"Why don't you just buy a New Truck?" Had to put that in there, it was
expected from me I think! Anyway, think only big trucks had the 348. It's
different, why not keep it if it's running good? 409's broke easy all the
time, not sure on 348's. Kinda nice NOT to see just another small block and
auto trans in a truck. On the 4-spd, you don't use 1st for regular driving,
just start in second and use first for pulling a big load out of tuff spot,
or getting rolling when full, or for just going real slow in some situation.
On the electronic ignition, don't think there is an HEI for that distrib,
but you can get Pulstronic or whatever it is system to put in your dist and
not need points. Pointronix?...don't seem right. Others will know. If yours
is listed as a 3200, don't that make it a 3/4 ton? Didn't think they had
Dually's in 3/4 though. 3800 is one-ton, unless that's only for the older GM
trucks? Your top speed of 50 is about right. These are slow, heavy rigs,
specially if it originally only had a six. Just make it nice, forget all the
"plushy" stuff, that's for wimps! OR, for Newer trucks! About 71 or 72's
have lots of options and are still classic. I'm outta here!
G. L. Grumpy's
Old Iron Ranch
Huntington, IN 46750
AD trucks and MM tractors
----- Original Message -----
From: "Cecil "Steve" Martin" <chevl_69@earthlink.net>
To: <oletrucks@autox.team.net>
Sent: Saturday, September 20, 2003 6:36 AM
Subject: [oletrucks] RE: oletrucks-digest V2 #2060
> Hi guys,
>
> I just took my 58 Apache 1 ton out for a drive last night. I
> haven't had it long. I don't know much history on the truck, but I am
> curious as to some of the things I found about it. Maybe some of you more
> knowledgeable guys can let me know the story on some of the things about
the
> truck.
>
> It has a 348 engine that I am not sure if it's original or not. Someone
said
> it probably wasn't because of how close the steering shaft came to the
> exhaust manifold. It does have dual rear wheels, and the side emblem says
> 3200.
>
> It has a hole in the floor where the foot starter may have been? Did the
> 58's still use those? It now has a starter switch on the dash.
>
> Other than a SMALL area on the back of the cab, this baby seems pretty
close
> to rust free. It's also in great shape with little to no major body work
> needed.
>
> The tranny is a 4 speed with a granny first. I can't get above about 5mph
> before I need to shift. Top speed seems to be about 50 mph.
>
> The distributor is still points. If I decide on keeping the 348 in there
for
> a while I'd like to convert it to HEI, but not sure they make a
distributor
> for it. I understand they are unique?
>
> Long range plans are to make it a reliable long distance car trailer tow
> vehicle, and maybe more. Maybe a camper? Of course it will be great for
> going down to the home improvement store and towing the boat to the lake,
> and eventually car/truck shows.
>
> Thinking about a 383 stroker for torque, a 4L80E automatic, front disk
> brakes, adding power steering, and power brakes, Dually rear our of a
junked
> modern truck? Flaming River tilt column, and a nice modern bench seat
among
> other interior decorations.
>
> Some of you might be saying "why don't you just buy a new truck?" Well I
> think the 2003 Chevy trucks are the ugliest danged things ever made for
one,
> I love the looks on these older classics, and besides....it's kinda fun to
> build it like I want one to be rather than check options on a paper at the
> dealer. Besides, you get out of some legal hassles with smog requirements,
> you can put together combinations not available at a dealer, insurance in
> cheaper, and the value goes up in time, not down.
>
> Anyone have any tips or observations?
>
> Steve
> oletrucks is devoted to Chevy and GM trucks built between 1941 and 1959
oletrucks is devoted to Chevy and GM trucks built between 1941 and 1959
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