A Guide to Selecting a Project Truck - Continued

CHEVROLET: Post-War 1945 - 48 Trucks

The "Wurlitzer" style trucks, so nicknamed because of the look of the grille, are carryovers from the Pre-War designs of early 1940's. These are good examples to save, but they present the same challenges as all Pre-War trucks. This trucks are simple to restore, but are not to fun to drive everyday unless you plan to install IFS and power.

CHEVROLET: 1948 - 1955 1st. Series

We now come to the "Advance Design" trucks, which ran from 1947 to 1955. First appearing in mid 1947. These trucks were produced in great numbers and have survived in equally large numbers. The 1947 - 1955 1st. Series Chevy trucks are really a good choice for a first time restorer.

These trucks are a lot roomier that the earlier trucks and very unique looking. Relatively simple to work on, parts and restoration information is abundant. The cost to restore a complete truck from this era is very reasonable.

These trucks are available everywhere in various conditions. In areas of the country where rust is a problem, closely inspect each example you consider.

These trucks were prone to rust in areas. The floor pans, lower cab corners and door bottoms are the most prone to rust-out in these years. The drain holes in these areas become plugged and water accumulates, causing rust. Many parts dealers who carry parts for these trucks, stock patch panels for these rust prone areas.

After many years of use, expect to find wear in all areas. The real mechanical soft spots on these trucks is the Torque-Tube Driveline and the Brake System.

First let us examine the brakes. When new, these trucks had acceptable brakes for the road conditions of the day.  Designed for 40-50 mph driving, these brake systems are marginal today.  A restofied truck will operate at higher speeds and be driven to the limits of the original design. Even if the truck is not re-powered, the brakes will require attention. The safe and sure method is to replace the entire system with later components. If the stock front axle is retained, a disk brake kit and power assist unit will transform the entire system into a safe and sure system for any condition.

Next, we look a the Torque-Tube driveline. Rebuilding a worn driveline of this design is difficult and expensive. Costs of of rebuilding the stock system surpasses that of a swap to a later axle. It is recommended that you consider an upgrading to an open drive system even if you retain the inline 6. The real benefit of opening the driveline is the ability to go to a higher gear ratio. The higher gearing is a must for normal highway driving. The open driveline will also be able to handle the heavy torque loads of a V-8 if you choose to loose the inline 6. 

CHEVROLET TRUCKS OF THE LATE '50's '60's&'70's

The introduction in 1955 of the "Task Force" trucks was the biggest mechanical change to GM's truck line more than 10 ten years. These trucks followed the lead set by Ford with the introduction of the 1953 model F-100. The F-100's brought about the need for GM to increase cab size and modernize their trucks. The "Task Force" Series runs through the 1959 model year.

The 1955 - 1957 style trucks are very much in demand and everything in the way of parts is available for them. These trucks also make great first time project trucks. Also these are the first trucks which were offered the small block V-8. V-8 upgrades in these trucks is very easy.  [more]

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