Jim Carter Truck Parts

Ever notice that older large GM trucks have split rim wheels painted one color? Thus, they give a more “plain” appearance. This is not the way these trucks where when new! From the factory, the narrow split rings were zinc plated. This was an important extra. It prevented them from rusting against the main wheel between tire changes. In northern...

The upper removable metal door panels of these Task Force trucks are made to allow access to the window raiser and door opening hardware. The large “C” shaped ridges on these panels may appear to be for appearance only or to add a little extra strength to the panel. They are not! They were placed there for one reason: To...

It’s the mid 1960’s and pickups continue to emerge from being only workers on farms or for businesses. With more disposable family income, American’s were showing an interest in extras that had been more-related to the family car. Truck manufacturers noted this trend as options (installed at the factory) and accessories (installed by the dealers) were selling better than ever...

How rare!  Most invoices were discarded soon after the purchase!  This shows the day of the sale of a 1958 Cardinal Red Cameo as first purchased November 16, 1957.  It is now owned by Kevin Rantuccio in Florida in 2021.  The original invoice was included with the sale.

A rare accessory indeed! In the days when some did not even lock their home doors, few would even consider buying a spare tire lock for their under bed pickup from their Chevrolet dealer. However, the 1937-50 Chevrolet / GMC Spare Tire locking device was available. A brass nut replaced the long factory hexagon nut used on the original spare...

It was show time at the 2014 American Truck Historical Society national convention. This year it was held in Springfield, Missouri. The Ozark 4-State Chapter was the host. Over 713 large and small trucks from across the US and Canada were registered and on display! So many more were in the parking lot outside of the gates. Of all these...

Starting in 1934 an add-on fan shroud was offered for larger trucks used as delivery and freight haulers. The 1937-38 trucks had a new part number for the shroud. It was available for delivery vehicles involved in stop and go driving, heavy hauling, and school bus applications. (In today’s world they slow over heating in slow moving parades.) The shroud...

Photo of a 1938 Chevrolet Truck grille and crank hole cover without the lower section covered by the bumper.

Our feature Truck of the Month Series is well known for the very unusual. So, here we go again! Cameos of the mid-1950’s are now rarely seen, however this example was even quite unusual when you could place an order at the Chevrolet dealer 65 years ago. Not only is it one of the country’s top unrestored Cameos, it has...

After many, many years being involved in the Chevy/GMC restoration hobby a fact surfaced about these trucks. I had never paid attention to the center tall “dip” in the firewall. One day, trying to create a new reproduction rubber floor mat, I said to myself, “Why is this rounded area protruding into where a new floor must be? “ Its...

3000 Series Trucks Remove the bumper attaching bolts from the left hand front bumper bracket and discard.Place the left hand bumper guard in position and mount it to the bumper and bumper bracket using the lock-washers, flat washers and bolts furnished. Tighten securely.Mount and attach the right hand bumper guard following the procedure outlined in Steps 1 and 2 above.Remove...

March 2022 Feature Truck of the Month Coming Soon

Owner: Roy Asbahr The standard two-tone color as most Suburbans that year. Upper: Fatham Green Lower: Channel Green One of Roy Asbahr's most special and unique vehicles is a 1949 Chevrolet Suburban. After a 1 1/2 year restoration, it looks showroom new. Roy is a perfectionist in vehicle restoration and this is one of his best yet! The body and...

And The 1960 That Made It All Happen This month’s Feature Truck is almost never seen among restored vehicles in today’s world. Because it is a ¾ ton, it was bought for work duties on the farm or hauling merchandise for a company. There was almost no concern in keeping it nice for a future generation. Actually, prior to the...

Somewhere between the factory all painted black bed wood and the planks that are sanded and clear-coated to show the attractive grain is a “middle ground”. Look at this very attractive creation! We were so impressed with this finished bed. It gives another alternative for making a nice bed floor. Stephen Denk of Buckner, Missouri came up with this process...

We think you will like our decision to repost one of our more popular articles during our 25 year history. During 2021 this created so many comments with a surprise that this truck ever existed. To our knowledge, this is the only 1947 "1 ½ ton dually" that we know exists. NOTE: The 1946 cab design continued until about April...

