Classic Parts of America 1947-54 Chevrolet GMC Restoration Parts

CLASSIC PARTS OF AMERICA 1947-1998

Identification

WHAT YEAR IS IT? We get many calls asking, “What year truck do I have?” Many times it’s your first truck and it’s understandable that you may have questions. Below is a list of information that may help identify your truck. If you have further questions, please give us a call. We’ll be glad to help. Late 1947 - In mid 1947, GM introduced this new design truck. Gas tank is mounted under bed & fills through hole in passenger bed side. Bed contains 9 boards. Wiper motor mounts underdash. Three speed transmission uses floor shift. Windshield is 2 piece, non-movable type. Windlace around door opening is held in place with screw-on metal retainer. Headliner center bow is screwed to roof of cab. One piece door glass, no vent windows in door. Hood side emblem says CHEVROLET & THRIFTMASTER. Shock absorbers are lever-action type. Serial #’s, EP ½ ton, ER ¾ ton, ES 1 ton, etc. 1948 - Similar to Late 1947. Three speed transmission now uses column shift linkage. Serial #’s, FP ½ ton, FR ¾ ton, FS 1 ton, etc. Early 1949 - Similar to earlier trucks, except gas tank is now located behind seat inside of cab. Serial #’s, GP ½ ton, GR ¾ ton, GS 1 ton, etc. Late 1949 - New style cab windlace fits in metal track around door opening. Headliner center bow is now “floating type”, not screwed to roof of cab, as before. Hood side emblem says CHEVROLET, no longer says THRIFTMASTER. Series designation emblems also on side of hood; 3100 on ½ ton, 3600 on ¾ ton, 3800 on 1 ton, etc. Serial #’s same as Early 1949. 1950 - Modern tubular type shock absorbers replace lever-action type shocks. Driver’s side cowl vent handle is flat steel, not maroon knob as in previous years. Last year for driver’s side cowl vent. Serial #’s, HP ½ ton, HR ¾ ton, HS 1 ton, etc. 1951 - Vent windows in doors are introduced. Outside door handles are still turn-down type. Only year with vent windows and turn-down handles. Mid-year change from 9 board bed to 8 board bed. Last year for 80 mph speedometer. Last year for chrome window handle knobs and chrome wiper knob. Serial #’s, JP ½ ton, JR ¾ ton, JS 1 ton, etc. 1952 - Outside door handles are now push button type. Speedometer now shows maximum speed of 90 mph. Horizontal trim above & below radio speaker grill & glove box door are painted steel, not stainless steel as in prior years. All beds are now 8 board type. In mid year, GM stopped using 3100, 3600, 3800 emblems on side of hood. However, CHEVROLET emblems are used the entire year. Inside window handle knobs & wiper knob are now maroon. Serial #’s, KP ½ ton, KR ¾ ton, KS 1 ton, etc. 1953 - Last year for 216 cu. in. babbit bearing type engine. Hood side emblem changed to large 3100, 3600, 3800, etc only. No CHEVROLET emblem on side. Door post ID plate is now blue & silver. Prior years were black & silver. Last year that wood blocks are used under bed. Serial #’s, H ½ ton, J ¾ ton, L 1 ton, etc. 1954 - One piece curved windshield. New design “bull nose” grill. Completely redesigned bed. Top of bed sides are now flat, not angled as in previous years. Newly designed dash. New insert bearing 235 cu. in. engine introduced. Taillights are now round. Serial #’s, H ½ ton, J ¾ ton, L 1 ton, etc. Early 1955 - Many refer to this truck as 1955 1 st Series. Almost identical to 1954, except different hood side emblems & driveline is changed from previous enclosed torque tube type to the new open driveshaft design. Serial #’s, H ½ ton, J ¾ ton, L 1 ton, etc.

Fax: 1-816-741-5255 1 Chevy Duty Drive, Kansas City, MO 64150

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