Jim Carter

The first year of the 1967-1972 series of trucks had various characteristics that were unique to just the first year. For the perfectionist doing an exact restoration, 1967 GMC trucks are always a challenge. Because the 1967 GMC trucks sold in smaller numbers finding one with most of its original components is unusual. Even rarer is locating a GMC Super...

The rear license plate bracket for the 1956-1959 panel truck-very rare! For the first time, this body style did not incorporate the tail light into the license light. When GM designed the body to have two tail lights on the corners, it was necessary to design a license plate light that remained independent on the door position. This small bracket...

  GM step beds during 1955-1966 are almost the same. They even use identical tailgates. Thus GM did not find it necessary to change the rear bumper stamping during these 12 years. However, there is one important difference which distinguishes the 1955-1959 from 1960-1966 rear stepbed bumpers. During 1960-1966 GM placed two stamped square holes (not in 1955 through 1959...

Though fleetside pickups are the common style today, they certainly had a unique appearance in the late 1950's. Until then, the stepside body style with outside rear fenders was the norm. With smaller horsepower from available engines, the limited hauling capacity in the stepside box was well matched to the existing power plants. If the customer required a pickup with...

The momentum of four wheel drive popularity definitely began after World War II. The need for this off-road extra during the war forced 4x4 technology to develop at a fast pace. Thus, during the early 1950's, several independent companies began to appear offering a four wheel drive kit for light duty trucks. Major pickup manufacturers were not yet offering this...

On the task force body style, 1955-1959, the GMC hoods began quite different than Chevrolet. Beginning in 1955 a large opening, 5.25" x 25", was used to hold a set of die cast GMC letters attached to a decorative grille. In 1957 this grille was removed in place of a perimeter ring. Why the less attractive ring was added is...

1955 Second Series-66 Chevy Truck Model I.D. We hope the following information on Axle, Transmission and Model identification will help many of you with your questions. Accuracy was a concern as we compiled this information. Because GM made so many scheduled as well as unscheduled changes, there is much discussion about these changes. The following is used by permission from...

Article courtesy of Rob English (rob@oldgmctrucks.com) The issue of multiple piece rims and safety comes up frequently. There seems to be a quick rush to judgment about any rim that has more than one piece, and while certain types of multiple piece rims have indeed been outlawed and are no longer made, many others are not only still in service...

Ever wonder why GM pickup rear bumpers became an option for so many years? Jim Carter Truck Parts wanted to know also. Here are the facts:Beginning in 1951 these bumpers became an extra cost option and remained this way for so many years on most pickup models. The reason relates to pickups being mostly for work. Though protecting the bed...

Purchasing a 1947-1953 optional cigarette lighter assembly from some vendors provides reproduction that is far from original in appearance. A manufacturer recently offered the optional lighter assembly but used a knob from the headlight of a 1947-1953. There is no similarity to the real lighter! Don't be embarrassed at a show where your vehicle is being judged. Reproduction (above) Image...

  Prices of more valuable metals such as copper and nickel reached their height during mid 1951 through 1953. Though U.S. shortages were much less than in WWII, there were price increases in the market that affected the financial bottom line of auto and truck manufacturers. America almost demanded chrome on cars even if it raised prices. Decorative shiny trim...

The 1955 year put Chevrolet on top! All stops were removed in announcing and continual advertising of the totally redesigned passenger car and their first V-8 engine. Television, radio, news papers and dealers regularly told the public that Chevrolets best year had arrived. It was not good timing to also begin an equal advertising campaign for the totally new truck...

  As per GM, accessories during the 1930's through mid 1960's were the extra cost items sold and installed by the approved dealer. The truck was prepared for these during production so the dealership could later add them with less effort. As much as possible GM would punch holes, attach removable plates, press in dimples, etc. to help the dealership...

This was one of the most unique years for Chevrolet trucks. The Korean War and some resulting material shortages were now history. The economy was growing and the average worker brought home more wages than ever before. Sales of luxury options on automobiles were showing definite increases. To capitalize on this trend for transportation improvements, GM was fast working on...

Tech Tip from Ron Hansen Wakefield, Massachusetts � Alignment Solution for Installing a Late Model Rear End in a 1947-1954 Pick Up On the original rear end, the spring centerbolt is offset to the front of the spring by 2"to 3". If you install a modern rear end (with an open driveshaft) and retain the original springs, the wheels will...