Most of us that appreciate seeing older trucks soon learn that the range of condition has several levels. All are great to see on the road as a daily driver as well as one that rarely leaves the garage. Owners usually find their “comfort level” of what they want in their old truck combined with the finances they want to...

The moment we saw this 1946 GMC ½ ton, we knew this pickup had to be a feature truck of the month! This newly rebuilt pickup certainly needed to be brought to the attention of our many readers. Jason Davis of Kansas City, Kansas inherited this special truck seven years ago from his grandfather. Because it was a GMC produced...

And the “All American Truck Club of New Zealand” After as much as 80 years of almost no maintenance, the saddles that wrap around the two rear axle housings usually require some serious attention.  The wear is out of the sight and often is over looked during most restorations. Steve Jones in the country of New Zealand had this problem...

What a Great Panel Truck!  This body style is rarely seen in today’s world. When new, they were usually used for carrying merchandise to the fast developing residential neighborhoods of the 1950”s. They were very successful in delivery of groceries, laundry, dry cleaning, or for any company that carried items from a supplier homes or business. Our feature truck this...

Between 1954 and 1959 the dash cluster of GMC trucks were given a circular opening for a dealer installed clock or tachometer. These trucks left the factory with a blank-out plate to fill this opening. With most GMC's this plate always remained in place as an option was rarely added. The enclosed photo shows both plates used during the period...

Just like GM sent to the dealers

For this month’s feature truck we combine the talents of Linda and Doyle Groat, both loving older GM vehicles, and the discovery that they owned a very rare 1972 Chevrolet Suburban Highlander. This mix has resulted in their great memories among the special older vehicles owned, their restoration experiences, attending many car/truck shows, and now owning and learning about this...

Prior to WWII rubber was not of quality to withstand continual contact with petroleum based lubricants. Because it had never existed, the auto and truck factories used the materials available. An excellent example of this is grease seals used in early vehicle suspension shackles. These seals hold the grease to remain around the horizontal pins after a pressure gun has...

This fact about car and truck generators is not known to most.  We hope, you find this of interest. Both ends of most generators after the mid 1930’s had openings for air to pass through their internal moving parts.  The small fan on the front it is attached to a pulley that is turned by the belt reaching the harmonic...

After over 30 years of General Motors using the standard stepside bed for their pickups, a major addition was introduced as an accessory in 1958. It was referred to as a Fleetside. Our Feature truck this month shows this new size pickup bed. Yes, the standard stepside remained as the most popular bed, however as the new Fleetside began to...

All our past Feature Truck of the Month Series is selected because they have special characteristics unlike any others. This month’s article is not even close to those of our past 220 articles! It was difficult to choose one of the owner’s collection of over 30 Advance Design GM trucks (1947-55). They consisted of very unique body styles, restored and...

Once it was one of America’s favorite work trucks. Now, of the few remaining, this truck stays in the garage if there is even a chance for rain. This very special 1952 GMC ¾ Ton Pickup is owned and ground up restored by Gary Guadagnolo of Stockton, California. His goal was to make it like the day it left the...

To many in the U.S, this most eastern location in North America is almost unknown. The large island of Newfoundland is several miles from the mainland of eastern Canada. Here is the home of our extremely rare feature truck of the month; a 1955 GMC Suburban Pickup. The proud owner is Barry Tippett, a long life resident of Holyrood, Newfoundland...

This Chevy truck is so unusual and nicely restored, it was a natural for our feature truck series that we have posted since the year 2000. For sure a one of a kind! This 1941Chevrolet Military Canopy Express is owned and was personally restored by Michel Nivarlet of Belgium. Always an enthusiast of older US motorized vehicles, he had immediate...

What a rare unusual survivor of early GM pickup trucks. This early 1955 Chevrolet ½ ton short wheel base four wheel drive was created for off road work. When a person bought this type pickup sixty-five years ago they had off road work needs. The over 70% additional cost made them not financially practical for daily driving to work or...

A 1946 Piper J3C-65 in Background For our Feature Truck of the Month series, we try to find trucks just a little different than the usual. This 1950 Chevy ½ ton is certainly a “stand alone”. A seventy year old pickup that looks almost original, however; there are many hidden modern updates that only the most expert Chevy truck perfectionist...

