1958 Chevy Apache Fleetside Shortbed

Owned by Rick Hofman "Poncho Villa" Bolter # 5576 Kamloops, British Columbia Canada

From Rick :

           Time for an update! I have completed many upgrades to this truck since 2005!

           The truck was in desperate need of a paint job so I found that was the perfect time to do some modifications also. I had the door handles and fuel filler shaved. So along with that came door poppers and a relocated fuel tank to under the bed behind the rear axle.

           The tailgate also got the shaved look and has a latch system similar to newer trucks, except it’s on the inside of the tailgate.

           I installed a new chrome grille [ great pic ] , bumper, and headlight bezels to give it some sparkle.

           I never got that 383 stroker that I was shopping for, but I did get a modified 355 with a whack of chrome. However, I did get the disc brakes on 2 ½” dropped spindles and drop coils in the back to level it off.

           I also installed aftermarket front and rear sway bars to help with the handling. Now it corners like a cat.

           And best of all, it still attracts lots of attention in traffic.

Rick

11 March 2005
#1042

From Rick :

      Hello Stovebolt people.

      I bought this '58 Apache Fleetside shortly back last December. The body sits on a '67 chassis and has a beefed up 283 with a TH400 tranny behind it.

      I have only owned this truck a short time and am still unlocking the mysteries about it. The only modification that I have really done to this truck would be the replacement of the stock vacuum operated wiper motor with an electric motor and switch. Much more reliable. The truck has had some wonderful things done to it by previous owners, such as some of the things I had mentioned. Plus a custom upholstered bench seat, tilt steering column, CD player, Quicksilver. The 283 engine is heavily modified and the mounting of the cab and box to the chassis is ingenious. The wood in the bed of the box needs refinishing and I still have to figure out where to mount the spare that I still have to acquire.

      It is my intent to leave the truck with a stock appearance, but to tweak the suspension for handling and make the breaking more manageable for the 383 stroker which may find its home in front of that TH400. In a nutshell, this truck just needs small finishing touches. It drives and handles great. Although disc brakes would be kinda nice.

      It gets lots of attention in traffic.

      Thanks for this great site.

Rick

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