Jim Carter Truck Parts

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...

How many truck owners do you know that have owned their vintage GM pickup almost 40 years! Steve and Patty Briand of Woburn, Massachusetts have been the owners of a vintage GMC since 1978 and it has become part of their family. HISTORY This 1949 GMC ½ ton long bed was bought new by the owner of a large chicken...

With most local radiator repair shops now out of business (you can buy late model radiators for modern vehicles much less than repairing the originals) finding repairs for original brass radiators is very difficult. Shop repairing large commercial truck and farm tractor radiators still are needed but usually in only larger cities. If your older GM original truck radiator does...

From 1955 through 1957 on trucks (their V-8’s all were 265 cubic inch during the first years) Chevrolet added engine cooling differently. The radiator was moved further to the rear due to the V-8 shorter length over the 235 inline six cylinder. To force more air into the radiator core Chevrolet added an upper and lower metal spacer plate.  These...

It will be difficult to ever top this Feature Truck of the Month! Rarely do we find a Chevrolet ½ ton so unique. It may not have been a one of a kind but in today’s world it is close to it. The truck is a 1948 Chevrolet Funeral Hearse on an all original ½ ton chassis. We discovered this...

During the mid-1950’s General Motors begin seeing the trend of increased demand for 4 wheel drive trucks. Not to miss a good opportunity they decided to offer this option in 1957. As it would require several years to develop their own 4x4 system plus the back road testing, GM “temporarily” used the best of the pre-existing systems. They bought kits...

It did not happen! There is no evidence that Chevrolet (the jury is out on GMC) ever offered chrome headlight rings the year they introduced dual sealed beam headlights. The attached photo is of a 1958 Cameo (the most deluxe truck in this line-up) with 1.4 miles on the odometer. The Pierce, Nebraska Chevrolet Dealer closed his doors in the...

If you are a regular reader of our Truck of the Month series, you know we attempt to present the more unusual. These vehicles are rarely seen at car and truck shows or even in specialty magazines.  This month’s feature truck is so rare; it is possibly the only example still in existence.  Its photo recently arrived in our company...

Jim Winter’s 1941 Panel Truck As an aid to delivery drivers working after dark, GM provided an overhead “reading light” on the headliner bow between the front seats. (Same place with or without the accessory right side seat) Its on-off switch is on the wood plank panel metal protector at the left of the driver’s shoulder. CARGO LIGHT: Because only...

Pin Striping Your Own Wheels For most people, placing pin stripes on wheels is very difficult. It comes at the end for most detailed restorations so having it done less than perfect is not acceptable.  So what is the option?  Here are some suggestions for a “do-it-yourself” method.  It is forgiving if you make a mistake and must try again...

It is rare that we see a transformation that has occurred like this 1951 Chevrolet ¾ ton pickup. It was changed from being a parts truck to a national show winner among some very stiff competition.  It has become a step above the quality on the day it left the dealership 65 years ago.  The owner, Dr. Fred Young of...

During the 1947-55 series, the five window cab often referred to as the Deluxe cab, was available as an extra cost option. Their two corner windows helped in visibility especially when backing. Cabs made during the same year are identical except for these corner window options.  Some buyers in the southern states rejected this option.  They felt the corner windows...

Accessories and Options Heater Surprise to Many! Overload Auxiliary Springs 1960-65 Stepside Back Up Lights Bumper Guard Installation Instructions 1959 Deluxe Trim 1957 Chevrolet Accessory Hood Ornaments Chevrolet V-8 By-Pass Oil Filter 1955-1959 Power Steering 1963-1966 Power Steering 1964-66 Optional Air Filter 1957-62 GM Tool Bag 1958-1964 Chevrolet Cool Pack Air Ash Remover First Factory Air 1955-1959 Heater Control Panels...

Bed Alternative Bed Wood Appearance Truck Beds...Black Wood Wood Bed Strips Blazer Blazer Spare Tire Mount Birth of the Blazer Blazer Top Facts Brakes Brake Drum Wear Chevrolet / GMC Brake Cable Connector (After Market) Cab 1967 Small Window Cab Dash Repair Defroster Damage Decals 1967-1972 4X4 Decal 1971 Disc Brake Decal Door 1972 Door Electrical 1967, 1968-1972 Hazard Flasher...

