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The
Cimarron Starlite Cruisers' Car Club proudly features, great classic
vehicles, which belong to the good folks of Oklahoma.
The September 2013 Great Oklahoma
Classic belongs to Jeff Huffman of Stillwater, Oklahoma. On this very warm September
day we met up with
Jeff at the Annual Downtown Stillwater Car Show. This outstanding 1959
Chevrolet Apache was bought new in Beloit Kansas from Fuller Chevrolet by
Jeff’s grandfather, Hooley Huffman.
Hooley passed away in 1964 and the Apache was handed down to Jeff’s
father.
Jeff’s
family was farming in north central Kansas
and the Apache was used as a tool for farming from day one. The old Chevy hauled
fuel, tools,
hay, feed and anything else that was needed in the operation of their farm. In the early 70’s the old truck was put to rest in
a field as happens to so many farming tools when they are used up. In the late
80’s Jeff and his father decided
to bring the Apache back to life.
During
the restoration process the old truck was
kept stock but Jeff and his dad added a few touches to make it a little more fun! The
original 235 cubic inch inline six
cylinder engine was rebuilt but a dual carburetor manifold was added along with
HEI ignition and a split manifold for a dual exhaust system. They moved the
fuel tank from the cab to the
between the frame rails in the rear. The Huffmans kept the original three speed column
shift transmission in the classic.
The old warn out wooden bed flooring was
replaced with a custom wood floor.
The
interior was customized just a bit by adding a
seat from a 1988 Chevy pickup. Jeff and his father left the rest of the
interior stock for that classic look. You will hardly notice the AM/FM stereo unit in the stock looking dash. You cannot help
but notice the mixture of candy red, silver, black and chrome, that makes one smile when looking at this wonderful interior.
This classic Chevy rides on a set of P235/60R/15
B F Goodrich T/A Radial tires mounted to custom ARE wheels.
To
give their truck a personal touch, Jeff and his
dad gave the Apache a custom roll pan and tailgate which adds a very classy
look to the back of the truck. Notice the gasoline filler cap on the left rear fender. Looks like a factory application!
Jeff’s
father passed away in 2009. Jeff continues to think of his dad and
grandfather and their legacy each time he shares the classic truck in local and
area show. This classic Chevrolet Truck
is truly a Huffman family heir loom. The truck has been shown in Iowa,
Nebraska, Kansas, Missouri and now in Oklahoma.
The Cimarron Starlite Cruisers
sincerely appreciate Jeff Huffman for sharing his beautiful classic 1959 Chevrolet Apache
as our Great Oklahoma Classic for September 2013!
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