1959 Chevy Apache big back window fleetside.

[gcm]

Hi everyone...

I was wondering if someone who knows more about this era of cheve truck could help me please. I know in most cases a restored or original truck will be worth more then if its hot rod truck......but the truck i found is a 6 cylinder originally how ever it is a 1959 chevy Apache fleetside side with a big window.

Now first question are the 6 cylinder trucks worth quite a lot less if restored?

I know in cars V8 or big blocks are a huge deal and my suburban is a big block...but not sure about these older trucks and someone had told me these trucks don't have an engineer code so one could put in a V8 and as long as she it's the correct one for the era its all the same. But other then the honesty issues there.....I looked in 59 there were codes for a V8 in the VIN. It's been a long time dream of mine to have one of these gorgeous trucks so I am getting it but just wanted some info on it....anyone know production numbers on the Apache big back window fleetside trucks?

And is it posible to have a hot ridding truck that actually is worth more the original?

[Dan in Pasadena]

I don't have production numbers but unless you're planning to do a 100 point concours d elegance restoration I wouldn't worry too much abut the relative value of a 235 six versus a 283 V8.

In many cases; most cases, a very well done modernization will sell for more than a very well done restoration. More people want them that way.

[dwcsr]

The truck is worth what ever the buyer that has the money will pay. I find that restored to original usually sells for less than a truck that is updated with modern suspension, brakes, and comforts. Not sure what an engineer code is but the serial number sometime tell the motor. 58 59 big window fleets are getting more popular. Go over to sites like hemming's and look up the values.

I will say that if your going full restoration and you have the wrong motor or transmission or trim in knocks down the values a lot because they think you just slapped it together to get a high price.

[gcm]

I was looking to hot rod the truck but some insane engine in the truck...but keep the body and interior original. Do you know how much they go for? I have seen a huge range on line.

[OrrieG]

Not a task force, but yesterday a fully restored stock 52 three window truck sold for $10,500. Guy pulled the reserve at the last minute to sell it. Cars were going relatively cheap.

[_Ogre]

the easiest way to sell a truck for $30k is to spend a $60k building it
build it for you, the way you want it

the vin started with a V in an original V8 55-59 truck, so no hiding the fact of the 6 cyl swap
see line 2 above

[OrrieG]

Originally Posted by OrrieG

Not a task force, but yesterday a fully restored stock 52 three window truck sold for $10,500. Guy pulled the reserve at the last minute to sell it. Cars were going relatively cheap.

Forgot to say it was on Dallas Mecum Auctions, on velocity channel. Talked to a guy Saturday about my Chevelle. He said a friend of his spent 92K building his dream car (68 Chevelle) and sold it for just under 50K so the 50% rule still applies.

[Foot Stomper]

Originally Posted by _Ogre

the easiest way to sell a truck for $30k is to spend a $60k building it
build it for you, the way you want it

the vin started with a V in an original V8 55-59 truck, so no hiding the fact of the 6 cyl swap
see line 2 above

The modified trucks (in my honest opinion) are worth less than original ones. To modify it you have to spend a lot more on front end suspension, brakes, then you get the "I want power steering" bug and the list goes on and on.

You do what YOU want. Don't worry about resale and end up building something YOU don't like or want to drive.

However...here it comes... in my opinion (just being honest), cutting the front clip off to support Mustang running gear and a 600 HP power plant (and other surgeries) is a sad thing to see one of these old girls go through. Especially a "Shortbox Fleetside Big Back Window" truck... Not 1:10,000 rare but very rare enough. By original I mean changes that don't forever permanently change the truck, such as seats, paint scheme's, wheels and such. Drop a 350 in it if you like too... just leave the cutting torch alone.

I saw a Cameo on line once that was so butchered up it made me sic to my stomach.

If you want to tear up some tires and asphalt too, find a common as hell ol' 50's truck and tear it up whatever way suits you. I'd try to leave the unique ones intact... once cut up, they're just gone.

The real sad thing is some clowns look just for the rarest of rare pieces to cut up so NOBODY has anything like they have... what a crime!!

[gcm]

I wont cut anything i may get a custom frame for it and keep the old one. I think one should modernize and customize as they please any old car or tryck because at least it keeps them out of the junk yard.....BUT personally i like it to be done in a way that can easily be undone. So for example if the worst thing shold be repainting the vehical. And to add to that some vehicals should only be restored like my 1967 Volvo GT123.....only 24 canadian made survived and 4 ever made in the colour i have.....but i am not sure what is the value on a 6 cylinder truck vs a V8 truck if they are both 59 chevy apaches with big back window and fleetside box? Does anyone know if the price difference is like a huge amount?

Thanks again for everyones comments I really appricate your views and expertise

[dubds10]

Originally Posted by gcm

I wont cut anything i may get a custom frame for it and keep the old one. I think one should modernize and customize as they please any old car or tryck because at least it keeps them out of the junk yard.....BUT personally i like it to be done in a way that can easily be undone. So for example if the worst thing shold be repainting the vehical. And to add to that some vehicals should only be restored like my 1967 Volvo GT123.....only 24 canadian made survived and 4 ever made in the colour i have.....but i am not sure what is the value on a 6 cylinder truck vs a V8 truck if they are both 59 chevy apaches with big back window and fleetside box? Does anyone know if the price difference is like a huge amount?

Thanks again for everyones comments I really appricate your views and expertise

The price difference is upto a potential buyer and your market. Some guys wants the six and others want the 8. Doesn't always means there's a price difference, more so depends on the buyer. AB still has high prices on classics, but don't buy trying to flip if you don't know these trucks in and out. It's easy to over pay and get bit in the ass, especially if you're watching the US market as it's much bigger and higher than the Canadian market I find.