Jim Carter Truck Parts

Before the modern Positive Crankcase Ventilating System (PCV) most automotive engines breathed externally and removed their excess products of combustion into the atmosphere. It was a standard of the industry! The lower end of the engine (below the piston rings) had an attached draft tube that extended outside and below the block. It released blow-by from worn piston rings and...

For Chevrolet Trucks 1929-47, and autos 1929-38. Should last the life of the truck! Remove unit. Remove the four bolts on the transmission tower plate. Knock out the old worn or broken bushing from the tower, install MET136 and add grease. Adding the large replacement tension spring will insure a snug fit. Problem: Slop in the shift pattern on 1947...

The term artillery wheel is a nickname adapted from a scalloped type wheel often seen on US military vehicles in World War I. The similar appearance at a distance to GM's scalloped steel wheels quickly gave them the name artillery. On GM trucks, this style was first used during 1934-36 as a stock six bolt 1/2 ton 17 inch wheel...

About 10 years after the introduction of GMC's new inline six cylinder engine in 1939, General Motors issued a 'Product Service Bulletin' in regards to a recommended improvement on the 228, 248, and 270. It appears the manufacturer discovered a weakness that shortened the life of the engine timing gears. This recommendation was made for enlarging the oil supply hole...

From 1934 to 1959 GM 1/2 tons came from the factory with a tie rod assembly that extended side to side to almost touch the front wheels. With everything stock, the tie rod sits about 3/4 inch from the inside of both original six hole wheels and all fits just right. A problem exists when someone attempts to add a...

If you use a recently manufactured 216 water pump and combine it with the optional larger OEM radiator fan, a slight modification is necessary. The fan rivets will not clear the edge of the pulley hub. You must cut four notches in the hub for rivet clearance. Water pumps in the last five years appear to lack these notches. Note...

Sometimes overlooked by mechanics and restorers is a small vent in the rear axle housing. This part is necessary to keep internal pressure equal to the outside atmosphere. Thus, as the internal temperature of the differential warms during use, any expanding heated air is vented and no pressure occurs. This saves wheel and pinion seals from leaking. Check for this...

What an unusual seat on the 1967-68 Chevy/GMC pickups!  It was standard equipment on the “top of the line” Chevrolet CST and GMC Super Custom pickups. The seat consisted of two bucket seats and a much smaller center cushion referred by many as a Buddy seat.  It allowed for a third passenger or the back cushion could be lowered horizontally...

  GMC Super Custom Interiors offer the ultimate in comfort and style, including plush bucket seats with vinyl covering and matching center seat console. The GMC Super Custom also includes appearance and comfort options from special horn button to carpeted floor.

One series of the famous "drop out" GM differentials was used between 1946 and 1972 on 3/4 and 1 tons. The complete assembly (often called a pumpkin) will interchange during these years with no alteration. The highest gearing in this series is the 4.10 ratio and is found in most 1967-72 3/4 tons with automatic transmissions. Therefore, those "low gear...

  For those not requiring the original seat cushions on their 1955-59 Task Force truck, a roomy comfortable substitute is available. This unit is from a 1988 body style Chevrolet or GMC truck and is almost a bolt-in. The legs or side brackets on this newer seat comes attached to the cushions from a used truck and sets nicely by the...

When you notice your head, tail and dash lights are often dim, sometimes even flicker on a rough road, check your cab to frame ground cable Because the 1967-1972 cab and radiator supports are separated from the frame by rubber mounts. GM used a small mount woven wire ground strap that by-passes one cab mount. This insures electrical flow even...

  Contrary to what almost all Chevrolet truck parts dealers list in their catalogs, the 1969-1972 headlight bezels were not alike. Though today all are reproduced in bright-anodized aluminum. This is actually only correct for 1971-1972. The 1969-1970 bezels were black stamped steel even on the most deluxe models. This color is necessary to blend with the two horizontal black...

  The cargo light above the rear window on the 1969-72 GM cab was a factory option and is mostly seen on the more deluxe trucks. This light is controlled from a switch beside the interior dome light and is wired so it will not operate while the truck is in the forward gear. This prevents the bright 21 cp...

