To keep General Motors truck costs down, Chevrolet and GMC ½ through 2 ton shared many components during the late 1930’s through the 1950’s. However, when it came to the grille, the focal point of the truck, changes had to be very noticeable.
The truck designers were limited in creating a new grille as both makes would still have almost the same front fenders and hood. For these limitations, the designers actually did quite well. They almost made them able to be exchanged from one make to another. On the 1941-46, only the small filler panel between the grille and fender top had to be slightly modified.
The attached photos show how two grilles can be different and yet fit in almost identical sheet metal areas of the trucks.
1939-40 GMC
1939 Chevrolet
1940 Chevrolet
1941-46 GMC
1941-46 Chevrolet
