59 Apache engine compartment – Part II

Welcome to part II of this 59 Apache engine compartment makeover! ; ) This blog incorporates both the engine compartment and dash since I had decided to paint the dash too! So I did them both in the same color.

If you have not visited Part 1, you may want to visit it first to see what shape the truck engine compartment looked like when I got it.

In order to paint the areas of the dash and engine compartment, I had to mask the entire truck! Including areas on the inside of the cab that I didn’t want this new paint to get on the primary color of the truck!

This is where I have to also initiate my ventilation system. This can be seen on another blog on this site. The fans suck out much of the vapor and nasty stuff, and after spray is caught in filters placed on the inside of the garage which are attached to the fans.

Also, for my own protection, I utilize a fresh air breathing system (also can be seen on another blog on Classic Cars and Tools)!

I found the epoxy primer used from Eastwood to spray on very evenly and smooth! I like that!

Priming both engine compartment and dash worked out well! Climb up in the cab and shoot the dash, then back out and spray the engine compartment!

The small parts were placed on a portable table to easily be primed.

This is, for me, where it gets a little exciting! The metallic beige sprayed on nicely, or well, I sprayed it on nicely! It’s an amazing color as it takes on the colors that it’s around, which is good! I jumped ahead and am showing the finished product, that is color coat followed by the clear coat. Also on the table is my Ididit tilt steering column.

I wanted to wake up the engine compartment! So when my newly overhauled 350 sbc is installed, it will be a beautiful site!

Here my steering column makes its way through the firewall, and finally to the saginaw steering gear for Power steering.

This picture of the dash shows the chameleon characteristics of this paint. Sometimes it’s beige, sometimes it’s more tan or a gold. I like this!

With the Ididit tilt steering column temporarily installed, though I’ve a long way to go, gives a sense of making really notable progress! The steering wheel shown below, came off of a 72 Chevy Impala. It will be used until I find that Ultimate steering wheel!

A change of heart~ I had some boxing plates (boxing in the frame to make it sturdier and look better) that were already cut, but needed trimming to fit exactly. I hesitated doing this because of brake, fuel and transmission line routing, but I figured it out.

Passenger side:

Driver side:

I’m pleased the way it turned out and will look very nice when totally assembled! Still much to do!

Well, I hope this has been educational and a little entertaining! ; ) I’ll be adding on fairly often, so please stay tuned for updates! ; )

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