GM trucks titled prior to the mid-1950's were usually registered using the stamped engine number not the body digits pressed in the door ID plate. This practice has created many problems in later years as states became stricter in titling. Unfortunately, many older vehicles outlast their engine and owners rarely rebuild the originals. To save time and certainly expense, a...

On 1937-55 1/2 and 3/4 ton rear bumpers there exists an unused center square bumper bolt hole that sometimes brings up questions from restorers. "Why does this hole exist and what is it purpose?" The answer relates to the attitude toward trucks during those years. They were for work and keeping their production cost low was a priority. The bumpers...

Of the many differences between the Chevrolet and GMC 1/2 ton during the early years (1937-54), the GMC offering of a long bed pickup box was one of the more noticeable. Only GMC provided this option. On Chevrolet, to obtain this extra bed length, the buyer must order a 3/4 ton. This had a lower differential gearing, not wanted by...

When you would like to restore your truck and no workshop is available, there is a solution. Most all the repairs can occur in a temporary shop and at a very low cost. Jim Valano of Marion, Indiana is a true example of 'American Ingenuity.' He purchased a 'canvas storage tent' and assembled it at a convenient location. He even...

Prior to the mid-1930's, the two truck divisions of General Motors, Chevrolet and GMC, were mostly independent companies. If you wanted a 1-1/2 ton and smaller truck, Chevrolet (since 1918) could provide the model just right for your needs. If you needed a 2-ton and larger, GMC was the division to contact. They had been a large truck specialist even...

Even before the 1920's, light commercial hauling using panel trucks had found a loyal growing customer base. With increasing numbers of small businesses and the population gradually moving to the cities, the panel truck found a place in our society. By the 1930's, most all truck manufacturers had designed a panel body to fit on their existing pickup truck chassis...

It's the height of World War II. The Japanese have control of the rubber plantations in Indonesia. The few tires available are reserved for military use.  And, the rationing of gasoline stops most U.S. vehicle operation.  But, there were still trucks needed on farms, keeping telephone lines operational, and supplying store commodities for their city.  For these selected truck uses, new tires could...

A major change in large truck Chevrolet front bumpers occurred during there years. Prior to 1946 the 1 1/2 ton bumpers and braces were little more that a heavier guage design of the smaller 1/2 ton. The big bumper change was in 1946. (Possibly this was because Chevrolet introduced its first 2 ton model that year.) Now it was nothing...

General Motors right hand drive trucks, though unusual in the United States, have always been very popular in specific countries such as Britain, New Zealand, South Africa, and Australia. These vehicles were not produced in the U.S. but came from GM's large assembly plant in Oshawa, Ontario. Due to reversed dash boards, the change in steering components, differences in starter...

Keeping the passenger area warm in cars and trucks during the winter was always a problem in the early years. Not only were the heater fans and cores small but the vehicles used recirculator heaters. Thus, the air in the cab was recirculated rather than using dry outside cold air being brought inside and warmed. This helped for quicker warming...

The Australian 1937-38 Chevrolet trucks are much like those in the U.S., however on close observation, one can certainly see unique differences. This United States relative is obviously GM but not quite the same. These Down-Under truck's final assembly point was in the Holden plant in New South Wales, Australia. (Holden is a branch for GM in that country.) Much...

During the great depression of the 1930's, almost half of the automakers ceased business forever. Most remaining manufacturers modified their vehicles and advertising techniques to appeal to a very conservative buyer. With limited disposable income the few people willing to purchase a car or truck were very careful. To help boost or at least hold sales steady, the Chevrolet Division...

1934-1946 Chevy Truck Model I.D. We hope the following information on Axle, Transmission and Model identification will help many of you with your questions. Accuracy was a concern as we compiled this information. Because GM made so many scheduled as well as unscheduled changes, there is much discussion about these changes. The following is used by permission from Pickups and...

1918-33 Chevy Truck Model I.D. We hope the following information on Axle, Transmission and Model identification will help many of you with your questions. Accuracy was a concern as we compiled this information. Because GM made so many scheduled as well as unscheduled changes, there is much discussion about these changes. The following is used by permission from Pickups and...

