1958-1959 Chevrolet Pickup Specifications
by Shea Laverty
In 1955, Chevrolet retired its Advance series of pickup trucks and introduced the Task Force line. Sporting a new appearance and a variety of enhancements, the Task Force trucks evolved considerably between 1955 and 1958. In 1958, all Task Force trucks were dubbed the Chevrolet Apache, a name they would carry until the end of the series in 1959. There was little difference between the 1958 and 1959 Apache, although 1959 was the last year it was available with the Powr-Pak, four-wheel-drive conversion offered by the Northwestern Auto Parts Company.
Engine
The 1959 Chevrolet Apache was equipped with Chevrolet's 235 Thriftmaster engine. This 3,859-cubic-centimeter, valve-in-head, six-cylinder engine features a full pressure spur gear-lubrication system and a single Rochester B carburetor. The cylinder bore measures 3.56 inches, and it has a 3.94-inch stroke. The compression ratio on this engine is 8.25 to 1. This engine can produce 145 horsepower at 4,200 rpm and can generate 217 foot-pounds of torque at 2,000 rpm.
Transmission & Drivetrain
The 1959 Chevrolet Apache had four transmission options. One was a three-speed selective Syncromesh manual transmission with a steering-column-mounted shifter. The others are Chevrolet's Hydramatic automatic transmission for light-duty Apaches and the Spicer five-speed and Powermatic six-speed automatic transmissions in heavy-duty vehicles. The Apache came with two options for drivetrain. One was rear-wheel drive. The alternate four-wheel-drive option, which was ordered at the NAPCO factory, was included in the 1959 Apache, although it was not available in the next model line.
Suspension & Brakes
The front wheels of the 1959 Chevrolet Apache were equipped with reverse Elliot I beam front axle suspension, with inclined kingpins, longitudinal, semi-elliptic leaf springs and direct double-action shock absorbers. The rear wheels feature longitudinal, semi-elliptic, two-stage leaf spring and direct double-action shock absorbers. The Apache has several brake options, with the standard, Hydrovac brakes and optional rugged air hydraulic and full air brakes also available.
Wheels & Tires
The wheels on the 1959 Chevrolet Apache are steel and measure 15 inches in diameter and 6 inches thick. They came with a choice of cast spoke or disc caps. The tires on both the front and rear wheels are sized P235/75/R15.
Dimensions & Capacities
The 1959 Chevrolet Apache is 208.17 inches long and 76 inches wide. The wheelbase measures 123.25 inches. The front track measures 60.75 inches, while the rear track measures 61.02 inches. The shipping weight of the Apache is 3,385 pounds. The fuel tank holds 17 gallons of gasoline.
