1955-66 Tech Talk

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...

There is almost no similarity between these two trucks in regards to their light switch and pull knobs. The only item even close is the color of their pull knobs. The following shows the big difference.  Chevrolet 4" Rod Complete GMC 2 1/2 " Rod Complete

On 1955-59 Chevy/GMC, their optional deluxe fresh-air heater had mounting spacers. These fit around the seven attaching threaded studs that secure it to the firewall. Yes, the heater will mount and operate without them, but GM knew they should be in place. There are 5 spacers at 5/8” length and 1 spacer at 1” length. These spacers assured the two...

What a great basic design offered by GMC dealers. Shown in the 1956 GMC Accessories catalog. Easy to install while a customer relaxed in the dealer’s showroom.

It’s 1966 and the new requirement of the US Department of Transportation becomes law. This requires all new cars and pickups to be equipped with backup lights. Though this may have been for safety (warning a passing vehicle that a backing vehicle is in reverse mode) it created extra expense for vehicle manufacturers. Those that had already designed their future...

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...

What an excellent example of how General Motors saves tooling cost in pickup production. Not cars! Over one million ½ ton hub caps were produced in these three years. Their tooling for Chevy and GMC was almost the same. ONLY the small red logo in the center was added with a different stamping. Another example:  New Truck buyer’s wants are...

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...

The upper removable metal door panels of these Task Force trucks are made to allow access to the window raiser and door opening hardware. The large “C” shaped ridges on these panels may appear to be for appearance only or to add a little extra strength to the panel. They are not! They were placed there for one reason: To...

How rare!  Most invoices were discarded soon after the purchase!  This shows the day of the sale of a 1958 Cardinal Red Cameo as first purchased November 16, 1957.  It is now owned by Kevin Rantuccio in Florida in 2021.  The original invoice was included with the sale.

After many, many years being involved in the Chevy/GMC restoration hobby a fact surfaced about these trucks. I had never paid attention to the center tall “dip” in the firewall. One day, trying to create a new reproduction rubber floor mat, I said to myself, “Why is this rounded area protruding into where a new floor must be? “ Its...

3000 Series Trucks Remove the bumper attaching bolts from the left hand front bumper bracket and discard.Place the left hand bumper guard in position and mount it to the bumper and bumper bracket using the lock-washers, flat washers and bolts furnished. Tighten securely.Mount and attach the right hand bumper guard following the procedure outlined in Steps 1 and 2 above.Remove...

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...

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...

With the introduction of the new 1955 GMC Blue Chip trucks. (Chevrolet used the name “Task Force.”) The GMC Truck Division made their statement with changes that were different in many ways than their Chevy competitor. Much of the sheet metal was identical to Chevrolet but there was just enough changes that allowed them to be a market and stand...

General Motors was well aware of the disposable income increasing in the American working class in the 1950’s. The Chevrolet Motor Division offered more dealer accessories than ever before to take advantage of this economic growth. One of the more unusual was a pair of hood ornaments created for the two ridges of the 1957 Chevy trucks (Some would say...

They are NOT all the same! Actually, there are three different designs. Only the 1955-57 will interchange. The 1958-59 grille pods will not fit on a 1955-57 GMC. The shape of their back is not the same because of their different position on the front bumper. Even the 1955-56 is different from the 1957. The earlier grille pods do not...

Unlike earlier years, the 1960-66 Suburban and Panel Truck rear bumper is not the same as the front on this single body unit.Two items separate them from the front. The bumper brace holes are punched in a different place. They have a separation of 16 1/2” on the rear and 19 1/2” on the front. Thus, they cannot be interchanged.A...

Cameo Leads the Pack on the Alcan Highway A Cameo leads the Chevy Truck “six pack” on the Alcan Highway in 1957.  For this one time General Motors used this 1,520 miles between Dawson Creek, British Columbia, Canada to Fairbanks, Alaska (two years before Alaska was made a U.S. state). Their engines were never shut off during the 45 hour...

These six fiberglass parts were the main items used to create the Chevrolet Cameo and GMC Suburban Carrier. They were made to attach to the existing 6 foot step side bed. GM’s design department created this deluxe pickup with very limited investment. A deluxe cab, the pre-existing mechanicals, and a short step side bed were already in production.  The additions...