For those on a quest for near unobtainable GM options, this one will provide years of searching. During the mid 1950's, backup lights began to show growing popularity and were occasionally seen on pickup trucks near each rear fender. The limited production 1955-56 Suburban was no exception but the location for its backup light was unusual. Their single center tailgate...

  The differences between these two series of tail lights is an excellent example of lowering costs during production. To keep competitive, manufacturers will always consider making products of equivalent quality, but at lower prices. In 1960-1966, GM, as well as several aftermarket companies, used a redesigned tail light lens and eliminated the need for the earlier metal bezel. The...

The 1955-59 Chevrolet and GMC originally came with a non-metal shield to direct light into the ignition switch to the key slot. This shield is almost always missing after fifty years. Most shrink after twenty years and fall from the switch. The accompanying photos show this snap-in shield in place. Even the die cast opening is notched on all switches...

  The rear fleetside fenders on the 1955 through 1966 are usually considered the same. The reproductions on both metal and fiberglass are listed in catalogs and related advertisements are shown as being identical on the right and identical on the left. Not true! GM modified this last year fender of the 1955-66 series with a stamped indention in 1966...

  To keep vehicles base price low, GM made many items dealer accessories. If the buyer required extras, the dealer was the installer. This created less complications on the assembly line when they were special ordered and added more income for dealerships. One exception is 1966. That year, the US Dept. of Transportation made it a requirement that all cars...

It is sometimes asked by restorers, 'What is the correct fabric for a 1959 Chevrolet with a custom cab?' Answer: The same cloth material was used on the top of the line seats and door panels throughout. The following pictures show this interior material on a 1959 door panel in a 1959 Chevrolet custom cab with 12,000 original miles...

Locating a pair of seat cushions for the 1939-46 truck has become very difficult in recent years. These early trucks increased popularity is the main reason for the shortage. Even when a pair of cushions are located the asking price often does not justify the purchase because of the age damage to the springs and frame of the lower cushion...

With the introduction of the Advance Design panel truck in mid 1947, it was soon evident that a serious safety hazard existed with a few companies, some night deliveries required the rear double doors to be open. This prevented the taillight from being seen! No doubt this caused some accidents particularly with a fast vehicle coming from behind, with dim...

  Beginning in 1951, the rear bumper became an option on both Chevrolet and GMC pickups. This required a change in the standard left tail light bracket. The tail light assembly was now unprotected without the bumper. GM created a new bracket design that brought the tail light slightly ahead of the rear edge of the stake pocket. In this...

  The Chevrolet and GMC left commercial taillight used during 1947-1953 is an excellent example of GM's conservative thinking towards trucks. The number one purpose for trucks was work! Therefore, if a part had been very successful on a prior body design, it just might be adapted later as a part in some new styling. Savings were in production costs...

A redesigned parklight assembly was started with the introduction of the 1947 GMC advanced body style. It was placed in the front fender 3-1/2 inches below the headlight ring. A 2-5/8 inch diameter bezel held a domed glass lens to its housing by two barrel screws. The unit was not meant to be a combination turn signal and parklight assembly...

The introduction of factory sealed beam headlights came to the automotive industry in 1940. It was then necessary to create park light assemblies. (They could no longer be incorporated in the bulb and reflector style headlight as before). To some, the first 1940 GM assemblies were simply "add-ons", maybe a quick design due to the fast industry acceptance of the...

Though items were shared between GMC and Chevrolet trucks between 1936 and 1946, General Motors made sure many parts remained very different during the early years the GMC preferred very few things to be similar to Chevrolet.  Their customers needed to see an almost stand-alone truck with the higher price of the GMC. One very obvious difference is the change in...

  When viewing older GM cars and trucks we see both colors of park light lenses. There seems to be no consistency that gives us the proof of what is actually correct, however, it is easy as remembering a year. Beginning in 1963, the Department of Transportation new federal regulations required park lights to show an amber color, to be...

