Jim Carter Truck Parts

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.  A rumor is that some buyers in the southern states rejected this option.  They...

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 Radiator Fan Shroud Accessory GMC Dash Gauge Blank Out 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...

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 Radiator Fan Shroud Accessory 1937-1946 Deluxe Heaters 1937-50 Chevrolet / GMC Spare Tire Lock 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...

This large grommet is so hidden, most owners have no idea it exists. It is exclusive to the 1947-55 (Advance Design) Suburban, panel truck and Canopy Express. Because the body is so much wider than a step side pickup the full add pipe must be longer. The body also has an inner as well as outer panel. The inner panel...

When your love for custom cars and hot rods has continued to grow over the years there comes a time when you really want a “one of a kind” vehicle. It must relate to your personality and have that certain flair that will never be seen anywhere else. This creation came after years in the imagination of Cholly Nachman in...

Its 1947! A 14 year old Burt Fulmore thinks of a method of getting to school each day from his home in the small town of Economy to Bass River, Nova Scotia Canada, seven miles away. (This island province in eastern Canada is 450 miles above the US most northern state of Maine). He knows his father’s 1937 panel truck...

Drooping outside door handle? Repairs are available. A small broken spring in the hidden latch assembly is the problem. Probably most were never repaired by prior owners! If requires removing the inner door panel and then the latch assembly. This latch is usually placed in a vise for replacing the small inner spring. Right and left are different. It is...

This is one of the better examples of an Advance Design “Deluxe” pickup. General Motors offered this extra above the standard model. As extra money was limited during these years, most settled for the no frill model. After all, pickup trucks were for work duties. Spending extra income (which most did not have) was not spent by buyers that were...

Bet you didn’t know! The two electric wires extending from the main harness run vertically beside the intake or exhaust manifold to the horn, depending on the year. Here is the way Chevrolet did it on trucks and cars: From 1938 and older trucks and cars the two horn wires run vertically up to the horn between the exhaust manifold...

This data may be of interest to those restoring a 1938 Chevy truck or car grill to look very authentic. After the chrome plating was added at the factory additional appearance steps were necessary. The extended metal on the horizontal bars were given a satin black paint. The two outer verticals were also given this satin black coating on their...

Currently only one factory in the world reproduces the 1937 Chevrolet ½ ton bumper. Basically a very nice chrome reproduction that will satisfy most all restorers. Only one error in its production stands out. Sometimes perfectionist make comments but this is all there is! Either use it as is or straighten and re-chrome or re-chrome an 80 year old original. The enclosed...

What a unique 1951 Chevrolet Suburban for our Feature Truck Series! It is certainly a one of a kind. The owners are Jeff & Brenda Kuhn of Plainfield, Illinois. Their dream is now complete after 4 years in the making. The goal was to restore or find a totally original Suburban and then add special performance features that were usually...

For the perfectionist that wants his 1938 (and 1937) just right, here is an original page from an 80 year old sales booklet. It shows the eleven colors that could be requested when a new Chevrolet truck was ordered. Because of the page’s age, it might be 10% off in color even if it was in the dark among stored...

General Motor’s method of saving tooling cost on commercial vehicles shows up in the production of these tail light assemblies. By the mid 50’s years the increase demand for turn signals, two taillights were required on the panel truck and Suburban’s. GM built them right and left, installed in the body, at the factory for the first time. These were...

This is for those that consider originality very important! We recently received a photo of a “real” truck headliner still in place after over 80 years. Amazing! We just could not trash this photo of one of probably the only example in existence. Most people today were not alive when it came off the assembly line. It appears to have...

A very rare Chevrolet dealer installed accessory would have been a radio. Placing this more luxury item in a work truck was very unusual. Most people had limited incomes and a radio would be a big extra even for the family car. To save tooling money on a new 1940 radio creation for the Chevy truck, General Motors used the...

