A unique feature on these GM truck cabs became standard equipment between 1940 and 1946. Before and after this, truck cabs were even more basic. As they were made for work, almost no extras were on them. The idea was to keep manufacturing cost very low. There was much competition with other makes trying to also keep their sale price as low as possible.
Therefore, it was a surprise in 1940 when GM trucks introduced an unusual feature on their commercial vehicle cabs. This was one color hammered paint plus a three piece set of narrow decorative horizontal chrome dash trim. It served no particular purpose but added to the appearance of the metal dash on the new truck show room Of course, people looking at the near new truck on the street were also impressed.
This original trim was chrome on steel, so most show rust near occasional open windows prior to a rain during their 70 years. Re-plating of the trim is difficult. It cannot handle much polishing before rust pits will leave small holes in the trim surface and then there is no value. However, these are being reproduced in mirror finished stainless steel. It looks the same but is resistant to rust. Contact Jim Carter Truck Parts as well as on other very unique restoration parts.