Jim Carter Truck Parts seat cover kits are produced with an emphasis on originality. The materials are top quality for many years’ service. Seams, ribbing, etc., are based on original seats. We recommend that installation be done by a professional upholstery company. However, if you wish to do it yourself, here are several important steps to follow: 1. Seat springs...

Two major changes occurred in 6 volt General Motors sealed beam bulbs (are actually not sealed beams) since they were first installed on vehicle assembly lines in 1940. The perfectionist restoring his truck to exact original specifications must have the correct headlights for his year. In very competitive judging, it’s these details that can make a difference. No doubt, replacement...

Four Speed Backup Light Switch - They Did Exist! The first design of the 4-speed synchronized truck transmission, introduced in 1948, was used through about 1965. About mid series, when the dealer installed backup light increased in popularity, a special switch was attached to the base of the floor shift lever. This was the only location possible as there is...

  During the late-1950's GM car and truck manufacturers begin to install optional V-8 engines in their vehicles. To set the vehicles apart from their six cylinders, V-8 emblems were designed to attract outsiders. This GMC front fender V-8 emblem above was used during 1955 through 1957. The GMC letters were on both six and V-8 trucks. The pictured Hydramatic...

  During the mid 1960's, most still considered pickups work vehicles. The manufacturer designed them as haulers and few people owned them as their only family vehicle. However, a slight change was beginning with truck buyers as Americans began to have more disposable income. GM and other truck producers were aware that extras on work vehicles were finding more buyers...

The 1967 Chevrolet and GMC trucks are noted for numerous one year only features. As the year progressed, engineers made several changes they felt were an improvement over this first year design. For reasons unknown, dash knobs were redesigned. The following pictures show the correct 1967standard knobs with 1.23 inch diameter serrated edges. Compare these with the 1968-72 knobs having...

  With increased prosperity in the USA during the 1960's the demand for more extras on cars and trucks was high. Manufacturers followed this trend with additional features, at least on their top of the line models. GMC followed this movement even though their product was mostly for work related duties. While sharing much sheet metal with Chevrolet, they certainly...

  To keep production costs down during the 1960-66 Chevrolet truck series, GM made very few changes on their ½, ¾, and 1 ton. Only the more skilled truck enthusiast can correctly identify each year in this series. Keep this following data close at hand when you evaluate these years. 1960 Dual headlights. The sheet metal part of this hood...

  When observing restored 1947-1953 Advanced Design trucks, we rarely see the removable dash parts painted correctly. Though at least half the owners paint these parts to their personal taste, many truck restorers want the dash appearance as original. Surprisingly, we rarely see two alike even on trucks that are said to be restored just like they left the factory...

  Though at first, a new person in the GM truck hobby might think all 1960-66 Chevrolet cab trim (only on the deluxe models) is the same. In reality no less than three changes occurred during this seven year body style. During 1960 (maybe into early 1961) the optional stainless cab side trim on the Chevrolet truck was designed to...

  During the early 1960's GM's majority of truck buyers chose the base truck with few dealer installed options. It was ending an era of very limited disposable income among the average US citizen. General Motors saw the trend toward more extras on trucks and began to offer visual extras such as two tone paint, side trim, and upgraded interiors...

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...

By the 1960-61 years, the V-8 emblems on Chevrolet were not placed on the truck's doors or fender but were only on the nose of the hood. They were shaped different when the truck came with a 283 V-8 instead of the standard 235 six cylinder. The V-8 front emblems have become very difficult to locate. Most remaining trucks show...

On most all early GM trucks their fuel line exited on the bottom of the tank. It was usually attached to a brass shut-off valve which threaded into the tank. In case of fuel pump or line repair, a person had to lay under the truck to turn the tank valve and stop fuel flow. No doubt, this design resulted...

  The bed side trim moldings were used on the second year Fleetside Chevrolet deluxe pickups for just one year, 1959. General Motors waited one year after the Fleetside introduction to give their dealers time to sell all their 1958 Cameos (The end of this model) so there was not two deluxe designs available at one time. The bed moldings...

