The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Big Bolts bigbolt cab size?

I'm in the process of getting the old 1951 Chevy fire truck restored(motor and parts are now off the frame) and the shop doing the work mentioned that the cab is bigger on the fire truck than the regular pick up. They say the size cab is bigger so the rubber parts in the catalogs will not fit. I thought I read the cabs were all the same size but it got larger forward of the firewall. I’m confused. They are doing a great job on the truck but their comments stopped me in my tracks. Is the bigbolt cab (6400) bigger than say a 3100 or others?

Can anyone help answer my question? I want to order the rubber kits(windows, doors & anything else) from Chevy Duty or one of the other restoration part companies but do not want to purchase kits` that have to be returned. Help.

Thanks but I didn't see the 1951 trucks in that section. I've read on this site that they are the same size but I just want to make sure before I start ordering parts.

All of the '47-'55 1st series Chevrolet 1/2 ton - 2 ton Cabs, are the same. '47-'55 GMC Cabs are the same, until you get to the, 700-900 series "Big Cab" Conventional Heavy Duty Trucks. So excluding the cab floor, all other related interior, & exterior parts, will interchange.

Thanks. I knew that if anyone was going to know based on experiance it was the folks here. Anyone have a supplier they recommend and have used?

I an just finishing up a 1953 6400. I ordered a lot of sheet metal, rubber gaskets, etc. from Chevs of the 40s and several other suppliers. Everything fit fine except for the floor panels. They were a litle too narrow for some reason, and I was forced to weld a small piece of sheet metal to join the two pieces where to toe board joined. I also ordered a new grille. I haven't installed it yet, but I have held it up in place, and it seems to fit. I don't think you will have any problem with sheet metal at all. Some of the mechanical parts may be harder because not many people bother with the big trucks, so the suppliers don't either. I had a hard time with some wheel bearings, brake seals, wheel cylinders, etc. I did find everything with the exception of rear brake cylinders. The rear end had been changed to one from an earlier truck, and I was forced to have those cylinders sleeved, which is expensive. Allen

Is the grill larger than the other size trucks? I've thought about getting a chrome one to replace the painted one that has been removed. I like the idea of a front chrome grill and bumper.

Thanks. I guess the grills are the same width?

Thanks.