Words and Owner: Ben Builder: Jerome Plunkett of JP Race Cars (Portland, MI)
This 1959 Chevy Apache truck was manufactured in Los Angeles, CA. Based on the solid condition of the steel body, I’m assuming it spent the majority of its life out West in a warm, dry climate. I bought it from a man in Tennessee in 2014. It barely ran, leaked a lot of fluids, only 2 of the 4 transmission gears were functional and none of the interior gauges were operable just for starters. She needed a lot of work!
I’m a big fan of the patina, hot rod truck movement that’s exploding right now. I knew I wanted a truck that was incredibly reliable and fast but maintained the weather-worn aesthetic.
One of my good friends, Jerome Plunkett of JP Race Cars in Portland, Michigan, was clearly the guy to do the build. JP has a history of building incredible cars and has won awards at the Detroit Autorama with multiple vehicles.
JP and I decided to tear the truck down and ultimately completed a full body-off restoration. The frame was powder coated and everything was built brand new from the ground up (see details below). The only thing not touched or new is the skin of the body.
She went from a very troubled, busted old lady to a wicked fast, eye-catching restomod.
ENGINES
Everything under the hood is brand new.
New 383 Stroker from West Coast Engines (DYNO just under 480HP)
Pro-Systems custom carburetor
Custom Aluminum Radiator
Edelbrock Air Intake & Air Filter
Edelbrock Valve Covers
Chrome MARCH Serpentine Conversion Kit
Chrome Power Brake Conversion Kit
Chrome Radiator Overflow Tank
Electronic Ignition
Hooker Headers
Saginaw 4-Speed Transmission
New PAINLESS Wiring
INTERIOR
Everything in the interior is brand new!
TMI Upholstery Custom Bench Seat (brown houndstooth / brown)
Seat Belts
Custom Carpets by Universal Interiors
New Pedals
HURST Shifter
IDIDIT Chrome Steering Column
Red Instrument Gauge Cluster
Door Handles
Window Cranks
Dash Mounted Tach
Chrome Under Dash Mounted Gauges
Original Glass and Window Seals Show Age and Distress
EXTERIOR
This truck was manufactured in Los Angeles, spent some time in the Appalachian Mountains in Tennessee and was recently restored & modified. The paint is weathered and the patina adds a lot of character
Matte Clear to Protect the Patina Paint
A portion of the bed length has been removed so it’s just over 12” longer than a short bed
The tailgate assembly and rear of bed have been modified to match the same forward pitch as the cab and fenders
New Running Lights
New Tail Lights
New Oak Wood Bed
New Fuel Cell
New Brake Lines
New Black Widow Exhaust
New Brake Drums / Brakes
Custom foot activated parking break
SUSPENSION
All suspension from the ground up is brand new!
1985 Chevy Truck Frame Has Been Powder-Coated & Modified to Accept 1959 Chevy Body
Static Drop (roughly 6″ off ground)
Rear Leaf Springs & Coil Springs
Front & Rear Shocks
Upper Control Arms
Lower Control Arms
Hellwig Sway Bar
WHEELS
20″ Rambler Wheels by US MAGS
NITTO Tires
