As trucks were primarily for work during the Advance Design years, the use of elaborate factory wheel decoration was out of the question. The object was to produce a quality work vehicle at a competitive price. Adding extras to a standard truck raised the cost and added nothing to its hauling ability.
Basic chrome moon type hub caps were installed at the factory. This improved the appearance of their black wall tires and wheels at minimum cost, and most of all protected the lug nuts and wheel studs from the elements.
To save tooling costs, GM supplied the same ½ ton hub caps in the 1947-53 Advance Design years that had been used since the late 1930’s. The only change was a different logo stamped into the caps’ outer skin. Only one hub cap stamping occurred during the 1947-55 ½ ton series.
The ½ ton16” and optional 15” wheels used 9” diameter caps while all ¾ as well as 1 ton 17” split rim wheels came with an 11” cap. Other than this two inch overall diameter difference, both caps appear the same.
To increase their life, GM designed a protective chrome brass skin that was pressed over a zinc plated steel base. The brass securely holds the chrome over many years and stops any chance of rust. These chrome caps were seen 50 years later discarded in salvage yards holding rain water. Their steel base is almost rusted away, but the brass skin is maintaining its shape and the chrome is still very visible.
On Chevrolet ¾ and 1 tons and 17” wheels in 1954-55 (Not GMC), the half round design was replaced with a flatter style having the edges more rounded. However, the overall diameter and height of this larger cap was not changed from the 1947 to 53 style. Both types had to attach to the same split rim wheels and cover the larger rear axle extension.
The 1954-55 Chevrolet ¾ - 1 ton Hubcaps are very rare! We are on the hunt for a better photo with its flatter edges. For now this ¾ ton photo should help to get a better understanding.
NOTE: Non-chrome painted but same lettered hubcaps were used during 1952-53 due to the Korean War. This was because of the sudden increase in cost of copper, nickel, and chrome in the U.S. It was said that most new pickup buyers were very understanding that trim would have paint rather than chrome once their retail GM dealers explained. It was like the buyer was doing their part to support the war effort.
A new pair of 1952-53 painted hubcaps.
One exception was a ½ ton 16” wheel cover. This was a dealer accessory offered during 1954-55. This stamped polished stainless steel full wheel cover for 16” non-split rim wheels and it was available through the Chevrolet dealers.
1955 1st series owned and restored by Travis Groggans of Norman, Oklahoma.
Close up of an original option wheel cover.
