Tim O’Connell – 1961 Chevy Apache

By Customs -N- Classics on April 19, 2019 • ( Leave a comment )

As most of you may know, if you have read my posts, i have a deep love for trucks. My absolute favorite is the 1965 Chevy Step Side.

There is no great reason why, it just is. However, I absolutely love the trucks from the 1960’s, especially step sides, of which, this truck is.

Tim contacted me via the new form, which you can do as well, if you have a project you would like to feature. Just click here.

Now, to see pictures of this truck, as I am sure you do, please go to the bottom, reading the article as you go, to see great shots.

Also, make sure to leave a comment for Tim, so he knows what you think, check out his Facebook group and let him know you got there from here.

Make, Model, Year of Project:

Official sponsor of this feature article. http://www.cbdoilishope.com

This is a 1961 Chevy Apache

What stage, if any, is this project in?

This is a Completed Project.

When did you purchase it and for how much?

I picked it up for $3500

Why did you choose this vehicle?

For one, my dad had a 1963 that I drove to high school.

I originally saw this this truck parked. Rode by it every day. Finally, I stopped in Icon Automotive and asked if it was for sale.

They said yes, but they wanted way too much.

So, I started hanging out there, and became one of “the guys”.

After another year, I asked again. Now the price dropped dramatically, and I jumped in. No regrets.

What sort of condition was it in when you started the project, what was wrong with it, etc.:

Old farm truck looking thing.

What, specifically have you done, or had done to it?

Lowered it and added 22” Transports.

Painted the top and bumpers

Dressed out the engine with all aluminum parts

Added dual custom exhaust

Can you list any and all parts that you have put in?

I put in shorter rear springs and 22” transport wheels

Upgraded to disc brakes

The interior was soundproofed

I added custom dual exhaust

The aluminum on the engine was an aluminum intake, aluminum pullies, polished alternator

The paint work was done under hood and exterior

Where have you purchased your parts?

I got a lot of parts at local shops, I also used Summit Racing

What about you?

I’m just an old guy who loves trucks. I am the owner/Admin of the facebook group, 1947-1997 Truck Nutz.

This is my 5th build. I have had a 1948 that’s now in Great Britain. A 1952 that’s now in Tennessee. A 65 and a 56 that have been and gone. I also have a 1997 Silverado. I love trucks.

Any stories regarding this project:

This truck has been to the Hot rod nationals, GoodGuys and several local shows

Any garages, parts stores, fabrication shops, etc you want to call out specifically?:

Icon Automotive. Those guys are the best and the best at what they do. Builds!

I would hang out there after work. They are two streets over from the BMW/Mercedes shop I worked at.

They do restoration and fabrication on older vehicles. Camaro’s, C10’s, Chevelle’, 3100 Chevy’s, you know, everything I love! It’s a good place to lean on their counter, talk cars, pet their dog, and just hang out.

Their door is always open.

Mike and Ben (Father son duo ), have helped me with my “61” tremendously.

Lowering, drilling wheels for hubcaps, wiring, you name it. Those dudes keep me running. They even gave me keys to the shop.

So, I am officially “one of the boys “.

From the editor:
This came attached to one of the emails from Tim and I felt it just needed to be added. I would steal it as my own, if it was possible.
Tim’s tag:
You see, they look at it, and they just think it’s a truck.
They see it as a rusty old hunk of junk that’s able to carry a couch or a refrigerator.
They see it as a tool and not much of anything more.
But, we see different.
We see memories.
We see bench seats and dates riding close.
We see rides in the back and feeling free.
We see country roads with the windows down.
We see learning to drive a stick, learning how to change oil and plugs.
We see a friend.
Yeah, they may see a truck, and they’d be right.
But we see our trucks. And they are beautiful.