Utility vehicles and custom restomods seldom go hand in hand. The term typically conjures images of rotted-out pickups with rusty flat beds, worn-out tool boxes, and an arm with an “I heart momma” tattoo hanging out the left door. But don’t let your preconceived notions fool you today, because this 1959 GMC Apache is one hell of an American ride!
Custom Cab Exterior
This truck is one mean lookin’ mother! When she first rolls by, you know she has the guts to get any job done while looking good doing it. SEMA show builder, Nostalgia Hot Rods, outfitted the original GMC Apache cab with all-new sheet metal, a new heavy-duty bumper, winch, and LED lighting all the way around. After being shot in matte black and mounting fresh trim, door handles, and mirrors, a custom flatbed was mounted to the rear for any heavy-duty work you might require. But not just any bed, no, this bed has built-in lockable cabinets. Two hidden compartments with electric actuators tucked under the finished wood slats and a built-in air compressor. The bed height adjusts to whatever load you have mounted with a rear airbag leveling system. 35” Falken Wildpeak M/T Offroad tires grip dirt, trails, or roads while looking mean on the 20” Lonestar Offroad black wheels.
What You’ll Be Riding On
The original pickup was a ¾-ton truck meant for tough work. But those old leaf springs and heavy-duty drum brakes wouldn’t do you much good in today’s world. That’s why the cab was mounted on a modern 2010 Chevrolet Suburban 2500HD chassis. Stock disc brakes, suspension, and rear axle will handle all the dirty work of this machine. It’s currently configured as a 2-wheel-drive system but can be easily upgraded to 4-wheel drive if needed.
The Heart Of This Beast
Pop the hood on this ride, and you’ll be happy to see an LS motor that’s tried and true in the world of kicking ass and getting shit done: the 5.3 V8. The iron block is ready to work and completely stock, making all maintenance and gathering parts a cinch. The 4L60E transmission resides behind the motor and runs to the stock rear end. All wiring and plumbing were strategically hidden with new inner fenders custom made for this classic truck. Two batteries are needed to keep this rig going, one to power the motor and the other to handle the winch, air compressor, and air suspension. And of course, the beast makes all in the vicinity aware of its arrival by growling through the Black Widow exhaust system.
Shoulda Been A Cowboy
Like the ever-reliable stallion that helped the cowboy settle the West, this animal rolls in style with a western vibe. A custom cowhide and brown leather blend from the bench seat to door panels. A full cowhide headliner rests above you, with a custom center console that grips that beverage for you. Tunes roll in through a Pioneer radio while Vintage Air A/C keeps you cool on those hot southwestern days. A Dolphin gauge cluster houses the custom instruments while you channel your inner trucker as you call out on the CB radio and check the police scanner for any smokies in the area.
You can’t get much more American with this restomoded utility vehicle. There’s no job too big or cruise too far that she can’t handle. And with that wild, can-do spirit that embodies America, especially out west, there’s no one who won’t stop to admire your new ride. Happy bidding and be sure to enjoy the ride.
The Block is Open
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