On July 10, 2020, the 10th South East Truck Nationals were held in Lebanon, Tennessee. What a show! Over 1,000 registered older GM trucks were displayed on the large county fairgrounds. About 5,000 walk-in visitors were observing the trucks. Many parts dealers and food venders were lined up along the walkways. This show is soon to be the largest all...

The proud owner of this seventy-five year old daily driver is Joe Thompson of Overland Park, Kansas. More about Joe later in this article! Our feature truck for this month is Canadian made at the Chevrolet factory in Oshawa, Ontario. It was built just after World War II when the demand for trucks and cars was the highest in history...

This month’s feature truck is a 1950 Chevrolet ½ ton that appears almost identical to the day it left the factory in St. Louis, Missouri about 70 years ago. It is a pure standard cab pickup; the most popular light truck sold that year by Chevrolet or any other make. It was made for work and thus no extras were...

It is July 2020, and we were attending the annual South East Trucking Nationals in Lebanon, Tennessee. Over 1,000 trucks were on display at the Wilson County Fair Grounds, and so, so many people came just to walk through the many rows of special trucks. Even parts venders lined some aisles! Of the very few 1969-72 Chevrolet Blazers at the...

For the true Advanced Design perfectionist, this GMC accessory should be of interest. SO RARE!Of the few bedroll reflectors that were added by the GMC dealers, very few have survived. Over the years as the pickup aged and was given more work duties, the reflectors were a target for improper backing. After all, it was a work truck hauling even...

This Photo Says it All Mich Kingsley Elliot, Illinois There just something about a "Jim Carter Bed". Photo by Mr. and Mrs. Bahston 1956 GMC Suburban Carrier Dave Shorey’s favorite in his GM truck collection in the UK. Probably only one in the country! 1937 GMC Cab-Over-Engine owned and restored by John Wazorick of Arizona. “A work of Art” Deer...

Back to Page 1, Page 2 Homemade Step Plate - Not Bad! 1934-46 Left door T-handle broke? Welded on a bent rod. Want under-bed tank?Raise your bed! Cab Over Engine….Chevrolet Ugly TruckOwner Unknown Holes for many aftermarket heaters are in the 1946 Firewall!

Back to Page 1, Page 3 Clearance lights expensive? Maybe use 1940 park lights. Outboard motor leaking? Secure it to a tailgate when traveling! Turn signals aren't bright? Just add a larger light! Protecting the tail light in a home made bumper. No turn signal on your panel truck? Drill a hole and add a universal. No place to live...

Most all early trucks were operated under a different set of rules than passenger cars. With a few exceptions, trucks were not people haulers. They were bought and used as freight movers! Freight is defined as anything from boxes to bulk dirt and hay to farm feeds. To keep them running in the 1940's and 1950's with limited family income...

The Associated Press reported a 1951 Chevy pickup, converted into a boat, got within 40 miles of Florida. This truck/boat was spotted, on July 16th, 2003 by the Bureau of Immigration and Customs patrol plane. It was later intercepted by two U.S. Coast Guard boats. The truck was kept afloat by attaching empty 55 gallon drums to the bottom, making...

Sometimes a truck is just too neglected to be restorable. It's "Too Far Gone". About the only thing you can do is raise its radiator cap and place another truck under it. The following are a few sad examples that only their mother could love! Examples of "Too Far Gone Trucks"... A 1964 Chevy 1/2 ton abused beyond repair! This...

Is this just a junkyard or is it hidden treasure? Jim ventured into the junkyard to take a few pictures. He was hoping to get some interesting shots from different perspectives. To Jim these shots are "JUNKYARD ART". To others these may just be different views of a junkyard, but to those who are restoring an antique GM truck, they...

Is this just a junkyard or is it hidden treasure? Jim ventured into the junkyard to take a few pictures. He was hoping to get some interesting shots from different perspectives. To Jim these shots are "JUNKYARD ART". To others these may just be different views of a junkyard, but to those who are restoring an antique GM truck, they...

Is this just a junkyard or is it hidden treasure? Jim ventured into the junkyard to take a few pictures. He was hoping to get some interesting shots from different perspectives. To Jim these shots are "JUNKYARD ART". To others these may just be different views of a junkyard, but to those who are restoring an antique GM truck, they...

