Three times during Chevrolet truck history there were mid-year body changes. This was in 1936, 1947, and 1955. These changes involved very few modifications to the bed and mechanical components, but it was the cabs that received the near total facelifts.
In mid 1936 a major cab change occurred. Prior, they are referred to as high cab (mid 1936 and older) and later the low cab (mid 1936 and newer). The earlier style is a more square cab and has few style differences from trucks of the early 1930's. Structurally, they used internal wood frames to which much of the sheet metal was attached with nails and screws. This makes a strong, solid quiet cab when new but often results in a shortened life as dampness, dry rot, and loose fasteners take their toll.
A few other specifics on the 1936 high cab.
- 3 Door Hinges
- Rectangular Rear Window Frame
- Windshield Frame has two lower rounded corners and two upper square corners
- Windshield Frame is swing out manually with a slide on each side. A thumb screw tightens down on the two sides to hold the frame open
- Built in Body Exterior Sun Visor over Windshield (see diagram)
A few other specifics on the 1936 low cab
- 2 Door Hinges
- Round Corners on Rear Window
- Windshield Frame opened bt crank handle in center of dash
- Windshield Glass 12" high with all four corners rounded
- No changes in the cream colored dash gauges
The newer low cab reflects the modern rounded body, a styling that had been introduced in all mid 30's cars and most of the competition's trucks. The only cab wood remaining was two front vertical internal posts and two horizontal side sections to help reinforce the door weight.
