1959 Chevy Apache 31 Stepside

"Baby" Owned by Billy McKinney "Bolter Bill" Bolter # 17924 Piedmont, South Carolina

From Bill :

Well it was six months instead of the originally quoted six weeks but Baby's facelift was finally complete by the end of the year!

During that time, I have managed to fall off a roof at work on August 13 and make a few temporary dents in my own bodywork (healing slowly).

Here's a picture of the new bed.

From Bill :

        I own this 1959 Chevy Apache 31 Stepside ("Baby") pictured here. She was passed down from my Grandfather to my Dad to me. She's only two years younger than me.

        She was driven a little by my Granddad and Dad and did alot of sitting up with each of us. Her total mileage, after almost half a century, is only a little over 14,000 original miles on the original motor. Basically, everything on her is original. [ Closer look ]

        After having her in a garage for 10 years, I finally decided to get her on the road again. I had alot of "help" in the beginning from fellow shade tree mechanics. We disassembled her one night and had parts and pieces scattered all over the garage. [ Engine compartment ] There was a period of discouragement at ever figuring out where they all went when my original pit crew deserted me. My Brother dropped his own affairs and came to my rescue.

        Total investment so far - one pint of blood, some sweat and tears, and about $2400 so far (complete brake job from hub to master cylinder, tune-up, fuel lines including tank). [ Interior / Bed ]

        Achievement to date: knowing Granddad and Dad are watching from above with big grins on their faces, a closer relationship with my brother Jeff, without whom I could never have done it, and a feeling of pride whenever we turn heads on the road (even though I get tailgated alot and am looking for an appropriate bumper sticker).

        I owe alot to the good folks at Classic Parts of America in Kansas City, Missouri for their great parts and advice.

        Next projects are new glass, chrome and paint. She was newly reborn with the DMV and Insurance company this past week, is fully road legal and now a daily driver. Here she is on the road again.

        I am looking forward to being a part of the Stovebolt family and participating in the forum.

        Enjoy the pics, more to come!

-30-