Crown Jewel: A Supercharged V8 Chevy Apache Pickup

• October 12, 2024
• Story By
  Kevin Aguilar

In a world where time can fade even the most treasured memories, the act of restoring a beloved vehicle can serve as a powerful way to reignite those memories, turning back the clock and bringing a piece of the past roaring back to life. This was the experience of Marvin DuBose from Lampassas, Texas, who found that the right hands could breathe new life into his family’s old Chevy Apache. Years earlier, Marvin and his wife Kimmie had been thoroughly impressed by the work of Cimtex Rods, a hot rod restoration shop located just north of Austin, when they entrusted the team with the restoration of Kimmie’s 1964.5 Ford Mustang. The result was so remarkable that the couple made a promise that they would return to Cimtex with another project in the future.

Beyond Restoration

That future project turned out to be the revitalization of the family’s 1959 Chevy Apache—a truck with deep sentimental value, having been driven by their son throughout his high school years. The DuBose family didn’t just want a simple restoration; they wanted to transform the Apache into something extraordinary. They wanted to make the truck a stand out on the road, by blending its rugged, off-road nature with modern power and features. The goal was not only to restore the truck but to make it something that would encapsulate both the past and the present.

Modernized Off-Roader

With this vision in mind, Marvin turned once again to Cimtex Rods, confident that their expertise and craftsmanship could bring his dream to life. The team at Cimtex started by focusing on the truck’s foundations, ensuring that its off-road capabilities were preserved, while greatly enhancing its ride quality and reliability. They installed a full Roadster Shop chassis system, which provided a solid, modern base for the build. For better handling and control, Cimtex also equipped the Apache with beefier sway bars at both ends, and full 14-inch Wilwood big brakes were added to ensure that the taller, more powerful truck could be brought to a halt quickly and safely.

With the addition of 20x10 Fuel Offroad Clash wheels and 37x11.5R20LT E 128Q Nitto Ridge Grappler all-terrain tires, the Apache's stance became much more aggressive. The hybrid all-terrain/mud-terrain capabilities of these tires were ideal for this vehicle, which would see limited off-road use, but mostly pavement miles. These upgrades gave the Apache a bold presence, ready to tackle any terrain while looking impressive on the road.

Engine Upgrade

But Cimtex didn’t stop there. The heart of the build was the engine—a 2019 supercharged LT4 crate engine paired with an 8L90-E transmission, both part of a GM Connect & Cruise package. This setup was chosen for its ease of installation and the peace of mind that comes from knowing all components are perfectly matched. With 460 horsepower under the hood, the Apache was transformed into a true powerhouse. The engine bay itself is a work of art, with shaved and bead-rolled paneling creating a clean, sleek environment that highlighted the powerful LT4.

Beauty Inside and Out

With the mechanical upgrades complete, Cimtex turned its attention to the truck’s exterior. Marvin’s vision was to let the Apache’s natural, classic charm shine through, so the team focused on subtle yet impactful modifications. The body was then meticulously prepped for a new coat of pewter paint—a color carefully chosen by Kimmie to give the truck a fresh, distinctive look. To add contrast and depth to the paint scheme, Cimtex painted the grille, bumpers, and various accent pieces in black, creating a striking, two-tone finish.

As the exterior took shape, the team at Cimtex turned to the interior, which required a comprehensive overhaul to match the truck’s refined, yet rugged, exterior. The goal was to create a cabin that was both comfortable and stylish, with a touch of sophistication. They started by wrapping the bench seat and custom door panels in distressed leather, adding a layer of luxury to the interior. The freshly restored dash was outfitted with Dakota Digital gauges, providing modern functionality with a vintage look.

Family History Brought to Life

The transformation of the Apache took two years, but the result was nothing short of spectacular. Every major system, from the chassis to the drivetrain, was replaced with state-of-the-art components, ensuring that the truck was not only restored to its former glory, but was also equipped to last for many more decades. Cimtex Rods had succeeded in creating a vehicle that honored the Apache’s history while bringing it into the future with modern technology and craftsmanship.

For Marvin DuBose, the finished product is more than just a truck—it is a piece of family history brought back to life. The meticulous attention to detail, the dedication to quality, and the passion for craftsmanship that the Cimtex team poured into the project resulted in a vehicle that would be admired and cherished for years to come. The Apache, once a symbol of the past, had become a lasting family treasure, a testament to what is possible when skill, vision, and heart come together in the world of custom automotive restoration.

Hard Facts