1934-46 Tech Talk

Steve Richards first got it delivered from California to New York!  It was very nice for an untouched work truck.  He says it was really expensive but often this is the least expensive way if you plan on a full restoration. As we watch for the more unusual, these before and after photos certainly caught our attention. Why General Motors...

With the introduction of the first six cylinder engine in 1929 the horn bracket location was between the two-hole base carburetor and intake manifold. The location was changed with the re-designed 216 cubic inch six cylinder in 1937. The attaching point actually was cast in to the intake manifold during production. There was no longer a steel attaching bracket that...

What an unusual body style! It was mostly bought by commercial companies to fill a void for those living in residential neighborhoods. General Motors realized an opportunity to design this unique body style truck. They were popular in medium to large cities, and later became so unpopular to potential second car and pickup owners. These were the years of the...

These commercial vehicles (the Panel Truck and Canopy Express) were designed by GM for local delivery purposes. They usually came with a seat for one delivery driver. A second passenger was not needed so the company that bought the new vehicle saved the cost of a passenger seat. Yes, the passenger seat on the panel truck was a factory option...

Most of us plan on replacing our valve cover gasket whenever it must be removed for maintenance on the rocker arm assembly. After being hot and cold so many times it has permanently attached itself to the engine head and valve cover. It is planned to always have a new gasket nearby each time the cover is removed. Good News...

A fact not known to most but once it is explained it is very understandable. “The rubber products that were produced prior to World War II (and during the war there were rubber shortages) did not combine well with petroleum based lubricants. One of the best examples in the automotive field was leaf spring shackles. These connect leaf springs, usually...

Beginning in 1941 many of the GM long wheelbase (usually 1 ½ and 2 tons) trucks did not use cables to reach the rear brakes and hold the vehicle in its parked position. Debris from the tires could shorten the life of the under bed cables. Another method was created. A drum at the rear of the 4 speed transmission...

For the “real” perfectionist After our 41st year, Jim Carter Truck Parts uncovered a big surprise! Recently, a person came to our lobby offering 10 used ¾ ton hub caps, hoping credit would be offered against a future parts purchase. One of these hubcaps was a real attention getter. We thought it never existed! Because of this, an article had...

Jerry Rivers of Polo, Missouri just purchased a 1938 Chevrolet 1 ½ ton truck. It appears to have been left by a pasture fence in a back field for so many years! Jerry wanted some of the parts that were still usable, so he pulled it out of the dirt (up to the axles and could sink no more). The...

On our Feature Truck of the Month for February 2023 we described a method of attaching the larger original ¾ and 1 Ton hubcaps to a modern non-split 8 bolt wheel. Unheard of by Jim Carter Truck Parts until Glen Black of Lacey’s Springs, Alabama. He would not take no for an answer. He found a way to attach the...

During the mid-1930’s through the WWII years, spending money was very limited. The “Great Depression” crippled our country’s economy, so only the basics were what much of the population had to work with. A radio added to a car or truck would have been so rare! It cost about a month’s wages for most hourly workers. Now enters American Ingenuity...

About 80 years ago, the World War II was going strong in the South Pacific. For a period of time there was no sign of victory for either the U.S. or Japan. One of the largest effects to the world was the Japanese control of most of the tropical islands that grew natural rubber trees. The quality of this product...

We at Jim Carter Truck Parts are occasionally asked if an original 1937 under seat tank will fit in their 1938. This question is asked because the 1937 tank has been reproduced, however, the 1938 has not. We asked a good customer that has personally restored a show quality 1938 Chevy ½ ton. It is a show quality award winner...

Few owners of these years of Chevy/GMC trucks have any idea that a hidden adjustment door plate is built behind the actual door striker plate. Unless you read the owner’s manual that was in the glove box when the truck was new it is unknown. Check the attached photos: The back side of the striker plate has about 13 horizontal...

It’s the height of the war and material shortage in the U.S. is at its worst. The Japanese have control of most of the islands in the South Pacific that provide the most rubber to much of the world. The rubber trees they cultivated were the best. And of course, the U.S. was totally cut off for this needed product...