The body I.D. plate - every GM truck had one attached at the factory. Basically it states the vehicle's gross weight limit (weight of truck plus its maximum allowed load) plus stamped digits that give the assembly plant year, size of truck, month built, and sequential numbers as it came off the production line. These plates are necessary for positive...

To keep the 1947-1955 GM trucks base price low, their 6 volt cigarette lighter was a dealer accessory. The vehicle always came from the factory with a round blank out plug at the lower center of the dash.

In contrast to 1954-1955 Chevrolet trucks, the same year GMC had a position in the dash for an optional gauge. It was here that larger GMC's had a tachometer or vacuum gauge installed. The 1/2, 3/4 and 1 ton GMC's usually did not require these engine gauges and a blank-out plate is normally found there. An option here in these smaller trucks is a spring wind clock. It was produced by General Motors and installed at their GMC dealerships.

Jim Carter Truck Parts viewed so many older salvage yards to find so much of this data by accident! It was just there! There couldn't be an easier place for a tree to grow. If you don't move your truck for a few years, trees will find it. As they grow wider, the truck bends to fit! Here livestock cannot...

With the introduction of the Advance Design Cab in 1947, a new dealer installed heater also became available. When used together this new body was referred to as The Cab That Breathes.

By the mid 1950's extra income in the U.S. was creating an increased demand for accessories on both cars and trucks. To take advantage of this, the Chevrolet Truck Division introduced one item as a first. It would not appear again on Chevrolet trucks until the mid 1970's.

Prior to the 1960's, trucks were used as work vehicles. On Friday nights, most were parked for the weekend and the family sedan was the transportation vehicle. It was a conservative era when you bought only basic necessities. A $5.00 grocery purchase was more than most could carry. Finding white wall tires on a truck (even a car) would have...

When you need more room for wider 8 bolt non-split rim wheels on your stock 1946-1959 Chevrolet or GMC ¾ ton, there is a solution. (The long tie rod ends prevent the use of wheels much wider than the original split rims.) Customers have given us an answer! It is not difficult and uses all original GM parts. After the...

The 1947-1955 Chevrolet and GMC came from the factory with left mirror arms on left hand drive trucks. This was particularly important if the truck was to have a large bed that covered the rear window. To keep sale price low, the right mirror arm was an accessory (dealer installed). It was very important that the dealer place the mirror...

  It's surprising that an item placed on almost every 1947-55 Chevrolet and GMC truck has become so impossible to locate. Most collectors have never seen one! The product is the five inch GM round mirror head. It was originally bolted to the cowl mounted mirror arm on the driver's side. They were always black and had the pivot on...

The Chevrolet dealer installed recirculator heater was much different in 1947-48. In 1946 and older plus in 1949 through 1957, they sold the traditional round core design but for 1947 and 1948 it was all different.

  No less than three different mirror arms were used on Advance Design Trucks (1947-1955). Though most vendor catalogs do not reflect these differences, the following should be of interest to those that want their truck restored correctly. All left mirror arms attach to the same position on the cowl, however two designs were used. In the beginning years (1947-50...

A rattling gear lever can be quietened by slipping on a rubber sleeve. A handy sort is the sleeve of a bath tub sprayer that fixes on to a ordinary tap

Wiring procedure for temporarily attaching a coil to test an older one

This is a custom made tool for the compression of valve springs so that the push rod can be easily removed, each application will vary. The illustration should give you an idea on how the system works

Air pressure to clear fuel line blockage. This is an old mechanic trick of attaching a tube valve to half a rubber ball as seen in the illustration. Cut the ball to suit the fuel filter neck. Disconnect the line at the fuel pump so you don't clog internal filters in the pump or carburetor. Don't apply too much pressure as you may damage the tank

Valve quick spring test. To ensure valve springs in use are of the correct strength and have not weakened with age, they should be checked against a new one. The two springs should be placed in a vice as shown. If the used spring compresses before the new one starts to it has lost its strength and should be replaced by a new one

Side view mirrors last longer if a thin line of clear lacquer is painted around the edge of the glass where it meets the metal. This keeps moisture from getting behind the glass and also helps prevent the mirror from loosening and rattling. You can also use clear nail polish varnish.