Many truck owners have chosen to leave their vehicle’s old paint or rusty surface just as they found it setting in a back lot or farm field. Then the mechanicals are restored to new condition for safety and dependability. They now are called a “RAT-ROD”. Enter now a great way to protect the aged metal surface and keep that old...

What an “attitude change” for this ½ ton! It moved from a stock long bed fleetside to a nice custom short stepside ½ ton in about 3 months! The owner and responsible person for the work is John Toon of Sugar Creek, Missouri. As his first major truck transformation, we feel he has created a very different “breed of cat”...

General Motors realized that after larger work trucks left the factory some owners would want to lengthen or shorten the side frame rails. Replacement beds would sometime require a different wheel base. Therefore, as a warning GM painted or etched letters to tell owners the importance of a good, safe connection after the frame is cut. The attached photo shows...

An unusual gas tank venting system was on 1934 – Early 1936 Chevrolet 1 1/2 ton trucks and 1937 to early 1938 1/2 tons. This was necessary because their under seat gas tanks did not have a fill spout. They were filled directly into the top of the tank. (A few late 1936 Chevrolet low cabs 1 1/2 tons did...

  For the many people that have not seen a gas tank baffle, this should be of interest. These are usually flat metal dividers welded inside a fuel tank. They slow the side to side movement of the fuel. Numerous openings between the welded dividers cause a slower movement of fuel. See Photo. Baffle Trivia! 1. All tanks in a...

For those that have not looked under the differential of an early Chevy / GMC truck, the following may be of interest. Protection of the metal rear brake lines are shown in the attached photos from a 1939 Chevrolet ½ ton. They are separated by a brass division block (gray in photos) which is on the right side of the...

Our monthly feature truck is an 80 year old regular driver! Born in late 1936, it found a great home in mid-Missouri about 10 years ago. It was found in Western Kansas where the low humidity slows rust on metal left outside. To keep it looking much like it was found, the remaining Brewster Green paint was untouched and the...

GM always made sure the taillight wires were protected from unexpected damage! Because vinyl covered wires were not yet invented, the cloth covered wires required extra protection. This is certainly true for wires in the wheel well area that are continually hit by road debris. This was done by a 5/16 diameter inch galvanized metal flexible conduit. The length was...

An unusual accessory from a pre-World War II era. When you bought a 1936 Chevrolet 1 ½ ton short or long bed truck, they all came with a round hole in the center of the rear cross sill. This allowed the dealer to easily add a tow ring with threaded attaching rod. This rod was simple inserted in the hole...

This subject came to the surface recently by a customer, Jake LaRose of Maynard, Iowa. He had purchased an outer door skin for his 1936 Chevy ½ ton however the fit was just not quite correct, close but not right! Jake was at a loss! We immediately began to research for an answer to his dilemma. The answer was discovered...

Alternator Warning As some owners now replace their original electric generators with a modern alternator, here is an important warning that must be considered. This is in regards to the in-dash original amp gauge used on most all vehicles. This gauge was made for a lower amperage flow provided by the early factory generator, usually a max of about 35...

 Let's Really Talk Trucks!Our Feature Truck of the Month series often shows the more unusual GM trucks. Most are rarely seen at special interest car and truck shows. This month is no exception! This ground up restored 2 ½ ton 1959 Chevrolet Spartan 100 is one of the very few (if any) in existence fully restored. It even goes further...

If you have a NAPCO 4 wheel drive ½ ton, the following might be of interest. Owners sometimes wonder if their NAPCO 4 x 4 was installed at a franchise NAPCO shop that were in most medium size towns or was it installed on a Chevrolet GMC factory assembly line when GM began offering them in 1957. (NOTE: GM first...

Of the limited number of dealer accessories available for the 1941-46 Chevrolet pickups, one was made more for appearance rather than practicality. This was defined as a “grille guard”. This chromed u-shaped guard was said to protect the grille from accidental damage. (The sheet metal grille was of a thin metal gauge that could be easily damaged by most outside...