With the new Fleetside bed design in 1958 the Chevrolets placed a chrome emblem on the bed side with the word "Fleetside". However, GMC referred to this new bed as a "Wideside" to not copy Chevrolet. A Wideside emblem was never created, thus the GMC bedsides are without letters. NOTE: The horizontal long bedside trim is a 1959 option only...

  Among the many updates in the new Advance Design body style in 1947, one that certainly stands out, is the change in gas tank positioning. For the first time since 1936 it was placed outside the cab and under the bed. The dimensions of this 16 gallon tank were based on the limited space between the right frame-rail and...

  One of the rarest emblems of the mid-1950's is the 1956 Chevrolet Hydramatic front fender trim. A small percentage of '56 Chevrolet pickups were equipped with the Hydramatic, so many enthusiasts have never seen this item. At a glance it looks like the one used with the non-automatic and thus it is often over-looked. This is a very in...

What's this bad rap some people give the GM pickups with in-cab gas tanks? For 35 years GM protected these tanks from collisions by double wall reinforced cab metal, doors, and seat riser frames. The 1937-46 pickups even secured the tank under the seat and surrounded it on three sides by the welded to floor heavy gauge metal seat riser...

During the mid 1950's, V-8 engines began to gain popularity. Many became an option in full size cars and trucks that normally were provided with a six cylinder. When this occurred, most vehicles were given a body emblem advertising that the larger power plant was under the hood. GMC trucks were no exception. During the 1955-59 body style, two different...

  To help prevent metal to metal contact when 1/2 and 3/4 tons are overloaded or have weak shock absorbers, truck manufacturers used a rubber devise. This cushion prevents the axle from making direct contact with the frame rails. On the rear of the 1947-1953 GM pickups, it attaches directly to the underside of the hump in the frame. It...

  These are some very rare photos. It is quite unusual to find 1947-1953 Chevrolet and GMC 1/2 ton bare frames together. Here, you can compare the differences in the front cross members. As the GMC six cylinder is a few inches longer than the Chevrolet, engineers designed two different front engine cross members. In building the truck frame for...

  GMC bumper guards during these years were standard equipment and stamped from the same heavy gauge metal as the bumper (a different style and lighter gauge metal were dealer accessories on Chevrolet light trucks). A slight change in design was made at the end of the 1956 year. A more decorative pointed dimple was given the guards during 1957...

During 1941-46 a unique device was used in the front of both frame rails of Chevrolet/GMC trucks. It was designed to serve two purposes. This forged steel 'horn' was a spring hanger as well as a connection for front bumper braces. These horns are securely riveted into the end of the frame and were designed to last for the life...

  During the Advance Design years no less than four different Chevrolet hood side emblems were used on 1/2 tons. Each of their two mounting pins are in the same place so the punched hood holes were unchanged during these years. All were chromed die cast even during the 1952-1953 Korean war chrome shortage. The following pictures show the correct...

  As with many other items on the Advance Design Series trucks, there were also changes in the ignition switches. Both Chevrolet and GMC shared their several switch changes during the seven year series. In the beginning (1947-1948) a unique three position ignition cylinder and housing was introduced. This was a first for GM trucks. It related to a country...

  Both Chevrolet and GMC used the same steering wheel during the 1947-1953 Advance Design years. To keep the two makes just a little different the horn buttons had a separate design. Thus, the driver was always given a close view of the name of the truck he was driving. Chevrolet: Horn cap is chrome and then painted with steering...

During the 1947-1955 years, no less than four different front hood emblems were used during regular production on the Chevrolet 3000 series trucks. Though all can be made to interchange during this 7 1/2 year series; for the perfectionist, there are only certain types for certain years. In 1947, the 1/2, 3/4, and 1 ton Chevrolet trucks began production by displaying a...

Some trivia from Jim Carter Truck Parts: On the Advanced Design Pickups and larger trucks, the battery was under the passenger side of the cab floor. To protect the battery from road debris (gravel, sand and ice) it was important that it be protected from this coming from the right front tire. Designers of the Chevrolet and GMC installed the...

