Jim Carter Truck Parts

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...

  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...

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 led to many modifications to Chevrolet and GMC door handles. War demands for die-cast material changed handle designs on military trucks as well as on a few commercial vehicles purchased by civilians. The attached photos show these wartime designs. The exterior handles have a stamped steel outer cover. Their inner liner is thinner metal and...

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...

  During all of the 1947-1955 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...

  An original drawing of a 1949 Chevrolet Suburban from their sales brochure. Shown with its rated seven passengers. NOTE: The lady driver emphasizes that it does not drive like a truck! (The hotel employee is probably wondering how he will place the suit cases and golf clubs in the space behind the third seat) Suburban Seating With the increased...

During rebuilding of the Advance Design cab, the hobbyist will observe remnants of a tar paper material secured to the underside of the roof. This was partially for insulation but even more as a noise retardant. This reduces the bell sound in the cab when driving or slamming the doors.

Yes, rubber pedal pads from 1947 through 1959 look the same when installed. However, because of the design of the metal pedal below them, they are different on their backside. Some suppliers market them as one item but the attached pictures will show this as not true.

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

The very practical panel truck produced from the early 1920's through 1970 was an excellent cargo vehicle. Merchandise was protected from the weather and equally important from easy theft. Being a freight hauler, its cargo floor is like the pickup truck. Hard yellow pine and cross sills support the weight and merchandise slides on the metal strips.

Beginning in 1950, GM introduced an improvement in the cargo area of the panel truck and Canopy Express. It now followed the example of the Suburban by using a one piece, 5 ply floor. This replaced the planks that were always used in the pickup.

  Since their beginning in 1935, the Chevrolet Suburban was always the “people hauler” of General Motors commercial fleet of trucks. They were designed to carry more weight on rough roads than was the passenger car station wagon. While trucks were carrying freight from the time of their purchase, Suburban’s were reserved for passengers! It became an immediate success with...

  During the mid 1960's many Americans began to request deluxe features on trucks. More disposable income put extra items in reach for many households. GM recognized this area for more income and began adding more extra cost options. The popular standard Suburban could be transformed into a more family vehicle by offering exterior trim and upgrading the interior. It...

A GM mistake on the 1947 Advance Design cab is the lack of a water drain on the top of the cowl. Heavy rains allowed water to run under the hood and down the firewall. No doubt some water damage would occur to the voltage regulator and the cloth covered wiring harness.

  Suburbans ' people haulers on a 1/2 ton truck chassis. Not designed for truck freight, the successful Suburban was created to move people. They quickly gained popularity among the military, as crew haulers for companies, and for small rural school buses. By the 1960's, GM began to expand their Suburban market to attract families. To many this would be...

In 1952 GM made a simple change to the accelerator linkage that made a major reduction in engine noise in the cab. This was definitely an improvement when older engines had developed excessive valve train noise.

When your 1947-1955 GM truck needs rear cab corners and you prefer original US made replacement parts, there is an alternative.

Big Truck Deluxe Cab During the early Advance Design years of 1947-1950 (without wing vents) it is usually considered that a 5 window cab is all deluxe from the factory. The extras included stainless around the windshield and side windows, chrome grille, lower body color wheels with pinstripe, and right sunvisor and armrest. This is true on the 3000 series trucks; 1/2, 3/4, and 1 ton. An exception occurs on the 1 1/2 ton and 2 ton trucks. Though the cabs are the same as the smaller trucks, these deluxe cabs consisted of only the two corner windows. The Salesman's Data Book shows no reference to a chrome grille or window stainless. As money was tight and big trucks were all for work duties, it is assumed GM decided that the trim option would not be a good marketing item on the large vehicles. The corner windows were definitely a sellable extra. Visibility from these two additional windows helped much in backing. The lower photo is from an untouched 1947 Chevy 1 1/2 ton. The corner window cabs have no trim! Deluxe Small Truck (above) Deluxe Big Truck (above)

  The seats on this 1962 GMC 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 more flair to the deluxe models.

With the introduction of GM's new truck body design in mid 1947, a delivered package became available on both Chevrolet and GMC. World War II was in the past, employment was high, and many American truck buyers were willing to pay a little extra for more options on their new vehicle purchase.

No less than five speedometers were used in Chevrolet trucks during the Advance Design years, 1947-1955. If you want your truck just right, be sure you understand the differences. Restoring one you have on a shelf or purchased at a swap meet may not be proper for your year. The following will provide a description of differences. 1947 Red-Orange needle...

During the first year of the Advance Design 1/2 and 3/4 ton pickup, the standard three speed transmission was a carryover from 1946. Its top loader shift lever extended directly from the transmission through the removable floor pan.

