1958 Chevy Apache w/348 Questions

[mark_peterman]

I recently bought a 1958 Chevy apache with a 348 big block. It has the original cab and fenders, a 1-ton dually rear end, and 4 on the floor. My question is, did Chevy Apache's come with a 348 from the factory? If so, where would I look to see if the engine in the truck is in fact original. The guy I bought it from has no idea.

[alaska gasser]

I've never heard of one, but nice find. I'm putting a 348 in my '48.

Pictures are a must.

[Dan in Pasadena]

Maybe in the Vikings but not in an Apache (1/2 ton trucks).

My Dad put first a 283 in his '59 Fleetside then later a 348 and it ran like stink. Quite the engine those "rock crushers" were!

[Speedbumpauto]

I never say never but 99% sure there were no 348's in any small truck, ever. 58 was the first year for the W engine in a passenger car and it was the performance engine of the day. Put out there to compete with the Ford 352 FE engine which debuted in cars the same year. Built one for a model A last year and parts are expensive. Nice looking under the hood and there's a stroker kit from Showcars and others that will get it out to near 500 CID if you want to get frisky.

[_Ogre]

to add to speedbumps 99%...
the 348 was introduced in 58 as a truck motor, a big truck motor, the 58 3100 had factory sbc 283
but this was also the era of dealer accessories and the 348 may have come new from the dealer
it may have been a 58 truck motor but it would not have been factory

if it were a gmc it may have had a 336 pontiac motor in 58

[dicer]

If it had a one ton rear end and the number on the side ie the series is higher than 32 and 31, then it is NOT an apache. Apache is the name only for the light duty trucks there were other names for the heavier ones. And yes a 348 was a factory option for the heavier duty trucks, I don't have the info at hand right now to say which ones for sure.

[1project2many]

You could also get a Buick nailhead in '58 but only in a Chevrolet bus chassis.

If the engine is original for '58 it should have parts with '58 casting numbers. Reference info is here: http://www.348-409.com/blockcast.html
Block casting number is on the driver's side rear of the engine. The date code can be found to the RH side of the casting number.

http://www.348-409.com/datecodes.htm

Get a shot of the door plate and/or VIN tag.

[_Ogre]

Originally Posted by dicer

If it had a one ton rear end and the number on the side ie the series is higher than 32 and 31, then it is NOT an apache. Apache is the name only for the light duty trucks there were other names for the heavier ones. And yes a 348 was a factory option for the heavier duty trucks, I don't have the info at hand right now to say which ones for sure.

the apache moniker is 1/2 ton to 1 ton 1958 thru 1961 chevy trucks
here is my 1959 1 ton side spear with apache and 38 clearly visible
pre 1958, 3800 is a 1 ton truck, chevy dropped the 00 in 1958, so a 1958 38 is a 1 ton apache

light duty trucks (1/2 to 1 ton) were apache
medium duty trucks were viking, 1.5 and 2 ton
heavy duty trucks were spartan anything over 2 ton

[OrrieG]

Every 348 magically becomes a 409 when installed, just like early SBC Vette motors 8^))

[1project2many]

Every 348 magically becomes a 409 when installed, just like early SBC Vette motors 8^))

How to gain 31 cubic inches with an oil pan swap. :-}

[dicer]

Originally Posted by _Ogre

the apache moniker is 1/2 ton to 1 ton 1958 thru 1961 chevy trucks
here is my 1959 1 ton side spear with apache and 38 clearly visible
pre 1958, 3800 is a 1 ton truck, chevy dropped the 00 in 1958, so a 1958 38 is a 1 ton apache

light duty trucks (1/2 to 1 ton) were apache
medium duty trucks were viking, 1.5 and 2 ton
heavy duty trucks were spartan anything over 2 ton

Right on I should have studied my info before posting, thank you for the post.