General Question about radiator core support measurements. I have a 53 AD one ton. Is the radiator core support for the half, three quarter, and one ton, a different size than the support for the one and one half and two ton trucks? I know the fenders are different. And I seem to recall being told the R.C.S.s are different sizes also. But I don't recall who told me that, or when. Anyone know the differences here? My "truck" is a project being put together from pieces, so I don't have one in front of me to look at. Also, I couldn't find anything yet in the archives. Thanks for any information! Mike.
Kevin 1951 Chevy 3100 work truck Follow this saga in Project Journal Photos 1929 Ford pickup restored from the ground up. | 1929 Ford Special Coupe (First car) Busting rust since the mid-60's If you're smart enough to take it apart, you darn well better be smart enough to put it back together.
I searched the link because I will be working on a one ton in the future - similar to you assembling parts and pieces. The experts can correct if I am wrong - and this thread may need to be moved to the One Ton Forum perhaps to get a better response - = but here goes:
If the 1 ton fenders, hood, hood latch panel, and grille surround are the same as 1/2 and 3/4 ton models - then the radiator core support would be consistent with these models...
My understanding is that the 1/2 and 3/4 ton truck front clips interchange with the 1 ton models ... all being the same.
Its when the models jump up to 1-1/2 ton and larger trucks the hood, grille, and fenders / front clip change to a larger size. I do not know if a different radiator core support would be need for 1 1/2 ton and larger trucks...but you aren't asking about these models.
I believe, that for some reason, there is a difference in the mounts which attach the radiator support to the front crossmember between the the half ton, and the 3/4 ton and the 1 ton. It is an easy work around in your case with your "project" truck, as the only thing you need to do is drill a couple of holes in the crosmember to make a half ton support fit. The half ton takes two bolts while the 3/4 and 1 ton only has one center bolt. All of this information is available by accessing the deepest recesses of my progressively deteriorating, feeble brain, and subject to being completely wrong, yet I stand firmly behind it and will defend it fervently... Where did my danged glasses go off to now?! Stand by. My wife is yelling at me some more.
1952 5-window - return to "as built" condition | 1950 3100 with a 235 and a T-5 transmission
On my 1954 3604 (3/4 ton), there are two mounts. The FAM I have covers the radiator mounting in section 11, sheets 2.11 and 2.12. 52 Carl is correct as the FAM shows center mounting on the 3800,4000, 5000, and 6000 models . I do not know if your cross member is the same as mine is, but it also has slotted holes in the center that appear to be for center mount if applicable. I've attached a picture looking up from the bottom of the cross member on my 1954 3/4 ton and top view prior to installing radiator support
Last edited by Dusty53; 05/03/202211:43 AM.
Ron - - Dusty53 1954 Chevy 3604 In the Gallery Forum "You can't dance with the Devil and then wonder why you're still in Hell." "They will forget what you've said, and they will forget what you have done but they will never forget the way you made them feel."
I believe most crossmembers (1/2-3/4 ton and larger) had both sets of holes for the radiator support. I know that my 51 3100 does.
Kevin 1951 Chevy 3100 work truck Follow this saga in Project Journal Photos 1929 Ford pickup restored from the ground up. | 1929 Ford Special Coupe (First car) Busting rust since the mid-60's If you're smart enough to take it apart, you darn well better be smart enough to put it back together.
I also have two mounting holes. Over the years, I believe the spring mounting pieces, either rusted or were lost. In its place, I used thick rubber pieces. Works! Jim
~ Jim Schmidt, Bucks County, PA 1953 Chevrolet 3804 1-ton In the DITY Gallery
Thanks for the responses! I am starting to figure this out. Haven't figured out the index to the manual yet, but working on it. Illustrations online show the u-shaped bolt with two springs. Does that mount under the bottom of the support bracket through mounting holes? Also online are illustrations saying 32 inches from the bottom of the gmc support bracket to the underside of the two triangular brackets at the top. HOWEVER, they very carefully say there may be different sizes, and they don't specify which they are illustrating, so I don't know which one this measurement applies to! I guess there isn't a side by side photo anywhere??? Does anyone have a support out from a KNOWN sized donor vehicle who could give me this measurement? Thanks for the help, I am starting to unravel this issue!
