has anyone changed out 58-59 apache front sheetmetal for 55-57 front sheetmetal. looks like easy swap, just wanted to see if anyone has done it. thx.
I haven't done it, but have done many hours researching it. You have to mess with how the hood mounts to the firewall. 58/59 hood mounts differently than the 55-57. Additionally, the frame is either longer or shorter from 55-57 and then 58-59. So you will have to contend with this as well. It seemed like a pain in the ass to me, so I didn't bother. Get a hold of GreenGrenade here on the HAMB. He did a conversion from a 55 Chevy truck to a 58/59 nose. He would be able to tell you what he had to do to get it swapped. You should be able to work backwards from there to find your answer
I put my 59 truck on a 57 frame cause it was already blasted and primed. all that was needed was to extend the frame rails by 2" for the bumper to mount. if using 58/59 frame you will need to cut off 2" and remount bumper. easier than I thought.
And relocate the hood hinges, as 1959 Apache mentioned. I think there I a thread on here about it, and a '55-'59 owners group too.
You'll need proper measurements to locate the mounting nuts exactly where they need to be on the firewall, but once you have the correct location, you just drill the holes and weld a captive nut behind each hole inside the cab. Then cut the frame 2" shorter and relocate the bumper bracket bolt holes. The only other real difference is the radiator support mounting bracket, but I believe the 58-59 OE mounts work the same as the 55-57 ones do...they're just designed differently.
Spend the money on a factory Ass. manual it will make the swap Easier. Just went through it with a bus and it would have been easier with one.
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