It has been a while, so I decided to write a little about my Apache that runs in Germany. It turns out it’s actually from 1960, but was only registered in 1961 due to the heavy modification it got as a firetruck. Im using it leisurely to travel some longer trips, specifically Christmas as it is a guaranteed smile on the face of my little niece and nephew.
I did not do much else than bodywork and put a bench from a Blazer in it. I did install the kit for the timing that you can get from Deve but not yet the hot coil.
When arriving at my mums house 2020 the entire ignition gave up so I had to redo it, so I improved it (a little).
My compression is still above 135 psi, so I don’t worry much about the engine anymore. I had the radiator rebuilt from copper as I do not like the aluminum ones.
I have now moved to Spain as the woman in my life is from there and she puts the bacon on the plates. It’s much fun, It’s a very overlanding-friendly country with crazy long mountain trails (easy easy ones) and a much bigger 4x4 community.
I will soon put cork insulation and a tent roof in the truck, so it’s suitable for snow and winter use.
Currently I am running 285/75 R16 wheels but I would like to use the original R17 split rims with 235/85 tires. Does anyone know if tube type tires will behave much differently at around 55mph?
I also have trouble with the steering as I have the drag link system wich has immense play (about a hand) even after adjusting. Maybe I’m doing it wrong, but I think I want to change to crossover steering and a gearbox from a later model. If I ever put power steering it will be electric.
Lastly, I am getting around 14.5 mpg, I run 50-55mph. Can I do much to improve it? The (US) Gallon here is 7.25 $. I was thinking to replace the Rochester with a Weber.
Here are the asked for pictures. She’s very rough around the edges and needs lots of bodywork. The bottom part was made mostly of bondo, but now it’s all steel.
Are those doors on left and right behind the cab? Cabinets or is there a bench seat in there?
There are sideways seats behind those doors, they are made from wood and replace the inner fenders. To my knowledge they are there because of regulation reasons. The truck has handlebars in the back so you can ride along outside. It was a utility truck that carried maybe carried maybe 450 pounds of foam and lots of utilties and a really big wench (A King Winch from Houston, Texas. Enginepowered) I'll take a picture of those details next time I go to her garage.
Originally Posted by DoubleDingo
Cool truck indeed. Definitely the first time I have seen one like that.
It was also the first time I saw this type of Chevy, but there are more like this in Switzerland, and some different ones in Holland. They go away fairly cheap (for Europeans) because of never having V8-Engines. There is a 1962 K20 and a 1961 C40 for sale right now, both with the 261 engine.
Alright, I finally managed to go to my garage again to take pictures of funny random things in my truck. It’s a big mess inside because it still holds everything I moved that was in my truck-cave.