It has been increasingly difficult to find local tire changing shops to inflate older truck tires above a ½ ton rating. Most came from the factory with multi-piece split rim wheels. On these older trucks, one outer edge of the wheel must be removed to add a tire. Whether to replace an old tire for a new, or repair an...

During WWII there were major material shortages for our citizens as our country placed most of their energy in supporting the over-seas war effort. U.S. factories produced a very limited number trucks that were used in this country (almost no cars).  It was expected pre-existing used trucks would supply local farms and businesses. Repair parts for immediate needs were so...

If you are lucky and discover a NOS one year only 1937 grille. “Nobody is going to back into my grille!”

In our July 2022 Feature Truck of the Month, we noticed an approximately 7” x 7” metal plate covering a square hole in the center floor board of the 1936 Chevrolet Panel Truck. This vehicle looks almost untouched in regards to changes over the years. It was used for light weight deliveries as most panel trucks were purchased to do...

Ever notice that older large GM trucks have split rim wheels painted one color? Thus, they give a more “plain” appearance. This is not the way these trucks where when new! From the factory, the narrow split rings were zinc plated. This was an important extra. It prevented them from rusting against the main wheel between tire changes. In northern...

A rare accessory indeed! In the days when some did not even lock their home doors, few would even consider buying a spare tire lock for their under bed pickup from their Chevrolet dealer. However, the 1937-50 Chevrolet / GMC Spare Tire Locking Device was available. A brass nut replaced the long factory hexagon nut used on the original spare...

Starting in 1934 an add-on fan shroud was offered for larger trucks used as delivery and freight haulers. The 1937-38 trucks had a new part number for the shroud. It was available for delivery vehicles involved in stop and go driving, heavy hauling, and school bus applications. The shroud was cataloged for ¾ ton, 1 ton, 1 ½ ton, and...

Photo of a 1938 Chevrolet Truck grille and crank hole cover without the lower section covered by the bumper.

Somewhere between the factory all painted black bed wood and the planks that are sanded and clear-coated to show the attractive grain is a “middle ground”. Look at this very attractive creation! We were so impressed with this finished bed. It gives another alternative for making a nice bed floor. Stephen Denk of Buckner, Missouri came up with this process...

And the “All American Truck Club of New Zealand” After as much as 80 years of almost no maintenance, the saddles that wrap around the two rear axle housings usually require some serious attention.  The wear is out of the sight and often is over looked during most restorations. Steve Jones in the country of New Zealand had this problem...

Just like GM sent to the dealers

This fact about car and truck generators is not known to most.  We hope, you find this of interest. Both ends of most generators after the mid 1930’s had openings for air to pass through their internal moving parts.  The small fan on the front it is attached to a pulley that is turned by the belt reaching the harmonic...

During 1936 through 1938 the horizontal pin stripe on the Chevrolet truck cab and hood (on the more standard Brewster Green color) was referred to as Gigolo Green. Strange! Our suspicions were correct. The 1994 Webster’s Dictionary gives two different meanings of the word Gigolo - ⦁ A man who is paid as a dancing partner or escort for women.⦁...

Split rim wheels were used over 30 years on larger trucks with inner tubes. They were the only method of keeping the tube within the tire under air pressure and to allow for easy removal of the tire from the rim by tire repair shops and individuals in home garages. An over view of tire removal was to remove the...

When you check your truck odometer for a replacement, note the gear taper that turns the five numbered mileage wheels on the odometer assembly. Some have straight gears and others tapered.  Each have 15 teeth. The rule on Chevrolet, GMC and other GM vehicles is as follows: If the odometer gear teeth are straight cut, the unit fits below the...

Here is a page from an 80 year old automotive magazine. It appears the General Motors Truck Division made a slightly different truck for the country of Mexico. Seven dealers in Mexico are listed. Whether the trucks were just assembled in Mexico is unknown. It appears the Oldsmobile trucks are almost like the 1936 Chevrolet in the USA with the...