A head gasket leak can be checked for leakage by adding a couple of teaspoonfuls of washing blue to a cup of anti freeze and pouring the mixture into the radiator. Tie a cloth over the tail pipe and run the engine. If there's a leak the blue will stain the fabric. The anti freeze will help to locate the leak

Older type steering usually have a number of ball joints similar to those illustrated. They must be regularly greased and adjusted or they will wear to the point that the ball will slip out of the spring tensioned cups. Once this happens you will have either part steering or no steering at all

Repair your own tubeless tires? You can seat the beads against the wheel rim so they'll hold air by applying a rope tourniquet around the tire. When partial inflation expands the tire, remove the rope and inflate to recommended pressure

Instead of tying up the starter cable to keep it from shorting against the motor or other metal parts of the car, when it is removed to repair the starter, just slip a short piece of rubber hose or tubing over the terminal end. Then you can let the end of the cable drop without any possibility of running down the battery.

Studebaker recommends a mixture in the ratio of 1/4 pound of beeswax to 1 quart of turpentine as very effective in protecting chromium plated parts against salt air and other conditions which have a detrimental effect on these parts.

If static electricity gives you a jolt each time you touch chrome door or window handles, apply a coat of thinned white shellac over the metal. The shellac will act as insulation and, incidentally, will protect the metal handles and keep them bright.

In removing rivets by center punching and drilling, the drill sometimes works off center, thus spoiling the rivet hole. A jig like the one shown will guide the drill true, as well as eliminate the need for center punching the rivet.

The points on the relay switch in the circuit breaker between the generator and battery often become roughened and stick together when the motor stops. This causes a reverse flow of electricity from battery to generator, resulting in a dead battery. Filling these points usually will eliminate bothersome sticking.

A pair of rounded wood blocks anchored to a sloping driveway will keep a car from rolling away. The blocks should be gently rounded so they are easy to run over, yet at the same time just steep enough to hold the car when it is parked.

To help you see beneath the manifolds when installing plugs in new V8's, fasten an old rearview mirror to a husky magnet. Place it on the frame with the mirror aimed at the plug openings and you can work without feeling your way.

To check an oil filter quickly, feel the temperature of its housing after warming the engine. If the housing feels substantially cooler than the oil pan, the cartridge is dirty and oil is by passing it. Change it as soon as possible.

Greasing truck shackles, in particular rear shackle pins that take weight and dust constantly. When no grease will flow, jack up the chassis to relieve the weight of the shackle pin, at the same time as greasing, tap the spring or shackle pin with a hammer.

This tip came from a radiator repairer who told us one of the most frequent causes of radiator tube blockage is the excessive use of silicone rubber for water pump and thermostat gaskets.

Hook up a timing light quickly with a bent cotter pin. One leg of the pin slips into the distributor caps #1 sparkplug socket, the timing light cable clamps on the other. The distributor is often easier to reach than the plug.

Keep your oil pouring spout clean and ready to use by storing it in a plastic bag. Besides keeping dust and insects out of the spout, the bag will collect oil drippings, preventing a mess in the garage.

How to use a ballpoint pen to pull wire through a body panel.

Dirty corroded sockets in tail lights, small parking lights and older type headlights can be cleaned with the end of a battery terminal brush rotated inside the socket. Turn the power off first. Any other brush of similar size will do.

A 6 volt battery cable on a 12 volt car is okay, but be careful if you are putting a 12 volt cable on a 6 volt car. The diameter may be smaller and cause power losses in the lower voltage system. The reason is that the 12 volt cables carry less amperage for the same power output.

Gearbox and back axle will run cooler and give longer life if you clean the mud and grime off at regular intervals. Steam cleaning and painting is best, a going over at home with solvent, kerosene, or degreaser is okay also. The reason, mud and dirt acts as an insulator, keeping the heat inside.

Bleeding hydraulic brakes will be easy if you make yourself this rig. You will need a spare cap for the master cylinder. Solder a piece of 1/4 inch tubing into the hole drilled through the cap.

A curtain rod of the telescoping type can be used to gauge the toe-in of an automobile's front wheels. After straightening out the tips as shown in the drawing, adjust the rod to fit snugly between the inner rims of the two wheels at their front edges. By making the rod at the joint and repeating the process at the rear edges of the rims, you can accurately determine the amount of toe-in.

