What is the difference between 58 and 59 Chevy truck?
In short, the 1958 and 1959 Chevrolet pickups share the same late-1950s Task Force platform, but the 1959 model year brought a styling refresh and a few interior and option tweaks that distinguish it from the 1958. The core mechanicals remain largely the same, so enthusiasts often tell them apart by front-end styling and certain trim cues.
Both years sit within Chevrolet’s Task Force era (roughly 1955–1959) and overlap in many features, including drivetrain layouts and cab/bed configurations. The differences are primarily cosmetic and trim-related, with some incremental updates under the hood and in the interior. This article outlines the main ways to tell a 1958 from a 1959 Chevrolet truck and what collectors typically look for when dating these pickups.
Exterior styling differences
Outlined below are the visual cues most often cited when separating 1958 and 1959 Chevrolet trucks.
- Front-end design: The 1959 model year features a redesigned front fascia with changes to the grille and bumper treatment that give it a more modern look compared with the 1958 version.
- Grille and lighting details: 1959 models generally show updated grille trim and headlight bezels that differ from the 1958 appearance, providing a quick visual cue at a glance.
- Badging and trim: The 1959 trucks often carry revised Chevrolet script and model badges, which helps distinguish them from the 1958 styling cues.
- Overall silhouette: While the basic body and cab shapes remained consistent, minor profile refinements and trim options can help identify the year, especially on restored examples with factory-original trim.
In short, the most noticeable exterior differences are front-end styling and trim/badging. The basic chassis and cab shapes stay largely the same between the two years.
Interior and features
Interior cues are subtler but telltale for distinguishing 1958 from 1959, particularly in dashboards and trim levels.
- Instrument panel and gauges: 1959 trucks commonly feature updated gauge clusters and dash detailing compared with the 1958 interior, reflecting the era’s incremental improvements.
- Dash controls and layout: Changes to switch placement and interior trim patterns can help differentiate the two years, especially on higher-trim or optional interiors.
- Seats and upholstery: While overall seating layouts remained familiar, 1959 models often show refined upholstery and trim patterns in certain trim packages.
Interiors differ mainly in trim quality and dashboard details rather than in fundamental layout. Verifying a specific truck’s build sheet or VIN/sticker will confirm year-specific interior features.
Under the hood and mechanical updates
Mechanically, the two years are closely related, with only incremental updates typically noted by enthusiasts and restorers.
- Engines: Both years offered inline-six and small-block V8 options; the 1959 lineup continued refining the V8 options that were available in 1958, with improvements typical of late-1950s GM powertrains.
- Fuel systems and emissions: Late-1950s trucks saw gradual carburetion and minor emissions refinements; these changes were usually incremental and not year-specific across all models.
- Transmissions and driveline: Manual and automatic transmission options remained similar between 1958 and 1959, with no wholesale changes to the core drivetrain architecture.
Overall, the mechanical differences are incremental rather than revolutionary; the two years share the same fundamental powertrain layout with small, option-specific updates.
Identification and verification tips
Visual cues and documentation
To reliably identify a 1958 vs 1959 Chevy truck, use a combination of visual cues and official records. Look for front-end styling cues (grille, bumper, and headlight trim), dashboard details, and badges. For definitive dating, check the VIN plate, build sheet, door tag, and window sticker where available; cross-reference with Chevrolet’s production year ranges and dealer catalogs.
Documentation from replica and restoration suppliers, as well as collector databases, can also help verify year and trim. When possible, consult the GM Heritage Center, period brochures, or established online Chevrolet truck registries for year-specific references.
Collectability and value considerations
In the collector market, 1959 Chevrolet pickups often command strong interest due to the broader reception of the refreshed front-end styling and interior updates, which many buyers view as a more desirable “late-era” look. Condition, originality, and documentation play a significant role in value for both years, with well-documented, period-correct trucks typically achieving higher prices.
Summary
The 1958 and 1959 Chevrolet pickups share a common platform and much of their mechanical DNA, but 1959 brings a visible styling refresh—especially at the front end—along with interior trim tweaks and badge updates. If you’re evaluating a candidate truck, the best telltales are the grille/bumper styling, dashboard details, and corroborating paperwork such as the VIN, build sheet, or dealer brochure from the period. For collectors, both years offer classic late-1950s appeal, with 1959 models edging ahead in desirability due to their refreshed look.
