Well ok I’ll just start here. I’m new here obviously . I’m Don Quinton from Ogden Utah . I have my Dads 1945 GMC he purchased it sometime in the late 50’s from Hill AFB . The original engine hung a rod through the block in 68 while he was in Vietnam ( his Little brother was driving). It sat in a field with a busted frame and junk engine until 85 when I saved it from going into the Portneuf River in Lave HS Idaho. Grandpa had it and a 46 Chevy truck that was rolled over that I used for the frame . I have recently acquired a 1940 Chevy master deluxe 216 engine s as nd the crankshaft to flywheel bolts are a different size I believe 3/8 20 instead of the larger bolts would that have been done because the year difference or was the car engine not as beefy as the truck had. If I’m not in the right area please redirect me .
Welcome to the Stovebolt site, Don. Cool to have a truck in the family that long. Maybe post up a pic or two. Any technical questions, feel free to post in the most appropriate forum. Lots of info and knowledge here.
Gmc and chevy engines from that era are totally different . You might be dealing with two different engines.
1941 Chevy "First rebuild - complete!" Follow the story in the DITY 1941 GMC resting peacefully 1946/1947 Chevy Street rod on s10 frame complete 1945 GMC panel truck in line for restoration 1941 Plymouth stock complete 1941 GMC COE in restoration process Read his Project Journal 1941 Chevy Coe uncertain future resting now
Welcome to the Bolt Don Q! Great family history info on your truck and glad you joined along with many folks here that have made it a point of saving a bit of the family legacy.
I'll second Leo's suggestion to take pictures and post them as that's one of the best ways for us to help you with questions on your truck. Well that, and the fact that we just love to see lots of pics of old trucks in whatever shape they may be now and in the future.
Please give this helpful introduction thread a good read before posting further, then you can start a conversation in the Engine Shop on your 216 question.
Looking forward to seeing and hearing more about your truck.
Last edited by Gdads51; 12/30/20252:28 AM. Reason: fix typos
~ Dan 1951 Chevy 3 window 3100 Follow this story in the DITY Gallery "My Grandpa Carl's Truck and How it Became Mine" 1966 Chevelle (Wife's Hot Rod) | 2013 Chevy Silverado (Current daily driver) US Army MSG Retired (1977-1998) | Com Fac Maint Lead Tech Retired (1998-2021)
Welcome Don. It seems there is more to your story than the bare bones version you provided. Congratulations for saving some of your family history. We love pictures. Oh, Happy New Year
Has anyone mentioned how much we love pictures? Me? Just hanging around waiting; toes tapping, thumbs twiddling, eyes restless and looking for something to occupy them….😂
1945 GMC 1/2 ton originally a 9’ box military Dad busted the frame and welded it but it was broken again when I got it and my uncle Dads little brother blew up the original engine when Dad was in Vietnam. This is the only picture I could find in my phone of my truck
Welcome to the Bolt, Don. The secret if to visit often. Everyone here has been down similar roads. Go for it. The truck will start talking to you as you work on it.. Have family in Provo, Orem and Mt. Pleasant. Never know when I may be back out that way. Keep trucking brother!!
Great family history info on your truck and glad you joined along with many folks here that have made it a point of saving a bit of the family legacy. 
