Hiding in this shed is a 1958 Chevrolet Apache Fleetside Pickup custom build. The finish line is in sight for this classic, but the owner is leaving it to the buyer to apply the final touches. It is a vehicle that is guaranteed to command attention wherever it goes, and I have to say a big thank you to Barn Finder Larry D for spotting it for us. Located in Fayetteville, North Carolina, you will find the Apache listed for sale here on eBay. Bidding has reached $11,900, and with the reserve now met, a new home is only a few short days away for this beauty.
There’s a lot to appreciate with this Apache, and it appears that the owner hasn’t spared a cent on it. The owner tackled this as a frame-off project, and there isn’t one aspect of it that has escaped his attention. All of the front panels, including the fenders, inner fenders, and radiator support, were replaced. The cab and floors are now rust-free, and a fresh coat of the Pickup’s original Tartan Turquoise has been applied. The Turquoise has been complemented by Arctic Beige painted highlights on the bedsides, which brings a touch of class to the exterior. The owner has avoided aftermarket wheels, with the originals painted in the body color. The panels are laser straight, and the paint shines as nicely as you would expect for one so fresh. Flaws and defects in the glass are not a consideration because every piece is new. The trim and chrome are new, and by the time the auction ends, the owner will have installed a front bumper, grille, and headlights. The trim brings us to one of the few exterior faults that the buyer will need to address. The bedside trim on the driver’s side was damaged during installation, and the owner suggests that it should be replaced if the buyer is seeking a classic with perfect presentation. Replacement pieces will cost around $220, although the seller might be able to point the buyer towards his supplier so that the quality is consistent on both sides.
The Apache’s bed hasn’t escaped attention, and all of the paint and steel look perfect. New timber and stainless steel strips add a stunning touch, and it looks too nice to carry a load. It is so eye-catching that it would be heartbreaking to see anything damaged by items floating around the bed. The tail-lights haven’t been fitted, but the pickup comes with new housings, new trims, and blue-dot lenses.
It isn’t clear whether the Fleetside was equipped with a six or a V8 when it was new, but that is now irrelevant. What we find under the hood is a remanufactured 350ci V8 that is still under warranty. It is backed by a manual transmission, although it isn’t clear whether this is a 3-speed or a 4-speed. That combination is about as bulletproof as they come and should make the Apache an accomplished open-road cruiser. The engine has received a few cosmetic upgrades and a Holley Street Demon carburetor, a new intake, and dual exhaust. The exhaust ends in a pair of chrome tips with the Chevy logo. It looks like it will need a few ancillaries like a radiator and hoses, but getting the 350 running should not be a big job. It is still under warranty, and this can be transferred to the new owner.
The interior will be amazing once complete, and it is an area that only needs some attention to detail to sparkle. All of the painted surfaces are perfect, while the gauges look clean and crisp. The wheel is a leather-wrapped item that is color-coded to the rest of the paint, and a new heater box has been fitted. The owner will supply a freshly painted glove compartment, but the buyer will need to attend to the wiring. They will also need to source and fit a new wiper motor and arms. A decision will need to be made about what sort of radio or stereo to install, but the vehicle has been fitted with an original-design speaker and speaker cover in the cab roof.
The upholstery also hasn’t escaped attention, and the seat looks stunning. The green vinyl doesn’t match the paint color, but it does represent a striking contrast. It was custom stitched, and if the exterior doesn’t draw enough praise for the new owner, the interior is sure to. All that remains is for someone to fit the small pieces like handles, and this work will be complete.
The 1958 model year marked the first where Chevrolet assigned the Apache name to the light-duty examples of its Task Force range. It was also the year that the Fleetside joined the range, making this classic a vehicle of firsts. It is a custom build where the owner appears to have an eye firmly focused on the little details that separate a good build from a great one. There is no doubt that this 1958 Apache will command plenty of attention when the work is complete. With the growing popularity of classic pickups, is this a project that you would like to complete?
Ahem, I believe the term is “needs finished”,,,( I know, here come the bottles and tomatoes) I think there’s a lesson to be learned here, you start a project like this, your name better be Rockefeller, as restoration costs today increase by the hour. I’m sure someone ran out of funds. Shame, someone, with all they put into this, won’t get to enjoy it. I guess today, it’s one persons failure is another ones gain. They are popular, I think that Lambrecht auction had a couple of these, all for 5 figures UNRESTORED, so the market is there. Sorry, I know what it’s like to restore a vehicle, with the final goal of driving it. It’s what keeps the project going. Too bad this person won’t see it. The $15g’s, they will hardly break even, with that motor is over $5g’s alone. The lesson is, anyone considering doing this, be prepared. You have no business doing this on a budget and that’s just where we are today.
“Apache”? We can’t be having that, that’s not politically correct. Lol
I worked on one of these a few years ago. It was a similar situation it needed finishing touches, but it was much farther along. It was running and driving, but need some attention. I did my best and the owner sold it. The buyer proceeded to finish it right and it was a beautiful truck. He even proceeded to do very well at several Good Guys Events with it.
When I was working on it I found out many of the trim pieces are made out of “Unobtainable Alloy”, such as trim pieces. The article says it is a long box, I am no expert, and I don’t like long box’es, is that true from the pictures I wasn’t sure.
looks like a colume shift so must be a 3 speed transmission
With less than a day left on the auction and bidding is now at 15K, that’s a STEAL!!!
I have nearly three times that amount in my ‘57 build (it is a ground up, rotisserie show truck), and I’m sure this seller has much more invested as well. Nice truck, it’s a shame he couldn’t finish it.
The shiny paint looks nice but the quality of workmanship can be questioned. It looks like something is going on just ahead of the passenger-side rear wheel well. There is paint on the rear window’s weather-stripping both inside and out. There’s a lot of over-spray under the dash. The driver’s door alignment is off and the paint appears to be marred. There are a few other quibbles as well.
The upholstery does look outstanding but it doesn’t really suit the truck and may not be to a new owner’s liking.
Overall the truck is a long way from being completed. It looks like the truck has been prematurely assembled for sale purposes only. Normally one would attend to the under dash wiring before installing the seat. Regardless of my criticisms this Apache is someone else’s partially completed project. That in itself is a criticism.
Too rich for me but very nice. Someone will finish it.