• From at least 1955 and before, the raised letters on the tailgates were not a contrasting color. They remained the same color as the overall gate.
• The bed planks were not varnished or given a related finish to show off the wood grain. Trucks were produced for work and the planks were normally painted black on the 1955 and earlier. After this, they were body color or black. This better protects the wood.
• The bed planks have not been oak since the late 1930’s. From then to the newer GM step pickups, the wood is hard yellow pine.
• From 1939 and up, the GMC six cylinder was a high pressure insert bearing engine – initially 228 and 248 cubic inches. Chevrolet did not adopt the full insert bearing engine until 1954. This results in their similar appearing dash clusters having an exception of maximum oil pressure gauge reading of 60# or 80# for GMC and 30# for Chevrolet.
• Almost all Canadian built GMC pickups prior to 1953 used the Chevrolet 216 engine, not the 228 and 248 GMC type placed in U.S. trucks. The Canadian Chevrolet using the larger GMC 228 and 248 was the “Maple Leaf”!
• Between 1947-53 on light trucks, the cabs and fenders were the same color. On this series, two-tone cabs were not available until 1954. Only then was a white top available as an option and only on the more deluxe cabs.
• Most 1/2 ton pickups prior to 1955 used 16″ wheels not 15″ or 14″.
• Radios were first available as an “in dash” option on the 1947 “Advance Design” body style.
• Right taillights were an option until the late 1950’s.
• Full wheel covers were not available until 1954 and then only as an option.
• Dark green was the standard exterior paint color prior to 1955. Most other colors, including black, were a non-cost option.
• On the 1947-55 series, the door panels match the seat material. They are not similar to the headliner cardboard.
• Shortages during the Korean War are the primary reasons for the eliminating of bright work on the 1952 and 1953 truck. Therefore, painted items on these trucks included: hub caps, bumpers, grille, radio speaker horizontal trim, glovebox door, etc. Interior window cranks and wiper knobs changed to maroon plastic.
• During 1947-48, the Chevrolet painted grille bars and “back splash” bars were body color. In addition, the leading edge of each painted outer bar had a horizontal stripe matching the cab stripe. On the 1949-51 Chevrolet, with a painted grille, the “back splash” bar was white. In 1952-53 this changed to light gray to match hub caps and bumpers. On chrome grilles, only the outer bar was plated. The “back splash” bar was as the painted grille.
• The cabs on both the pickups and the larger trucks are the same. The front fenders must be different due to the increase in tire size on the larger trucks. On 1947-59 trucks, even the hoods and grilles are larger to adapt to these bigger fenders.
• The GMC with six-volt system uses a positive ground electrical system. Chevrolet uses negative ground.
• The GMC and Chevrolet pickups share bodies, most suspension, transmissions, etc. – not engines, grilles, tailgates, exterior colors, or hub caps.
• Early trucks were titled on either the body ID plate or engine number. If your title used the engine number and it has been replaced over the years, you may have major problems in selling or licensing.
• The famous Chevrolet high pressure 235 engine was used between 1954 and 1962. It’s big brother, with some larger internal parts, was the 261 engine. A low pressure Chevrolet 235 was available on larger trucks only between 1941 and 1953. This earlier 235 has little interchange in common with it’s later 235 relative.
• Whitewall tires were not available from the factory prior to 1955.
How many custom or 5 window 1/2 ton pickups were built in 1948?
I would appreciate a point in the right direction. I’m trying to help my dad wrap up 26 year project on a 1948 Chevy. It’s down to the side aprons between the running boards and the bed. I have the semi “S” shaped channel brackets that I’m assuming secure the front top corner of the apron to the …… location? The manual does not show any body work and trying to find this online is proving to be tough. Any help would be much appreciated. Thank you in advance.
Jake
what color were the running boards on a 1953 chevy one half ton?
Were windshield visers available then?
I wanted to know which years did Chevrolet/GMC trucks have the wraparound windows on the corners of the cab roof. I believe it was from 1951 through to 1953??
Thanks in advance.
John
My ’48 GMC has 5 windows (wraparound). Gary @ santagary1@gmail.com
I have a 1948 gmc and the windshield is 2 piece
My ’54 has them, and I think but I’m not positive they were available on the first series 55.
Which Suburbans had the chrome trim around the side glass, and on the lower fenders. Was this an option on some models?
Thank you for the good writeup. It in fact was a amusement account it.
Look advanced to far added agreeable from you! However, how can we communicate?
Do you still got classic trucks for sale
Hi Everyone , i just recently purchased what i believe to be a 1950 chevy 3100. When i purchased the truck, it only came with a bill of sale. Once i got the truck home i started looking for a vin, serial #, or buck tag but couldnt find one. I looked on the dash, the deiver front pillar, and the front cowl; and still no luck. I looked up the engine #, but that doesn’t match up to the supposed truck year. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you
If there is no tag rivited to the driver side, can rear door frame, you may think about getting it relicensed as a rebuild.
Try inside the drivers side door near the door hinge. There should be a plate with your vin number on it.
How do I get the cowl vent to open on a 1950 chevy 3100? It’s frozen shut. I’ve lubricated everything I can get to, i.e.,the cable. Any suggestions will be appreciated.
what size tires And wheels
Could some give me some information on my advance design,
The serial number starts with 0 and has no letter.
Any information would be appreciated
Hello I have a 54 3100. The frame needs some repair. Does anyone reproduce the cross member where the parking brake cross bar is located just at the back of the cab position? I have looked online and don’t see anyone talking about that. I can fabricate something myself but thought it might be nice to keep it looking original. Thank you
Watch craigslist. I have seen complete frames show up for sale as it is common to put these bodies on newer frames.
1952 Chevy 1/2 – I have the wheels that came with the truck. I purchased it from the original owner. By many accounts, to include the owners manual, the wheels should be 16 inches. However, I am not sure how to measure them and wonder if the process is different today. I have tried several ways…came come up with 16 inches! No diagrams (that I have found) show the specification process. Hints?
They had two sizes back then. The 16 was the standard wheel size. 15″ was optional. That may seem backwards today with the new trucks and such but makes total sense. Trucks drove like trucks (not luxury cars) back then and any additional sidewall just added to ride comfort. Measure across the diameter of the rim. It is what it is.
I took a photo of what I thought was a 1948 5 window pick up truck. Having trouble indentifying the actual year. Gas tank is right behind the driver, on the driver side! What year is this?
Rich