Chevy Truck History 1947-1955
With production starting in May of 1947,
the Advance Design Truck series were GM's first new post-war vehicles, as well as America's first new post-war trucks.
A wider, roomier cab, integral headlamps, and a switch from horizontal to vertical front grille set Chevrolet's new trucks apart from all others on the road.
1947-1948 Chevy Trucks
Advance Design trucks were identified by four-digit numbers displayed on both sides of the hood.
Half-ton trucks were 3100 series, with 3/4 ton trucks getting a 3600 designation.
Chevy's 216-cid straight-six motor was retained, receiving minor engine improvements.
Older, ream-fit main bearings were replaced with the modern precision-type.
The carburetor accelerator pump was moved into the float bowl to keep the leather piston wet. To help cold-engine driveability, the hand-choke activated a carb-mounted fast-idle cam.
1949 Chevy Trucks
Trucks had sold well during the last few years, and Chevrolet topped the market. Minor changes included the gear-shift moved from the floor to the column to allow for more legroom. Gas tanks, previously frame-mounted, were moved inside the cab, standing upright behind the seat. Cosmetically, the inner surfaces of the grille bars were painted white, with pinstripes removed from the outer bars.
1950-1953 Chevy Trucks
1950 saw the conversion from lever-action shocks to the modern tube type.
Rear quarter windows were added to improve visibility.
Load capacity ranged from 1,500 pounds on the 3100 series up to 2,900 pounds on the 3800 one-ton model. Trucks rode on 16-inch tubed-tires, with three body lengths available.
A sidemount spare-tire carrier between the cab and the left rear fender became optional.
The Korean Military conflict brought about a precious-metals shortage, with Automakers substituting chrome parts with plain steel. Most Chevy trucks came with a painted front grille. Factory-installed signals became optional in 1953.
1954 Chevy Trucks
Although an all-new truck was planned for the following year, 1954 Chevrolet trucks received a minor restyle, which included a one-piece curved windshield, a new grille and front turn signals.
The dashboard was redesigned, featuring twin instrument dials.
A new cargo box had a lower loading height, taller bed sides, and horizontal top rails. 3600 models gained a three-inch stretch in bed length. Chevrolet would use this style cargo box into the Eighties.
The 216-cid motor, in use since the Thirties, was discontinued in favor of the 235-cid engine from Chevy's Load-Master truck series. Improvements included stronger crankshaft and connecting rods, aluminum pistons, and full-pressure lubrication. With 7.5:1 compression ratio, horsepower was 112 at 3,700 rpm. Torque was 200 pound-feet at 2,000 rpm.
For the first time in Chevy truck history, an automatic transmission was offered. Three manual transmissions were available. An all-synchro three-speed was standard in the 3100 and 3600, with a heavy-duty all-synchro three-speed optional. A floor-shifted, four-speed all-synchro came standard in the 3800, and optional in the others.
The Deluxe Comfortmaster Cab option gave the buyer corner windows, chrome window moldings, passenger-side sun visor, driver's armrest, and dual horns. Also optional were electric windshield wipers, a foot-operated windshield washer, radio, heater, turn signals, and dash-mounted clock.
1955 First-Series Chevy Trucks
Early 1955 Chevrolet trucks, referred to as first series, saw only minor cosmetic changes. The big difference mechanically was a switch to an open drive-shaft from the older-style torque tube. The first-series trucks were built through March of 1955, replaced by Chevrolet's all-new 'Task Force' series.
---------------------------------------