One Peach of an Apache
Nothing in life is much more relaxed and enjoyable when you’re spending time with like-minded individuals. Why settle for less when our time on this floating island is limited? Friends are the most influential and reliable connections we make, so when it comes time to collaborate on a project that everyone is equally hyped about, there’s no telling how successful the outcome can be.
Luckily when Thomas Kirven of Fayetteville, Georgia, was ready to embark on a full frame-off build centering around his ’56 Chevy Apache pickup, he knew exactly who to call to help get the project moving. Chris Pate, his friend, is the owner of Mobile Toys Inc. in College Station. The company’s interior-specific offshoot venture MTI Automotive Designs has kept Chris even busier these days, but he was looking forward to extending his resources to help Thomas navigate through the build process from start to finish. Chris’ list of connections would come in clutch while creating a classic pickup that would take the custom scene by storm.
A Steady Foundation
Thomas was guided by Chris to send his Chevy to Texas. Drops R Us, the first shop in the country to acquire the Apache, was Drops R Us. While there, the truck’s factory frame was separated from the body and was replaced with a full No Limit Engineering chassis. The new frame was outfitted with No Limit’s own frame stabilizer, steering box, fuel tank, and rear axle. The chassis and its components were tested and inspected before being blown up and sent off for powdercoating. Wilwood 6-piston braking kits were then installed at each corner, as was front 22×9 and rear 22×14 Savini forged wheels that also feature powdercoated detailing.
The Drops R Us crew wasn’t finished with the Apache just yet, as they were asked to drop in a brand-new GM Performance LT4 engine crate engine—the very same powerplant found in select Corvette Z06 models! Thomas could enjoy the truck’s full potential by pairing it with a 8L90E automatic transmission. Custom exhaust system with Magnaflow dual mufflers allows for maximum air flow and a throaty sound that can be heard blocks away. A whole lot of dress up work was planned for the engine bay, which would develop further at the truck’s next stop.
Shape Shifting
Thomas’ Apache soon made the commute within Texas to Alamo Customs in Alvin where it would meet its very transformative fate. Robert Meza, of Alamo, was on hand to receive the truck. He orchestrated over 200 body modifications that pushed the Chevy into the realms of heavily modified vehicles. The engine compartment was one of many areas that were restyled. The LT4 is buried beneath a paneling network and vents that were expertly fabricated. Even the underside has been treated the same way. You’d be hard-pressed to find another bay as clean and unique as this—on any vehicle of any pedigree out there.
The team at Alamo then gave the Apache a metal massage to prepare it for painting. Each panel was polished into perfect condition. The Chevy also received custom touches in addition to the usual metal surface smoothing. Some of these modifications blend in more so than others— a keen eye really is required to take notice of them all. Some of the unique features include a custom-made grille, bumpers and sunken rearlights. These are a nice twist on the OEM configuration. The bed has also been treated to a substantial amount of work including an entire floor’s worth of carefully cut and stained wood planks. Alamo looked at many color combinations to determine the best one for the vehicle. They finally settled on a combination of copper and champagne candy colors. The two tones work great together and complement the truck’s overall streamlined appearance splendidly. “Less is more” was the general goal to reach with the styling of the truck’s shell, but to get there, countless amounts of effort had to be invested into the process.
Inner Beauty: The Art of Inner Beauty
It was now time to take the unique form of the Chevy truck into the cab. MTI Automotive Designs specializes in custom interiors for higher-end vehicles of all types, and it was in this phase that Chris Pate was able to have a hands-on experience with Thomas’ steadily evolving Apache. A custom pair of buckets seats was created first, then a center console and door panels. Dash and all other interior features were added. Relicate leather upholstery covered every surface of the interior to make the most out of the unique design. What couldn’t be wrapped was painted or carpeted to get the desired effect. A sleek command centre was installed at the front console. This allows both the driver and the passenger to have easy access to the functions of power windows and doors, as well climate controls. The dash was wiped clean of everything possible to keep the driver’s line of vision as unobstructed as possible. The Apache’s cockpit turned out just as beautiful as Chris assured Thomas that it would. The interior has been made as simple as possible and looks as elegant as any custom or factory-built vehicle.
The project began in 2008 and cost $250K. Its outcome has been praised and admired by many. Every aspect of the Apache is the work of masters in their field, and no corners were cut along the way. Patience has been key, and once the dust finally settled, Thomas’ Chevy was loaded up and taken to major shows throughout the country. This truck has made a lasting impression on tailor-made vehicle lovers across the spectrum, from SEMA and Lone Star Throwdown events to Good Guys and Autorama in Texas. A meeting of minds between pals and an apparent enjoyment of various aspects of custom fabricating work are at the heart of this build. A build of this size is sure to produce awards, magazine features, and trophies. But the focus has always been on pure passion.
Nothing in life is much more relaxed and enjoyable when you’re spending time with like-minded individuals. We have a limited time here on this floating rock, so we shouldn’t settle for anything else. Friends are the most influential and reliable connections we make, so when it comes time to collaborate on a project that everyone is equally hyped about, there’s no telling how successful the outcome can be.
The Drops R Us crew wasn’t finished with the Apache just yet, as they were asked to drop in a brand-new GM Performance LT4 engine crate engine—the very same power plant found in select Corvette Z06 models!
