Differnce between 57 and 58

[sawyerrm]

Decided to broaden my search from tri-fives to all TF trucks. Aside from the front end and option of fleetside, is there any significant differnce? I'm asking from a buyer/driver perspective so things like parts availability and resale are important rather than appearance. My wife actually likes the four headlights, but then she thinks I'm handsome so there's no accounting for taste.

Apologies, this question has probably been asked many times. I did google before asking you experts.

thanks,
Rob

[Foot Stomper]

If you are considering 58, don't overlook the 59. Only subtle differences between the two. Look at both the Chevy Apache and the GMC 100 versions. They will be more different than model year difference from 58 to 59. You might prefer the grill or dash design in one over the other.

I think you'll find everything you'll need to get the job done on either brand too. Just make sure that you start with a truck that has good "bones" and you'll be just fine.

[OrrieG]

You hit it 4 vs 2 headlights and associated body changes. If you look closely the 58-59 hood and fenders are 3 inches longer to accomodate the deeper grille and the hoods mount differently than earlier models. Notice how the trimline above the front fenders follows the back edge of the fender into the bottom trim line; 55.2-57 are plainer. This reflects the deco type changes that were also showing up in the 59 GM cars. In 58 you could get a step side, Cameo or Fleetside (first year) bed, all interchange on the same frame. The FS will fit 55.2-57 but purists heads explode when they see them. You didn't mention GMC but the grilles went even further over the top, in a good way. Dash in GMC's (except fleet option) are different without the iconic V shape dash cluster. Mechanically 55.2-59 are pretty much the same. Most common parts are available, just view a LMC or Classic Parts catalog.

Your wife has good taste, follow her lead....

[sawyerrm]

They all came originally with vacuum wipers?

Rob

[Dan in Pasadena]

Originally Posted by sawyerrm

They all came originally with vacuum wipers?

Rob

No. Where'd that come from? I can't speak for the Advance Design trucks but the Task Force came with electric wipers to the best of my knowledge. My '55 has electric factory wipers.

[57chevyman]

the 55-56 hood is smooth on top, the 57 hood has two ridges

[59chev]

Most trucks had vacuum wipers, electric wipers where an option 55-59.

[Northern lights]

Originally Posted by OrrieG

Dash in GMC's (except fleet option) are different without the iconic V shape dash cluster. .

How did the dash cluster in a "fleet option" GMC differ from any other GMC?.

[OrrieG]

GMC Fleet Option had the Chevy instrument cluster but the bezel has the GMC logo st bottom instead of the bowtie. Very rare, not reproduced.

[Northern lights]

Thanks OrrieG. I didn't know that. Interesting in that I like the GMC grills but never liked the instrument cluster. What exactly was the " fleet option"?. Just a fleetside box or.....?

[OrrieG]

Take a look at this thread

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=360371

[_Ogre]

from that thread:

[_Ogre]

not only are 4 headlights sexy...
when you buy the 58-59 chevy truck they come with the cool APACHE moniker

[1project2many]

The FS will fit 55.2-57 but purists heads explode when they see them.

[Task Force Era]

Either way you can't go wrong. Parts are ready available from 55 to 59 and most are interchangeable. So you're really looking at 2 headlights versus 4 and the option to find a fleetside bed for the 58-59's.

[58CameoAZ]

Originally Posted by _Ogre

from that thread:

Always thought the Grilles on the fleet trucks should flip up so you can
BBQ hamburgers on it

Just Kidding, that's a good looking Truck