On this early under seat gas tank there is no sending unit with float being reproduced! Therefore, with a little American ingenuity there is a way to nicely solve this problem. Obtain a now reproduced sending unit from a 1939-46 GM truck. The float rubs the tank inside so something must be done. Turn the top 5 hole disc so...

When you are buying a 1941-46 front fender and you see it cut-in at the front: as in this photo, it is correct for the 1 ½ and 2 ton trucks! The factory cut-ins allows the big truck 20 inch tires to turn without touching the fenders. Yes, it will fit the ½ ton through 1 ton but will look...

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

From the front cover of a dealer sales brochure that was given to potential buyers by the dealers during the tough years of the “Great Depression”. Notice they are appealing to the farm buyer where most of our population lived. This little ½ ton can even carry a cow!

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

There comes a time with some 6 volt vehicles that an emergency jump start is necessary. Maybe the battery has been drained due to a light or ignition switch being left on. Or maybe it was stored over a winter without the battery trickle charger being attached. Whatever, the reason, you feel helpless without another readily available 6 volt battery...

Before the introduction of the sealed light headlight bulbs on automobiles and trucks the next best way of adding the most light was the use of reflectors behind bulbs. In this way most of the light was not lost. It was “reflected” to get the most light to shine in one direction. (This method is still used today on many...

LOOK WHAT JUST BECAME AVAILABLE FROM JIM CARTER TRUCK PARTS! I have not seen new since the late 1930’s. These one year only emblems. Attached to the hood sides of the 1937 GMC ½ through 1 ½ ton. Anodized silver aluminum with black background. Just like GM made them. The final touch to draw attention by anyone that admires older...

Now available after 80 years from Jim Carter Truck Parts! Quality hood side emblems for the 1936 GMC 1/2 and 1 ½ ton truck. Having a beautiful restored early GMC truck with poor or no side emblems does not have to be anymore! Anodized silver aluminum with black background. Dimensions 2” x 21”. Quality is equal or better than when...

Finally we have just received another large delivery of 1939-1946 Chevrolet / GMC metal gas tanks. The demand picked up faster than we expected so we had been without for about six months until our order for our tanks, was manufactured and shipped. The manufacturer makes over 100 gas tank designs so we had to get in line! Ours are the best...

During the early years of Chevrolet truck production the complete door panels were painted sheet metal with no upholstery. The inside window handle needed to be out away from the door panel. This would guarantee that over the years wear in the riser mechanism would not allow the handle to rub on the panel surface as the door window handle...

What a unique find! We have never owned a 1937 Chevy truck grille with all of its clips in place. It was necessary to get photos before this assembly got away. These clips (4 on each of the four sides) are actually an extension of the large stamped metal housing. Obviously, GM did not plan on the inside grille being...

Getting more outside air in the early truck and car cabs was usually done by a swing out windshield frame (in addition to a top cowl vent). With no insulation on the inner firewall, engine heat was always radiating into the cab interior. During the final 10 years of this hinged swing out on Chevy and GMC, the windshield opened by...

On the unique low cab Chevrolet trucks (made about 6 months) there was only a 1/2 and 1 1/2 ton produced. For 1/2 tons(116" wheelbase) a 16 gallon gas tank was positioned between the frame rails just behind the rear axle. The mechanical fuel pump on the right side of the engine pulled gasoline about eight feet distance to the...

From 1936 and older the GM truck cabs used plywood for their floors! The floor and toe board set between the metal perimeter edges of the sides, rear, and firewall which held the two pieces in their proper position. Millions of these older trucks, and probably many real early Chevy cars came with these wood floors. A recent surprise was...

What a surprise! We have been in the old GM truck collector and parts business for over 40 years and just discovered this hidden feature. In the single wheel well of the 1934-36 ½ tons there are 4 clips to help secure the wheel well spare tire. These clips each have sharp points to secure the rubber tire from moving...

