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Jul 21st, 2025 | | | | Joined: Aug 2018 Posts: 46 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Aug 2018 Posts: 46 | I have always used the number of lug nuts to determine if a truck was half ton three quarter or 1-ton. However I have heard that some three-quarter ton 1950 trucks came with 6 lug rims is that correct? If it is correct what is the definitive way to determine if it is half ton or 3 quarter ton.
Also how rare are long box half tons in this era?
1950 GMC 1/2 Ton Long Box
228-Zenith carb- SM420-bendix brakes
| | | | | Joined: Mar 2007 Posts: 4,185 Moderator | | Moderator Joined: Mar 2007 Posts: 4,185 |
Just check the wheelbase. half tons were 116", 3/4 tons were 125.25" and one tons were 137". Is a long box 9', as the 1 ton trucks had?
| | | | | Joined: Sep 2012 Posts: 306 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Sep 2012 Posts: 306 | ** Half-tons will only have one vertical stake pocket brace in front of the fender where 3/4 tons will have two. At least that is my understanding. | | | | | Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,262 Bubba - Curmudgeon | | Bubba - Curmudgeon Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,262 | "3/4 ton 1950 gmc"
GMC had long wheelbase (long bed) 1/2 ton trucks in 1950 (Chevrolet did not).
Same length as a "standard" 3/4 ton trucks/beds.
| | | | | Joined: Jun 2012 Posts: 91 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Jun 2012 Posts: 91 | Go to this page on oldGMCtrucks. Your serial number data plate should be on the front of the driver side door opening between the hinges on the front pillar. You will need serial number and it will be broken down to model, year, ect. Good information. This is only good for GMC. not Chevy. Also have to add that this information that comes from the serial number was correct when it left the factory some 70 odd years ago... does not take into account changes made since then. http://www.oldgmctrucks.com/page0010.html
Last edited by 1Plowboy; 08/07/2018 7:04 PM.
| | | | | Joined: May 2005 Posts: 8,988 Sir Searchalot | | Sir Searchalot Joined: May 2005 Posts: 8,988 | If it's 8 lugs it's not 1/2 T. If it's 6 lug it probably is 1/2T. See GMC site given by Plowboy. | | | | | Joined: Oct 2006 Posts: 9,671 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Oct 2006 Posts: 9,671 | Been away for a while Brad, but I still check in every once in awhile.....and.....you
still never cease to amaze me.
Wish I were closer, I'd love to spend a day (or more) touring your relic museum.
Been referencing them there photos for years now when I'm researching or
documenting a project or just trying to answer a question for a buddy.
Thanks for archiving allllllllll of those pictures and giving us access to them.
Denny Graham
Sandwich, IL
Denny G
Sandwich, IL
| | | | | Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 3,597 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 3,597 | Hey Denny, always miss you here. I have some great filmstrips to get completed, just no time. I even have a few very rare GMC ones! | | | | | Joined: Dec 2005 Posts: 406 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Dec 2005 Posts: 406 | 1/2 ton frames are wider at the rear than at the front, 3/4 ton frame rails are basically parallel front to back. Check the frame width at the rear. If the width is about 45 inches it is a 1/2 ton whether it is a short bed or long bed. Only GMC had long bed half ton so if you are looking at a Chevy long bed it is 3/4 ton.
Mar-Ktech | | |
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