  The Chevrolet "Advance Design" gauge cluster looks much the same between 1947 and 1953, however a few differences do exist. For the perfectionist, these changes are important. In 1947-1948 the gauge needles are short (5/8 inches) and painted red. Between 1949-1953 the needles become longer (3/4 inches) and are white to match the change in the new speedometer needle...

  When looking closely at the black 1954 Chevrolet speedometer face, a small 1/8 inch diameter round hole will be noticed at the top and bottom. Owners of 1954 trucks will always be acquainted with the top hole. This emits red light to notify the driver that the high beams are on. Most are not even aware of the existence...

With the US entry into World War II, trucks were quickly modified to be successful for military use. Pre-existing cabs, frames, and mechanical components were altered to be more usable when in everyday work duties or in battle.

During the war years, the US was plagued with a shortage of rubber. The Japanese occupied most of the islands that grew rubber producing plants. The majority of the rubber the U.S. could obtain was sent to the war effort.

On first glance, most people assume that both Chevy and GMC gauge clusters are fully interchangeable and are the same except for perhaps the minor difference with Chevy oil gauges topping out at 30 psi versus GMC gauges maxing out at 60 psi. But that's quite a bit short of what the actual differences were originally! There are actually no...

  One of the numerous differences in the new 1947 Advance Design trucks is the different position of the mounting tabs on the speedometer. Reasons for doing this on both Chevrolet and GMC are as follows: with the introduction of this body style in mid-1947, both 3 and 4 speed transmissions were the floor shift design. However, in 1948 with...

Maybe the rubber was of lesser quality. Maybe the GM truck division was saving money. For some reason Chevrolet and GMC trucks were not designed for rubber brake and clutch pads.

The United States and its allies suffered from major rubber shortages during World War II as the Japanese had control of most Indonesian rubber tree plantations. To survive without this material, much of the world was forced to settle on a limited supply of synthetic rubber of lesser quality.

In designing the panel truck, engineers realized that this vehicle must have a bumper for body protection. This bumper however, created a slight problem! It held the person loading freight further away from the vehicle cargo floor. He was required to lean further forward to reach merchandise. To help solve this problem, GM modified the standard bumper to come closer...

The 1934-36 half ton Chevrolet truck body style always placed their 17' spare in the right fender. Even the Chevrolet car normally used the right side when only one side mount was added. In mid 1936, GMC entered the ½ ton market for the first time. This light truck shared most all sheet metal and chassis components with Chevrolet except...

Gauges in Chevrolet truck dash panels during the mid through late 1930’s are very similar and are spaced, from each other, almost the same. Even their smaller chrome gauge rings interchange. The 1934-35 gauges are in the middle of the dash and there is no glove box. The 1936-39 instruments are centered above the steering column with the glove box on the right side.

A unique feature on GM truck cabs became standard equipment between 1940 and 1946. Before and after this, truck cabs were very basic. As they were made for work, almost no extras were on them. The idea was to keep manufacturing cost very low. There was much competition with other makes trying to also keep their sale price as low as possible.

Replacing major rust-out between the rear fender and door of the 1947-1955 Suburban or panel truck can be easier than you think. The curvature in this area is the same shape as the adjacent door. Therefore, locate a 1947-1955 donor door of limited value due to butchered radio speaker holes or a badly rusted bottom. Remove the outer panel. It...

Due to the abuse given trucks when they once considered only for work, many body components today are damaged beyond repair. During the restoration of your 1947-1955, if you would rather not use a running board splash apron from a parts supplier, there is an alternative. Locate a piece of new flat metal the correct gauge and size of your...

The hood receiver plates through all of the Advance Design years (1947-1955) interchange. It is their attached hood release lever that is different due to the grill change in 1954. Note: The accompanying photos show the extra length of the 1954-1955 lever. To add extra stability to this length, a groove was stamped in the lever to prevent bending.

  The differences found on the cab during the beginning of the Advance Design years are subtle, yet on close study soon become quite evident. It probably exists on all vehicles when a body style is first introduced. Lab tests on a vehicle tend to overlook a few problems that later surface when it is in the hands of the...

From 1941 through 1953 the GM pickup bed sides are the same, however, a major design change began in 1954. This new bed side design with very few modifications continued to the end of the true step beds in 1987. The unique feature of only the 1954 through 1955 mid series bed sides is the flowing grooves that fit the...

There is none! Truck cabs during these early years all came the same from the factory. Accessories were dealer installed. You picked the factory installed color and the dealership added requested extras such as heater or inside sunvisor.

Some beginners tend to place 1936-46 cabs in the same category. Don't do this! The 1936-38 and 1939-46 are a totally different design. Very little interchanges. The early style provided excellent building blocks for the new design 1939-46 trucks.

Did you ever wonder why the 1934-46 GM trucks show major rust on their horizontal flat sheet metal? The mystery is solved! These pictures show without a doubt what a wonderful home Chevy and GMC trucks provide for field mice. After the truck has been abandoned at the edge of a pasture, placed in a salvage yard, or just stored...

