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| | | Forums66 Topics128,023 Posts1,055,371 Members48,420 | | Most Online14,466 Apr 26th, 2026 | | AD Chevy Trucks Over 6,000 pictures Brad Allen has an awesome collection of Chevrolet factory pictures that he has set up from film strips. Check them out!
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on the Internet for over 30 years! and not clogged down with Ads! Again, thanks! | | | | Joined: Aug 2011 Posts: 30 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Aug 2011 Posts: 30 | Hey everyone. My grandfather-in-law is trying to restore a 1940 1.5 ton truck and we need piston rings. Chevs of the 40's is back ordered. Can any of you share a place I can check?
Also, I have a 1950 with a 216 and the 1940 is also a 216. I see sites like LMC have stuff for 47+ trucks. Would the 216 rings be the same? If they are it might open up my options.
Thanks
------------------------- 1950 Chevrolet 3100 5 window Original 216ci and SM420 4-speed
| | | | | Joined: Jun 2011 Posts: 5,096 Crusing in the Passing Lane | | Crusing in the Passing Lane Joined: Jun 2011 Posts: 5,096 | One can order rings by dimension, most parts places only know modern VIN's. Look in a ring catalogue.
Ed
'37 GMC T-18 w/ DD 4-53T, RTO-610, 6231 aux., '95 GMC running gear, full disc brakes, power steering, 22.5 wheels and tires. '47 GMC 1 ton w/ 302, NP-540, 4wd, full width Blazer front axle. '54 GMC 630 w/ 503 gasser, 5 speed, ex fire truck, shortened WB 4', install 8' bed. '55 GMC 370 w/270, 420 4 speed, grain, dump bed truck from ND. Works OK.
| | | | | Joined: Dec 2001 Posts: 14,522 Moderator: Welcome Centre, Southern Bolters, Legion Hall | | Moderator: Welcome Centre, Southern Bolters, Legion Hall Joined: Dec 2001 Posts: 14,522 | How about EGGE Machine. Probably a little pricey but..... | | | | | Joined: Mar 2004 Posts: 6,212 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Mar 2004 Posts: 6,212 | Per my 1959 Parts Book 37-53 216's all take the same ring sets. Mike B  | | | | | Joined: Jan 2001 Posts: 5,337 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jan 2001 Posts: 5,337 | eBay has a number of them listed.
See the USA in your vintage Chevrolet! My Blog | | | | | Joined: Jan 2013 Posts: 1,384 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Jan 2013 Posts: 1,384 | Any good old school NAPA store that still has the books on the counter will have them for you in a day. | | | | | Joined: Aug 2011 Posts: 30 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Aug 2011 Posts: 30 | Thanks Guys. It helps knowing the rings are the same up though 1953. I'll call the local part stores and see what I can find. Knowing they are the same up though 53 opens up a lot of venders online if I have to go that route. I'll try ebay if I have to but I am always skeptical of getting parts on there because they might be cheap and its harder to return them than at a normal store or reputable online store.
------------------------- 1950 Chevrolet 3100 5 window Original 216ci and SM420 4-speed
| | | | | Joined: Aug 2011 Posts: 30 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Aug 2011 Posts: 30 | Update, thanks to all of your help I found the rings. Sealed Power makes them. Part number e-103x. I have used Sealed Power on newer stuff and know they are good. I should be able to order them at the store now. Even if the people there have no records for tucks this old they should be able to look up by part number. Worst case would be I order them and I see Summit Racing has them in stock.
------------------------- 1950 Chevrolet 3100 5 window Original 216ci and SM420 4-speed
| | | | | Joined: Aug 2016 Posts: 23 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Aug 2016 Posts: 23 | How did your ring job work out? I'm in the same spot with my '49 216. My Pistons are aluminum and have 3 grooves. Top groove has one big ring. 2nd groove has 2 rings and a spacer under the rings. 3rd groove has two waffle rings in the middle one on top of the other with a top and bottom ring. I don't know if they're original or not but these are the Pistons I have. # 3835996 GM1 with a notch on top.
Rais'em from the dead.
| | | | | Joined: Oct 2012 Posts: 233 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Oct 2012 Posts: 233 | Lazarus, check the bore on your 216 as it maybe a 235 with that part number piston. Mtneermike
1953 Chevy 3100 261 and SM420 53Chevy 31001953 Mack Firetruck 1972 Porsche 911 1986 Honda Goldwing
| | | | | Joined: Aug 2016 Posts: 23 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Aug 2016 Posts: 23 |
Rais'em from the dead.
| | | | | Joined: Aug 2016 Posts: 23 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Aug 2016 Posts: 23 | How did your ring job work out? I'm in the same spot with my '49 216. My Pistons are aluminum and have 3 grooves. Top groove has one big ring. 2nd groove has 2 rings and a spacer under the rings. 3rd groove has two waffle rings in the middle one on top of the other with a top and bottom ring. I don't know if they're original or not but these are the Pistons I have. # 3835996 GM1 with a notch on top.
Rais'em from the dead.
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