Is this just a junkyard or is it hidden treasure? Jim ventured into the junkyard to take a few pictures. He was hoping to get some interesting shots from different perspectives. To Jim these shots are "JUNKYARD ART". To others these may just be different views of a junkyard, but to those who are restoring an antique GM truck, they...

Is this just a junkyard or is it hidden treasure? Jim ventured into the junkyard to take a few pictures. He was hoping to get some interesting shots from different perspectives. To Jim these shots are "JUNKYARD ART". To others these may just be different views of a junkyard, but to those who are restoring an antique GM truck, they...

Enjoy the Music of the "54 Chevy Panel Truck Blues This song was composed and performed by Robert "One Man" Johnson.... The music usually starts automatically...However, if you do not hear the music,click the little arrow above... Make sure your speakers are on! If you do not see the arrow icon (above) or hear the music... you can click the...

I contacted everyone I spoke of in the "parts" post, and told them what I was up to strictly in the interest of fairness and honesty. One person replied. ONE. that was Jim Carter himself, who took time from his busy day to talk to the likes of me. This is my impression of our conversation. Jim takes his business...

During the early years of Chevrolet and GMC truck production, the franchised dealers sold and added extras. These are referred to as accessories. One of the most popular items in the group was the fresh air and re-circulater heaters. Both pre-boxed heater designs included a pair of defroster ducts. Both were connected to the body of the main heater box...

1953 “Canadian Built” 1953 GMC ½ Ton

Thirty six years by the same owner! Mike Odom of Kingston, Illinois purchased this 1938 Chevy 3/4 ton at a farm auction about 1985 for $1275.00. Why? It was the beginning of the pickup craze in the U.S. that still is alive and well. Mike wanted an older pickup long before he had the money to buy one, much less...

About 5 years ago Steve and Cynthia Brouker of Lee, Massachusetts got an idea they wanted an old Chevy truck. Just one of many that have made early pickups about the most popular vehicle now collected and restored in the U.S.A. As most current pickup owners, the Broukers did not require a trailer queen for shows but rather a very...

2014 ARTICLESMODEL YEARMODEL MAKEOWNERSDecember 20141962Chevrolet 1/2 Ton 4×4Nelson GoodNovember 20141941Chevrolet COEEarl BurkOctober 20141952Chevrolet UTEJohn SmithSeptember 20141950GMC 1 Ton PickupJohn LesmeisterAugust 20141954Chevrolet 3/4 TonTerry MillsapJuly 20141950COEKent ZimmermanJune 20141946Chevrolet Panel TruckJim WintersMay 20141935Chevrolet ½ TonRichard WrightApril 20141942Chevrolet 1½ TonHerman PfauterMarch 20141949Chevrolet ½ TonRandy PriebeFebruary 20141948Chevrolet ½ TonTad ShadidJanuary 20141946Chevrolet ½ TonPaul Owsley 2013 ARTICLESMODEL YEARMODEL MAKEOWNERSDecember 20131950’sCars of CubaAnonymousNovember 20131958Chevrolet CameoAnonymousOctober 20131969C-10...

It’s the late 1960’s and John Berry of Lehi, Utah, needed another pickup truck for his ranch duties. He was not particular of the brand but just needed a dependable older pickup for his general hauling requirements. The best he found that seemed affordable was a 10 year old local GMC. John used to tune the truck and service it...

2008 ARTICLESMODEL YEARMODEL MAKEOWNERSDecember 20081937GMC TrailaboutRon LoosNovember 20081972Chevrolet ¾ TonEdward EckelOctober 20081948Chevrolet ½ TonRoger DarrowSeptember 20081940Chevrolet ½ TonJohn BuhrAugust 20081949Chevrolet ½ TonSteve JonesJuly 20081953GMC ½ TonJerry WillisJune 20081957Chevrolet CameoKen McCartyMarch/April/May 20081954Chevrolet ½ TonAngus McDougald and Linda ChallandFebruary 20081941Chevrolet ½ TonJeff LewisJanuary 20081955Chevrolet ½ TonMarty Bozek 2006 ARTICLESMODEL YEARMODEL MAKEOWNERSDecember 20061946Chevrolet COEJim FasslerNovember 20061935Chevrolet SuburbanEd BrouilletOctober 20061964Chevrolet ½ TonGene SatterfieldSeptember 20061955Chevrolet...

