Hi guys,
I just took my 58 Apache 1 ton out for a drive last night. I
haven't had it long. I don't know much history on the truck, but I am
curious as to some of the things I found about it. Maybe some of you more
knowledgeable guys can let me know the story on some of the things about the
truck.
It has a 348 engine that I am not sure if it's original or not. Someone said
it probably wasn't because of how close the steering shaft came to the
exhaust manifold. It does have dual rear wheels, and the side emblem says
3200.
It has a hole in the floor where the foot starter may have been? Did the
58's still use those? It now has a starter switch on the dash.
Other than a SMALL area on the back of the cab, this baby seems pretty close
to rust free. It's also in great shape with little to no major body work
needed.
The tranny is a 4 speed with a granny first. I can't get above about 5mph
before I need to shift. Top speed seems to be about 50 mph.
The distributor is still points. If I decide on keeping the 348 in there for
a while I'd like to convert it to HEI, but not sure they make a distributor
for it. I understand they are unique?
Long range plans are to make it a reliable long distance car trailer tow
vehicle, and maybe more. Maybe a camper? Of course it will be great for
going down to the home improvement store and towing the boat to the lake,
and eventually car/truck shows.
Thinking about a 383 stroker for torque, a 4L80E automatic, front disk
brakes, adding power steering, and power brakes, Dually rear our of a junked
modern truck? Flaming River tilt column, and a nice modern bench seat among
other interior decorations.
Some of you might be saying "why don't you just buy a new truck?" Well I
think the 2003 Chevy trucks are the ugliest danged things ever made for one,
I love the looks on these older classics, and besides....it's kinda fun to
build it like I want one to be rather than check options on a paper at the
dealer. Besides, you get out of some legal hassles with smog requirements,
you can put together combinations not available at a dealer, insurance in
cheaper, and the value goes up in time, not down.
Anyone have any tips or observations?
Steve
oletrucks is devoted to Chevy and GM trucks built between 1941 and 1959
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