These are some very rare photos. It is quite unusual to find 1947-1953 Chevrolet and GMC 1/2 ton bare frames together. Here, you can compare the differences in the front cross members.
As the GMC six cylinder is a few inches longer than the Chevrolet, engineers designed two different front engine cross members. In building the truck frame for the assembly line a different cross member was added depending if it was to be in a Chevrolet or GMC factory.
This is why re-builders of GM trucks today develop immediate problems when they exchange 6 cylinder engines between the Chevrolet and GMC. The two makes may look about the same in any year, however the power plant causes changes not only in the frame's front cross members as well as sheet metal in this immediate area.
Photos courtesy of Rob English
Email: rob@oldgmctrucks.com
Website: Oldgmctrucks.com