  These chrome hood ornaments were exclusively tooled for GMC trucks and have no similarity to the Chevrolet style. They are made up of three attached die cast pieces to create the finished product. Their slim base secures to the center of the hood divider strip. These were dealer installed GMC accessories. As trucks at that time were mostly for...

In 1953 Chevrolet/GMC trucks adopted the more modern relay activated horn. To keep cost low, GM used the same seashell type horn that had been on Chevrolet cars since 1949. It displays the number "689" in its die cast metal. In the Chevrolet Master Parts Catalog, the number when ordering a replacement was 199687. Though the 1953 truck used the...

  By 1954, the Korean War shortages were history. More trim and chrome plating began to show up in trucks and cars. The Chevrolet and GMC truck divisions both introduced a deluxe model for their pickups during mid-year 1954. Hopes were to appeal to the emerging buyers with more disposable income. The deluxe model of these two trucks shared most...

It's 1954 and the Korean War is now history. The wholesale price of non-ferrous metal such as chrome, stainless steel, nickel and copper are dropping. American have more disposable income and are beginning to ask for deluxe accessories on their trucks instead of just for the family sedan. Of the many accessories introduced in 1954, the full wheel cover was...

  The horn location on the intake manifold of the Chevrolet 216 six cylinder changed position with the addition of the accessory oil filter. This oil filter was attached to the front of the intake manifold. A special shaped horn bracket was necessary to move the horn forward away from the filter. This bracket was included in the box with...

During the 1930s and 1940s many auto and truck manufacturers protected the long ignition wire between the dash switch to the coil beside the engine. The technology of wire insulation wrap during these early years was a woven cotton covering and it was more susceptible to damage from oil and antifreeze in the engine compartment. For protection, the cloth covered...

  In the 1953 Chevrolet truck accessory book, there is a charging bull head displayed as an optional hood ornament. During my past 40 plus years in this hobby, I have heard reference toward this 1953 Chevrolet truck accessory hood ornament and have never seen an example or heard of another person seeing one. Does any reader have one? Has...

  One of the more asked questions on the 1941-46 GM trucks is regarding horn contact parts. Most have been damaged over the years and new owners are unsure how they were originally assembled. Below, is a diagram from a 1940's GM Master Parts Catalog and gives an excellent view of the parts used in the assembly. Most items are...

During the Advance Design years, 1947-55, Chevrolet and GMC each changed their grille designs twice. GMC made the change at the end of the second year and Chevrolet made the change at the end of the seventh year. Possibly to save tooling cost GMC, not Chevrolet, always used the same grille on all truck sizes in any one year. As...

One of the more common reasons for slow engine turnover using an original six volt system is under size battery cables. Most of today's auto parts stores only stock the smaller diameter 12 volt design. Unknowing owners mistakenly replace their original worn cables with shinny new ones that are as much as half the diameter as needed. Two ground cables...

Between 1947-1953 the Chevrolet 1/2, 3/4, and 1 ton grilles were made from the same tooling. However, the paint colors and some with chrome plating made a difference. For the perfectionist, the following data will help you build a correct grille during your restoration. Painted Grilles 1947-1948 The standard grille has inner and outer bars the body color. Horizontally, a...

Used only the first 1 1/2 years into this body style, these GMC grilles stand out for their different shape and very heavy duty construction. Because of it's weight of this assembly, it sets on the frame rails and is given extra support by a pair of 1 1/2 to 2 ton steel rods extended at an angle to the...

  The 1968-1972 hazard flasher unit is not self canceling as in 1967. The only way to cancel the later hazard flasher is to pull the knob out. This feature was incorporated into the 1968 truck so that the hazard flashers could be operated when the vehicle is being used for slow speed operations. It became a problem in 1967...

The big news for GMC in 1936 was the introduction of their first 1/2 ton pickup. Though GMC shared cabs with Chevrolet trucks, the visual exterior differences were mostly noticeable in front of the hood. The GMC grill was totally redesigned and did not resemble the Chevrolet truck. This unique grill was modified little between 1936 through 1938 but the...