To provide suction for checking the adjustment of an automatic, vacuum operated spark advance on the distributor of a car, an ordinary tire pump can be used. Remove the ball, check valve from the base of the pump and reverse the position of the leather washer. Then when the handle is drawn upward, air will be sucked into the pump hose, creating a vacuum.

To lighten the task of changing a heavy tire, one truck driver carries an ordinary roller skate (or a skate board) in his tool kit and uses it as shown. The skate supports the weight of the tire leaving him free to slide the spare wheel in place. This can also be used when changing tires on a car. It makes it easier to manage a heavy wheel.

Headlight lenses on cars can be removed easily and with little danger of breaking them with the aid of a plumber's friend, or force cup, generally employed for cleaning drains. After the vacuum cup has been pressed against the lens, the headlamp screw is removed and the lens lifted out.

Machinists sometimes find stud bolts set so firmly that the ordinary wrenches and devices for removing them are insufficient. Under these conditions, a simple method is to attach a heavy lathe dog to the bolt, as shown, and apply an iron bar as a lever. Tremendous force can be applied in the way, and the bolt easily removed. By reversing the pull, the bolt can be set very firmly.

Hood lacing that mats down and becomes hard with age often allows the hood to rub the body and cause annoying squeaks. Ordinary pencil erasers, notched as shown above and slipped under the lacing, will silence the noise. Pressure of the lacing is usually strong enough to keep the rubber silencers in place.

Russell Webb of Bombala, NSW, is working on a 1950-51 International AL-110. He thought we would like to see how a previous owner solved his rear spring overload problems. Now there is a good use for old tires..

We have all heard of the expression, You get what you pay for. This is a drill from an attractive set from one of those cheap stores that sell all Chinese stuff. The picture is worth a thousand words. A $5 drill is usually better than a $5 set of drills.

Because socket type spark plug wrenches sometimes break the porcelain around the plug as they are slipped on or off, cut a short piece of rubber hose to fit snugly inside the wrench. Forced into the tool so that it clears the lower shank that grips the base ofthe plug, the rubber hose within the hollow tool acts as a cushion to protect the plug's porcelain insulator from accidental breakage.

Look what a 216 six cylinder can do with a low speed rear end!

Life for this 1951 Chevrolet Model 5100 began at the GM assembly plant in Kansas City . Soon after, it was delivered to its new home at a small Chevrolet dealer in Lydon , Kansas . About this time it was also equipped with a new wrecker body (manufactured by W.T. Stringfellow and Co., Nashville , Tennessee ) and made ready for duties as a GM dealership tow truck.

So you wish to hear about my 1939 Chevrolet, grain bed, ton and a half tow truck. Well folks it is what I call a “REAL TRUCK”. This baby was built to work and be tough. Quality was important to vehicle builders of the pre-war era.

The truck (a 1936 1/2 Chevy high cab) was the very first truck that Mr. Hess himself drove around Woodbridge, NJ in the early days. In those days it was not gasoline he hauled, it was primarily heating fuel oil. The truck remained in service up into the early fifties at which time it underwent a partial overhaul. When I met the truck it had spent the last twenty something years in the HOVIC (Hess Oil Virgin Islands Corp) plant in the US Virgin Islands being used as a prop.

Its early 1947 and the U.S. has been struggling over a year to get factories back to producing domestic goods for the new post World War II economy. Car and truck hungry customers are expecting a year’s wait for each new vehicle ordered.

This is my 1948 Chevy 6100 Series, 2 ton short dump truck. I used it for remodeling business in Ledyard, CT. The truck has been in use by me for 8 years. After purchasing it, I have sought to keep her looking as original as possible. This is a long term project.

Ad for 1946 Chevrolet 1 1/2 ton dually

Almost unchanged in 45 years! The second owner repainted the two doors to cover the town lettering, then added the "Moblegas" decals. Yes, the hubcaps, bumpers, and grill back splash bars are still the correct gray color due to 1953 Korean War shortages.

Wow! Now this is a real work truck. Used almost daily, it was bought from the original owner in 1985. This 1967 Chevrolet 1 ½ ton is a true heavy hauler. It's original 283 V-8, 4 speed transmission, single speed rear end, and high output heater remains in place.

