Click on image for the lowdown. 
====
| | |
7 members (wilbur53, Rusty Rod, D B Cooper, RaNfLaS, Gdads51, KEVINSKI, 1 invisible),
114
guests, and
1
robot. | | Key: Admin,
Global Mod,
Mod | | | Forums66 Topics128,094 Posts1,056,060 Members48,433 | | 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: Dec 2013 Posts: 17 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Dec 2013 Posts: 17 | Just got around to installing the temp probe on my 1953 GMC 1/2 ton with a 302-- mechanical (capillary tube) temp gauge. Had planned to use the rear most 1/2" NPT hole in the head. The probe is too long to fit with its adapter, it's about 3/16-1/4" too long-appears the probe hits the top of the block.
Research shows these trucks had their probes mounted on the thermostat housing. My housing has a boss for the probe, needs drilling and tapping--had planned to do that, BUT the capillary tube is TOO SHORT to reach to the front of the engine. Doesn't appear venders sell a longer cap tube temp gauge. Anyone know someone that can build me a gauge, or extend my current gauge's tube? Needs to be 18" long.
phone: 636-219-7705
| | | | | Joined: Jun 2011 Posts: 5,096 Crusing in the Passing Lane | | Crusing in the Passing Lane Joined: Jun 2011 Posts: 5,096 | Wow, I have seen several that were long enough even for my 503, can you send it back?
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: Apr 2008 Posts: 899 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Apr 2008 Posts: 899 | Maybe a real hardware store would have an adapter that may be taller to fit in the head. Just a thought.
Ed
| | | | | Joined: Jun 2011 Posts: 5,096 Crusing in the Passing Lane | | Crusing in the Passing Lane Joined: Jun 2011 Posts: 5,096 | If one uses a tall adapter, I wonder if there is enough circulation around the sensor?
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: Jun 2001 Posts: 793 Bondo Artiste | | Bondo Artiste Joined: Jun 2001 Posts: 793 | The thermostat housing was only used for electric temp gauge probes, never the mechanical style probe. Shoot me a email [email protected] and I’ll be happy to send you a pic of my mechanical gauge set up at the back of the block.
~ Phillip
1949 GMC Suburban - 10 year project
1952 Pontiac Chieftain Convertible straight 8 hydramatic
1945 GMC half ton truck - Driver- Sold 9-15-25
1946 Chevy COE - SOLD 1-5-26 BUH BYE CHEVY!
1959 GMC Half ton long bed NAPCO
| | |
|
|