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...

Of the many stand out features of these two special trucks, none is more unique than the spare tire position. So much designing and tooling was required to make this hidden from view.  A salesman in a dealer’s showroom would be sure and praise this hidden, yet not difficult to remove, spare tire. By using the lug nut wrench two...

The 1957 Chevrolet side trim unfortunately had the threaded holes that connect it to the fenders in the same position on the right and left sides. This creates a problem for many after painting.  The right and left interchange!  Therefore, body shops often attach them to the wrong side after painting the two fenders. These emblems were made to look...

The Chevrolet Cameo and GMC Suburban Carrier came with rubber floor mats like the other GM trucks (no carpet) except for one exception. This is the story! The exterior of all 1955 Cameos were painted only one way! It was Bombay Ivory with Cardinal Red on the vertical post behind the door, the lower inside panels of the bed, and...

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

From 1955 through 1957 on trucks (their V-8’s all were 265 cubic inch during the first years) Chevrolet added engine cooling differently. The radiator was moved further to the rear due to the V-8 shorter length over the 235 inline six cylinder. To force more air into the radiator core Chevrolet added an upper and lower metal spacer plate.  These...

During the mid-1950’s General Motors begin seeing the trend of increased demand for 4 wheel drive trucks. Not to miss a good opportunity they decided to offer this option in 1957. As it would require several years to develop their own 4x4 system plus the back road testing, GM “temporarily” used the best of the pre-existing systems. They bought kits...

It did not happen! There is no evidence that Chevrolet (the jury is out on GMC) ever offered chrome headlight rings the year they introduced dual sealed beam headlights. The attached photo is of a 1958 Cameo (the most deluxe truck in this line-up) with 1.4 miles on the odometer. The Pierce, Nebraska Chevrolet Dealer closed his doors in the...

Accessories and Options Heater Surprise to Many! Overload Auxiliary Springs 1960-65 Stepside Back Up Lights Bumper Guard Installation Instructions 1959 Deluxe Trim 1957 Chevrolet Accessory Hood Ornaments Chevrolet V-8 By-Pass Oil Filter 1955-1959 Power Steering 1963-1966 Power Steering 1964-66 Optional Air Filter 1957-62 GM Tool Bag 1958-1964 Chevrolet Cool Pack Air Ash Remover First Factory Air 1955-1959 Heater Control Panels...

 Accessories and Options 1937-50 Chevrolet / GMC Spare Tire Lock1954 GMC Bedside Roll Reflector1947-55 Pickup Rear Bumper Guards – Wrong!1947-55 Chevrolet / GMC Running Board Safety Treads1940-1953 Accessory GM Reflector1954 Chevrolet Grille GuardAn Inner-Line Oil Filter1953 Chevrolet Truck Accessory Hood Ornament Mystery1947 - 1948 Recirculator Heater1953 - 1955 Fresh Air Heater1954-1955 Chevrolet Truck Accessory Clock1954 - 1955 GMC Spring Wind...

Its 1955 and Chevrolet trucks and cars offer their first small block V-8, a light weight with 265 cubic inches. (Not counting their short lived V-8 in 1917-18). This series of V-8’s, along with the high pressure inline 235 six cylinder (1954-62), are probably the most successful engines in the General Motor’s history up to that time. With proper maintenance...

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

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...

This was the end of the series! It is said the 1957 year would have ended production for this “Boulevard” pickup. Their unique bed was why they continued about 6 months into the next production year. GM either had too many complete beds in stock or they were locked into a contract with the outside bed producer. Either way, GM...

What a surprise! After 35 years in the old GM truck business we discover there was a custom trailer hitch made just for the 1955-58 Chevrolet Cameo and GMC Suburban Carrier. Installs with no damage to these rare classic GM trucks. The assembly is secured by placing only two approximately ¾ inch bolt holes in the frame rail under the...

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

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

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

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

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...