 Accessories and Options 1937-50 Chevrolet / GMC Spare Tire Lock1954 GMC Bedside Roll Reflector1947-55 Pickup Rear Bumper Guards – Wrong!1947-55 Chevrolet / GMC Running Board Safety Treads1940-1953 Accessory GM Reflector1954 Chevrolet Grille GuardAn Inner-Line Oil Filter1953 Chevrolet Truck Accessory Hood Ornament Mystery1947 - 1948 Recirculator Heater1953 - 1955 Fresh Air Heater1954-1955 Chevrolet Truck Accessory Clock1954 - 1955 GMC Spring Wind...

Owner: David Griffin Suddenly, while moving with traffic, directly in front of our vehicle on a major interstate highway, was a very attractive 1969 Chevrolet ½ ton short bed pickup. We also watched other drivers and we could see it was certainly an eye catcher to them. The biggest surprise was that it was soon parking in the same building...

Accessories and Options 1937-1946 Deluxe Heaters 1937-50 Chevrolet / GMC Spare Tire Lock Radiator Fan Shroud Accessory 1936-46 GMC Taillights & Brackets 1940-1953 Accessory GM Reflector 1946 Chevrolet 2 Ton with Thornton Drive An Inner-Line Oil Filter Re-circular Heaters and Rubber Defrost Fan Blades 1939-1946 Overload Springs 1937 Heater Accessories Mirror Accessories Bed Alternative Bed Wood Appearance 1941-46 Bedside Improvements...

Over 75 years ago the Chevrolet Motor Division offered an accessory in 1940 to help prevent work trucks from overheating during higher temperature days. The 1942 Chevrolet Master Parts Catalog shows it still available for the dealers to purchase and install. It was referred to as a “Bafffle” and was attached to the inside of the upper radiator core and...

Owner: Colin Carvolth  If you are a person that has followed our Feature Truck of the Month series you know we try to find GM trucks between 1934 and 1972 that are just a little different. Their criteria are they should have a different flair in some area that makes them almost a one of a kind! Therefore, even though...

We recently noticed this very unusual method of supplying motor oil to an era accessory filter. It was so different photos were taken for your enjoyment. If you have not seen an original, the owner has replaced the original factory black rubber hoses with these copper lines. How unusual!

During the early years there were three occasions when General Motors decided it was in their interest to make truck cab changes in mid-year.  Thus, in today’s world, when these years are mentioned, one must always be sure which of the two trucks are being discussed.  The following will mention these years and why the unusual timing occurred in one...

The enclosed page from the Chevrolet Factory Assembly Manual is dated July 23, 1955. It appears to be announcing the new full flow oil filter that attaches to the lower left rear side of the 265 V-8 engine block. For the early 1955 year- after the introduction of their first small block V-8 – the oil filter had been a...

Surprise to many, the first Chevrolet V-8’s had a lower end draft tube just like the six cylinders of the same years.  The V-8’s are hidden between the distributor and the firewall and not in easy view. The Chevrolet parts catalog for 1957 shows this “tube assembly” number 3726641 available by the dealer from 1955 through 1957. From almost the...

Owner: Bill Sanders If you like the 70 year old body designs with the “creature comforts” of a modern vehicle, our feature truck this month might really catch you attention. It may appear very old but on a freeway it can reach a speed far above the legal limits! This eye catching stand out in a crowd 1942 Chevy pickup...

Very Important Cam Shaft and Valve Data Occasionally when purchasing a used 235 high oil pressure engine, it may have been originally in a Chevy car with a Power Glide transmission. This will have a different cam shaft due to the Power Glide engine having hydraulic lifters. The lobes on the cam shaft must be a different height because of...

Its 1955 and Chevrolet trucks and cars offer their first small block V-8, a light weight with 265 cubic inches. (Not counting their short lived V-8 in 1917-18). This series of V-8’s, along with the high pressure inline 235 six cylinder (1954-62), are probably the most successful engines in the General Motor’s history up to that time. With proper maintenance...

If you really like learning about old Chevy truck six cylinder history, this article is for you. We recently visited Jerry’s Chevy Restorations in Polo, Missouri and noticed an interesting display on a side wall of his shop. Jerry has the complete series of Chevrolet “Stovebolt” six cylinder valve covers used on cars and trucks between 1937 and 1962. This...

Ever seen the inside of a 1934-46 Chevy truck door latch? When heating and straightening the 4 small prongs that secure the steel cover over the working mechanism, it is surprising to see how simple GM made the contents. Basically it is an enclosed ½“diameter x 2” long coil spring that pushes the pointer into the door striker plate on...

Additional Points of Interest on Early GM Wiring 1. Six volt systems MUST have 2 woven wire cables as a ground to allow plenty of current flow.a. One from the battery to the frame rail. See drawing.b. One from the ear of the starter attaching bolt to the frame rail. 2. The insulated cable from the battery to the starter...

