Vehicle Description
Cool hybrids like this 1959 Chevrolet Apache 4x4 make for ideal
hobby vehicles. With a late-model chassis underneath and old-school
looks on top, it does everything you want an old truck to do but
with a lot fewer hassles. The fact that it looks like a million
bucks and runs like the factory built it this way are merely icing
on the cake.
If you have a stepside Apache, you'll probably be shocked to learn
that it's such a neat fit on an '80s K10 chassis, but here's the
proof. At a glance, it looks like the factory built it, and that's
purely intentional. They kept all the bodywork stock to give it
that 1950s look, complete with the period-perfect paint job in
battleship gray. The dramatically styled Apache pickups were some
of the most handsome on the road back then and if you want
attention, this truck will definitely deliver. The bodywork is
nicely done, but not so perfect as to erase the fact that this is
still a truck that's willing to work. Gaps are the way the factory
would have done things and the paint has a shine that's better than
anything available in 1959. The stepside bed gives it a muscular
look and the especially with those oversized tires living in the
fenders. Add in some brightly re-chromed bumpers, a factory grille,
and a bed that's beautifully refinished with oak planks, and you
get a truck that does everything extremely well.
The interior is still basic, but the upgrades are visible
throughout. The two-tone bench seat has pleated inserts to make it
more comfortable on long hauls they worked hard to integrate the
original controls with the modern chassis living underneath. The
fat wood-rimmed wheel is easy to spot, but on the other hand, the
original gauges remain fully functional monitoring the later
engine. The original AM radio is gone, replaced by a digital AM/FM
unit, and the 8-ball shift knob is linked to a 4-speed manual
gearbox with a 2-speed transfer case behind it. Gray rubber mats
help with the vintage pickup vibe and certainly sticks with the
low-maintenance vibe. But that's the look and it works really
well.
The late-model chassis is from an '80s K10 pickup, and that
included a great-running 350 cubic inch V8. Not dramatically
modified, it sports a Holley 4-barrel carburetor on an aluminum
intake manifold, but they were careful to keep it closer to its
production roots rather than choosing a lot of modifications.
Moroso valve covers and Chevy Orange paint brighten things up in a
good way, and you'll note there's a big aluminum radiator up front
to keep things nice and cool. The late-model swap also includes
power steering and power front disc brakes, both welcome safety
upgrades. Newer shocks along with dual steering stabilizers tame
the ride quality to make this truck a pleasure to drive and the
polished aluminum wheels and big 33x12.50-15 Mickey Thompson
off-road radials look exactly right when on a lifted truck as
beautiful as this one.
A cool old pickup with a bit of a modern flair makes for a very
usable package. Drive it, show it, take it to work, there's nothing
this truck doesn't do well. Apaches are hard to find these days,
and rarely do we see them restored to such a high level, let alone
on a 4x4 frame. Call today!
