The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk 1951 GMC with Chevrolet on dash

Just wondering why my ‘51 GMC has Chevrolet on the dash and heater? Lot of people ask me this and I don’t know the answer. Says GMC on the sides of the hood and on tailgate. Thanks in advance!

It should not, that being said a lot can happen in 67 years and those parts will interchange (along with a host of others).

Someone switched the dash grille and heater in the past. Only 6 bolts ( and hosing) hold those pieces in place on my GMC.
Your dash should read Genera Motors Truck.

Thanks for the replies. This truck belonged to my dad and not sure when he bought it, but I remember it from the late 50’s. Can’t imagine him changing these, but maybe someone did before. I imagine that hurts the “original” value, but I don’t think I’ll change anything as I’ve tried to keep it the way I remember.......dings and all!

Keep it the way your Dad had it

back in the day guys would just grab parts

My 50 has an oldsmoblie mirror clipped onto the rear view
Thats how my dad had it so im keeping it like that

How is it titled? If it is titled as a General Motors Truck, then it is possible somebody converted it to a Chevrolet in appearance (or totally) and overlooked the dash trim and heater. The ID plate on the door jamb will also probably show General Motors Truck if this was done. Or maybe the upper Chevy trim piece was damaged and somebody replaced it with what they could find in a junkyard and got a working heater in the deal. In the mid 60s and up until the early 80s it wasn't uncommon to see people convert GMC trucks to Chevy trucks around here.

I plan to keep it as is. A lot of great memories as a work truck hauling railroad ties, manure, gravel, 55 gallon barrels of trash to the dump, etc. etc.

I don't blame you at all. Hope you enjoy it for many years to come.

Just a matter of changing the heater decal, or badge, and changing the top speaker grille trim. What does the grille look like ? Do you have any pictures you can post ?

I hope to be able to drive my truck at least another ten years. Without power steering, power brakes, air, blinkers, manual transmission, etc., it’s fun to drive. But I’ll be 65 in November. If I can figure out how to post pictures, I will.

Refer to the left side of the page. It tells how to do it.

Does it have a GMC engine in it?
GMC engines are about 1-1/2" longer, so the crossmember for the front mount would have needed to modified for a GMC engine to be installed in a Chevrolet frame.

Had the engine changed from a 228 to a 235 about 30 years ago. You’re right, as a bracket had to be installed for the front of the engine. It’s titled as a GMC.

I too would like to see pics


If you have a kid close by have them help you out

What's the fuss about?

My grandfather bought a brand new 1948 (IIRC) Pontiac. When it arrived, it had a Chevy engine. He was annoyed, but my dad and uncle told him the the Chevy was a better engine anyway.

My brand new 1980 C20 came with a GMC steering wheel. The dealer shrugged and said "Heck, that's nothing. I've seen Chevy trucks come in here with GMC tailgates."

1991 at a GMC dealer I saw a new S15 Jimmy, with S15 Jimmy molding on one side, and S10 Blazer molding on the other side.

Finally able to get a photo of my truck uploaded! Not sure how I did it, but here it is.

Very nice truck

Thank you!