Our 1942 1 1/2 ton Chevrolet Fire Truck Was delivered to the DeLand Naval Air Station, February, 1942.

  Strange but true, 305 V-6 valve covers on 1963 GMC 1/2 ton pickups came with a red, yellow, and black plaid design. The red color was used on the remainder of the engine without the yellow and black markings. These photos are of an original untouched V-6 GMC engine. At this time, we are unsure why GMC used this...

  Chevrolet's 1/2 ton and car 3 speed overdrive transmission was optional equipment installed on the assembly line during the 1950's. The reduction of engine RPM's in high gear resulted in less wear on the drive train as well as additional speed on level roads. Today, this is still important but of increased importance is better fuel economy. The standard...

This drawing is from the 1955-1959 Chevrolet Factory Assembly Manual. We have added our part number ( FL137 ) with an arrow to show the new floor shift foam collar that is now available at Jim Carter's Truck Parts. Click to enlarge

  It's the first year for the successful Chevrolet V-8. (This basic small block design continues even today over 50 years later.) One very unique characteristic of this first year V-8 is the lack of a traditional block connection for a positive flow oil filter. For this one year, this 265 engine carried the by-pass oil filter system much like...

  Chevrolet linkage-type power steering is now available optionally on Series C10, 20, 30 models. This was formerly a dealer installed item. The equipment consists of a hydraulic pump, power cylinder, control valve, relay rod and hoses. The power cylinder is mounted to the side of the engine and is connected to the control valve through the hoses. The control...

  By 1958 the Chevrolet V-8 fan shroud (not GMC) changed to the more traditional round design. During the V-8 beginning years in 1955-1957, it was little more than four pieces of custom sheet metal that helped pull air through the radiator core. The enclosed pictures are of an original fan shroud for a 1958-59 Chevrolet 283 V-8. It fits...

  Two totally different 12 volt starters were used on the 235 six cylinder Chevrolet light trucks during 1955-1959. They attach to different bellhousings and are not interchangeable. Hydromatic 3 Bolt Starter As shown in the photos, the Hydramatic transmission starter has three bolt holes for securing it to the bellhousing. A solenoid on top reacts to the drivers key...

  Chevrolet's linkage-type power steering is available as an RPO (Regular Production Option) on all models except Forward Control Chassis. New ease and fingertip steering control are provided because up to 80 percent of the steering work is done by hydraulic power. Maneuvering a heavily loaded truck in a small space becomes much easier, and straightaway highway travel is less...

  With the introduction of the new small block V-8's in 1955 Chevrolet trucks, modified sheet metal was created to help in cooling. The new truck design came standard with the proven 235 inline six cylinder but when an optional V-8 was added, cooling modifications were necessary. The short length V-8's cooling fan was too far from the radiator and...

Just imagine a truck designed strictly for work duties that has survived almost 70 years! In 1936, our country was still feeling the effects of the "Great Depression". When you spent your money for a 1 1/2 ton truck, it had to pay it's way. Therefore, few big trucks like this 1936 have survived. They were worked from the first day of delivery!

What a rare panel truck! This little 1934 Chevrolet is almost a "one of a kind". With it being under construction, we just had to share these pictures.

Have you ever crawled under a pickup for sale looking for damage? You then turned it down because some rust was coming through the floor. Well, check this! David Cross of Stillwater, Minnesota found this 1957 Chevrolet 1/2 ton and ignored the signs of major rust. What is now a show quality truck would normally have been crushed by a recycler.

  We often get requests for a formula to make the Advance Design pickups more freeway friendly. Their original ring and pinion gears were created to make the truck's six cylinder work well with a load and also keep up with the 1950's traffic on gravel roads and two lane paved highways. Though a higher speed reproduction ring and pinion...

This mid-Missouri 1937 Chevrolet 1/2 ton is owned by Tim Koch of Jefferson City. He chose this restoration shop to do the total project because of their reputation for quality as one of the best! The name Herrons Customs Paint is mentioned at so many local shows, it was worth Tim Koch talking to the owner and viewing his shop. The vehicles under rebuilding convinced Tim this was the company to do the restoration of his 1937 Chevy truck.