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Apr 26th, 2026 | | AD Chevy Trucks  Over 6,000 pictures Brad Allen has an awesome collection of Chevrolet factory pictures that he has set up from film strips. Check them out!
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| | | | Joined: Dec 2016 Posts: 80 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Dec 2016 Posts: 80 | Hello Everyone!
I have purchased a 59 Apache that I have had my eye on for over 5 years. I am looking for the best way to identify what this truck came like from the factory. Perhaps I haven't looked in the correct places on this website as I am a newby to it. I believe this truck to be 90% original and I plan on keeping it that way. I know how to break down the VIN in regards to what plant it came from and what number it was off the assembly line. How do I verify the engine matches the VIN? I currently have a PCV valve in the side of the valve cover which I believe to be 60 and up?
Also, looking for information as to what would have been the options, if any, and how the interior would have been, paint schemes and things like that from the factory.
Thanks again for helping out, much appreciated!
1959 3204 Basic Cab
| | | | | Joined: Mar 2004 Posts: 6,212 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Mar 2004 Posts: 6,212 | There is nothing in the chassis serial number that tells you anything about what engine came in the truck other than the prefix "V" for V8. The engine serial number will give you the engine plant (F or T), the Month, the Day and the engine/transmission combo code. That's about all there is... Mike B  | | | | | Joined: Dec 2016 Posts: 80 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Dec 2016 Posts: 80 | Thanks for all the great information!
How do I decifer if I have a Custom Cab/Deluxe Cab? Can't seem to locate that piece of the puzzle. I know its a Model 3234 now and depending on the engine serial # determines which valve cover is on the 235. Thanks again for all the help, really enjoying all this information.
1959 3204 Basic Cab
| | | | | Joined: Feb 2002 Posts: 12,029 Cruising in the Passing Lane | | Cruising in the Passing Lane Joined: Feb 2002 Posts: 12,029 | "Custom Cab" was a package of options, see the list here, if the truck inclues those items, you got it  Bill | | | | | Joined: Dec 2016 Posts: 80 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Dec 2016 Posts: 80 | Was there only the "Custom Cab" and a "Deluxe Cab?"
1959 3204 Basic Cab
| | | | | Joined: Feb 2002 Posts: 12,029 Cruising in the Passing Lane | | Cruising in the Passing Lane Joined: Feb 2002 Posts: 12,029 | only a Custom Cab package in 55.2-59, no Deluxe cab
Bill
| | | | | Joined: Aug 2015 Posts: 48 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Aug 2015 Posts: 48 | Hello,
I have a 59 short fleet, and for starters there were
two (2) cabs for 1959. Mine is the plain Jane.
The fancy model had these options:
Chrome knobs on all dash controls except deluxe heater knobs.
Right hand sunvisor
Arm rests
Chrome trim around windows (outside)
Chrome grill and headlight doors, also chrome bumpers
Cloth and vinyl seat covers with foam pad (three color combinations, blue, green, beige)
lower dash painted blue, green , or beige.
Dual chrome outside mirrors
two tone paint available with wheels to match major body color
Chrome trim on fleetside body
the door inserts had same cloth as the seat covers
lastly, the window division bar and window frames will be chrome plated
the literature from GM should list all these, or find an old dealers Data book for greater detail and color
swatches of the upolstery. I have heard that SMS is reproducing the Deluxe cloth seat.
The big back window was often ordered on the deluxe cabs, although both small and large would be found
on the deluxe models.
I hope this helps 59shortfleet
Last edited by 59shortfleet; 02/17/2017 8:56 PM.
| | | | | Joined: Aug 2015 Posts: 48 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Aug 2015 Posts: 48 | Hello Bill;
My 1959 Dealers data book list Custom and Deluxe Cab
options.
Respectfully, 59shortfleet | | | | | Joined: Feb 2002 Posts: 12,029 Cruising in the Passing Lane | | Cruising in the Passing Lane Joined: Feb 2002 Posts: 12,029 | considering the 'custom cab' option includes most of the items you list, except the exterior chrome, which were a separate package, I'd think the 'deluxe cab' referenced in the salesmans book would simply include that exterior trim .... paint jobs were a whole different situation, there were a variety of paint options available apart from any other details ...... there's an original low miles 59 in the gallery that shows the whole ball of wax Bill | | | | | Joined: Mar 2004 Posts: 6,212 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Mar 2004 Posts: 6,212 | Custom Cab was the top of the line with Chrome Grille, Chrome Headlight Trim, Chrome Bumpers, Chrome Hub Caps, Chrome Window Frames, Stainless Steel Windshield Trim, Stainless Steel Side and Rear Window trim, Chrome interior knobs and cloth seat inserts. The DeLuxe Cab was the "Standard" issue with Painted Grille, Painted Headlight Trim, Painted Bumpers, Painted Hub Caps, Black interior knobs and vinyl seat. It always seemed weird to me that the "DeLuxe Cab" was the bottom of the line cab... Mike B | | |
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