WOW, a real World War II produced pickup! Few have survived and those remaining are usually restored with their trim parts chrome plated as before and after the war years. This 1942 Chevrolet ¾ ton pickup has been kept over 95% pure as it was during the final year before most all pickup truck production came to a halt in...

WD-40 Who Knew?What is the Main Ingredient of WD-40?Before you read to the end, does anybody know what the main ingredient of WD-40? No Cheating WD-40 ~ Who knew! I had a neighbor who bought a new pickup. I got up very early one Sunday morning and saw that someone had spray painted red all around the sides of this...

One of the most important factors in successful engine operation is to keep the water at far below the boiling temperature. This is best done by matching the radiator with the fan blade. On 1939-53 Chevrolet trucks there was a change in cooling fans depending on the demands the truck might have. The following three fan blade assemblies were as...

Our special truck this month: A 1957 Chevrolet Cameo owned by John Wazorick. Few people can say they have owned their 60 year old vehicle 40 years! It all began when John was in high school and the new 1957 Cameos were introduced in Chevrolet dealer’s show rooms.* It was love at first sight but it brought up a big...

Accurate front end alignment on any straight axle can be done in your home garage. Stop unnecessary tire wear and pulling side to side. This basic blue-print shows it all. It’s a no-brainer! The two small notches on each end of the alignment plate are a suggested place to secure your measuring tape. NOTE: Alignment plates can be made from...

There appears to be a rumor being spread that the 1960-72 behind the seat gas tank (with a carburetor engine) should be relocated. The major reasons said is “possible gas fumes and safety during an accident”. Here is the other side of the argument. General Motors was not stupid! Do some people today really think GM would have sold millions...

1939 Chevrolet 1/2 Ton

Here is a Feature Truck of the Month that was truly saved from the salvage yard. It had been outside deteriorating over 20 years behind the out of business Dellwood Dairy in Copiague New York (on Long Island). Because of some mechanical problems it had been left in the back lot of the abandon dairy. Now enters Vinny Tumminia of...

Though 1937 GMC pickups were made in both Canada and the US, there is one major difference between them. They have very different engines. Here are some facts: The 1937 US made GMC ½ tons used a flat head six cylinder engine from an Oldsmobile and in 1938 a flat head from Pontiac. These automobile engines were dependable with a...

It appears the GMC Division of General Motors in the United States wanted no part of using a Chevrolet low oil pressure engine for their 1936 introduction into the pickup truck market. GMC had previously been GM’s big truck provider however the Great Depression of the 1930’s required emergency changes. Quickly. Large GMC truck sales in the US had reached...

When light trucks appeared on the scene about 100 years ago, they were created for only one reason: WORK. This remained their primary use through at least the 1960’s. Move up another 55 years and today we find the majority of light trucks purchased for another reason: FUN, PLEASURE, and TRANSPORTING PEOPLE. Even the traditional 8 foot ½ ton bed...

There is sometimes a discussion among early Chevy truck owners if their trucks came with a crank-hole cover in their grille.  Here is the scoop! All of their original 1939-1940 Chevrolet grilles came with this cover!  Without it they would look incomplete.  A very unattractive hole is visible when the cover is removed.  The cover must be in place to...

This was the end of the series! It is said the 1957 year would have ended production for this “Boulevard” pickup. Their unique bed was why they continued about 6 months into the next production year. GM either had too many complete beds in stock or they were locked into a contract with the outside bed producer. Either way, GM...

The early GM ½ tons roll along relatively well on today’s highways considering the roads they were designed for 50 to 60 years ago. As highways became better Chevrolet and GMC added extra horse power six cylinder engines (each model had its own inline six cylinder) to satisfy the demands of many buyers. Even with this improvement the ½ tons...

We had heard of this special GMC over the years but had not personally talked to the owner or seen the various photos showing it in detail. The owner and person responsible for this creation is Bill Miles of Ashland, Massachusetts. After several conversations with Bill, we knew this pickup should have been a part of our Feature Truck series...

What a surprise! After 35 years in the old GM truck business we discover there was a custom trailer hitch made just for the 1955-58 Chevrolet Cameo and GMC Suburban Carrier. Installs with no damage to these rare classic GM trucks. The assembly is secured by placing only two approximately ¾ inch bolt holes in the frame rail under the...

If you wonder what are some of the most unusual early GM trucks, you should always remember John and Lisa Milton of Vestal, New York. Their continual search for those with almost no survivors is their passion. Not only do they occasionally find an available rare truck for sale they usually give it a ground up restoration to be like...