Classic Parts of America: 1955-1959 Chevy Truck Parts Catalog

CLASSIC PARTS OF AMERICA 1947-1998

Identification

WHAT YEAR IS IT?

We get many calls asking, “What year truck do I have?”. Many times it’s your first truck and it’s understandable that you may have questions. Below is a list of information that may help identify your truck. If you have further questions, please give us a call. We’ll be glad to help.

1955 2nd Series - In mid-year 1955, Chevrolet introduced this new body style truck. It was completely redesigned from previous years and very few parts will interchange with the older models. Grill design has 3 horizontal bars & 4 uprights. Single headlights in front fenders. Fender side emblem is one piece and mounted below horizontal line on fender. Emblem on front of hood is longer at top than bottom. Small step between cab and rear fender. First year for the Cameo, a very rare and desirable fiberglass bed pickup. First year for the optional V-8 265 cubic inch engine. Serial #’s; H2 ½ ton, M2 ½ ton longbed, J2 ¾ ton, L2 1 ton, etc.

1956 - Very similar to 1955 truck. Fender emblems are two piece and mounted above horizontal line on fender. Emblem on front of hood is longer on bottom than top. Front hood emblem has a cast in V if a V-8 truck. Serial #’s; 3A ½ ton, 3B ½ ton longbed, 3E ¾ ton, 3G 1 ton, etc.

1957 - Similar to previous years but with the following changes. Fender emblems are now one piece mounted above horizontal line on fender. Front hood emblem is same as 1956 but paint scheme is reversed. Hood has two raised humps on top running front to back. Grill now has inner and outer oval ring separated by 8 “teeth”, 4 on top and 4 on bottom. First year for the optional V-8 283 cubic inch engine. Serial numbering system is same as 1956. 1958 - Dual headlights in front fenders. Grill is now a one piece design with parklights mounted in ends of grill. Last year for the Cameo pickup. First year for the optional fleetside bed. Fender emblems have series designation (31, 32, 36, 38 etc.) and Chevrolet in center of emblem with Apache on top rear of emblem. Front hood emblem is 31" long with vertical design in background behind bowtie. Serial numbering system is same as 1956. 1959 - Very similar to the 1958 trucks. Fender emblems are now larger design with Chevrolet and Apache in center of emblem with series designation (31, 32, 36, 38 etc.) at rear of emblem. Front hood emblem is 36" long with square pattern design in background behind bowtie. Serial numbering system is same as 1956.

Fax: 1-816-741-5255 1 Chevy Duty Drive, Kansas City, MO 64150

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