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This vintage 1959 Chevrolet Apache 3100, a gem nestled in California until its acquisition by the current custodian in 2013, underwent a radical transformation. The modifications included a reduction in roof height, seamless integration of the front fenders into the body, a bespoke grille, and an advanced air-ride suspension setup. The engine compartment was refined to accommodate a rejuvenated 350ci V8 engine from a 1971 Camaro, enhanced for aesthetic and performance. Notably, the vehicle’s front and rear assemblies were replaced with components from a 1978 Trans Am, alongside an Impala steering wheel, integrated ’54 Buick tail lights in a frenched style, a handcrafted wooden cargo bed, an interior by Sean “Fat Lucky’s” Johnstun, a customized dashboard featuring a 1953 Chevrolet flourish, a Gennie shifter, and an audio system from Kicker. This truck shone brightly as the 2015 SEMA feature vehicle for Kicker Audio, a finalist in the 2015 Goodguys Custom of the Year, graced the pages of Classic Truck Performance in 2020, and clinched Best of Show at both the 2015 Seal Beach Classic Car Show and the 2022 Temecula Rod Run. The vehicle is now available with an unblemished California title under the seller’s stewardship.
The vehicle’s rooftop was lowered by 2 inches, its original eyebrow over the windshield was excised along with the drip rails, and the roofline was tapered for a smoother transition. The windshield was realigned to synchronize with the side windows, the cowl vents were seamlessly covered, and the front fenders were artistically fused to the main body. The fabricator sculpted a custom tube grille and frame, seamlessly integrating the headlight bezels.
The cargo bed of the truck was refined with hidden seams, ’54 Buick tail lights seamlessly integrated, and a bespoke molded rear roll pan fitted. The bed extended forward, reshaped to echo the cab’s silhouette. It was then adorned with a coat of PPG Mint Green, subtly dusted with white powder pearl. The elevated bed floor showcases quarter-sawn white oak planks, held in place with Mar-K stainless steel strips, cleverly folded at the ends to conceal joins.
Moreover, the tailgate was innovatively tailored with retractable, cable-operated mechanisms. Beneath this floor, one finds strategically placed essentials: the battery, compressors, an air tank, and the fuel tank.
Adorned to match the body, ’54 Bel Air 15″ wheels are complemented by ’51 Olds hubcaps and Coker Classic whitewalls. The front setup includes components from a ’78 Trans Am, featuring 11” disc brakes and lowered spindles. The air suspension system, operable via a Bluetooth-connected Accuair eLevel+ system, offers ease of control through a smartphone; alternatively, a touchpad is available within the cabin.
Inside, Sean “Fat Lucky’s” Johnstun enveloped the seating, doors, and ceiling with intricately buttoned and patterned upholstery, while green carpet with contrasting piping lies beside custom thresholds, and a sisal mat covers the floor. The dashboard was skillfully rounded off, equipped with custom climate controls adorned with pearl acrylic knobs and a central feature repurposed from a 1953 Chevy. The assembly includes a Lokar throttle pedal, a Gennie shifter, and Kicker Audio components, though the air conditioning remains unconnected.
The steering wheel, sourced from a ’59 Impala, was refinished to complement the interior palette, along with a color-matched replacement instrument cluster. Below the dashboard, a trio of AutoMeter gauges keeps vigilant watch. Since its completion, the truck has cruised for approximately 1,500 miles. A newly installed speedometer has been precisely calibrated to ensure accurate readings.
The engine bay mirrors the vehicle’s sleek exterior. The 350ci V8, originally from a 1971 Camaro, was meticulously rebuilt, crowned with an Edelbrock Performer EPS intake manifold and carburetor. Accents include Mooneyes valve covers, an OTB cast-aluminum air filter housing, and matching fluid caps from OTB, with additional accessories elegantly chromed and Hedman headers installed.
Finally, the rear setup features a differential sourced from a 1978 Trans Am, diligently overhauled with 3.23 gears by Unitrax Differential in Anaheim, California. Positioned under the cab, the brake master cylinder complements a dual exhaust system, complete with cutouts for enhanced auditory appeal.
According to the seller, the truck received the following accolades:
2015 Goodguys Custom of the Year finalist
2015 Seal Beach Best of Show
2015 SEMA feature vehicle for Kicker Audio
2020 Classic Truck Performance magazine feature
2022 Temecula Rod Run Best of Show winner
2023 Invitee to Grand National Roadster Show truck display
