Bringing his father’s 1958 Deluxe Fleetside into the 21st century was no small feat for Tony, but getting his father back in the truck has been enjoyable.
Tony learned to drive on the truck when he was a kid. His father, now 93-years-old, always wanted to restore the truck.
“It sat in his basement for close to 40 years. He never got to do it.” Tony said. “I finally took it home and rebuilt it.”
Tony’s had the truck out on the road for the last two years, testing it and ironing out the bugs. He did all the work on it himself, except for the paint. He had his eye on a 2013-2020 Ford Prius color, but touch-ups later would have been difficult because the paint required a 3-step process. Instead, Tony went with a GM color that was a base coat and clear coat.
During the process, Tony’s Dad said his son put too much money in it and worried he’d never drive it.
“I did, I put way too much money in it. I guess,” Tony said. “But if I did, I’m not going to let it sit there. I’m going to drive it.”
In the last two years, Tony’s put 10,000 miles on the truck, taking it to shows and driving it around town.
“My wife probably loves it more than I do,” Tony said. “She won’t drive it, but she loves to get out and run around with us.”
Tony said the biggest lesson he learned was about taking his time. Looking back, he would have done some of the work a little differently. He would have set his engine back a few inches. He had very little room for fans, or anything else, upfront.
“I’ve fooled with cars my whole life, but I’ve never done one to that extent,” Tony said. “I like it though. Not a whole lot I would change. I thought about more motor, but the frame’s not designed for that.”
The bed is made from hickory, which a friend of Tony’s gave him and he had cut at a local cabinetry shop.
It looks real nice,” Tony said. “It about killed me trying to figure out how to get it to shine.”
Growing up on the truck, Tony said he can definitely feel the difference in how it drives.
“It tracks and corners like crazy,” Tony said. “Total difference.”
Great article! It is nice to see guys doing this stuff in their garage!
Tony killed it with his restoration and the fact that the truck has that much family history is awesome!
I literally looked at every picture.
Nice!!
Nice looking truck. I have a 1940 3/4 T LWB step side pu. It is Red with Black fenders.
nice truck they always cost to much if you do it right .
My name is David Clayton and I live in Cleveland Tennessee. I’m currently in the process of rebuilding a 58 Chevy Stepside Apache. I’m about two years into the build and learning as I go.
I just wanted to compliment you on your truck. It looks great! I am amazed at the amount of work and money that it takes to rebuild one. Maybe I will see you around the area.
David, thank you. Yes, hopefully I’ll run into you at one of the shows around our area. We go up to Cambridge Square in Ooltewah on Monday nights sometimes. Maybe we’ll see you there. Hopefully driving that 58 you’re working on. I’d like to see it.
Too much money in it? You can’t have to much money in a truck that looks like that. Good job Tony….I am a bit envious though. Love it…
Was wondering if you still have original rear end. I am restoring my 58 step side. It has a amc 20 rear end in it. I would love to keep original as possible . I see you changed yours.??
Steve, I’m sorry but I don’t have the original rear end. I got rid of pretty much all the running gear.