If you’re a regular reader of GM Authority, there’s a high probability you’re holding onto at least one vehicle that’s not really in the best shape, but still has a huge amount of sentimental value for you. That was the case for this 1958 Chevy Apache pickup, which got a new lease on life after an extensive rebuild and restomod upgrade. Now, we’re getting under the skin of this thing in the following feature video.
Coming to us from the folks at AutotopiaLA, the story behind this 1958 Chevy Apache starts with the owner, Eli Tomac. For those readers who may be unaware, Tomac is a professional Motocross and Supercross racer with a long list of championships under his belt. As the story goes, this truck has been in Tomac’s family for decades – in fact, John Tomac, Eli’s father, brought Eli home from the hospital after Eli was born in this very same truck.
“It’s been on [the Tomacs’] farm for 30 years, and I believe sitting outside, because it was full of those little mud bugs all in the inside of it,” says Mitch Kelly from Crazy Painters Kelly & Son. “The thing was completely rusted, there were giant holes in the back of the cab where you could put a volleyball through.”
Tomac’s original plan was to drop in a modern engine and drive the Chevy Apache with the patina. To that end, the truck was fitted with an LSX 454 and a new frame. However, as is often the case with projects like these, the decision was made to take the build even further, with plans to repaint the truck and install another new chassis.
“It showed up, and from there we just started cutting and welding and fixing,” Kelly says.
Further details include a Tremec six-speed manual transmission, Ford nine-inch rear end, and 4.11 gears. And of course, there’s also the exquisite custom body and interior, the former of which is covered in Marina Blue paint, a hue plucked from the Chevy Corvette catalogue of paint colors.
Dive into the full build for yourself right here:
Subscribe to GM Authority for more GM vintage and restoration news, Chevy Apache news, Chevy news, and around-the-clock GM news coverage.
Comments
Love the truck but hate that they butchered the suspension.
Nice. No the suspension/chassis is not butchered. Research how these resto mods are built. Better than new cars.
Great looking truck nice color but one thing I got ask you it seems like your camera crew runs a lot of red traffic lights when their following you around while your test driving cars.
I have a 1958 apache ,my Dad purchased it new it’s been in the family for 65 years,I learned how to drive in it ,I just recently finished it , I’d like to share it with anyone who is interested
Nice truck but, not the wheels.