In 1955, Chevrolet did the first redesign of its trucks since the late 1940s. Called Task Force, the 3100 and 3200 series were light-duty pickups (short vs. long bed) while the 3600 was the medium-duty truck. A catchier name, Apache, was applied to them in 1958, and the seller has a fully restored and upgraded example from 1959. The need for a commuter car has regretfully promoted the sale. Located in Blaine, Washington, this snappy workhorse is available here on craigslist for $30,000. Thanks for the cool tip, Curvette!
The most noticeable changes to the Task Force/Apache came in 1958 when the trucks gained quad headlights, where duals had resided for three years. This was the first year you could get one of these pickups with factory air conditioning, so Chevrolet was attempting to make its trucks not just for the working class. Production of the Task Force wound down in 1959, replaced the next year by the C/K Series, though the Apache name would still be used through 1961.
This truck has been nicely restored, and – in the process – gained a 350 cubic inch V8. We assume it took over for a 283 as that was the 8-cylinder of choice in 1959. The Apace has a 4-speed manual transmission and everything mechanical seems to have been rebuilt. Whatever may have been amiss with the body was taken care of before new red paint was applied. The wood in the bed looks great!
Passengers were treated to what appears to be a more comfortable bench seat. And the truck rides on wider rims with new tires. The odometer reading is 100, so we don’t know what the true mileage is. The pickup stays indoors when not in use. Instead of a truck, the seller now needs a commuter car but would also trade for a 20-24’ fishing boat or a non-giant SUV. Sounds like one side or the other may have to add some cash to a trade.
Looks nice, but it would be nicer to see a shot of the engine. That shifter looks like its miserable to shift way down there. I have a chassis swapped ’58 GMC with a four speed auto on the column that’s just plain easy to shift.
I like this truck just the way it is. I suppose because it’s the fancier version it’s worth $30,000 but it still seems a little steep for a non original truck.
Reference that short shift lever::: I suspect that when this truck got the 350 it also got the car 4 speed attached to it?? Possible this truck has been streeted hard by the tach on the steering column and wider tires. ?? With no mention of P/S or P/Bs.. This truck looks more like a show or cruiser vehicle than a daily driver / weekend work horse.. Each to their own, but this truck does NOT trip my trigger..