The 1947 through early 1955 Advance Design Chevrolet Trucks were great sellers however General Motors realized that a changed body style would soon be in order. The competition was strong and if Chevrolet was to stay “Number One” in truck sales, a new planned body style would be necessary. It all came into existence in mid-1955. The totally new cab...

This month’s feature truck may be the only COE (cab over engine) short wheel base Advance Design Tow truck in existence! Most trucks that are tow vehicles are doomed to extinction once they begin their job of car and truck moving duties. They are worked everyday sun, rain, or snow to justify their expense of huge insurance, a driver, maintenance...

The 1931-1932 Chevrolet cars were equipped with chrome plated oval taillights. Their attractive design added to the overall appearance of the new passenger car. This was to help attract potential customers that were experiencing some of the worst years of the Great Depression. Surprise! We find that GM reused parts of these car lights again on the 1934-1939 Chevrolet Trucks...

For many years we have heard rumors about the 1934 Chevrolet Master Car Grill. Some have said they came with alternate chrome and black vertical grill bars. Others say they did not. A large piece to this debate was seen at the Vintage Chevrolet Club of America 2016 Convention in Lake Tahoe, Nevada. Here, we saw two 1934 Chevy Masters...

With the headlight ring and reflectors now being reproduced by Jim Carter Truck Parts for the 1937-1939 Chevrolet truck, we are occasionally asked, “Will these parts also fit that year of Chevy passenger car?” Sorry they will not on US made trucks! The passenger cars have a slightly smaller 7 inch lens and reflector while the same year of truck...

The early Chevrolet side mount bracket on the 1936 & older ½ ton and passenger car are almost identical. However, there is a part that is so different that this article needed to be posted. The securing fastener that holds the tire clamp in place on top is totally different on the two vehicles. The passenger car uses a chrome...

Almost all of the headlights during at least the mid to late 1930’s had double filament bulbs. They were 32cp (candle power) on either the low or high beam setting. This made replacing the burned out bulb a “no brainer”. You just pushed the bulb in the receiving socket and gave it a slight turn. This locked the bulb in...

When your truck has a side mount spare tire in the left front fender, this rear view mirror accessory adds much to seeing what is behind you. In this case, the securing leather strap is too long. Thus, it is wrapped around itself rather than cutting it short.

What a one of a kind early 1947 Chevy ½ ton! Joe Haney of Independence, Missouri decided to use his skills to create an older Chevy pickup that would be nothing like anyone had ever seen. At the same time he would keep the project to a level that would be within his budget. Fortunately, Joe’s mechanical talents and love...

You think you have seen most of the characteristics of the 216 inline six cylinder of the early Chevrolet years then up pops something that you have never seen. What was the reason for an identical engine number stamped on the same block, on the same side, about 9 “apart? While visiting Jerry’s Early Chevy Repair Shop in Independence, Missouri (816-833-4414) we...

  In mid-1955 General Motors introduced their long awaited new trucks, often referred to as the Second Series. The first half of the year 1955 (the first series)) GM continued to market the 1954 body style. They remained with the 6 volt system. Though Chevrolet trucks made a complete change-over from a 6 to 12 volt electrical system, GMC did...

Prior to the pre WWII era, the quality of rubber was not advanced as would be later years. Real quality rubber was yet to be introduced. One big example is the hood lace on the GM trucks up to about 1941. The hood on 1941 (and some larger trucks built during the war years) continued to be in protected by...

A big mistake! We can think of no better example of mistakes in currently producing older Chevy / GMC truck parts than this offering of a reproduction shift knuckle that is described “for the 1947-53 GM ½ and ¾ ton”. NOT only are they currently advertised for the wrong year, but they continue to be sold in this way after...

After Jim Carter’s Truck Parts over 40 years in business, a walk-in customer told us why so many car and truck horns have miscellaneous dents. They are on their surface sheet metal in no particular place. To our customer, it was easy to understand. He told us: “If the horn fails to operate, the vehicle owner hit it with a...

