I have a 1959 Apache shortbed fleetside with factory V-8. The gentleman I bought it from said it was the original engine that came with the truck as "he ordered it". He says he ordered it with High Performance upgrades. Earlier this week I removed the engine and disassembled it in preparation for rebuilding it. I ran some of the casting numbers and it created some questions in my mind that I am hoping some of you guys can help me with. I really prefer for everything to be original with a truck I am considering restoring. Actually I have already made my mind up to start this project with it being a factory V-8 with big back glass and shortbed fleetside with two-tone paint.
The main question I have is could this be the original engine that was "ordered" for this truck as the gentleman told me or has someone more than likely monkeyed with it? The block casting numbers appear to be correct for it but the intake manifold and head casting numbers show them being listed for a 1957 Corvette from the info I could gather. Could you have ordered a truck this way in 1959?
Listed below are the VIN number and casting numbers I found.
(1) - VIN number is V3A59K120614.
(2) - Block casting number is 3756519. There is also a G4 number and 519 number also on the block. Additionally I found a N34 number and a 2 with 3 vertical dots beside it on the left side of the block.
(3) - Intake manifold casting number is 3746826. There is also a GM11 number on it.
(4) - Crankshaft casting number is 3836266. There is also a GM26 number on it.
(5) - Left head casting number is 3731539. There is also a GM5 number and a E167 number on it.
(6) - Right head casting number is 3731539. There is also a GM5 number and a E237 number on it.
(7) - Pistons number is 3734627. There is also a GM1 number on them.
Any help and input would be appreciated.
