A Diesel-Powered 1959 Apache from The Great White North

EVERYONE needs a hobby to keep themselves busy and out of trouble. With so many different pastimes to choose from, some folks can easily say that nothing has proven to be as captivating as building custom cars and trucks. Customizing is so satisfying on so many levels—especially that first dopamine hit that comes with the finding and scoring of the next classic vehicle. Further satisfaction comes with the completion of every step, big and small, along the way. Having an ongoing vehicular project in the garage is like having a puzzle that constantly needs attention. It’s there and available every hour of the day to work on, and offers a heightened enjoyable experience when friends and family members can jump in on the action. But unlike that 1,000-piece jigsaw puzzle, a finished vehicle project offers the unique experience of physically driving it immediately after it’s done.

George Vinge of Oshawa, Ontario, Canada can vouch for the sentiments above. The sole reason he purchased this 1959 Chevy Apache pickup was to preserve a piece of automotive history while having a good excuse to indulge in spending time with his favorite people in the garage. While George would agree that the easiest part of the restoration process was striking the deal to purchase the truck from its previous owner, he found that the challenges he faced and overcame along the way were by far the most rewarding.

Even though George experienced so many unknowns and variables during the rebuild process of his Apache, there was one thing he knew for certain. His main mission was to maintain the truck’s authentically weathered exterior. That meant there would be zero body or paintwork to roll out, and minimal modern aftermarket accessories to bolt on.

With far less to worry about regarding the Apache’s outward appearance, George still had his hands full with the customization of its chassis system. After devising a game plan to alter his truck’s stance, George got to work boxing the Chevy’s original frame for extra strength and rigidity. He also C-notched the rear section and raised the bed floor to create proper clearance. George then installed Slam Specialties air bags at each corner and wired up an Air Lift 3P air management system to allow for ease of control of the Apache’s on-the-fly ride height. 20-inch Detroit Speed wheels, Michelin Pilot Sport tires, and upgraded front and rear disc brake setups update George’s pickup just right without overstepping the original aesthetic he was looking to maintain.

Although it would’ve been easy to drop in any type of GM crate engine, George thought outside of the box and figured it would be cool to add a dose of diesel to the Apache’s repertoire. Taking residence underneath the hood is a 1990 5.9L Cummins engine that was fine-tuned by Hot Rod Diesel in Woodville, Ontario. Backing it up is a NV400 5-speed transmission of the same vintage. While the inclusion of a diesel mill was a bit of a curveball for this type of truck, it most definitely boosted its character and set it apart from the crowd.

George felt compelled to upgrade some things inside of the cab as well, but just enough to keep it looking as original as possible. The factory bench seat was treated to fresh foam and reupholstered by a friend named Tim, who also refreshed the door pads, sun visors and roof panel. While George does plan to upgrade the suspension system with ride height sensors in the future, a trusty old level on the dash guides him while airing up the Apache for cruises around town.

After investing 18 months and a modest $50K (CAN) into the build process, George now has his ideal slice of patina-clad, automotive sweetness. The Apache has been to numerous local Canadian shows and Stateside events including C10 Nationals in Nashville, Tennessee, and Turkey Run Daytona in Florida. Watch out through—George has plans to tour it around to more destinations throughout the 2025 show season. While there were plenty of other ways he could’ve spent his valuable time and money, there was nothing else George would’ve wanted to do other than embracing his custom truck journey.

---

TRUCK SPECS

 Owner

• George Vinge
• Oshawa, Ontario, Canada

Engine & Drivetrain

• 1990 Cummins 5.9L
• Engine build and modifications by Hot Rod Diesel, Woodville, Ontario, Canada
• Factory connecting rods, pistons, rings, and camshaft
• 100hp injectors
• Governor springs
• Turbo
• 1990 NV4500 5-speed transmission
• South Bend clutch, pressure plate and flywheel
• Custom driveshaft
• Narrowed Ford 9-inch
• Strange axles

Chassis & Suspension

• Factory 1959 frame
• Boxed front to back and C-notched
• Slam Specialties front and rear air bags
• Monroe rear shocks
• QA1 stabilizer
• 1973 Camaro steering box
• Aftermarket fuel cell

Wheels, Tires & Brakes

• 20-inch Detroit Steel Ambassador wheels
• 235/30/20 and 335/30/20 Michelin Pilot Sport tires
• Front and rear disc brakes
• Wilwood master cylinder

Body & Paint

• Original factory paint and patina
• Interior
• Factory GM seat refurbished with custom foam and upholstery
• Custom upholstered factory door pads, sun visors, and roof panel
• Factory instrumentation, steering wheel, and stereo