1958 saw significant styling changes from the Big Three automakers. Quad headlights were the design option Chevrolet and Ford adopted for most of their cars and trucks. Chevrolet was perhaps the most innovative. Their light-duty pickups were beginning to morph into stylish modes of transportation rather than utility vehicles. According to HH Classics, “For the first time, the fleetside (aka straight side) bed became available in 1958. The front end was also significantly redesigned for this year. The light-duty trucks had a new name – Apache – medium-duty trucks went by Vikings, and Spartan was the name for heavy-duty trucks.” This 1959 Chevrolet Apache can be found here on eBay with a current bid of $9,600. Located in Rockdale, Texas, the reserve hasn’t been met yet. The current owner has done a ton of work to this truck and it is ready to drive! Check it out.
The engine is the original straight-six backed by a three-on-the-tree transmission. The seller says the odometer “only shows 46k” which I guess they are inferring it has low miles. The ad also says quite a few new parts have been installed including the following: starter, battery, tune-up, electric fuel pump, gas tank, carburetor, ignition, alternator, water pump, belt, thermostat, exhaust, and aluminum big radiator. They also mention the clutch feels great and shifts well. The brakes have also been addressed with new hard lines. Overall, there seems to have been a ton of work done to make this a solid cruiser for the next owner.
The seller says there were also issues with the wiring that have been addressed and all the lights work. On the interior, the rubber floor mat is new and the original seat is still in place. The door panels have been wrapped in rawhide.
The fleetside beds on these trucks are a pretty dramatic styling upgrade from their step-side cousins. Speaking of the bed, the wood has been replaced and clear coated with no fastening strips between the boards, which actually looks pretty good. When combined with the new wheels and tires, this looks like a winner. What do you think?
Look how easy it is to get at that engine. I miss those days. Great truck, change nothing.
Fuses on this truck:
Interior lights.
Brake lights.
Ignition.
Turn signal/stop lights.
Radio (optional).
Heater motor.
Circuit breakers:
Headlights.
Windshield wipers.
No bloody computer!
Someone trying to patina the paint by scuffing up random spots. Yuck
Rare to find a work truck in this condition. I can see a lot of fun ahead for the next owner. Agree… no reason to change anything… but would be tempted to put dual exhausts on it. My ’54 with the dual exhausts was pure music rolling down the highway.