After a life of hauling merchandise, those taken to salvage yards often found a final use. They set on the ground and stored the yard's generators, starters, radios, heaters, and other unique items removed of vehicles that must be protected from the weather. OR They might be left too close to a stream that floods in the spring. In this...

When you owned GM ½ ton in the early years and occasionally need to carry a load above the manufactures suggested limits, over-load rear springs were the answer. They were GM installed or aftermarket. When installed they were not part of the rear suspension until the stock springs were overloaded. When the bed lowered due to additional weight, the auxiliary...

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...

To help recover from high tooling costs, all car and truck manufacturers attempt to make items that can be used as long as possible. This is a great way for reducing costs per part. Examples of automotive leaders in this field are:The original Volkswagen Beetle bodies were basically the same about 20 years.The longest run metal body is said to...

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 following relates to the appearance of the wheel coverings on this special vehicle. 1955 Wheel Cover The wheel covers were not like that on the more standard pickup.  To save tooling...

Examples of the correct seat in the 1964-66 Chevrolet deluxe cab are shown below.  The original brown insert material is almost impossible to locate however our two examples are so close!  The most original seat is # 1.  It wins the show!  However both are excellent examples of how they looked about 55 years ago. Notice in the photos of...

What an unusual and almost forgotten Chevrolet Truck option. Most 1964-66 truck enthusiasts have no idea this option was ever available. Paul Bremer of Seward, Nebraska recently discovered a 1964 Chevy ¾ ton in a back row of a salvage yard with the remnants of an option air filter. This was Paul’s first encounter with this option after over 30...

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...

The world famous Chevrolet Cameo and GMC Suburban Carrier are well known by most early truck enthusiasts. They were created due to US citizens having more disposable income after World War II. Demand for houses, appliances, and vehicles were at times more than some factories could produce in a timely manner. In regards to vehicles, General Motors realized that options...

One of our good customers, Scott Phaneuf of Hatfield, MA recently purchased a NOS (New Old Stock) GM tool bag with all the correct tools. It was found in a San Diego dealership back storeroom. Somehow it had not been thrown away over these many years. In earlier years canvas tool bags were with the vehicle when new at no...

Before 1954 on 1/2 tons, the frame rails were given a large arch as they passed over the rear axle housing. With a broken leaf spring or overloading the bed with too much weight, the frame rails will lower many inches before contacting an axle bumper. It was a system that worked for over 20 years on 1/2 tons when...

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...

During 2012 National Convention of the American Truck Historical Society, we met some real truck enthusiasts that had traveled to the show from Brazil. One was, Antonio Sergio Hurtago, an owner of an older American truck museum in San Paulo. Jim Carter Truck Parts was given a very interesting current 12 month calendar from this museum. The most surprising page featured a...

For the first time in truck manufacturing General Motors made a heater available at the factory for Task Force trucks in the 1955-59 years. Yes, the dealer could still add a heater if you requested after the new truck purchase. Here, we feature the GMC heater dash panel for these years. In the photo, the deluxe fresh air controls have...

There is certainly truth in the statement:  Auto and truck manufacturers are in business to show a profit!  Based on this, the General Motor’s truck division made a decision for 1958 that sales could be increased in an area that had been mostly ignored in prior years. The GMC division found they were weak in commercial truck sales and yet...

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...

During these years, GMC's claim-to-fame motor was their V-6. In fact, from 1960 through 1964 this is the only engine they offered in their vehicles. The emblem on each side of the hood showed the world the truck had the V-6. A strong large cast-iron block had a two-barrel Stromberg carburetor. The spark plugs in the head were above the...

What a unique invention. When you have a 1947 through 1959 single rear wheel 3/4 or 1 ton GM truck and need more pulling power, this is the answer. American ingenuity at its best! This new steel center hub extension includes eight long bolts to reach the original wheel studs. This holds the factory wheel in place and then provides...

The rear license plate bracket for the 1956-1959 panel truck-very rare! For the first time, this body style did not incorporate the tail light into the license light. When GM designed the body to have two tail lights on the corners, it was necessary to design a license plate light that remained independent on the door position. This small bracket...