This early glove box lock assembly has a weak point that makes it difficult to find complete. Its die-cast vertical pointer is held in place by a small steel tension spring. After the truck sets outside abandon several years the spring rusts, breaks, or otherwise looses its tension. This allows the pointer to fall out and the glove box lid will no longer stay closed.

It is quite surprising to realize that for 20 years auto and truck makers did not make a simple needed change to their vehicle front fenders. Somehow major car and truck companies picked 1936 as the year it would be introduced. Did they all get together and make the decision, was it government encouragement, or ____? The addition was side...

It is so unusual to find an unmolested mid 30s truck! When this all original 21,000 mile 1937 GMC appeared at a recent New England truck show, we had to take notice having never seen the correct installation of the small 3/8” bead cab windlace on an early model. Our camera did some recording.

Three times during Chevrolet truck history there were mid-year body changes. This was in 1936, 1947, and 1955. These changes involved very few modifications to the bed and mechanical components, but it was the cabs that received the near total facelifts.

Curved Windshield The large one-piece laminated safety plate glass windshield has an area of approximately 1116 square inches. Electric Windshield Wipers Provide constant wiping action regardless of engine load or accelerator position. Wipers have 13-inch blades and a wiping speed of 110 strokes per minute. Two-speed wipers, including a push-button-operated windshield washer, are standard. Wiper arms and the metal portions...

  The two distinct styles of hoods during this seven year series (1960-1961 and 1962-1966) were each the same for Chevrolet and GMC except for one slight difference. The spot welded insert across the front (5" x 82") is a different stamping for Chevrolet than for GMC. This created a changed appearance with less expense! Because of this different insert...

Yes the cabs are the same between 1/2 ton and 2 ton on the 1955-1959, however one extra does exist on the 1 1/2 and 2 tons. These larger trucks have an additional rocker panel! Their panels are held to and cover the regular rocker under each door with nine sheet metal screws. They even extend from the under door area to along the edge of the cab corner.

To make the base fleetside tailgate just a little different from Chevrolet, GMC kept their letters body color and surrounded them in a contrasting color. On Chevrolet just the letters have the different color. 1967-1972 GMC (above) 1967-1972 Chevrolet (above)

During the Advance Design years the rear bumper braces on the 1/2 ton pickup are the same. Their cross section height is 1.75” and thickness is .35”. These units are designed with a rolling drop angle to lower the bumper to the proper level below the tailgate and rear cross sill.

During the early years of the Advance Design trucks there were many complaints by new owners about the rear bumper. They didn't want it as standard equipment. Farmers and businesses could not get close to a dock with a bumper and they removed them soon after the truck purchase.

  How did this happen? Strange but true. The 1971-1972 right front Chevrolet pickup fender has one of its two 350 emblem holes punched incorrectly. This causes the horizontal emblem to slope down at the rear. The left fender is correct. The person that owns this all original 1972 truck states that all 1971-1972 Chevrolet trucks have this unusual feature...

During the 1947-1955 years, pickup's front and rear bumpers are different due to the shape of the body. Unfortunately, the front can be fit on the rear during restorations.

In 1954, GM introduced their new deeper improved stepbed. With this design the optional rear bumper required the license to be moved to the center. This eliminated clearance problems between the bumper and the left side mounted license plate.

  The convenience of reaching cargo is ideal in a step bed pickup. The step between the cab and rear fender provides a place for the loader's feet while reaching into the bed. Thus, this pickup is referred to as a 'step bed.' With the introduction of the fleetside box in the late 1950's, there was no step. Placing cargo...

The following article was released by GM on May 15, 1948. It was sent to all Chevrolet and GMC dealers and was to correct a problem with the location of the 1948 Brake release handle.

  Without the rubber covering over the metal running boards like GM cars, trucks immediately show scratches from the driver's shoes. This is frustrating to the restorer who has placed so much effort in repairing and painting these boards to pristine condition. Fortunately, a solution exists! The original running board safety treads have been reproduced. These treads were a GM...

The rubber quality on Pre-World War II vehicles was fair at best. Its useful life was limited. Thus, GM engineers did not add rubber pedal pads to early trucks. They were aware of the heavy abuse so many commercial vehicles would receive.

  During the 1947-1955 Advance Design years three different stock running boards on pickups and panel trucks were produced. Features such as width, number of ribs, thickness of metal, and length of under-braces are the same. When placed together, a difference in length is obvious. The longest unit was used on the 1 ton pickup and panel trucks with 134...

Since the introduction of hydraulic brakes on trucks in 1936, Chevrolet and GMC had been using the Huck brake system. On light trucks and cars it can easily be identified by the existence of a pair of shoe adjusting holes in each backing plate.

Using a specialized gauge to show wear levels on brake drums is the best way to indicate wear, however there is a visual method.