Tom Patterson 1959 chevy apache, 1959 apache, Hayman’s Creations, Haymans Creations

Tom Patterson’s 1959 Chevy Apache

Almost all of us had childhood dream cars or trucks we wanted to own someday. For Tom Patterson, it was his grandfather’s ’59 Chevy pickup. Tom’s recently finished 1959 Chevy Apache, though, is certainly not his grandfather’s; it’s much nicer than any truck on the road back in the day.

Tom Patterson 1959 chevy apache, 1959 apache, Hayman’s Creations, Haymans Creations

“This ’59 Chevy truck tale goes way back to my early years,” Tom says. “My grandfather owned a ’59 Chevy that I took a lot of rides in. That certain year Chevy would always bring back great memories for me whenever he saw one.”

Finally, three years ago Tom found his ’59 in Maryland.

Tom Patterson 1959 chevy apache, 1959 apache, Hayman’s Creations, Haymans Creations

“I was walking around the show when I came to the car corral,” Tom says. “There sitting in front of me was the pickup. Not just any Chevy truck, but a ’59.”

As quickly as you can say “Hey, my grandfather had one like that,” the deal was done and Tom called Mike and Brad Swaney at Hayman’s Creations in Uniontown to pick up the truck. Once in the shop, it was clear that the truck needed major work. “The doors were zip-screwed shut and the cab and bed were pretty much rotted out,” Tom says.

Tom Patterson 1959 chevy apache, 1959 apache, Hayman’s Creations, Haymans Creations

In addition to the obvious restoration challenges, the Swaneys worked their magic modifying the pickup. Most trim pieces were removed; the bed steps were lowered to line up with the cab rockers, bumpers were tweaked. Under the hood, custom touches abound, like a hand-built firewall, custom radiator support, custom inner fender panels, engine cover and air intake. The smooth body is covered in Axalta Matador Red.

Tom Patterson 1959 chevy apache, 1959 apache, Hayman’s Creations, Haymans Creations


The truck rides on a TCI Engineering frame with power rack and pinion steering and a Currie 9-inch rearend running 3.55:1 gears and supported by a four-link system. Billet Specialties wheels (18×8 in front, 20×8.5 in the rear) are encased in BFGoodrich tires (235/45 in front, 245/40 in the rear).

Tom Patterson 1959 chevy apache, 1959 apache, Hayman’s Creations, Haymans Creations

Power comes from a 430-horsepower, 6.2-liter GM LS3. A 2.5-inch stainless steel exhaust system with Magnaflow mufflers handles the exhaust gases. A Flaming River tilt-column-mounted shifter guides the 6L80E automatic transmission gear selections.

Tom Patterson 1959 chevy apache, 1959 apache, Hayman’s Creations, Haymans Creations

Hayman Creations also executed the interior that features TMI seats covered in Relicate leather. The stock dash houses Classic Instruments gauges. Vintage Air keeps the cab cool, while American Autowire wiring handles the electrical needs. Billet Specialties supplied the steering wheel and handles.

Tom Patterson 1959 chevy apache, 1959 apache, Hayman’s Creations, Haymans Creations

The end result is everything Tom wanted. “Building the truck has been a fantasy come true and my wife Lou Ann and I have fun with it,” Tom says. “I never had something that has that much power and drives so smooth.”

Tom Patterson 1959 chevy apache, 1959 apache, Hayman’s Creations, Haymans Creations

Photos by Damon Lee

Dave Doucette is a long-time Goodguys member with a career in newspaper, magazine and website journalism. He was one of the founding editors of USA TODAY, editor of two daily newspapers and co-owner of a magazine publishing and trade show company. He owns and operates Real Auto Media. His first car was a 1947 Ford; he has owned Camaros, Firebirds, El Caminos and a 1956 Chevy that was entered in shows from California to Florida before being sold last year. He was one of the original Goodguys Rodders Reps and served as president of two classic Chevy clubs. Doucette grew up in South Florida, avidly following the racing exploits of local hero Ollie Olsen and, of course, Don Garlits. He remembers riding his bicycle to Briggs Cunningham’s West Palm Beach factory to peak through the fence at his Sebring and LeMans racers.