327 Equipped: 1958 Chevrolet Apache Pickup
It isn’t that hard to find a vintage pickup that will serve as a base for a project build, but this 1958 Chevrolet Apache would seem to be a better proposition than most. It has its share of surface corrosion, but actual penetrating rust is minimal. Adding to its attraction is the fact that someone has slotted a 327ci V8 under the hood. The seller has owned the Pickup for more than 5-years, but he has decided to part with it. His loss could be your gain because this old Chevy shows a lot of promise. Located in Oakhurst, California, you will find the Apache listed for sale here on eBay. If you ever had any doubts about the popularity and desirability of these classics, you only need to look at the bidding history on this one to get a graphic insight. There have already been 32 bids submitted, and these have pushed the price along to $5,300. The reserve is now off so that new home is just around the corner for this great Pickup.
It isn’t clear whether the Apache has spent its entire life in California, but if it has, that’s good news for potential buyers. When you look at the vehicle’s overall appearance, the paint is baked, but rust seems minimal. The owner refers to it as solid, and that appears to be a fair assessment, judging by the photos he has supplied. It looks like there might be some small spots of rust confined to the bottoms of both front fenders, but these could be addressed with simple patches. The cab corners look to be free from problems, which is a rarity for vehicles of this type. The panels wear the usual assortment of dings and dents, but I can’t see any that would justify panel replacement. The timber in the bed has rotted, but that leaves the opportunity for a buyer to replace it with something that will catch the eye and make a statement. The glass in the driver’s door is badly cracked, but the rest looks like it might be okay.
The drivetrain of this Chevy is a bit of a mystery, and the owner doesn’t give us a lot to work with. Chevrolet offered the 1958 Apache with a choice of a 235.5ci six or a 283ci V8, but this one features neither of those. Someone has slotted a 327 under the hood, and I believe that it is backed by a 3-speed manual transmission. It isn’t clear where the 327 came from or what its specifications are. However, there is no doubt that if it were in good order, it would pump out more than the 160hp that was produced by the 283. The owner says that the 327 does run, but he doesn’t indicate whether the Apache will move under its own power. However, the accumulated leaf litter at the back of the intake and the presence of cobwebs suggest that the Pickup hasn’t seen a lot of recent use. The buyer might consider performing a further engine upgrade as part of their project build. However, if the 327 is in good health, it should offer the sort of performance that would make it difficult to justify any further upgrades.
The limitations that the owner imposes by his lack of written information and photos continue when we take a look at the Apache’s interior. The seat will need a new cover, and almost certainly, new padding. There is a hole in the dash where the radio should be, but the rest of the interior appears complete. The painted surfaces will require restoration, while the wheel and some of the plated components will need the same type of attention. I have previously commented on the restoration of these interiors, but it is worth repeating. They are surprisingly easy to dismantle, and the proliferation of painted surfaces makes them a prime candidate to be tackled by an owner in a home workshop. Any person with good preparation and painting skills should be able to have this interior sparkling without spending a heap of money. I can tell you from personal experience that stepping back and admiring an interior that you have restored yourself is hugely satisfying.
This 1958 Chevrolet Apache is a fantastic old pickup, and if it is as rust-free as the owner indicates, it could make a great project. The next owner might choose to perform a faithful restoration, although it would serve just as well as the base for a custom or rat rod build. The bidding history to date suggests that I’m not alone in my opinion, and if you are looking for a classic pickup, this one deserves a closer look.
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Comments
The money is in the big window cab. A friend I likes these trucks and has a couple of big window projects in similar condition waiting for their turn. The only difference is they are short beds, which, as usual, is the desired platform among enthusiasts. He too lives in a rural part of California, he says they can still be found for little money. He bought his last one three or four years ago for $600, it too was a big window cab but was without engine and the front fenders were damaged, but had no rust in the floors, cab corners or drip rails.
Steve R
We all know that this 327 is at least 250 hp, with the 4 barrel carb.
I’m usually for bone stock but these 58’s. I’d be temped to stick some 57 front fenders on it and get rid of those ruinous dual headlights.
Unless this is planned to be a work truck that huge back bumper must go. Worked with a guy in Utah onetime who had a 57 wide rear window 327. It was dependable but not fast. A girlfriend once gave me a 59 long bed with 6 cylinder 4 speed granny. Her and the truck disappeared somewhere along life’s trails.
God bless America
True, Steve R, that a lot of folks won’t like the huge rear bumper but I do because I like the unusual. I think it would look great restored to original, at least on the exterior and cab. This pickup look to be pretty solid which is always a major plus and a fresh, quality paint job may not present too much prep work. Plus you won’t have any expensive re-chroming costs, just some fresh paint. I’ll agree that the bids are getting up there but prices on vintage pickups have been on the rise for quite awhile now so even though you may sink a good bit of money into the restoration, you’ll probably get it back down the road. Sure, it’s the less desirable long bed but if you want to use it as it was intended to be used, you’ll be glad it has that extra couple of feet. Nice truck and even though I’m a FordGuy, I’d love to have this one.
From the valve covers the engine appears to be a 1962 327. I owned a similar truck back in 1975 with a 6 cylinder/4 speed. Darn good truck in its day.
Wow, almost $9g’s for this bucket of bolts? Proof positive, the classic car( or truck) hobby is an unbridled, runaway horse today, or a 2 cycle Detroit with the throttle stuck open, IT’S GONNA BLOW,,,sorry, I’m telling ya’ ( if anyone cares) I hope this Jeep pans out today,( pun intended, all the tubs rust on those) and will probably pull the plug on any more interest in vehicles. I can’t understand the mindset, to start at this price, for a 60 year old vehicle that needs everything, and go from there. Enjoy the “Inflated States of America”, after the Willys, I’m checking out.(not literally, I hope, but will remain a member just to see how far this madness goes)