The Stovebolt Site Forums Welcome! Welcome Centre New guy from Texas with '61 Apache

Howdy! Just the other day my mom called to tell me that our ranch hand had passed out at the wheel of our 1961? Chevy Apache. I think he hit a tree or something but it dented the front end a bit but the engine still runs and its a great truck. But it needs some work of course. I'm not much of a classic truck guy, but all my life i've wanted to fix up this truck.


Any tips on where to start?

-Drew

I think you just made the right first step, coming to Stovebolt.

Browse this site, paying attention to the Tech Tips section and the Links section. At Tech Tips, it will show you how to do some typical maintenance/repair jobs. At the Links section, you'll learn where you can go to get replacement parts.

Go to the Gallery and look at trucks of your year. It is amazing what you can learn from looking at a similar truck. Learn how to use the Search feature, because odds are that you're not the first person to ask the question. To get an answer FAST, get one that's already been answered.

Finally, consider buying a shop manual. It is specific to your year and tells how to do most everything (except the thing that you happen to be working on.)

Welcome to Stovebolt, from one Texan to another.

Bill

Thanks! I just checked out your truck, gorgeous! One of my biggest problems is that I dont go to school/live where my truck is parked, so the work I'll be doing will be sporadic(especially cause of funds being in college). My other big problem, I'm not 100% sure what year, and type of Apache that it is. I went around looking at pictures of 1960s apaches and just compared to the picture I have. I'll get a picture up so hopefully i can get some 2nd opinions.

Look at the eyebrow pieces in the grill. If they are louvered around the blinker, it is probably a '60.

http://www.stovebolt.com/gallery/allred_benjamin_1960.html

If it is a heavy cross shaped bar with the blinker in the center it is likely a 61'.

http://www.stovebolt.com/gallery/johnson_brian_1961_02.html

Look up the serial number to be sure.

Drew, welcome, you've already got some excellent advice and that is just by the welcoming committee. There's lots more to learn. Just follow Bill's suggestions.

WELCOME To the Bolt. My dad had a 61 Apache fleetside. I used to take that puppy out 4 wheeling in the fields.

Hope to see you about the site.

Cliff59

Welcome aboard Drew. Great to have you here with us. You have found a great place to pick up some good tips and advice.