's amazing the technology that's readily available and how it can apply to hot rodding

[tdishon]

Taillight design. Based off 61 impala, but with back lit turn signal like the front vents. The lens will be 61 impala.

[jarhead]

Levi showing his new shop, nice walk-around of your truck at 2:13

MbYtHh7v5uE

[tdishon]

Great show in Nashville. Got to meet Chip Foose and Dave Kindig. Made the trip well worth it. Also got to see my truck and hang out with Levi Green. Very good trip.

[camcojb]

:king:

[syborg tt]

Great show in Nashville. Got to meet Chip Foose and Dave Kindig. Made the trip well worth it. Also got to see my truck and hang out with Levi Green. Very good trip.

Truck looks awesome !!!!

[WSSix]

That's hot! Glad the trip was worth it. I'm seeing a lot of Apaches popping up on IG. These are great looking trucks.

[Jimbo1367]

They are so talented.

[tdishon]

Time to get the interior figured out: Phil Cato is doing the interior.
Seat getting dialed in with the impala center. The emblem will be swapped out for a 1954 Pontiac chieftain emblem(Apache).

[jarhead]

Any updates?

[dhutton]

https://www.instagram.com/tv/C12-8U7uL8T/?igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

[tdishon]

Lots of updates: Electrical, Windows and door nu-relic switches installed with modified studs to accommodate the Chrysler inner handles that match the Impala knobs on the dash(who da thunk...)
Skid plate finished with tow hook, Inner fenders done. That was a big project to make nice and solid. Stake pockets bottoms finished. Rear suspension needed major beefing(before and after pic). Done. Ride height set and adjusted. It's been a busy last couple months...Getting so close!

[dhutton]

Amazing!
https://www.instagram.com/reel/C7PSMBpANLh/?igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

[jarhead]

My daughter and i saw that after it was painted but not back together. We went to a class at HammerFab.

BTW Don, thought of you last time i was getting the oil changed at the dealer. Service writer had this for a business card holder.

[dhutton]

https://www.facebook.com/share/1BGPFHoaf9/

[ScotI]

Wow.... All that time invested but letting it go before completion. That's got to be a tough decision. Good luck w/the sale.

[dhutton]

Wow.... All that time invested but letting it go before completion. That's got to be a tough decision. Good luck w/the sale.

I think when a build spans 10 years and multiple shops the owner sometimes finds himself in a different place in their life with different priorities.

[ScotI]

Absolutely understandable.

[WSSix]

If that's why it's being sold, I can definitely relate having sold my TA after 21 years.

This truck is gorgeous. I really hope someone finishes it and we see it again in Skip's picture thread.

[dhutton]

This is one of my all time favorite builds. It’s what I would have done with my Cameo if I had more money and more talent. Perfection…

I’m scratching around trying to find the cash but I’m coming up a little short. :)