1958 Chevrolet Apache, Frame Off Restored, One Family Owned, 235 I6 on 2040-cars

If you’re in the market for something fun that’s guaranteed to hold its appeal for a very long time, it’s hard to go wrong with a fully restored truck. America’s workhorses are finally commanding the respect they deserve. And with great pieces like this clean Chevrolet Apache offering factory fresh appeal for weekend warrior money, it’s not hard to see why. A perfect blend of classic virtues and everyday drivability that’ll always be attractive to collectors, this handsome pickup is a top notch exercise in old school charm and vintage swagger. If you’re looking for a rare trifecta of ‘low maintenance’, ‘fun to own’ and ‘great investment potential’, this ‘58 Chevy is your best bet!

The beneficiary of a high quality, frame-off restoration, this sweet Chevrolet half-ton is a fully sorted crowd gatherer which wraps classic 50s design around proven GM mechanicals. During its rejuvenation, the truck’s expressive body panels were stripped, massaged into a super straight canvas, and bathed in a vivid combination of red and white urethane. When that smooth basecoat dried, a protective clearcoat shell was carefully applied and meticulously buffed to an impressive shine. And today, the truck sits as a slick utilitarian showpiece which is guaranteed to grab attention everywhere from the drive in to the local hardware store!

In 1955, Chevrolet’s Public Relations gurus dubbed the brand’s new truck the Task Force series. At its core, “Task Force” is a naval term that refers to the specific manner in which a job is accomplished. And that svelte marketing jargon can be further distilled into a stylish yet functional combination of attractive lines and purposeful attributes. At the front of this Chevy, a ‘valleyed’ hood hangs a bold, color-keyed Chevrolet crest above chrome-trimmed headlights, chrome-trimmed parking lamps and a wide, “CHEVROLET” branded grille that’s centered over a simple white bumper. At the back of that hood, a curved “Sweep-Sight” windshield and like-new greenhouse glass align behind pristine stainless trim and bright stainless wipers. At the sides of that windshield, simple door handles, a correct chrome mirror, a small antenna and a traditional fuel filler ride between streamlined “Fleetside” quarter scripts and floating “CHEVROLET APACHE” fender emblems. And at the back of the truck, a “CHEVROLET” branded tailgate hides a stunning wood bed behind carefully sleeved chains, stylish, stainless-trimmed tail lights, and a second white bumper.

Equipped with a 235 cubic inch, era-correct 6-cylinder, this tough Chevy was built for a long life of hauling. Naturally, the truck isn’t race car quick right out of the box, but with good driving techniques and a little bit of coaxing, it can certainly be fun! Carefully hoist the hood and you’ll find a familiar gray block that’s branded with an April (D) 21st (21) of 1958 (8) casting date, tagged with a correct 3738307 casting number and detailed with a roster of authentic components. At the top of the tried and true workhorse, a rebuilt Rochester carburetor bridges the gap between a correct oil bath air cleaner and new stainless fuel lines. At the base of that carburetor, a cast gray intake bolts between a traditional, stamped steel valve cover and fully restored exhaust manifold. Opposite those manifolds, a new coil jolts a fresh set of plug wires via a familiar points distributor. At the front of those wires, a satin radiator circulates water past a correct fan via pliable hoses and modern screw clamps. At the base of that radiator, a freshly rebuilt generator melts Delco yellow cap power into hot fires of combustion. And behind that generator, an AC, canister-style oil filter provides bright detail and clean lubrication. Nicely finished, the sturdy mill looks great inside its big engine bay, which was originally designed to make service easy. And the truck’s soft, satin black fenders and body-matched firewall combine with a bright “THRIFTMASTER SPECIAL” decal to dispose of our hobby’s typical ‘flooded out’, show queen appearance.

Crawling under this old school bowtie reveals a clean frame and straight floorpans that have been coated in a nice layer of chassis black paint. Power is put to the ground through a familiar Saginaw 3-speed that hangs a correct 3845122 casting number in front of an open rear end and big 4.10 gears. Correct leaf springs and drum brakes occupy all for corners of the chassis, utilizing a floor-mounted booster to mix rugged road prowess with firm and solid stops. A single-pipe exhaust system, which is wired to a large muffler, runs the whole length of the truck, terminating in a subtle turndown that hangs just below the aforementioned bumper. And everything rolls on a set of familiar steel wheels that turn 225/75R16 Trail A/P whitewalls around red paint, stainless trim rings and Chevrolet-branded hubcaps. Overall, the underside of this Task Force is simple but purposeful. And that’s really the beauty of vintage pickups; they’re easy, clean builds that still possess the unmatched charm and beauty of golden era Detroit steel.

Slide inside this Apache’s fully restored interior and experience the substance and style of late 50s Americana. Vibrant paint from the truck’s body floods its cockpit to create a chorus of two-tone detailing. A wide and supportive bench combines with a small red headliner and small red door panels to add a bit of luxury to an otherwise utilitarian design. Speaking of utility, the rubber mats on the floor promise their bright red frame will be easy to live with and easier to clean up. And, of course, nothing from this pickup’s era could escape the popularity of chrome, as you’ll find bright chrome gauges above an original, chrome-trimmed steering wheel, traditional chrome decor that spans the entire dash and prerequisite chrome door hardware. Well done, appearing factory correct and absent of all the technological doodads that seem to proliferate today’s showroom-fresh metal, this is definitely the kind of place to spend a nice Friday afternoon enjoying what matters most: the journey.

The sale of this farmer-turned-fancy includes an original owner’s manual, a small book of restoration photos and an Antique Automobile Radio component manual.

If you’re looking for a unique classic that mixes a fresh restoration with unmatched style and unparalleled fun, this Chevy deserves your full attention. It’s spectacular from every angle. It plays to a level of nostalgia that everyone can appreciate. And, whether you’re racking up trophies at a show or just spending a Saturday afternoon on the town, it’s guaranteed to be the center of attention wherever it goes!