Shortages during this major war was the reason for many modifications of Chevrolet and GMC door handles. War demands for die cast material changed handle designs on military trucks as well as the few commercial vehicles bought by civilians. The attached photos show these war time designs. The exterior handles have a stamped steel outer cover. Their inner liner is...

The unusual side doors on these Suburban and Panel trucks will fit on the more common pickup cab, however, their looks will tell the observer that something is not correct. Across the top of the outer skin is a horizontal stamping or groove. This groove is a continuation of the stamping that runs the length of the body to help...

Many of the tech articles on this web site emphasis's the subtle ways that truck parts were made economically by GM. Truck often received Chevrolet car items that were used the year before. Sometimes even other GM brands sent their older items to be placed on assembly line trucks. Of all the ways GM saved money on truck parts, none...

Two different designs of inside door handles are seen when looking at 1939-46 Chevrolet and GMC trucks. This photo shows the attaching portion is the same. However, the opposite ends are much different. 1939-40 ' Small Ends: Were only produced by GM until about 1941!  In stock as part # DPH101. NOTE:  GM later replaced these with a the later...

Early GMC trucks changed their hood side emblems about as much as Chevrolet, however there is no similarity in appearance. The following shows the GMC changes over 14 years. 1935-36   Anodized silver aluminum with a semi-flat black background. (In 1936, GMC entered the light truck market and carried the emblem from larger trucks of earlier year) Right and left are the same...

The mystery of where to find and replace the rubber door bumper cushions on 1934-46 GM trucks is solved by the following data: During many restorations these bumpers are neglected or the owner doesn't even know where these small units are hidden. They cannot be seen unless the inner cab sheet metal panel at the rear door post is removed...

Companies outside the Chevrolet Motor Division have always produced replacement parts for the aftermarket industry. Manufacturers often begin reproducing non-original parts very soon after a new vehicle is introduced. A problem occurs on decorative trim such as hub caps. Here, Chevrolet (and other manufacturers), display their logo to attract positive attention. To reproduce a Chevrolet hub cap, non-GM companies have...

The two series of exterior door handles on GM trucks between the years 1934-46 are certainly different yet they share a few similar features of interest. One characteristic which seems strange today is that the handles lock the right doors only, not on the left. This occurs on GM trucks from the early 1920's to about 1959. At this time...

The 1939-1940 Chevrolet and GMC grilles may look the same when they are seen separately, however they are not! By sharing fenders, hood top, headlight stands, etc. , the grilles overall dimensions had to be the same. To keep each marquee individual, GM made the grilles different. When the two are compared side by side, what a difference! 1939-1940 GMC...

  Though at quick glance, the GMC grilles of these two years may seem the same, however, look close. Changes at the top show slight differences. The die cast assembly at the top of the 1937 grille gives the impression that the vertical grille bars extend through the emblem. They don't! It's an illusion and is die cast. The hood...

  Installing the door weather seal on 1947-1955 G.M. trucks is not difficult, however some extra knowledge is required. Gluing it to the door edge incorrectly will limit its ability to seal drafts and add to wind noise. It is just as easy to attach this seal correctly. The design of correct weather seal is square on the bottom that...

  Though the 1955-1959 GM doors are basically the same and will interchange, there is one noticeable difference. The inside metal door panel (covering window and door mechanisms) is held in place with smaller screws in 1955. It is assumed these smaller 10 x 24 screws were easier to break or strip when over tightening on the assembly line. By...

The placement of rear axle bumpers by GM on 1/2 tons proved to be an important feature. Owners can often load cargo over recommended weights, their shock absorbers may lose their resistance, and there is the existence of uneven road surfaces. All this can make axle bumpers very important. During the hauling of freight, these bumpers occasionally stop metal to...

  One might assume that because the 1967-1972 cabs are the same, there is also no difference in the doors. Yes, they will interchange, however, there are several visible door differences for 1972. During this year only, a countersunk hole exists in the interior door panel several inches from the wing vent vertical post. A Phillips screw here helps prevent...

