The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk 40's bed dimensions

Does anyone have the dimensions for the 1940, and '41-'46 Chevy 1/2 ton trucks? I think I have every book on old Chevy trucks that was ever published and I can't find these specs anywhere. I know I've run across them before, but I can't find them again. :confused:

Found the below on:
http://www.the-direct-source.com/info.php/Chevy-Truck.php

Don't know if this helps.

-Randy
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1937-1940 First Modern Pickups

Chevrolet's modern pickup era began in 1937 when management filled in the holes in the model lineups. Prior to 1937 the company produced a Commercial model (1/2-ton) and a Heavy Truck (1 1/2-ton). The gaps were closed with the introduction of 3/4- and one-ton models. Actually these new models came late in the model year in July 1937. Another interesting development was that the trucks again shared the styling traits of automobiles. The new 3/4-ton truck had a wheelbase of 122 1/4-inches, a payload capacity of 1,500 pounds and a GVW of 5,800 pounds. The one-ton differed from the 3/4-ton in that it had larger rear brakes, heavier rear springs and bigger wheels and tires.

Available bodies included pickup, stake, and platform. The new pickup body had an inside length of 78-inches, an inside width of 45 3/4-inches and an inside height of 14-inches. Its capacity was 32.2 cubic feet or an increase of 13 percent over the 1/2-ton model.

I'll measure my bed and let you know!

'40-'46 1/2-ton boxes are the only ones 48-1/2" wide. Earlier is narrower and later is wider.

Thanks for the info so far guys! I appreciate it. I knew that the bed got wider in 1940. I also have a vague recollection that it also got longer in either '41 or '42. Anyone know anything about that?

Eric,

Every one wants more info for that old truck, but some times it is hard to come into. Well I found out awile ago that GM offers a free, yes FREE, restoration pack for your truck. You get specs and info on the trucks produced for that year, also restoration parts suppliers list.
You have to get the VIN# for your truck and call them with that # and they mail out a packet to you. So if you don't have one get one..And this also works with most any Chevrolet truck or car you may restore..
Chevrolet Phone # 1-800-222-1020

Hey '41 Chevy, thanks for your reply. How bout measuring your bed for me?

Ya, I've heard about the restoration packs. I've also heard about a bunch of folks who had trouble getting them. My problem here is that my vin is for my '37 truck. I know the bed dimensions for it. I put a Task Force drive train in it and the rear axle is a little wider than original. It wasn't a problem as long as I was running small tires. Recently I put some 215 85R16 tires on the back and they just barely fit in the fenders. The aftermarket 2" wider rear fenders would solve the problem nicely, but they are pretty spendy for a low end state drone like me. I'm thinking another option is to find a later, wider box, and put my fenders on it. A box from a '40 would be perfect. Not sure if '42-'46 would work out as they may be longer and have unforeseen complications. '41...Not sure what they have. How bout telling me? Thanks!

You can check out several of the resto packs online here. They show the truck dimensions, though some of the pictures are not very clear.

Eric, the bed on my 41 1/2 ton is 79 1/2 x 48 1/2. You could also try a different wheel with more offset to get the tires back under the fenders. On resto packs sometimes you have to talk to several people to get the info that you want but the tech info is worth the trouble. It is an 800 # and the cost is free so spending a little time on the phone is a minor inconvenance.

Here is is site that has most of the resto infor posted for the 41-46 and the beds are the same.
www.brads41-46chevys.com

41Chevy, thanks for measuring your bed for me. I'll keep these measurements on file now for the next time I am looking for them.

I've looked at the wheel offset approach, and may someday get some custom wheels made with the right amount of offset. Currently available stock wheels with the offset I need are just too modern looking for this old truck though. I want to keep the truck as stock looking as possible.

Thanks also for the link to the '41-'46 site. I'll take a look at it as soon as I get caught up here.

Thanks RT1 & 41chevy, I learned that the box on my 46 1/2 ton is from a 1950 series truck. I knew the box was not correct for a 46 but had no idea what it came off from. What a bummer but at least now I know.
Jamo