Chevy Trucks, New or Old, Still Have Heart and Soul
What makes some people put their heart and soul into old junkers? What inspires them to spend an untold amount of time, and who knows how much money on old, broken down jalopies? It’s for the love of these old cars, and maybe it’s a bit of nostalgia combined with the thrill of seeing these projects brought to completion. While we always like seeing the end result of these ambitious renovation projects, at Apple Chevrolet, we love them more when they involve a Chevrolet. No surprise there.
For Kevin Bleth, spending nearly 15 years rebuilding a 1958 Chevrolet Apache pickup truck was never the intention, but it sure worked out that way. When it was all said and done, Bleth thought it was well worth it the time and expense.
Bleth was the previous owner of a 1946 F-1 pickup. These all-steel trucks, when in pristine condition, are the stuff of dreams, but unfortunately for Bleth, he had to leave this baby behind when he moved to a new state. After arriving in Washington he began a new search which netted him the Apache from a dealer in Idaho. This old pickup was a piece of work, but mostly patchwork. It had sheet metal keeping it together and a rotting body that required intensive care.
Bleth wanted the truck for every day use, something to drive around town. Granted, that something would be pretty cool, but once he had a gauge of the amount of time and money his Apache required, he decided that every day driving wouldn’t do. Instead, he went all out and make it a show car. Bleth used a TCI Mustang II unit for the front suspension and a Chevy 12 bolt for the rear axle. He also switched out the 350/350 combo engine for a 1976 454 Big-Block on which he made his own alterations. He was able to save the cab, doors and hood of the Apache, but the rest he added along with plenty of great interior and exterior gauges, latches and trim.
While we don’t have any ’58 Chevy Apache pickup trucks on our lot here at Apple Chevrolet, we do have plenty of great cars and trucks for you to chose from. Who knows, 70 years from now you might be riding around town in your own classic Chevy show car. Stop in and see us today. We are located at 8585 West 159th Street in Tinley Park, IL.
