Frame Off Built Apache Fleetside Pickup EFI LS2 V8 4L65E 4 Speed PS PB PW A/C

SUMMARY

* Restoration completed in late 2013
* GM LS2 V8 / 400 horsepower
* GM 4L65E 4-speed automatic transmission
* Vintage Air conditioning
* Custom leather interior
* Flat Out Engineering Corvette-inspired suspension
* All-steel body / PPG Jet Black paint
* Power rack-and-pinion steering / 4-wheel power disc brakes
* Coys wheels
* Hidden Custom Autosound audio

----------

If you're in the market for something fun that's guaranteed to hold its appeal for a very long time, it's hard to go wrong with a fully restored truck. America's workhorses are finally commanding the respect they deserve. And with great pieces like this slick Apache mixing Midwest moxie with SoCal style, it's not hard to see why. A perfect blend of classic virtues and the kind of everyday drivability that'll always be attractive to collectors, this handsome pickup is a top-notch exercise in old school charm and hot rod swagger. If you're looking for a rare trifecta of 'low maintenance', 'fun to own' and 'great investment potential', this cool Chevy is your best bet!

BODYWORK/TRIM

The beneficiary of a high quality, frame-off restoration that was completed in late 2013, this sweet half-ton is a fully sorted crowd gatherer which wraps classic '50s design around proven GM mechanicals. During its $14,600 rejuvenation of the paint and body, the truck's expressive, all-steel body was stripped, massaged into a super straight canvas and bathed in wet-looking layers of Jet Black PPG. When that smooth basecoat dried, protective clearcoat was carefully applied and meticulously buffed to an impressive shine. And today, the truck sits as a slick utilitarian showpiece that's guaranteed to grab attention everywhere from the drive-in to the local hardware store!

In 1955, Chevrolet's Public Relations gurus dubbed the brand's new truck the Task Force series. At its core, “Task Force” is a naval term that refers to the specific manner in which a job is accomplished. And that svelte marketing jargon can be further distilled into a stylish yet functional combination of attractive lines and purposeful attributes. At the front of this Chevy, a wide, “CHEVROLET” branded grille hangs chrome-trimmed parking lamps between a shaved hood, a fresh bumper and chrome-trimmed headlights. At the sides of that grille, simple door handles and a correct chrome mirror ride between shaved fenders, classy 'Jet Pod' side sculpture and streamlined “Fleetside” quarter scripts. Above those handles, a curved 'Sweep-Sight' windshield and tinted greenhouse glass align behind bright stainless wipers and pristine stainless frames. And at the back of the truck, a “CHEVROLET” branded tailgate hides a stained Oak bed behind requisite skid strips, stainless-trimmed taillights, and a second chrome bumper.

ENGINE

In keeping with unspoken tradition, this Apache proudly sports a spry Chevy small block. That said; it's probably not quite the small block you're expecting. Lift the truck's valleyed hood and you'll find the forerunner to virtually all the technology still featured in Chevrolet sports cars: GM's potent LS2 small block. The rowdy mill utilizes 364 cubic inches to twist buff 10.9 to 1 compression into an even 400 horsepower and 400 lb./ft. of Oak-shaking torque. And despite consistently delivering track-blistering, low-end performance, it revs to 6,500 RPM and can drive like a commuter car! Up top, familiar Trailblazer SS fuel rail covers feature appropriate GM Performance Division badging. Up front, a polished Street & Performance air cleaner reflects a polished PRC radiator that's fitted with a large SPAL puller fan. At the sides of the block, ceramic-coated exhaust manifolds ensure all this from-the factory performance stays from-the-factory reliable. MSD plug wires join high quality Painless Wiring to ensure everything communicates as it should. And, aesthetically, the aluminum mill looks fantastic, accented with niceties like braided fluid lines, polished fluid reservoirs, a polished AC compressor and a glossy, Jet Black frame.

DRIVETRAIN/SUSPENSION

Crawling under this old school bowtie reveals a fresh Flat Out Engineering suspension that's sprinkled with the best attributes of Corvette engineering. That modern skeleton makes good use of polished half-shafts, polished coil-overs and coated control arms. At the edges of that hardware, red, power-assisted calipers squeeze four vented discs. Turns come courtesy of power rack-and-pinion steering. The aforementioned headers dump spent gases in to polished, true-dual pipes that are equipped with large, polished mufflers. All those first-rate parts move thanks to a familiar GM 4L65E 4-speed and fully polished driveshaft. Everything rolls on a sweet set of Coys wheels, which turn 235/55R17 Yokohama AVID ENVigors in front of 255/55R18 Yokohama AVID ENVigors. And overall, the underside of this Task Force is super clean, with details like an oversize fuel tank, a new brake booster and a polished battery box setting off fresh, weather-free floors.

INTERIOR

When you pop this pickup's doors, you'll find a detail-oriented cockpit with charmingly retro surfaces that were installed by Coverall Custom Upholstery of Martinsville, Indiana. Top dead center, a clean dash hangs Dakota Digital telemetry above modern pushbutton ignition, controls for the truck's Vintage Air climate system and hidden Custom Autosound audio. In front of that dash, a Tea's Design seat veils the look of traditional hardware in the unmistakable quality of custom tailoring. Below that seat, fresh California Carpet highlights billet foot pedals, a slick Lokar shifter and big kick speakers. Opposite that carpet, a custom headliner rides behind a polished mirror and custom sun visors. At the sides of the passengers, glossy doors hang simple armrests, chrome handles and small panels in front of power operated windows. And in front of the driver, a tilting steering column spins a classy, bowtie-branded wheel.

If you're looking for a unique classic that mixes quality restoration with unmatched style and unparalleled fun, this Chevy deserves your full attention. It's spectacular from every angle. It plays to a level of nostalgia that everyone can appreciate. And, whether you're racking up trophies at a show or just spending a Saturday afternoon on the town, it's guaranteed to be the center of attention wherever it goes!