The Specifications for 1955 to 1959 Chevrolet Trucks

The 1958 and 1959 Chevy Apache trucks featured quad headlights.

Chevy pickups built from 1955 until 1959 are known as Task Force trucks. Starting in 1958, one-third-ton Chevy trucks were called Apaches. They were originally sold as work vehicles to farmers and ranchers. The trucks are valued by restorers and collectors for their simple engineering and classic styling.

Engines

The 1955 to 1959 second series Task Force Chevy trucks featured a standard Thriftmaster 235.5 cubic-inch six-cylinder engine. Later models had the 261 cubic-inch straight-six Jobmaster motor. They produced 112 to 135 horsepower. By 1959 the trucks featured V8 engines displacing 283, 322, and 348 cubic-inches. The 348 Loadmaster generated 170 horsepower at 4,000 rpm with 282 pound-feet of torque.

Chassis

The 1955 to 1959 Chevys had hot-rolled steel ladder frames. In 1955 Chevy switched from a 6-volt to 12-volt electrical system. Factory installed four-wheel drive was introduced in 1957. The front and rear suspension was by semi-elliptic leaf-springs. The pickups used a standard manual three-speed transmission with a single-plate dry clutch.

Features

The Series 2 trucks had fleetside or stepside body styles with 6- to 8-foot long beds. The beds were made of yellow pine wood. It was painted black or matched the truck's body color. The wrap-around windshield was standard, with optional wrap-around rear window. Factory air conditioning was offered in 1958.

References

• Old Car Manual Project: 1959 Chevrolet Specifications
• Old Car Manual Project: Chevrolet Truck Shop Manuals 1955 Models
• Antique Chevy Trucks: Original Restoration Information Task Force (1955-1959)