old chevy truck

  With the introduction of the new small block V-8's in 1955 Chevrolet trucks, modified sheet metal was created to help in cooling. The new truck design came standard with the proven 235 inline six cylinder but when an optional V-8 was added, cooling modifications were necessary. The short length V-8's cooling fan was too far from the radiator and...

Just imagine a truck designed strictly for work duties that has survived almost 70 years! In 1936, our country was still feeling the effects of the "Great Depression". When you spent your money for a 1 1/2 ton truck, it had to pay it's way. Therefore, few big trucks like this 1936 have survived. They were worked from the first day of delivery!

What a rare panel truck! This little 1934 Chevrolet is almost a "one of a kind". With it being under construction, we just had to share these pictures.

Have you ever crawled under a pickup for sale looking for damage? You then turned it down because some rust was coming through the floor. Well, check this! David Cross of Stillwater, Minnesota found this 1957 Chevrolet 1/2 ton and ignored the signs of major rust. What is now a show quality truck would normally have been crushed by a recycler.

  We often get requests for a formula to make the Advance Design pickups more freeway friendly. Their original ring and pinion gears were created to make the truck's six cylinder work well with a load and also keep up with the 1950's traffic on gravel roads and two lane paved highways. Though a higher speed reproduction ring and pinion...

This mid-Missouri 1937 Chevrolet 1/2 ton is owned by Tim Koch of Jefferson City. He chose this restoration shop to do the total project because of their reputation for quality as one of the best! The name Herrons Customs Paint is mentioned at so many local shows, it was worth Tim Koch talking to the owner and viewing his shop. The vehicles under rebuilding convinced Tim this was the company to do the restoration of his 1937 Chevy truck.

Here is a great example of a ground up restoration of a 1951 Chevrolet 3/4 ton. The project is being done by Line Creek Restorations in Northmoor, Missouri near Kansas City, 1-816-946-6000. When the project is finished, it will be a new truck!

The Trials and Tribulations of Installing a GMC 302 engine into a 1950 3/4 ton Chevrolet Pick Up by Joel Baumbaugh   Background: About 5 years ago I "upgraded" the engine in my truck from a 216 to a 235. Lately I have felt that I wanted/needed a little more torque (especially while the bed is full of something heavy...

This is my latest project a 1937 GMC 1/2 ton pickup. Not exactly original but a personal preference. The previous owner had owned the truck for over 30 years and finally parted with it. It had been restored many years ago but was in need of a lot of repair to shoddy bodywork and I have added many upgrades.

Casting Number Make Year CID 1970 Chevrolet 1964-1967 292 2135412 GMC 1946-1954 248,270 2193980 GMC 1952-1954 302 2324003 GMC 1955-1963 270 2324004 GMC 1955-1962 302 2404929 GMC 1955-1963 270 2192402 GMC Military 302 289890 Chevrolet 1963-1977 292 328575 Chev/Buick/Olds/Pontiac 1968-1984 250 328576 Chev/Buick/Pontiac 1968-1976 250 328880 Chevrolet 1963-1977 292 329990 Chevrolet 1963-1977 292 358825 Chevrolet 1966-1976 250 3629703 Chevrolet 1950-1952...

  During the Advance Design Truck years, two air filters were available when an order was sent to the factory. The base air filter (no extra cost) was the oil-wetted design from earlier years. The owner was expected to place a thin layer of motor oil on the filter media. Dirt particles would be caught by the oil as it...

  Between 1954-1962, Chevrolet produced their famous full oil pressure 235 cubic inch six cylinder in trucks and it soon proved to be one of the greats among engines. However, at the same time a lesser known "big brother" to this base engine was being used. This was the quality built 261 cubic inch six cylinder! The 261 was available...

I am glad that you have shown an interest in my pickup. It was purchased from a local theater in 1964 they used it to carry a billboard in the back. After purchase it was used to carry feed and seed on the farm. After purchase of a newer pickup my Dad's employee used it to carry fuel and supplies to a bull dozer until the engine was beginning to fail.

