Building the Dream: Mark Slagle’s 1959 Chevy Apache Restomod

A 25-Year Search Leads to a Five-Year Build!

SOMETIMES

It takes a while to find that perfect truck. You know the one. It’s been on your bucket list for years. Starter trucks come and go, but those are simply learning experiences. They do, however, prepare you for your final goal.

Mark Slagle is a cattle farmer in Texas and looks back on building several of those preliminary trucks in the family garage before he finally found the right one—this 1959 Chevy Apache Double Deluxe Fleetside. If you’re not familiar with that lengthy model designation, it was the replacement for the very successful Chevy Cameo. The Double Deluxe begins with a specially trimmed Fleetside bed featuring a stainless steel “rocket” on the side that is usually accented with a two-tone paint scheme. The second portion of the Deluxe feature was the big back window cab, also two-toned and featuring chrome trim outlining all the glass, as well as chrome dash knobs, grille, and bumper. When you have both a Deluxe trimmed Fleetside bed and a Deluxe trimmed cab you have a “Double Deluxe,” the fanciest model you could buy in 1959. It was a one-year-only model, and Mark likes that idea since he and the truck arrived on the scene in the same year.

While nostalgia has its charm for some, Mark wasn’t in that camp. He preferred modern performance and reliability over 65-year-old technology. Since the goal of every restomod is to transform the ordinary into extraordinary, the typical approach begins with blending old-school style with modern underpinnings. In this case, creating a solid foundation was the first step. Working in his shop, Mark brought the vintage Chevy frame rails into the new millennium using a Camaro front clip that was upgraded with CPP tubular A-arms and 2-inch drop spindles. In the rear, the TCI 4-link holds a Currie 9-inch Ford Truetrac Posi slipped in place thanks to the rear C-notch. Dual adjustable Viking coilovers on all four corners soak up the bumps while the CPP 500 Series power steering box fitted with its quick 14:1 ratio allows the vintage truck to cut corners like a sports car. GM Big Bore brakes up front and Currie drums on the rear team up to slow things down. The modified chassis became a roller thanks to 18/20-inch American Racing rims paired with Nitto rubber.

Once the frame was complete, Mark approached the powertrain issue with a single aim. High-performance is the ultimate entertainment source and, since rolling slow was never part of the plan, the 383 Chevy stroker motor received lots of careful work from the folks at West Coast engines. Balanced and blueprinted, the V-8 was enhanced with an enthusiast’s wish list of go-fast goodies that began with GM forged rods, Keith Black pistons, and RPC aluminum heads—a combination that generated 10.5 to 1 compression. A Trick Flow hydraulic roller cam activates the valves, MSD ignition lights the fire, and a SCAT 9000 steel crank sends the power to the 4L60E transmission. Phoenix Transmissions in Weatherford, Texas, dialed in a 2500 stall speed and ensured the beefed automatic could handle up to 500hp.

Once the rock solid internals were complete, dress-up was next. Believing that show was just as essential as go, Mark chose the distinctive Speed Master 8-Stack intake for the looks of the classic Weber carb as well as the reliability of fuel injection. At the other end, free flowing Chevy ram’s horn headers dump spent gasses into a stainless steel system, quieted (almost!) by a pair of Flowmaster 40-Series mufflers. Turn the key and the throaty bark of the exhaust note lets you know that serious power resides under the hood. Also, it lets the neighbors know you’re home! Chrome, polished aluminum, and stainless steel accents are everywhere, making the potent powerplant sparkle while racking up show points.

Body mods were next and in keeping with the truck’s iconic status, Mark wisely chose a conservative approach. Lightly refreshed, the body spent time at Papa Roach Customs in Mount Pleasant, Texas. Ricky Roach was the man in charge, adding unique features like the one-of-a-kind third center hood spear along with the custom brace underneath, as well as the shaved gas tank door and stake pockets. A Brothers Truck chrome grille and bumper was installed along with dual halogen headlights that light the way at night. Brothers digital taillights bring up the rear. Once all the panels were aligned and gaps perfected, Ricky laid down a flawless Spies Hecker paintjob, combining their rich 2002 Black with Ferrari Rosso Red red accents on the rocket and the rear portion of the cab. A half dozen coats of clear created that mile-deep shine. The bed was the final touch as it features a combination of curly maple planks and stainless steel strips for a traditional touch, along with a personalized custom mixed red stain that complements the stunning red interior.