Luckily when Thomas Kirven of Fayetteville, Georgia, was ready to embark on a full frame-off build centering around his ’56 Chevy Apache pickup, he knew exactly who to call to help get the project moving. Chris Pate, his friend, is the owner of Mobile Toys Inc. in College Station Texas, a company that specializes in custom automobiles. The company’s interior-specific offshoot venture MTI Automotive Designs has kept Chris even busier these days, but he was looking forward to extending his resources to help Thomas navigate through the build process from start to finish. Chris’ list of connections would come in clutch while creating a classic pickup that would take the custom scene by storm.
A Steady Foundation
Thomas, under the direction of Chris sent his Chevy to Texas in order to start the ball rolling. Drops R Us, the first shop in the country to acquire the Apache, was Drops R Us. While there, the truck’s factory frame was separated from the body and was replaced with a full No Limit Engineering chassis. The new frame was outfitted with No Limit’s own frame stabilizer, steering box, fuel tank, and rear axle. The chassis and its components were tested and inspected before being blown up and sent off for powdercoat. Wilwood 6-piston braking kits were then installed at each corner, as was front 22×9 and rear 22×14 Savini forged wheels that also feature powdercoated detailing.
The Drops R Us crew wasn’t finished with the Apache just yet, as they were asked to drop in a brand-new GM Performance LT4 engine crate engine—the very same powerplant found in select Corvette Z06 models! Thomas could enjoy the truck’s full potential by pairing it with an 8L90E automatic transmission. Custom exhaust system with Magnaflow dual mufflers allows for maximum air flow and a throaty sound that can be heard blocks away. A whole lot of dress up work was planned for the engine bay, which would develop further at the truck’s next stop.
Shape Shifting
Thomas’ Apache soon made the commute within Texas to Alamo Customs in Alvin where it would meet its very transformative fate. Robert Meza from Alamo received the truck, and he orchestrated more than 200 body modifications. This pushed the Chevy even further into the realms a heavily-modified vehicle. The engine compartment was one of many areas that were restyled. The LT4 is buried beneath a paneling network and vents that were expertly fabricated. Even the underside has been treated the same way. You’d be hard-pressed to find another bay as clean and unique as this—on any vehicle of any pedigree out there.
The team at Alamo then gave the Apache a metal massage to prepare it for painting. Each panel was polished into perfect condition. The Chevy also received custom touches in addition to the usual metal surface smoothing. Some of these modifications blend in more so than others— a keen eye really is required to take notice of them all. Some of the unique features include a custom-made grille, bumpers and sunken rearlights. These are a nice twist on the OEM configuration. The bed has also been treated to a substantial amount of work including an entire floor’s worth of carefully cut and stained wood planks. The color of a custom vehicle is a major factor in its visual impact. Alamo’s team carefully considered all possible combinations before settling on a mix of champagne and copper candy shades. The two tones work great together and complement the truck’s overall streamlined appearance splendidly. “Less is more” was the general goal to reach with the styling of the truck’s shell, but to get there, countless amounts of effort had to be invested into the process.
Inner Beauty: The Art of Inner Beauty
It was now time to take the unique form of the Chevy truck into the cab. MTI Automotive Designs specializes in custom interiors for higher-end vehicles of all types, and it was in this phase that Chris Pate was able to have a hands-on experience with Thomas’ steadily evolving Apache. The first thing that was done was to create a pair of custom bucket seats. Next, the center console, doors, dash and everything else inside of the cabin were all created. Relicate leather upholstery covered every surface of the interior to make the most out of the unique design. What couldn’t be wrapped was painted or carpeted to get the desired effect. A sleek command centre was installed at the front of console to allow both the driver and the passenger easy access. This allows them to control the climate and power windows. The dash was wiped clean of everything possible to keep the driver’s line of vision as unobstructed as possible. The Apache’s cockpit turned out just as beautiful as Chris assured Thomas that it would. The interior has been made as simple as possible and looks as elegant as any custom or factory-built vehicle.
After two years and $250K, the result is a project that deserves praise and respect. Every aspect of the Apache is the work of masters in their field, and no corners were cut along the way. Patience has been key, and once the dust finally settled, Thomas’ Chevy was loaded up and taken to major shows throughout the country. This truck has been a hit at events across the country, from SEMA and Lone Star Throwdown in Texas to Good Guys and Autorama. A meeting of minds between pals and an apparent enjoyment of various aspects of custom fabricating work are at the heart of this build. A build of this size is sure to produce awards, magazine features, and trophies. But the focus has always been on pure passion.
TRUCK SPECS
Owner
Thomas Kirven
Fayetteville, GA
1956 Chevy Apache
MTI Automotive Designs
Engine & Drivetrain
Shop: Drops R Us, Pasadena, TX
The 2018 LT4 Corvette engine is factory supercharged.
Magnaflow 3 inch exhaust system
2018 8L90E 8-speed Transmission
Chassis & Suspension
Custom No Limit Engineering frame
No Limit Engineering rear drive axle, fuel tank and steering box
Wheels, Tires & Brakes
22×9 and 22×14 Savini SV72 wheels
Nitto tires
Wilwood 6-piston brake kits with master cylinder
Body & Paint
Robert Meza, Alamo Customs in Alvin, TX, Customized bodywork by Robert Meza and painted by Alamo Customs
PPG champagne / copper candy paint
Custom bumpers and grilles
Heise headlights
Interior & Stereo
Shop MTI Automotive Designs College Station TX
Relicate leather custom-made seats
Billet Specialties steering Wheel
Morel stereo
The post Georgia On My Mind: Timeless Charm Of A 1956 Chevy first appeared on Street Trucks.