With the introduction of the new 1955 GMC Blue Chip trucks. (Chevrolet used the name “Task Force.”) The GMC Truck Division made their statement with changes that were different in many ways than their Chevy competitor. Much of the sheet metal was identical to Chevrolet but there was just enough changes that allowed them to be a market and stand...

General Motors was well aware of the disposable income increasing in the American working class in the 1950’s. The Chevrolet Motor Division offered more dealer accessories than ever before to take advantage of this economic growth. One of the more unusual was a pair of hood ornaments created for the two ridges of the 1957 Chevy trucks (Some would say...

The owner of this month’s Featured Truck is Calvin Weaver of Churchville, Maryland. This 1954 has been in his family almost 60 years! Calvin’s father purchased it in the early 1960’s from a local farmer because he needed a pickup in his masonry business. As his father used it every day carrying masonry products, he began to really like this...

2002 ARTICLESMODEL YEARMODEL MAKEOWNERSDecember 20021955Chevrolet ½ TonKeith GunnOct/Nov 20021963GMC ½ TonGary AmelingSeptember 20021953GMC ½ TonClyde TreserAugust 20021951Chevrolet ½ TonDave Hinegardner & Billie HeatonJuly 20021935Chevrolet ½ TonJim JohnstonJune 20021953Chevrolet ¾ TonDennis OlandMay 20021954Chevrolet ½ TonRudy ParmenterApril 20021950Chevrolet ½ TonMark DeMonacoMarch 20021941Chevrolet ½ TonTom BollingerFebruary 20021969Chevrolet ½ TonDanny CurranJanuary 20021954Chevrolet ½ TonJ.A. Ceschin 2001 ARTICLESMODEL YEARMODEL MAKEOWNERSNov/Dec 20011951GMC ½ TonPaul McGarrSept/Oct 20011959Chevrolet...

There are two electric wires to the intake manifold mounted horn in the mid-1930's. They are protected by a zinc plated conduit between the two horn contacts and where they connect to the main wiring harness beside the six cylinder Chevy engine. 207 Engine 1934-36 The 1936 and earlier 207 engine manifold does not have a connection for the conduct...

In our 20 years posting Featured Truck series we have only listed one 1938 Chevy USA made ½ ton. (November 2009) The 1938 Chevy trucks are much rarer than the other two years in this series, the 1936 and 1937. This is due to 1938 labor strikes that at times stopped production in most of the GM plants. It was...

During 1936 through 1938 the horizontal pin stripe on the Chevrolet truck cab and hood (on the more standard Brewster Green color) was referred to as Gigolo Green. Strange! Our suspicions were correct. The 1994 Webster’s Dictionary gives two different meanings of the word Gigolo - ⦁ A man who is paid as a dancing partner or escort for women.⦁...

After about 30 years of the horn being secured to the engine intake manifold, it was moved to the radiator core support in 1954. This was also the same year the 235 six cylinder engine was introduced in trucks. The actual body of the horn was used for the first time in 216 engine trucks in 1953. This horn used...

They are NOT all the same! Actually, there are three different designs. Only the 1955-57 will interchange. The 1958-59 grille pods will not fit on a 1955-57 GMC. The shape of their back is not the same because of their different position on the front bumper. Even the 1955-56 is different from the 1957. The earlier grille pods do not...

Just in case, you have an interest in the Advance Design original brake system, this might catch your attention. For ½ and ¾ tons, in the left corner of the cab floor, is the foot operated park brake. Here, the lever extends vertically up through the floor so the driver’s foot can lock the rear brakes when keeping the truck...

It’s about 2015 and Bob Combe semi-retired of Rancho Cucamongo, California (40miles east of Los Angeles) had begun to develop an interest to restore an early General Motors truck. This may sound strange as he had never done a major restoration but he had the itch to do it. He had always done all maintenance on his daily drivers so...

Unlike earlier years, the 1960-66 Suburban and Panel Truck rear bumper is not the same as the front on this single body unit.Two items separate them from the front. The bumper brace holes are punched in a different place. They have a separation of 16 1/2” on the rear and 19 1/2” on the front. Thus, they cannot be interchanged.A...

