The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk I just bought a 1945 Pickup . . . Was this a 1/2 ton?

Hi everyone,

I just bought a 1945 Chevy Pickup. I was told by the previous owner that it was a 1/2 ton, and he recently pulled the body off and put it on an S10 frame.

I was surprised because the Title actually says "1945" . . .

The VIN # is BK43 7857

I didn't think that Chevrolet made a 1/2 ton truck in 1945, but here it is.

I tried to search the VIN, but couldn't find anything.

If anyone might be able to provide me with some info, I would be grateful.

Thank you!

During WW2, one of the GM production lines kept producing trucks for domestic civilian use. While most of the civilian trucks were larger, some 1/2 ton trucks were made.

BK indicates 1942 model year and 1/2 ton.

43 indicates the 43rd month. 43 months is 3 years, 7 months, suggesting a build date of July 1945.

Is there any prefix number before BK?

http://chevy.oldcarmanualproject.com/chevyresto/4206.htm

Many war year trucks had painted grilles, not chrome.

Ed

Hi everyone,

Thanks so much for the info. I will keep digging to see if I have any additional information on this pickup. I wish they had kept it stock instead of putting it on that S10 frame.

I don't see any other place other than the title that has the BK code on it. The plate inside the hood is rusted beyond recognition.

Thanks again, everyone, for the replies