When these trucks were built, there was no reason for GM to imagine that these trucks would still be around and on the road 60+ years later. In fact, I am sure that they hoped that these trucks would be replaced fairly frequently.
The type of washer of which you speak worked fabulously for the time period which a reasonable person would expect a work truck to last.
Those star washers hold better than the more durable, longer lasting simple split washer in several places on these trucks. The side vent must be able to take the brunt of stiff wind resistance while barreling down the road at breakneck speeds, exceeding 50 MPH at times.
I find enjoyment contemplating many of the aspects of the components and their design as to why it was designed that way. Very seldom does one find an instance where something does not make any sense. Sure, there were changes made in later years to improve components, but at any given time, there was sound reason behind why they did things the way they did at that time.
And indeed, there where later "improvements" which were not improvements at all. They likely came from cost saving incentives, or drunkard engineers with a long leash.
Carl
Last edited by 52Carl; 04/30/2020 2:20 AM.
