Ever wondered how to turn a classic 1959 Chevy truck into a head-turning custom ride? Whether you’re restoring a family heirloom or chasing a lifelong dream, customizing your Chevy can be both rewarding and challenging. With rising interest in vintage trucks and the thrill of making something truly unique, learning the right approach is more important than ever.
This article breaks down the key steps, tips, and insider insights to help you successfully customize your 1959 Chevy truck from the ground up.
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Customizing a 1959 Chevy truck is a rewarding journey combining classic style, creativity, and modern performance. Whether you’re after the perfect restomod, a show-stopping cruiser, or a reliable daily driver with vintage flair, the process promises excitement and plenty of hands-on learning. Let’s explore how you can transform a 1959 Chevy truck into a unique custom vehicle tailored to your vision.
Understanding the Foundation: Why Customizing a 1959 Chevy Truck?
The 1959 Chevy truck, especially the iconic Apache series, stands out with its distinctive curves, robust construction, and nostalgic appeal.
Benefits of Customizing
- Timeless Aesthetics: Preserve or enhance the classic body lines that turn heads everywhere.
- Modern Performance: Upgrade the chassis, drivetrain, and suspension for today’s reliability and ride comfort.
- Personal Expression: Choose finishes, colors, and interiors to match your personal style.
- Increased Value: Thoughtful custom work can significantly boost your truck’s market value.
- Driving Enjoyment: Enjoy a seamless blend of old-school charm and new-school function.
The Customization Process: Key Steps and Considerations
Let’s break down the journey of customizing your 1959 Chevy truck into manageable steps.
1. Establish Your Vision and Budget
Before any parts are ordered or bolts are turned:
- Decide on a build style: Restomod (restored but modernized), Pro-Touring, classic restoration, or something unique.
- Consider your primary use: Daily driving, show truck, weekend cruiser, or shop hauler.
- Set a realistic budget including parts, labor, tools, and unexpected costs.
2. Disassembly and Inspection
- Remove the bed and cab: Start with a full teardown to inspect for rust, damage, and previous repairs.
- Label and document: Photograph and label parts, hardware, and wiring for easier reassembly.
- Assess the frame: Pay extra attention to the frame condition—surface rust is common but look for weak points or major issues.
3. Repair or Replace the Chassis
The original 1959 frame is sturdy, but often lacks the strength, geometry, and safety of modern designs. Consider your options:
Frame Upgrades
- Frame Restoration: Blast, repair, and reinforce the stock frame if you want to keep things pure.
- Aftermarket Chassis: Brands like Scott’s Hotrods, Art Morrison, Roadster Shop, and others offer custom frames with:
- Modern geometry for improved handling
- Built-in mounts for popular engines and transmissions
- Suspension upgrades (coilover, independent front, and 4-link rear setups)
- Bolt-On Upgrades: You can add independent front suspension (IFS) kits to maintain the stock frame but gain better ride quality and safety.
Decision Factors
- Your desired performance level
- Cost vs. originality
- Skill and tool availability for major fabrication
4. Suspension and Steering Upgrades
Modern suspension transforms both ride quality and safety.
- Front Suspension: Upgrade to an independent setup for superior comfort and control.
- Rear Suspension: Consider 4-link setups for adjustable ride height and improved traction.
- Power Steering: Swapping in a power rack and pinion system makes driving effortless, especially at low speeds.
Tip: Many chassis manufacturers offer turnkey kits for the 1955–1959 Chevy truck platform.
5. Brakes and Safety
The era of drum brakes has passed for most builders.
- Front Disc Brakes: For safer stopping, especially with more power.
- Rear Disc Conversion: Match performance front and rear.
- Upgraded Master Cylinder and Proportioning Valve: Ensure consistent brake feel and balance.
- Emergency Brake System: Don’t overlook this!
6. Drivetrain Choices
It’s your call between classic nostalgia and modern performance.
- Engine: Common swaps include small-block or big-block Chevy engines, LS-series V8s, or even inline-sixes.
- Transmission: Choose between manual for authenticity or automatic for drivability.
- Cooling System: Install an aluminum radiator and electric fans to manage higher horsepower and stop-and-go traffic.
7. Fuel System
Modern engines require efficient, safe fueling.
- Fuel Tank Relocation: Many builders move the tank out of the cab for safety and extra room.
- Electric Fuel Pump: Necessary for fuel-injected engines.
- EFI vs. Carburetor: Fuel injection delivers smoother starts and better efficiency, but carburetors can maintain classic vibes.