  GM step beds during 1955-1966 are almost the same. They even use identical tailgates. Thus GM did not find it necessary to change the rear bumper stamping during these 12 years. However, there is one important difference which distinguishes the 1955-1959 from 1960-1966 rear stepbed bumpers. During 1960-1966 GM placed two stamped square holes (not in 1955 through 1959...

The momentum of four wheel drive popularity definitely began after World War II. The need for this off-road extra during the war forced 4x4 technology to develop at a fast pace. Thus, during the early 1950's, several independent companies began to appear offering a four wheel drive kit for light duty trucks. Major pickup manufacturers were not yet offering this...

On the task force body style, 1955-1959, the GMC hoods began quite different than Chevrolet. Beginning in 1955 a large opening, 5.25" x 25", was used to hold a set of die cast GMC letters attached to a decorative grille. In 1957 this grille was removed in place of a perimeter ring. Why the less attractive ring was added is...

Article courtesy of Rob English (rob@oldgmctrucks.com) The issue of multiple piece rims and safety comes up frequently. There seems to be a quick rush to judgment about any rim that has more than one piece, and while certain types of multiple piece rims have indeed been outlawed and are no longer made, many others are not only still in service...

GM trucks titled prior to the mid-1950's were usually registered using the stamped engine number not the body digits pressed in the door ID plate. This practice has created many problems in later years as states became stricter in titling. Unfortunately, many older vehicles outlast their engine and owners rarely rebuild the originals. To save time and certainly expense, a...

Jim Carter Truck Parts viewed so many older salvage yards to find so much of this data by accident! It was just there! There couldn't be an easier place for a tree to grow. If you don't move your truck for a few years, trees will find it. As they grow wider, the truck bends to fit! Here livestock cannot...

  Strange but true, 305 V-6 valve covers on 1963 GMC 1/2 ton pickups came with a red, yellow, and black plaid design. The red color was used on the remainder of the engine without the yellow and black markings. These photos are of an original untouched V-6 GMC engine. At this time, we are unsure why GMC used this...

  Chevrolet's 1/2 ton and car 3 speed overdrive transmission was optional equipment installed on the assembly line during the 1950's. The reduction of engine RPM's in high gear resulted in less wear on the drive train as well as additional speed on level roads. Today, this is still important but of increased importance is better fuel economy. The standard...

  It's the first year for the successful Chevrolet V-8. (This basic small block design continues even today over 50 years later.) One very unique characteristic of this first year V-8 is the lack of a traditional block connection for a positive flow oil filter. For this one year, this 265 engine carried the by-pass oil filter system much like...

  Chevrolet linkage-type power steering is now available optionally on Series C10, 20, 30 models. This was formerly a dealer installed item. The equipment consists of a hydraulic pump, power cylinder, control valve, relay rod and hoses. The power cylinder is mounted to the side of the engine and is connected to the control valve through the hoses. The control...

  By 1958 the Chevrolet V-8 fan shroud (not GMC) changed to the more traditional round design. During the V-8 beginning years in 1955-1957, it was little more than four pieces of custom sheet metal that helped pull air through the radiator core. The enclosed pictures are of an original fan shroud for a 1958-59 Chevrolet 283 V-8. It fits...

  Two totally different 12 volt starters were used on the 235 six cylinder Chevrolet light trucks during 1955-1959. They attach to different bellhousings and are not interchangeable. Hydromatic 3 Bolt Starter As shown in the photos, the Hydramatic transmission starter has three bolt holes for securing it to the bellhousing. A solenoid on top reacts to the drivers key...

  Chevrolet's linkage-type power steering is available as an RPO (Regular Production Option) on all models except Forward Control Chassis. New ease and fingertip steering control are provided because up to 80 percent of the steering work is done by hydraulic power. Maneuvering a heavily loaded truck in a small space becomes much easier, and straightaway highway travel is less...

  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...

  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...

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...

  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...

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

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

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...

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Between 1954 and 1959 the dash cluster of GMC trucks were given a circular opening for a dealer installed clock or tachometer. These trucks left the factory with a blank-out plate to fill this opening. With most GMC's this plate always remained in place as an option was rarely added. The enclosed photo shows both plates used during the period...

  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...

  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...