During the 1936-37-38 years of this cab design, subtle changes occurred as GM engineers learned better ways to construct this truck. The gas tank changes on the pickup body style was probably the most obvious and it was different each of the three years. In 1936, the new mid year low cab pickup continued with the earlier practice of securing...

Though the major cab and fender sheet metal change began in mid -1947 (Advance Design), both the Chevrolet and GMC trucks kept their same proven six cylinder engines as used in prior years. The base engine in GMC light trucks was the 228 cubic inch inline six cylinder introduced in 1939. This overhead valve unit had a full pressure oil system...

Occasionally we hear owners condemning the closed drive shaft system used in the 1/2 ton trucks prior to 1955. After questioning the negative comment, we almost always discover the real criticism is the low gearing of the ring and pinion in the differential. Yes, this lower gear ratio was created more for slower roads of year gone by, but it...

And now we've seen it all! A real example of American ingenuity. Designed by an aftermarket company to keep an over tightened valve cover from leaking motor oil down the engine sides.  A metal band is pushed over and around the base of the valve cover.  Brass U-brackets are then secured by the two valve cover studs.  This creates equal...

Rebuilding the 1937 and older pressure plate can be a little tricky. The early design (activated with a carbon throw out bearing under pressure) requires extra steps when being rebuilt. With the help of an older shop manual (see below) the final details can be successful. The personal letter is from Richard Wright of Westtown, NY. He did not receive...

Chevrolet introduced their basic nine inch single disc clutch and corresponding diaphragm pressure plate in 1938. This pair was used in their cars and most 1/2 ton pickups with three speed transmissions through 1953. With about one million of these vehicles sold annually, one can quickly realize the high numbers of this clutch system that was at one time on...

The door window is cranked up tight in the cloth channel and off you go on your daily errands. Suddenly, the glass begins to slowly lower as you drive over side roads or contact a rough surface. In comes cold air, rain, and wind! Even the window handle turns. What's this all about? Do you tape the window closed or...

Even if you prefer an original vacuum wiper motor for these years rebuildable cores have become very rare and most New Old Stock units are just not obtainable. Even new ones have their lubrication dry after 70 years. For those that won't accept a slow moving or non-working used vacuum unit, an alternative does exist. New electric motors are now...

During the early years of auto and truck design, most vehicles came with their windshields capable of tipping outward. This helped poorly insulated cabs to be more bearable during hot weather. Extra outside air would be forced into the cab and replaced some of the hot air radiating from the bare sheet metal firewall. This idea was good but not...

During 1939-40 Door window breakage on truck cabs became a problem. As the cloth fabric in the door window channel became worn, the large and now loose fitting side windows were susceptible to cracking when the door was slammed. Complaints from dealers resulted in an improvement on 1941-46 doors. A one piece metal frame was placed around the edges of...

  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. The wheel covers were not like that on the more standard pickup. To save tooling costs on this limited production model, GM used the wheel cover on the 1955 Chevrolet Belair...

During the early years of GM truck production, many examples exist which relate to their vehicles being designed more for work. Changing a trim part for appearance reasons was usually secondary if it resulted in unnecessary expense. Often parts were used that had already been on GM automobiles. This eliminated expensive new tooling costs and kept GM truck prices in...

Prior to about 1962, Chevrolet trucks were equipped with round straight through mufflers. These units reduced back pressure and allowed the engine to breathe to its full potential. This caused a little extra exhaust noise in comparison to the larger more engineered oval car mufflers but trucks were for work and power. About 1950 truck mufflers were given slightly larger...

  During the 1940's through 1950's placing pin stripes on automobile wheels occurred on most all brands. It was an inexpensive touch that added a little flair to the appearance of a new wheel. The stripe could be added quickly with a machine on a rotating wheel. The factory didn't need a human as on the body stripes. GM was...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

  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...

  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...

  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...

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...

  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...

  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...

  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 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...

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...

  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...

  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...

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...

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 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...

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...

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...

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 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...

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...

  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...

  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 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...

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...

  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...

  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...

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...

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.

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...

  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...

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.