Yes, it’s special only for this these three years. It lowers the license plate below the horizontal license bracket and attaches to the stake pocket. (This is not like the later 1937-38 bracket that raises the license above the horizontal). We suspect that the license plate on the low side caught the mud from the tire after each rain OR...

Shortly after WWII the Chevrolet Truck Division introduced a heavier truck with a maximum gross weight of 16,000 pounds and was rated as a 2 ton. Up to this time their top rated truck had been 1 ½ tons with a gross weight of 14,000 pounds. With this increase, a major change occurred in the front bumper. No longer was...

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 shiny new ones that are as much as half the diameter as needed. In Addition the...

Even the smallest vacuum leak on an internal combustion engine can prevent it operating to the level of its capability. No matter how well you rebuild the carburetor, adjust the timing, or clean the gas tank, the engine will continue to operate below what it should even with a small vacuum leak. On older engines a quick, easy way to...

We assume the increase population of these little 12 to 15 pound rodents in the past 20 years is due to stricter in-city zoning that does not allow dogs outside without some type of restraint.Beware! Ground hogs (woodchuck) are on the hunt for a dry place out of the rain to call home. They love a dry dirt floor in...

This new Chevrolet Horn design was introduced in 1934. It is attached direct to the 207 six cylinder engine and was so successful there was almost no changes through 1952. As shown in these photos this 1934-36 Chevrolet Horn was attached to a flat foot that secured it to the center of the intake manifold. The long nose directs the...

The revised Chevrolet 235 and 261 high pressure inline six cylinder engine (1955 through 1962) was given a much better cooling system than prior years. This was due to a big change in the water pump and how it attached the front of the engine block. The prior 216 and early 235 design pulled coolant out of the engine block...

Within 10 to 15 years the delicate factory three position light switch under dash usually broke.  Replacing this switch on a working truck in the 1940’s was usually not an option.  Now almost 80 years later few owners of these early GM trucks even know the light switch existed.  In most cases the little single filament light bulb and socket...

To add better night visibility to all Pickups, Big trucks, Suburban’s, and panel trucks, General Motors offered a 4 inch diameter 1940-1953 Accessory GM Reflector as a dealer installed accessory.  With the single small factory taillight, seeing of these vehicles on the road could be difficult especially if their one bulb burned out.  To help correct this problem GM offered a...

Early GMC’s carried the same texture of interior paint as the Chevrolet trucks. However, to keep the two companies looking different, GMC used a dark gray wrinkle instead of the dark brown used on Chevrolet Trucks. GMC used the wrinkle style paint through 1940 but Chevrolet stopped this type of texture paint at the end of 1938. This unusual texture...

General Motors made it very simple to replace the two small windows in the rear doors of these years. Simply place the rubber seal (now available from full stocking early GM Truck Dealers) around the pre-cut glass.  Press into the inside window opening. Three special clips secure it in place. It could not be easier! See Photos. Oops, one big...

Owner is Unknown The Great Depression has reached a level not ever expected. About 25% of the country’s work force is without income. The Chevrolet Motor Company introduces a less expensive automobile (The Standard) to try to stop vehicle sales from their gradual downward spiral. The 1935 1/2 ton pickup is kept as basic as possible to still be rated...

Owner Howard Jones Wow! They cannot get any rarer than this 1946 Chevrolet 2 ton with Thornton Drive. Of several thousand produced, this appears to be the only one remaining. This 1946 Chevrolet 2 ton has two rear axles turning 8 wheels and tires. The rear axle assembly was produced by the Thornton Tandem Company of Detroit, Michigan. It was...

We recently had a local radiator repair shop clean the rust from an older used 1949-72 Chevrolet/GMC gas tank.  They submerged it in a cleaning acid tank overnight. The price was over $75.00.  WOW!  It was expensive! Several months later we discovered an “old school” method that is a very low cost. Oh well, we live and learn. Thus done as...