Ever hear of an older vehicle being bought on its way to the metal crusher? Our feature truck this month was one of those saved from the recycler to later become one of the most attractive panel trucks in the country! The savior of this 1953 GMC panel truck is Max and Margaret Davis of Columbia, Tennessee. They are the...

With the introduction of Halogen headlights, night driving is a little safer due to more illumination. However, this improvement comes with a negative for those still using a generator for their electrical charging system. To get the extra lighting from Halogen bulbs, the available amperage should be about 60. This will come from an alternator systems which has a charging...

When sending in your early GM truck pressure plate for rebuilding it is important to check the center of the spring diaphragm. It is amazing how many have been damaged beyond repair. WHAT IS THE PROBLEM? The sealed throw-out bearing is pressed against the center of the spring diaphragm each time the driver presses down on the clutch pedal. All...

This special Advance Design pickup has come a long way from its early life on a Mid-Missouri farm. Owned and restored by Dale Jacobs of Dallas, Texas, this 1949 GMC ¾ ton has been down to the frame and came out just a little nicer than new. It’s the old story. It looked very nice and ran just as well...

Referred to by General Motors as the “Advance Design” trucks, these mid 1947 through early 1955 Chevrolet GMC trucks have become GM’s most long lasting popular pickups and big trucks this company ever built. They continue to appear at early car and truck shows, in television advertisements, and just driving down the road. The 1947 through 1955 Chevrolet GMC Advance...

What a Deal! When the term “Only One in the World” is used in the automotive world, this special 1959 Chevrolet ½ ton Fleetside short bed should be near the top of the list. There is none like this one! The owner and creator is Sam Caudle of Independence, Missouri. Using GM as the original designer, Sam became a subcontractor...

Most are badly rusted and are not usable! A small metal plate was once used to secure the red taillight lens and clear back up light lens against the long gasket that fits inside the taillight housing. A machine screw pulls this plate against the two plastic lenses behind the reflector to stop inside water leaks. When the metal plate...

This is a copy from the 1937 Accessory Pamphlet showing heater items available. Interesting! NOTE: Rectangular glass and two suction cups holds heat wires to prevent fogging of windshield from driver’s breath in winter.Early steering column with cage over blades to blow warmer heater air to windshield.Extra cost will actually move heater air to driver’s side of windshield.

From the front cover of a dealer sales brochure that was given to potential buyers by the dealers during the tough years of the “Great Depression”. They are appealing to the farm buyer where most of our population lived. This little ½ ton can even carry a cow. Notice the eight slots on the wheels. Used in 1937 and 1938...

A hidden lens retaining bracket was originally on all 1941 Chevrolet / GMC trucks. It holds the glass frosted lens firmly against the front of the park light housing. After it’s over 80 plus years, the lens gasket has deteriorated, water has entered the housing, and this stamped steel bracket is rusted beyond use. Thus, so many 1941 truck owners...

What a useful dealer installed GM accessory! This takes advantage of the lost space above the gas tank, behind the seat back cushion. The attached page came in the box with the parts. It greatly helps in installation for the dealer’s mechanic or a customer buying it across the counter. It was quite practical to keep stored items off the...

What a rare aftermarket accessory! In Jim Carter Truck Parts 40 years of experience, we have never seen a pair of ½ ton rear spring overloads like these. Normally, we see overload springs as a GM dealer accessory which is a short version of the main multi leaf rear original springs. These particular half circle overloads would have been less...

The pure sealed beam headlight bulb, as most know them, were not introduced until about 1954. Prior to this, a similar design was used on new cars and trucks beginning in 1940. It looked like a modern sealed beam but it was not. Unless you look close, these appear to be the later modern sealed beam. Actually there is a...

Wow! Here’s what you can do with a 2 ton 80 year old truck that has become almost beyond repair! Glenn Garrison of Germanton, North Carolina decided to build a roll back truck that was one of a kind. He wanted something no one else would have and yet could do car hauling duties as well as others. When he saw...