Classic Chevy Truck Parts

The Chevrolet placed their bet in the commercial truck business way back 1918 with their 1/2 ton Model 490 Light Delivery and a 1 ton model. It was the same year that the Chevrolet Motor Company became part of General Motors. The half-ton rated 490 Light Delivery was a chassis cowl only based on the 490 auto. A chassis cowl included the chassis with engine, transmission and the front sheet metal which comprised the hood, front fenders, grille and headlights. Its instrument panel, steering wheel, foot pedals and shift lever were exactly the same as the cars. The first all steel enclosed cab and panel models appeared in 1925.

 

By 1929, when Chevrolet had produced 500,000 commercial vehicles, they included several added features to their vehicles like hydraulic shock absorbers, electric fuel gauges, vacuum powered windshield wipers, and outside mirrors. They also introduced a powerful new six cylinder engine with overhead valves. Four year later, they had rolled of their one millionth truck out of the assembly line. Chevrolet now owned half of the American truck market.

 

The classic period arrived and the Chevy introduced bolder and better trucks to the public. These trucks featured bigger engines and fortified chassis. The prewar models provided the driver with additional legroom and the seat back was reclined to a more comfortable angle. The seat cushion and back were also improved for better comfort and longer life through the use of more springs and additional cotton padding. The Chevy trucks were built on a 115-inch wheelbase. Body offerings included a pickup, panel, canopy and Suburban. The 3/4-ton had a 125 1/4-inch wheelbase and included a pickup, platform, stake and panel bodies. The one-ton series (now designated as medium-duty models) had the long 134 1/2-inch wheelbase and included a pickup, panel, canopy and stake.

 

After the war, the Chevrolet's truck saw changes in body styles and features. In 1949, the gas tank was moved to inside the cab behind the seat back. In 1950 the 216.5 cubic inch six was twisted to put out 92 horsepower at 3400 rpm and 176 ft-LB of torque at 1000 to 2000 rpm. In 1951 the left-side cowl vent was eliminated and was replaced by door vent windows. New push-button door handles were a 1952 model year introduction.

 

Classic Chevy trucks dominated the market for the next few decades. Today, these classic Chevy trucks marked one of the most remarkable achievements in the history of truck building and thus have all the right to be labeled as classic trucks.