All of the original GM factory bodies I've seen were black platforms with dark green stake sides. The floors were yellow pine and painted black also. For some reason there was no full width front bolster on them and were as John described, middle part omitted. The crossmembers were faced the opposing directions front & rear of the rear axle with the idea that they would retain less dirt and road contamination that way. I became a body dealer in the 60's for the company that built for GM and that is how I saw them being made at the factory.
The platforms were completely different than the companies own product line which were a lot heavier built and were of all steel construction. I personally think the GM bodies were of their own design and contracted out just as the installation was to several installation only firms in the Detroit area. Cost was certainly an issue and kits were much easier to ship than completed bodies. These GM only bodies were not sold to anyone else including the companies own dealers.
Last edited by 53moneypit; 02/03/2011 11:25 PM.
