Having an old farm pickup at the start of a truck project build can provide a large blank canvas to build upon, especially if your last name is Maestro. You might find yourself envisioning, crafting, and creating a patina pickup that's worthy of any hot rod hauler hobbyist's hot rod garage. Eddie Maestro found a 1959 Chevrolet Apache Fleetside pickup on Instagram.
One of 15 Farm Trucks on a San Francisco Farm For Sale
Above: Backing the 4.8-liter V8 engine is a GM 4L80 automatic transmission. A Vintage Air HVAC system keeps the Apache's cab even more comfortable than two by 65 (mph).
The Instagram ad proclaimed that there were some 15 farm trucks to choose from, ranging in years from 1950-1959. Mr. Maestro figured that with that many to examine, perhaps the drive from Baldwin Park, CA to San Fran, which is about 390 and change, would be worth the cruise. He'd be sure to find one worthy of reincarnating into a hot rod hauler. One would think. So, our intrepid Mr. Maestro made the call to the Instagram advertiser and made the choice to scramble up to the golden city on the hill along the Pacific Ocean for some patina pickup prospecting.
Above: The custom chassis is from GSI Machine Fabrication. Four-wheel disc brakes, rack and pinion steering, a GSI air bags suspension system, and modern rolling stock all help to give Mr. Maestro's 1959 Chevy Apache a comfortable ride.
Maestro selected a turquoise and white 1959 Chevy Apache Fleetside that had its original 283-cubic inch V8 engine. Not long after Eddie had transported the Apache back home, he removed the 283 from the engine bay and set it aside. In order to swap in the new GSI chassis, the rest of the truck was dismantled.
A 1959 Apache That Can Easily Lay Frame
Above: Having an air bag suspension system permits builders to lay frame when their pickup is parked. There's no better stance than a vehicle that's hovering just above the tarmac or laying frame.
Above: The 4.8-liter LR4 Chevy V8 mill is amplified in displacement with a turbocharger that gets its fresh supply of oxygen thanks to some artful plumbing in which the inlet for air is where there used to be a passenger side headlight.
Once all of the components were collected for rebuilding the Apache, the fun part began. Being able to install carefully curated and collected all-new components that are all designed and engineered to work well together is a wonderful way to build a patina pickup. Snowden Custom Seats, in Alvarado, Texas, supplied the stylish and comfortable bench seat.
Above: The original, restored steering wheel crowns the '59's dashboard.
Above: By all appearances, Mr. Maestro's 1959 Chevy Apache must provide a better ride than a modern Chevy pickup.
Above: Immense American Racing Sombrero smoothie style artillery wheels give Eddie's Apache both an elegant and a high-performance canyon carving sort of appearance, which fits this patina pickup perfectly. What's beneath the well-weathered steel-skin is all business and high-style.
Above: Now that's the perfect stance in repose.
Above: While in repose why not have an ice-cold beverage? Mr. Maestro says the CI's parts and service are "The Best." Cheers, Mr. Eddie Maestro, you've built a patina pickup masterpiece and are to be commended for a job well done!
All in, Eddie spent a fair amount of time and coin getting his Apache just perfect. He drives her three to four times a week and has logged about 14,000 miles on the odometer. For a truck that can go pretty darn low, as the bumper indicates, that's pretty highfalutin.
Chevy Pickup & GMC Truck Parts Are Available @ Classic Industries
Whether you're restoring or customizing your vintage Chevy or GMC pickup, there's a great chance that Classic Industries has the components to get your truck to the finish line. You can find body panels, fasteners, wood bed kits, crate engines, suspension parts, and pretty much everything else you need by searching on the Classic Industries website or in our comprehensive GM Truck catalog. Simply click the button below to obtain your GM truck restoration parts catalog.
