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I have finished (for now) working under the dashboard of my GMC 5500 truck and have moved on to repairing doors, including weather strips. This truck appears to be an early 1966 model that was sold in October of 1965, but the cab shape and doors look more like those on 1967 pickups. Since parts seem hard to find for 1966 GMC medium duty trucks, can anyone tell me if these doors are the same size and design as are found on the more commonly available 1967 pickups?

cabs and doors are the same on any size conventional truck .... and a 66 cab will not look anything like a 67 cab, pictures would get some ID help, but it sounds like you've picked up a "mix and match" project

Bill

Bill,

I have attached one of my few pictures that I hope shows the truck well enough to see the cab shape. The bed panels were removed after this picture, so the truck doesn't look quite as big anymore. The Department of Motor Vehicle records show the truck as being sold new in 1965 and I am pretty sure I purchased it from the original owner. So if it is a "mix and match" project, it came that way from the factory.

http://s967.photobucket.com/user/jrmunn/media/2013081966GMCTruck_zps8c2d5a5b.jpg.html (1966 GMC 5500 on return from VIN check)

I'll probably get "spanked" for this reply,but here goes- That cab design started in '67,for the medium-duty G.M.C.'s,and was used (I.M.H.O.),on the "Brigadiers", (not sure about the "Generals),up into the mid-'80's. If,in fact your truck cab was mfd. in '65,it's gotta be a rare bird. G.M.C. was a little ahead of Chevrolet,in the cab department,(on a few models),especially in the mid '60's. The only difference between a pick-up cab,of this time frame,and a big truck cab,is the split windshield,and the doors have a cut-out at the bottom front corners,for fender clearance. There may be other differences,but it's been 30 years,since I drove a "Brig". Check the wrecking yards for later model "Brig"'s and "Generals". They may be easier to find parts for. Hope this helps.

Willy,

Thank you for the answer. If the weather strip fits, I will check on pickup parts for other cab repairs. I don't know how rare my truck is, but I do know that parts are hard to find.

That style truck (Pictured) actually was first out in '66 (Fall of '65 is correct). Although the Doors on '67-'72 Pick-ups look similar to the ones on your 5500, they are different. Not real sure if the Weatherstripping could possible be the same, but you could check on some part numbers or just try one for an experiment. I would also contact GMC parts (Volvo now) and see if any are still available new for your truck. Not real sure when the last cab was made, but believe it went well into the '90's.

Keep us posted on your project.

Bill

C10-C90 Bill,

Thank you. I'm glad to hear that the truck cab is not unique, and I did not know about Volvo handling GM parts. Should I look for a dealer handling Volvo trucks to find out what is available?

GM sold their Heavy Truck Division (big mistake, IMO) back in '88.

Right, call your local Volvo Truck Dealer to see what is possibly still available.

Bill

Another option would be to just match up your door seals here http://www.restorationspecialties.com/ or here http://www.steelerubber.com/
I got the seals for my 9500 and my 860 from RS. Just by the weather stripping by the foot. They will have whatever you need for your truck.