Yes, they are different than 1/2 ton!  Though the “C” shaped brace that attaches to the bumper is like the 1/2 ton, the brace from there to the frame is much different.  A curved single heavy brace connects to the frame rail in place of the pair on the 1/2 ton.  Of course, all are of spring steel to prevent...

During the early years of automotive history, the invention of the dual filament light bulb had not emerged.  Therefore, there was no high and low beam headlight bulb on cars and trucks.  Only one beam existed for night driving. This created a problem with the headlight beam from an on-coming vehicle on the narrow roads in town and country driving. ...

In 1939 US auto and truck manufacturers realized the following year would be the introduction of the revolutionary new, we call them "almost" sealed beam headlight bulbs.  These first "almost" seal beams were very unique by the newer standards 15 years later that most of us are acquainted with.  This early sealed beam assembly was much like the later design...

These photos might be of interest to US owners of 1934-35 Chevrolet trucks. The Australian design is very similar however there are just enough differences to catch the attention of the close observer. Examples: The hood sides and doors are quite different. Check the curved door bottoms. Of course, this also makes the cab different. Probably the most unique feature...

What a rare occurrence! At the 2011 America Truck Historical Society Convention in South Bend, Indiana, we at Jim Carter Truck Parts found both a 1936 and a 1937 restored GMC truck with the correct grille — each at different booths. You can go to every truck show for many years and never see even one. Therefore, we just had...

On an early Monday morning a customer, Mike Riley of Kansas City stopped by our shop to obtain some older Chevy truck parts needed during the past weekend. As I followed him to his mid-1980’s Chevrolet pickup he brought my attention to his new white paint job. He read about a home garage procedure on the internet and decided to...

To keep General Motors truck costs down, Chevrolet and GMC ½ through 2 ton shared many components during the late 1930’s through the 1950’s. However, when it came to the grille, the focal point of the truck, changes had to be very noticeable. The truck designers were limited in creating a new grille as both makes would still have almost...

Though some things were shared between GMC and Chevrolet trucks, General Motors made sure many items remained very different during the early years.  GMC preferred 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 the taillight and bracket. There is...

Leaving your truck, car, or most all gasoline operated equipment in storage is asking for trouble!  Many of us, as hobbyists, collect more cars and trucks than we will drive at least monthly.  They sit in the back of your garage or are stored across town in a friend’s garage, barn, etc. Three to five years later when it is...

It’s 1938 and the GMC division of General Motors is entering its third year of small truck production.  Prior to 1936, the GMC line consisted of only larger trucks normally bought by Farms and businesses, for heavy hauling.  The Great Depression was in full swing and GMC needed more sales to add to their financial bottom line.  To help sales...

The gas tanks are totally different on the more common pickup versus the panel truck/suburban body, though the two frame rails, drive train, and front sheet metal are the same on each 1939-46 ½ ton. On pickups the 18 gallon tank sets comfortably and safely within the seat riser and below the seat cushion. Over a million of these pickups...

In the days when car and truck owners as well as mechanics did maintenance, GM made these responsibilities much less complicated.  An excellent example was the screen below the engine oil pump. Due to no oil filters and no detergent additive in the motor oil (to keep dirt in suspension), the oil pump screen was necessary.  Tiny dirt particles settled...

Short of cats? When older vehicles are left unattended, mice find a way to get inside. It’s their natural instinct! The damage they do with their families over a few years is a disaster to metal. They don’t seem to leave the nest when their bladder says “it’s time”. This nest was recently found inside a 1941 Chevrolet ½ ton...

Jim Carter Truck Parts found these pictures among some papers stored 16 years ago. The owner of this 1941 panel truck is forgotten, however it is understood why these pictures were taken and placed in storage. Even that long ago, a very original ’41 panel was almost never found. In this case, it was the interior that was the attention...

Rebuilt Speedometers for Chevy Trucks & GMC Trucks When your older truck needs a rebuilt speedometer, think of Jim Carter Truck Parts! Our company, in combination with a specialized shop, provides a quality product that you will be proud to place in your vehicle. With most new repair parts no longer available, we obtain used speedometers from across the country...