Sounds Of Summer Nights Feature: 1959 GMC Stepside
the smell of fuel and barbecue, and rows of cars and trucks that each tell their own story. It’s what we love most about these events: enthusiasts bringing their builds, swapping stories, and showing off a little history on four wheels.
Let’s spend a little time with Chris Marshall of Waukee, who rolled in with his 1959 GMC Stepside Long Box. He calls it the Denali’s Granddaddy – and we couldn’t agree more.
1959 GMC Stepside
Chris has owned his truck for about five years, and in that time it’s become more than just a weekend toy – it’s a daily driver. Rain, shine, or snow, he keeps it on the road year-round. Reliable? Absolutely. Perfect? Maybe not by show-car standards, but it’s everything Chris wants it to be.
The truck has an interesting backstory. He first spotted it at a car show, snapped a quick photo, and noticed a phone number in the window. A call later, and it was his. Sometimes the best rides find you when you least expect them.
Finished in a classic GMC factory blue, the truck keeps the vintage vibe alive. Chris added a custom touch from his dad, who built the toolbox that rides in the bed. Practical, sentimental, and undeniably cool.
It’s not flashy inside: no radio, original brakes that “eventually stop,” and a ride that speaks to another era. The surprise? It came with power steering – a luxury for trucks of its time. Red wheels add a bit of pop, and as Chris jokes, they’ve even improved gas mileage and horsepower.
At the end of the day, Chris sums it up best:
“Yeah, it’s not a perfect truck, but it’s perfect for me.”
A Little History On GMC Stepside Trucks
The GMC Stepside trucks of the 1950s hold a special place in pickup history. Known for their distinct flared rear fenders and exposed steps between the cab and bed, Stepsides represented the classic American workhorse. They were designed for utility – easy access to the cargo bed, simple mechanics, and durable construction.
By the late 1950s, GMC (and its Chevrolet cousins) offered more comfort and style, but the trucks remained rugged and practical. Today, these models are beloved by collectors and hot-rodders alike for their timeless design and endless potential for customization.
Chris’s 1959 truck embodies that legacy: tough, functional, and still on the road over six decades later. If you have a project build of your own, trust Karl Kustoms for:
- Engine swaps, crate engines, and performance tuning
- Modern suspension upgrades and brake conversions
- Bodywork, interiors, paint, and full restorations
- Custom accessories and installs
- Hard-to-find parts for classic and modern builds
Summer Nights At Karl Kustoms
We’re proud to host Summer Nights events to bring together enthusiasts from across the region. From classic muscle cars to modern performance builds, these gatherings are all about community. It’s a place to swap stories, show off your latest project, and connect with people who share the same passion for horsepower, craftsmanship, and car culture.
Chris’s GMC Stepside is just one of many stories we love to highlight from these events. Every vehicle has history, every owner has a story, and together they make Summer Nights something special.
Classics don’t need to be perfect to be unforgettable, and this truck is a reminder of why we love these Summer Nights.
Want to see more rides like this? Join us at the next Karl Kustoms Summer Nights, and you might just find your next favorite story parked right beside you.