8. Interior Customization
Combine comfort with style.
- Seats: Modern seats or reupholstered originals for classic appeal and support.
- Dash and Gauges: Retro-fit digital gauges or customize with period-correct options.
- Air Conditioning/Heating: Comfortable cruising is the goal—upgrade or add modern AC/heat systems.
- Sound System: Hide speakers and wires for a clean look, or go wild with a classic stereo facade and modern guts.
9. Paint and Bodywork
A custom truck stands out with smooth lines and flawless paint.
- Body Mods: Shave door handles, smoothed seams, custom bumpers, or frenched headlights for a unique look.
- Paint: Go bold with custom colors or timeless with two-tone factory styles.
- Bed Wood: Upgrade to high-end hardwood or composite materials for the ultimate finish.
10. Wheels, Tires, and Final Details
Fitment matters for both looks and performance.
- Wheel Size: 17–20 inches are popular for a balanced stance with classic flavor and modern handling.
- Tires: Choose performance radials or period-looking whitewalls, depending on your style.
- Trim and Badging: Restore or customize emblems and trim for eye-catching details.
Practical Tips and Best Practices
- Plan each phase: Break the build into clear stages—chassis, wiring, body, paint, then assembly.
- Source quality parts: Invest in trusted brands for safety-critical parts like brakes, suspension, and steering.
- Stay organized: Use labeled bags for hardware, keep a build notebook, and track your spending.
- Ask for expert help: Don’t hesitate to seek advice or specialist services for complex tasks like paint or wiring.
- Take your time: Rushing increases mistakes and can impact quality—enjoy the process!
Cost Tips: Making the Most of Your Money
Custom builds range widely in cost. Here’s how to budget smartly:
- Start with your goals: Show-winning trucks demand larger investments, while daily drivers can be built incrementally.
- Compare kit vs. component: Sometimes a full chassis kit saves money and time over piecemeal upgrades.
- Watch shipping fees: Large items like frames and body panels can have hefty shipping costs—check supplier location and group shipments when possible.
- Buy used parts locally: For non-critical pieces, salvage yards and online forums can offer big savings.
- Do it yourself (when possible): Labor is a big chunk of the cost; learning new skills can reduce the bottom line.
Common Challenges (and Solutions)
- Rust/Corrosion: Almost every ’59 Chevy truck has some rust. Thorough inspection and proper repair (patch panels, media blasting) are critical.
- Parts Availability: While most mechanical parts are readily available, unique trim pieces may be scarce; be patient and resourceful.
- Electrical Gremlins: Old wiring is prone to failure. Swap in a modern wiring harness for reliability.
- Fit & Finish Issues: Mismatched panels and gaps are common. Dry-fit panels before final paint.
- Scope Creep: Stay focused! It’s easy to let a project grow out of control; stick to your build plan and enjoy each achievement.
Concluding Summary
Customizing a 1959 Chevy truck blends vintage charm with the best of modern technology, enabling you to craft a ride that performs as good as it looks. By carefully planning each phase—from chassis upgrades and power choices to comfort and style—you’ll ensure a result that’s as reliable and functional as it is stunning. Take your time, enjoy the journey, and your custom Chevy truck will become a rolling reflection of your passion and creativity.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I customize a 1959 Chevy truck without replacing the original frame?
Absolutely! Many builders restore and strengthen the factory frame, adding bolt-on suspension upgrades for improved ride and safety. However, for maximum comfort and handling, a custom chassis replacement is a popular choice.
2. What modern engine options fit a 1959 Chevy truck?
The most popular swaps are Chevrolet small-block or LS-series V8s, offering significant horsepower and reliability. With custom mounts or aftermarket chassis, almost any engine/transmission combo is possible—including inline-sixes, big-blocks, or crate motors.
3. How much does it cost to build a custom 1959 Chevy truck?
Costs vary widely, from $15,000–$30,000 for basic restomods up to $100,000+ for show-quality, fully modernized builds. Labor, paint, and unique parts are the largest budget factors.
4. Are aftermarket parts readily available for these trucks?
Yes! There is a vibrant industry producing everything from body panels and glass to chassis kits, suspension, wiring, and interior components. Specialty parts—like trim or badges—may take more time to locate.
5. Can I daily drive a custom 1959 Chevy truck?
With the right upgrades (modern suspension, brakes, reliable powertrain, and comfortable interior), a 1959 Chevy truck can serve as a stylish, enjoyable daily driver. Careful planning improves safety, efficiency, and convenience for regular use.