Click on image for the lowdown. 
====
| | |
8 members (tclederman, 68ironhead, 3B, GMCJammer51, Otto Skorzeny, Pre '68 Dave, Jon G, 1 invisible),
124
guests, and
2
robots. | | Key: Admin,
Global Mod,
Mod | | | Forums66 Topics128,110 Posts1,056,245 Members48,437 | | 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!
Lots of work on Brad's part ... pure enjoyment (and references) for you!
| | THANKS!
For helping keep this great
old truck web site
on the Internet for over 30 years! and not clogged down
with Ads!  Again, thanks!
| | | | Joined: Aug 2012 Posts: 1,214 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Aug 2012 Posts: 1,214 | I've got a stock 49 3100 that runs good but needs body work. Just got a line on a 49 GMC 1/2 ton w/blown engine but good body metal.
I can see via pics that the hood, grill and front fenders are different, question is, is the GMC cab and bed a directly fit to the Chevy frame and front clip?
I've also got a rebuilt 235 sitting in my shop, will it bolt up in the GMC? | | | | | Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,269 Bubba - Curmudgeon | | Bubba - Curmudgeon Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,269 | " . . . is the GMC cab and bed a directly fit to the Chevy frame and front clip?"
Yes (the tail gate might confuse people?).
"I've also got a rebuilt 235 sitting in my shop, will it bolt up in the GMC?"
Yes, but it is shorter than the GMC sixes - it will sit further back from the radiator.
But, you referred-to using the Chevy frame?
| | | | | Joined: Aug 2003 Posts: 106 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Aug 2003 Posts: 106 | The front crossmember where the engine and radiator supports mount are different on the frames. You would need to drill out all the rivets in the front crossmembers and swap them in order to put the 235 into the GMC frame. You'll also need to use the Chevy radiator and radiator support to use the Chevy front sheetmetal. You'll see the difference once the engines and front sheetmetal are out. Check out this link on the Carter website. Crossmember differenceCredit to Rob English at oldgmctrucks.com
"I always win." Working mainly alone I do not let my trucks win a war. Maybe a battle here and there but never the war.
Robert
55.1 GMC 450 COE
51ish GMC Suburban
| | | | | Joined: Aug 2012 Posts: 1,214 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Aug 2012 Posts: 1,214 | Good info, thanks TIm,yellosub54.
I haven't seen the GMC yet, awaiting pics.
| | | | | Joined: Apr 2002 Posts: 2,168 A teacher, but always an apprentice. | | A teacher, but always an apprentice. Joined: Apr 2002 Posts: 2,168 | In Canada, for some reason, all the little Bolt GMCs utilize Chevy cross members, rad supports and Chevy engines, but have different radiators and tops of the core support. It makes this discussed swap very simple. I was unaware until recently about the HUGE discrepancies between US gmc/Chev cross members. Best of luck. | | | | | Joined: Mar 2010 Posts: 10,280 Renaissance Man | | Renaissance Man Joined: Mar 2010 Posts: 10,280 | I personally would not try to remove and swap the riveted on crossmember. It would be much easier to fab a plate on the GMC crossmember, relocating the engine mount holes rearward to fit the Chevrolet 235.
1952 5-window - return to "as built" condition | 1950 3100 with a 235 and a T-5 transmission
| | | | | Joined: Aug 2012 Posts: 1,214 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Aug 2012 Posts: 1,214 | Good info. Ends up the engine may not be blown and is a circa 1975 250 (or 230) with a quadrajet 4 bbl, dual exhaust and bolted to a turbo 400 auto with open driveshaft and late model rear. It is also slammed. Present owner bought it as is and would rather have a running Karmann Ghia......Trade is eminent..... I'll update in proper forums. Frontendpic 2pic 3 | | |
|
|
