Posts Tagged ‘frame’

Overload Rear Bumpers

Thursday, February 11th, 2010

To help prevent metal to metal contact when 1/2 and 3/4 tons are overloaded or have weak shock absorbers, truck manufacturers used a rubber devise. This cushion prevents the axle from making direct contact with the frame rails.

On the rear of the 1947-1953 GM pickups, it attaches directly to the underside of the hump in the frame. It is not meant to be removed during the life of the truck.

In 1954 a change in the overload bumper location was necessary. This was the first year for a redesigned step bed which was three inches deeper. To keep the top edge of this new bed the same as earlier years, the hump in the frame was lowered. It was necessary to place a bracket on the side of the frame rail and add this bumper. The attached photo shows this repositioning of the overload bumper.

overload rear bumpers 1

1947-1953 (above)

overload rear bumpers 2

1954-1955 (above)

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Tags: chassis, frame, overload rear bumpers
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Chevy and GMC Frames

Thursday, February 11th, 2010

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 cmpare 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.

chevy gmc frame 1

chevy gmc frame 2

chevy gmc frame 3

Photos courtesy of Rob English

Email: rob@oldgmctrucks.com

Website: Oldgmctrucks.com

Buy Parts for 1947 to 1955 Trucks

Tags: chevrolet, frame, gmc, old chevy truck
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Frame Horns

Thursday, February 11th, 2010

During 1941-46 a unique device was used in the front of both frame rails of Chevrolet/GMC trucks. It was designed to serve two purposes. This forged steel ‘horn’ was a spring hanger as well as a connection for front bumper braces.

These horns are securely riveted into the end of the frame and were designed to last for the life of the truck. Only more serious front-end wrecks will damage them. Usually the whole frame can bend before the cast iron horn breaks. Most were damaged due to lack of lubrication of the shackle pin and bushing. Finally, the pins wear through the bushing and then work on the casting. Finding usable frame horns in recent years have been very difficult. None are being reproduced.

Left side with Frame Horn	Right side with Frame Horn removed
Photos are by Judy and Dave Gaudet email: cohortva@shaw.ca

Tags: 1941, 1946, frame, frame horns
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Suburban Frames

Thursday, February 11th, 2010

Over the years we have been asked ‘Where can we locate the chassis frame for a Suburban or panel truck?’ The answer is not complicated. To save much money General Motors used a modified frame from a pickup. The difference is four right angle brackets riveted to the frame. These provide an attaching point for the large single unit body (Suburban and panel truck).

On most pickups, these frame holes are even punched at the factory so the long side rails can be used for either body style. Therefore, if your Suburban or panel truck needs a frame, your hunt will be less difficult. The attached photos show body mount brackets on a 1954 as they were installed at the factory.

suburban frames 1