The seats on this 1964-1966 Chevrolet Suburban are pure factory original. Their shape is designed for only the Suburban body. They allow for access to the rear seat. Horizontal white vinyl in the back rest is characteristic of many GM vehicles during this era. It was an extra touch that added a little extra flair to the deluxe models  

Split rim wheels were used over 30 years on larger trucks with inner tubes. They were the only method of keeping the tube within the tire under air pressure and to allow for easy removal of the tire from the rim by tire repair shops and individuals in home garages. An over view of tire removal was to remove the...

In today’s world, most every early Chevrolet ½ ton has now developed it’s own unique features. Few are exactly like they came from the factory over a half a century ago. Their past owners have added changes just to keep them running. However, in recent years these trucks have been altered in appearance, for safety or for keeping up with...

Don’t like reaching over your Suburban Tailgate to get merchandise? Jerry Rivers in Independence, MO corrected this problem. He redesigned GM’s method of gaining access to the inside. Check these photos. He steps up to the edge of the body with limited reaching for the items inside.   ­ You can contact Jerry at jerrysbodyshop@comcast.net

Cameo Leads the Pack on the Alcan Highway A Cameo leads the Chevy Truck “six pack” on the Alcan Highway in 1957.  For this one time General Motors used this 1,520 miles between Dawson Creek, British Columbia, Canada to Fairbanks, Alaska (two years before Alaska was made a U.S. state). Their engines were never shut off during the 45 hour...

  Buying a GMC truck in 1961 with this many special options is quite unusual.Now 58 years later this GMC is about one of a kind survivor.             Think about this: A GMC with a 305 cubic inch V-6 engine, Suburban body, 4 wheel drive, and the higher 3.73 differential. What a combination! The proud owner is Joe Disanti of...

What a great example of the mid 1950’s when the United States’ population began (for the first time) to have a little extra disposable income. Our Featured Truck of the Month, a 1954 Chevrolet Deluxe ½ ton pickup is an example of this developing change. The first owner obviously wanted a little more than just a pickup truck to park...

This month we decided to take a different spin on our long loved “Featured Truck of the Month Series” For the first time since we began the series in 2000 we are featuring a person that at one time was the country’s number one collector and restorer of mid 1950’s GMC ½ tons. RALPH WESCOTT of Largo, Florida is that...

America rightfully looks to its basic industries for renewal of prosperity. Its colossal utilities are employing thousands of GMC trucks in the construction of giant power dams and in weaving a network of wire and pipelines that project electrical and gas services even to the remotest outposts. This is a job that must be done mostly on wheels! Typical is...

Our Featured Truck of the Month (a 1972 Chevrolet Cheyenne Super) is the final year of this classic body design. It has never lost its popularity! The 1967-72 GM pickups are the ultimate result. GM began the transition of a farm truck to some luxury trucks in 1955 with the introduction of the Chevrolet Cameo. This was GM’s test to...

This term usually refers to a vehicle manufacture (in this case General Motors) that markets different marques by just changing emblems and some easily swapped trim items. In many ways, the 1955-1956-1957-1958 Cameo and Suburban Carrier can be placed in this category. The cab and bed of these two brands are almost identical. The dash board is shaped differently along...

In the family so many years! This little ½ ton spent most of its life in North Carolina where it was first used on a farm and did the required hauling duties. Now owned by Stephen Caudill of Wichita Kansas about 6 months ago. He purchased it from a family member in North Carolina after the immediate owner had passed...

They don’t get much rarer than these! In our over 200 Feature Truck of the Month Series since the year 2000, we have never even found one of these Carriers to use as an example.  In their three year production, mid-1955 to mid-1958, less than 1000 were sold through the many GMC dealers in the U.S. The limited survival rate...

About 4 years ago Jim McCoy of La Fontaine, Indiana attended the area’s largest car and truck show in this part of Indiana. The Dave Kunkel Cruise in occurs annually and has grown to be the largest the state. Jim is a regular and always reserves the day to be a part of it. It was love at first sight...

These six fiberglass parts were the main items used to create the Chevrolet Cameo and GMC Suburban Carrier. They were made to attach to the existing 6 foot step side bed. GM’s design department created this deluxe pickup with very limited investment. A deluxe cab, the pre-existing mechanicals, and a short step side bed were already in production.  The additions...

