Reviving a Classic: The Journey of Francois Roberts' '56 Chevy 3100 Apache

Growing up in a household where hot rods were a way of life, it was only natural for Francois Roberts to follow in his father's footsteps. A true petrol head, Francois not only owns a '64 Cortina, 911 Targa wide body, and an SL 320 but also had his eyes set on a '56 Chevy 3100 Apache.


Photos by Jan van Der Walt.

Initially acquired from an elderly couple, the project began with Francois' septuagenarian father taking the reins. He fitted a Jaguar suspension, overhauled the 350 small block, and completed the drivetrain assembly. Despite encountering imperfections in the paintwork, the Chevy held sentimental value as a project undertaken by his father.

Owner's Name: Francois Roberts
Builder's Name/Shop: Originally built by my father, later restored and customized by Steelroad Rod & Custom
Location: Benoni
Year: 1956
Make: Chevrolet
Model: 3100 Apache

Issues Arise:

After a few years of driving, the Chevy faced challenges – a broken shock mount, bump steer issues, and an unwanted petrol smell inside the cab. Enter Steelroad Rod & Custom. Francois found them online and sought their expertise to resolve the issues and elevate his beloved Chevy.

Upon inspection, Steelroad discovered a twisted chassis, prompting a crucial decision. Francois, contemplating an air suspension setup, opted for a complete chassis replacement, air ride installation, a new full leather interior, and a fresh paint job by Steelroad.

Body Work:

Addressing previous imperfections, Steelroad repaired rust, fabricated a new tailgate, and embossed Francois' son's name, Aaron, on it. The original Rossi Red was retained but given a Duxone 2k treatment for a flawless finish.

Willie from Steelroad Rod and Customs handled the paintwork, while his daughter, Wilmari, added detailing, resulting in a mirror-like shine. The end result was a showstopper with impeccable paint.

Chassis, Front and Rear Suspension:

The original chassis was replaced with a Steelroad Rod & Custom chassis, strengthened for durability. The Jaguar suspension was retained, but Steelroad perfected the air ride setup, providing both style and functionality.

Motor and Gearbox:

The motor and gearbox, initially part of the Chevy project, were seamlessly integrated into the final build.

Interior and Dashboard:

SRRC Interiors, run by Willie's daughters, transformed the old bench seat into a luxurious bucket seat. The dashboard, shaved by Francois' father, now boasts an electronic cluster.

Wheels and Other Parts:

Fitted with 15" steelies and Cooper Cobra tires, the Chevy features Steelroad-fabricated rearview mirrors and a custom aluminum fuel tank.

The End Result:

The end result surpassed the original plan. With meticulous attention to detail, the paintwork now met Francois' standards, the ride quality improved significantly, and the Chevy emerged as the ultimate classic.

Rebuild Time: 7 months
Next Build: The BMW C700, already in line at Steelroad.

Special Thanks:

Francois expresses gratitude to the entire Steelroad team for their craftsmanship and dedication. The journey from a sentimental project to a showstopper was made possible by their expertise and passion for hot rods.