Good decoding, Matt

F717A
F = Flint, MI
7 = July
17 = 17th
A = 235 car engine, with 3-speed or overdrive

This engine would have come from the factory with hydraulic lifters.

http://www.1954advance-design.com/chev-specs/1959-Chevrolet-c-ser.pdf
http://www.1954advance-design.com/chev-specs/1959-t-ser.pdf