Featured Truck of the Month 2019 starts off with a bang! We are offering a different way of showing this special truck. We hope you enjoy the video, background music and the detailed description as much as we did putting it all together. This Advanced Designed Suburban was rebuilt by Mike and Tyler Chance a father/ son team devoted to...

When you check your truck odometer for a replacement, note the gear taper that turns the five numbered mileage wheels on the odometer assembly. Some have straight gears and others tapered.  Each have 15 teeth. The rule on Chevrolet, GMC and other GM vehicles is as follows: If the odometer gear teeth are straight cut, the unit fits below the...

             Beside the beach Louie Hinojosa of Bakersfield, CA has been a car and truck enthusiast since his high school days in the mid-1960’s. He had a 1955 Chevy two door hardtop ready when he was of driving age. This was his daily driver for many years. He learned so much on how to keep...

The attached page was taken from an original sales brochure. The overall sheet is shown about 10% darker than in the Chevrolet brochure.

Of the many stand out features of these two special trucks, none is more unique than the spare tire position. So much designing and tooling was required to make this hidden from view.  A salesman in a dealer’s showroom would be sure and praise this hidden, yet not difficult to remove, spare tire. By using the lug nut wrench two...

The 1957 Chevrolet side trim unfortunately had the threaded holes that connect it to the fenders in the same position on the right and left sides. This creates a problem for many after painting.  The right and left interchange!  Therefore, body shops often attach them to the wrong side after painting the two fenders. These emblems were made to look...

Ever seen a NEW GMC pickup? If not, our Feature Truck is as close as it comes to factory new.  Now owned by Jan and Ross Gale (father and son) of Princeton Junction, New Jersey.  It is so pure even the seat upholstery is as perfect as it came from the dealership over 65 years ago.  This pickup sets the...

Here is a page from an 80 year old automotive magazine. It appears the General Motors Truck Division made a slightly different truck for the country of Mexico. Seven dealers in Mexico are listed. Whether the trucks were just assembled in Mexico is unknown. It appears the Oldsmobile trucks are almost like the 1936 Chevrolet in the USA with the...

For those of you that want this took, here is what they should be like when the job is complete

During our 18 years’ experience with the Featured Truck of the Month Series, we have never located even one GMC ½ ton pickup of this vintage year. When we discovered it a few months ago, it was an immediate candidate to be posted for all to learn about. The truck is a 1937 GMC T-14 ½ ton pickup owned by...

On this early under seat gas tank there is no sending unit with float being reproduced! Therefore, with a little American ingenuity there is a way to nicely solve this problem. Obtain a now reproduced sending unit from a 1939-46 GM truck. The float rubs the tank inside so something must be done. Turn the top 5 hole disc so...

When you are buying a 1941-46 front fender and you see it cut-in at the front: as in this photo, it is correct for the 1 ½ and 2 ton trucks! The factory cut-ins allows the big truck 20 inch tires to turn without touching the fenders. Yes, it will fit the ½ ton through 1 ton but will look...

On rare occasion you will see a pickup that has a pair of original design front bumper guards installed on the rear bumper. Big Mistake! This is a recipe for tailgate damage. One slip of the hand while raising or lowering the gate will allow it to swing down until it hits these bumper guards. The result is evenly spaced...

Yes, you can create a 1950’s show truck at home, however it requires a basic mechanical attitude, enthusiasm, tools and of course a garage or work shed. This little ½ ton now looks about like when it was in the dealer’s show room 60 years ago. It left its home garage only once during its three year ground-up restoration. The...

The Chevrolet Cameo and GMC Suburban Carrier came with rubber floor mats like the other GM trucks (no carpet) except for one exception. This is the story! The exterior of all 1955 Cameos were painted only one way! It was Bombay Ivory with Cardinal Red on the vertical post behind the door, the lower inside panels of the bed, and...

Since the first inline six cylinder Chevrolet engines were introduced in 1929, they had been attached to the front cross member of the car and truck frame. There were no actual rear engine mounts. The engine was secured to the bellhousing at the rear which was attached to the frame rails. For the Chevrolet “car only” this changed in 1952...