Mark smiles when he says his guidance to the interior specialists was, “I want a sea of red!” One look will convince you that Bradillac Upholstery in Canton, Texas, delivered. Bradford Clay and Tony Wilt transformed the unassuming farm truck interior into a luxury showpiece with a blend of expert craftsmanship and premium materials. Rich red Italian leather covers the low-profile bucket seats, custom center console, and door panels. Tasteful chrome accents add sparkle throughout like the Billet Specialties wheel and CPP column, door trim, pedals, and vents for the Vintage Air. Engine performance is monitored by the Dakota Digital VHX dash package while “Woah Black Betty, bam–ba-lam” blasts from the Custom Autosound stereo. Everything about this interior is inviting, thanks to its perfect mix of comfort, refinement, and luxury.

With a full tank, an open road, and nothing but fun ahead, any difficulties during the five-year build quickly faded when Mark finally got behind the wheel for the first time.

With the exception of the classic outer skin, virtually every nut and bolt on this truck has been massaged in some way. Although it is complete, it may never be finished with future upgrades only limited to Mark’s imagination. With a full tank, an open road, and nothing but fun ahead, any difficulties during the five-year build quickly faded when Mark finally got behind the wheel for the first time. His talents were quickly validated during one of the truck’s early outings, collecting a Top 10 trophy at the Fort Worth Texas C10 Nationals. Mark wants to thank the large group of friends and family who were involved in the build and especially his wonderfully supportive wife Theresa, who was always there, ready to help.

TRUCK SPECS

 CHASSIS & SUSPENSION

• Camaro Front Clip
• CPP Tubular A-arms
• CPP 2-inch drop spindles
• TCI 4-link
• Currie Truetrac Posi with 3.25 gears
• C-notched rear
• Dual adjustable Viking coilovers
• CPP 500 Series power steering box
• GM Big Bore front with drilled and slotted rotors
• Currie drums rear
• Jegs chrome master cylinder
• Custom bent stainless steel brake lines
• Aluminum 18-gallon fuel cell

WHEELS & TIRES

• American Racing Hopster 18/20 rims
• Nitto 245/45/18 front, 285/30/20 rear tires

ENGINE & DRIVETRAIN

• Chevrolet 383 Stroker V-8
• RPC aluminum heads
• GM forged rods
• Keith Black pistons
• MSD ignition
• Scat 9000 steel crank
• Speedmaster intake
• Speedmaster 8-Stack individual throttle body EFI system
• FAST computer
• Vintage Air Front Runner polished pulley system
• Chevrolet ram’s horn headers
• 2.5-inch stainless steel exhaust
• Flowmaster 40-Series mufflers
• Built by West Coast Engines, La Jolla, CA

EXTERIOR & PAINT

• Brothers Trucks grille, bumper, and digital taillights
• Halogen 5 ¾ dual headlights
• Custom third hood spear
• Custom under hood brace
• Filled gas door and stake pockets
• Curly maple wood planks and stainless steel strips
• Spies Hecker 2002 Black, Spies Ferrari Rosso Red, Spies 8180 Clear
• Ricky Roach of Papa Roach Customs, Mount Pleasant, TX

INTERIOR & STEREO

• Low-profile bucket seats done In red Italian leather
• Custom center console and door panels
• Stainless steel accents
• Billet Specialties steering wheel and CPP column
• Vintage Air
• Dakota Digital VHX dash
• Custom Autosound stereo
• Pioneer speakers in the dash, kicks, and behind the seats
• Bradillac Upholstery in Canton, TX

SPECIAL THANKS

Mark sends special thanks to the many friends and family who helped with the build along with Mark’s wife Theresa for her never-ending support.

Photo Credit: COREY DECKER