  Leaf spring width on 1/2 ton pickups remained at 1 3/4 inches until the introduction of the two inch width on the Task Force 1/2 tons in mid 1955. The early narrow springs worked well considering the engine horsepower and weight limitations of the 1/2 tons. The two inch springs became standard equipment on the rear of the 3/4...

  This original, well worn, glove box decal was recently uncovered in a salvage yard. It relates front hubs on a four wheel drive and how to engage and disengage them. Our 67-72 experts have never seen this decal. Can anyone tell us if this was a factory decal or just added later when replacement hubs were installed? Please contact...

  Mix very cold days, almost 60 years, and the design of the original safety glass windshield and look what sometimes occurs. You can still see through the upper part of the original windshield. However, the large separations are there to stay.

  To comply with Federal safety standards, GM first equipped their truck cabs with a padded dash during the 1967-1972 body style. Though a practical and attractive addition to the vehicles interior, most original dash pads show their 40 plus years of use. Exposure to summer sun and winter temperature extremes have caused fading, cracking, and most even have pieces...

  On the 1/2, 3/4, and 1 tons, the small rear window was a standard feature during 1967. A large panoramic rear window cab was an extra cost option. Beginning in 1968, the small rear window cab was discontinued except in the 60 series two ton. In this larger truck the small window continued to be standard through the end...

  It was during the 1967-72 years that General Motors began offering more style to their pickup truck line. Though most still considered a truck as a work vehicle, a growing segment of pickup buyers were being strongly influenced by trim and accessories that even rivaled many automobiles. For the first time on GM fleetside pickups, decorative trim became available...

The interest of safety began showing in a few areas of the 1955-1959 Chevrolet truck cabs. In a salesman's data book dated September 1, 1958, this changed dash is shown with the comment "Crown of the panel having a glare-proof crinkle finish." This was to reduce the reflection of direct sunlight - a beginning of what is now a major...

  In recent years, the 1969-1970 Chevrolet non-metal grille insert has been sold as one item. This is not the way they came! Each of the two years used a grille insert of a different design. The 1970 style is now the one you receive when you order either year. Thus, a pure 1969 insert is becoming very difficult to...

  The main cross grill stamping making up the 1967-1972 GMC grilles may at first appear the same but they definitely are not. The more noticeable difference is the large GMC letters stamped in the center of the 1967 grille (one year only). Therefore, these three letters are not placed on the hood front as during 1968-1972. Between 1967-1970, the...

  During the early 1960's, deluxe appearance options on GM trucks were slowly increasing in popularity. Though trucks were still basically purchased as workers, a growing group of buyers were requesting more deluxe features. Extra disposable US income meant more money to add to a new truck purchase. One very noticeable appearance option was the deluxe interior on Chevrolet light...

  During the first year of this new body design GMC's top of the line was referred to as the "Super Custom". An unusual piece of chrome die cast trim was added to this model in the lower center of the front fender this one year. (Not on Chevrolet) It is identifiable in the GMC Master Parts Book as: Group#...

The straight axle ½ ton GM pickups (1959 and older) were built tough! They served their purpose as the best in work vehicles for over 30 years. Other than an occasional kingpin replacement, they were almost 'bullet proof'. In today's world, the reasons for owning an older truck, has generally changed. Most have been retired from work responsibilities and have...

Early Shock Absorbers Trucks of the Advanced Design years were often exposed to the rough terrain of local gravel roads as well as the dirt ruts on the farm. Quality, long life shock absorbers were a necessity. Therefore, this series of trucks in 1947-49 continued with a proven design of shocks carried over from the earlier vehicles. The highly successful...

With the introduction of the new Cameo in 1955, GM added their most deluxe features as standard equipment. This "Boulevard Pickup" was to stand out above all others. For the person wanting his 1966 Chevrolet pickup restored to exact originality, authentic data is difficult to find. Most General Motors books from that year have been discarded and aftermarket books are...

Mechanical components on trucks were usually kept for many years by GM. Unless an improvement was needed, there was no need to change a proven design. An excellent example of this is the rear ½ ton axle bumper. The design was used from 1929 through 1946 on Chevrolet and GMC ½ tons. A rubber bumper is held down on the...