This data is from a 1959 Salesman's Data Book put out by GM in the USA. Canada and else where may be different but most of the information should be the same. The data is similar for each year from 55 to 59. There is a lot of misinformation as to truck models and cab types, this should help clear up some of the identification errors. One such error is that all Taskforce trucks are Apache trucks, not so. Only 1958 and up to 64 were Apaches and not all Apaches were Taskforce trucks. 1955-57 were designated Chevrolet 3100 or 3200 etc. 1958 to 59 were Chevrolet Apache 31 or 32 etc. The next biggest error is Cab identification. Most think that a De Luxe Cab was the better cab with a big window and a chromed heater panel in the dash. Again not so. De Luxe was the base model cab that could be optioned with a big window and a deluxe heater. A Custom cab was the high end cab that would have been optioned with a chrome trim package and better interior with or without a big window or heater. My 59 has the Custom cab option with a big window and no heater. It has chrome bumpers, chromed Grille insert, chrome side window trim, chrome dash knobs, stainless trim around the windows and stainless trim on the Fleetside bed. My 58 has a small window but a chrome dash heater control and is the Deluxe Cab. Oddly enough turn signals were not an option but rather an accessory choice added at the dealer. Hopefully this information will help you ID your truck correctly. Some of the payloads are lower in higher rated trucks this is not a typo.
Model Types
Chevrolet Commercial cars and trucks were built in series ranging from Sedan models to Series 100, offering capacities from 4000 to 36,000 lb GVW. Light duty Apaches include 31 to 38. Medium duty Vikings consist of Series 40, 50 and 60. Heavy duty Spartans include Series 70, 80, 90 and 100. Series 50, 70 and 90 are Low Cab Forward models (LCF).
Models are indexed in this data by type, body length and load capacity.
Model Numbers
Chevrolet trucks are identified by model numbers. The first three digits are series numbers while the last two indicate the truck type. Model 3104 is a Series 31 truck (1/2T) with a stepside pickup body (04).
Number & Truck Type
02 Chassis-Cowl or School Bus
03 Chassis Cab
04 Stepside Pickup
05 Panel
06 Carryall ( Panel Rear doors)
09 Stake
12 Chassis-Cowl-Windsheild - like the Good Humor Man Truck
16 Carryall (Endgate)
34 Fleetside Pickup
42 Forward Control Chassis
45 Forward Control Step Van
53 Chassis-Cab - 4WD
54 Stepside Pickup - 4WD
55 Panel - 4WD
56 Carryall (Doors) - 4WD
66 Carryall ( Endgate) - 4WD
70 Sedan Delivery Panel
80 El Camino
84 Fleetside Pickup - 4WD
Below is what type of truck you could get in a particular series
Pickups
Series 11, 12, 31, 32, 36, and 38
Prior to 1958 it would be 3100, 3200, 3600 etc. The same for the trucks below.
Panels
Series 11, 12, 31, and 38
Carryalls
Series 31
Stakes
Series 36, 38, 40, 50, 60, 70, and 80
Chassis-Cab
Series 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90 and 100
Cowls
Series 31, 36, 38, 40, and 60
Forward Control
Series 34, 35, 37, 62, 66 Chassis
Series 34, 35, 37 Step Van
School Bus
Series 40, 60, 80 and 100
Tandems
Series 80 and 100
Payload Ratings up to 2950 LB and body dimensions. These should be the same down to 1954.
El Camino Body
Inside Lenght...........76-1/4"
Inside Width............64-1/4"
Inside Heigth...........12-3/4"
Maximum Payload
1500 lb
Model 1180, 1280
6-1/2 Ft Body
Inside Length ...........78-1/2"
Inside Width.............50"
Inside Heigth............17-1/2"
Maximum Payload
1500 lb Model
3104 2wd
1600 lb Model 3154 4wd
6-1/2' Fleetside Body
Inside Lenght...........78-1/8"
Inside Width............75-1/8"
Inside Heigth...........19-1/8"
Maximum Payload
1500 lb Model
3134 2wd
1600 lb Model 3184 4wd
8-ft Stepside Body
Inside Lenght...........98"
Inside Width............50"
Inside Heigth...........17-1/2"
Maximum Payload
1350 lb Model
3204 2wd
2950 lb Model 3604 2wd
2850 lb Model 3654 4wd
8-ft Fleetside Body
Inside Lenght...........98"
Inside Width............75-1/8"
Inside Heigth...........19-1/8"
Maximum Payload
1300 lb Model
3234 2wd
2900 lb Model 3634 2wd
2750 lb Model 3684 4wd
9 ft Stepside Body
Inside Lenght...........108-1/4"
Inside Width............50"
Inside Heigth...........17-1/2"
Maximum Payload
2800 lb Model
3804 2wd
2750 lb Model 3854 4wd