Vehicle Description
Chevrolet trucks like this 1958 Chevrolet Apache Fleetside were
probably the first pickups that were actually designed to take into
account that folks wanted their trucks to look good, as well as
haul stuff and work hard. Showing off gorgeous Navy Blue paint and
a supremely comfortable interior, this first-year Fleetside Apache
never fails to elicit a smile from anyone who sees it. And with a
powerful, 350 V8 crate engine under the hood, a freshly rebuilt
automatic transmission, and an upgraded suspension that sets that
low-slung stance, it's no slouch in the performance department,
either.
Trucks were still practically tools in 1958, but that doesn't mean
people weren't using them for other things, and those were the
folks Chevrolet was trying to attract. As a result, this handsome
Apache (no longer called the 3100 starting this year) has plenty in
common with the other vehicles in the lineup and today it stands
tall as an icon of pure 1950s styling. Even up close, the straight
bodywork on this giant long-bed stands up to scrutiny, suggesting
that the work was very well done and it's obvious this baby has
been very well-kept ever since, with only 5992 miles on the build.
There's lots of detail, too, from the ridges on the hood to the
long body 'spears' that run the length of the super-cool Fleetside
bed that give an impression of motion. It's one of the last of the
'Art Deco' designed trucks, where style was just as important as
substance, and highlighting this gorgeous truck with deep, dark
Navy Blue paint was absolutely the right call. Purchased from a
museum, this former dairy-truck was finished a few years back, and
it still shows very well as a higher-end, top driver-quality rig,
and although some minor imperfections can be seen upon closer
examination, the out-of-this-world curb appeal of this Apache will
certainly overshadow any nitpicking about some of the signs of use.
White lettering outlines the 'Chevrolet' script on the tailgate,
and there was plenty of chrome left during the build, with the
front grille, bumpers, hood and fender badging, and window
surrounds polished up bright to contrast against the dark finish.
Out back, the inside of the bed was purposely left with a bit of
patina to retain some of the old farm truck vibe, although it's
still very nice with lightly stained wood planks held together with
blue rub strips.
The interior was restored to appear 100% back-to-stock, but with
fresh materials and a couple of choice upgrades it's far more
stylish and comfortable than the original set-up. That's a freshly
upholstered bench that does a good impression of the original
upholstery, with simple vinyl patterns that are continued on the
arm rests set inside the steel door panels at the flanks. Plush
black carpets and floor mats were added to help control noise and
heat, and all the exposed metal inside the cab (including the dash)
was painted to match the exterior perfectly. An aftermarket tilt
steering column was installed to provide much needed extra room for
the driver, although thankfully the original steering wheel was
retained - fully restored and set at the correct, upright angle at
the head of the cockpit. The gauges are so extremely clean and
clear that they're likely factor reproductions, set inside a neat,
chrome-outlined V-shaped pod, and an upgraded AM/FM/AUX/BT radio
was stashed inside the cabin and sounds great through upgraded
speakers.
Chevy's small-block V8 is a natural choice in the sporty Apache,
with this one carrying a fresh 350 cubic inch V8 crate motor that
makes for an entertaining drive. Dressed to look like an original
block, the engine bay certainly looks the part, with Chevy Orange
engine enamel on the valve covers and block, a black snorkeled air
cleaner up top, and simple and efficient wiring and plumbing neatly
organized throughout. Appearances can be deceiving, as the modern
5.7L V8 runs far better than anything from 1958, with loads of
power and torque further enhanced by the Edelbrock 4-barrel
carburetor and Edelbrock intake up top. New motor mounts, a new
fuel pump, a new radiator, and a new blower motor for the
aftermarket heater all give this classic truck modern capabilities,
preparing it for regular, everyday driving. Power heads aft through
a freshly rebuilt TH350 3-speed automatic transmission and
swapped-in S10 rear end filled with 3.08 gears, meaning this big
Fleetside cruises down the highway at 70MPH with ease, and the
stainless-steel dual exhaust system below sounds fantastic. An
independent front suspension with tubular A-arms, power
rack-and-pinion steering, and power front disc brakes makes this
big truck easy to handle for anyone, while upgraded coils and
shocks set that lowered stance, so hit the road with confidence.
Color-matched steelies are adorned with period-correct Bowtie
center caps, and they sit on 235/75/15 Coker whitewalls that finish
off the look perfectly.
A dialed-in Chevy truck with a ton of character and style, this
Apache shows you that form doesn't necessarily have to follow
function, and tools can still be beautiful. Call today!