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Jul 21st, 2025 | | | | Joined: Dec 2005 Posts: 6 Junior Member | | Junior Member Joined: Dec 2005 Posts: 6 | 3/4 ton or 1/2 ton or what? I am new to this truck I used to own another classic car but I don't remember now how I got all my information?
I might be able to get some pictures of it on here tomorrow. This truck is my boyfriends but I am going to be helping him fix it up and he says he wants it to be almost all original ssooooo. I figure I need to buy a Haynes manual and other manuals to get started. I am just asking your opinion on it? The truck came with some decals that say 3600 but I'm a little weary if that is what it is anyone with any info I would appreciate it.
So my story is my BF bought a 1951 Chevrolet 3600 (I think) 5 window truck. I don't know if its a 3/4 ton or 1/2 ton but I came here to do some studying for him and hopefully help him get the truck going.
| | | | | Joined: Apr 2004 Posts: 703 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Apr 2004 Posts: 703 | Justlearning,
The 3600 would indicate it's a 3/4 ton. The quickest other way (for a novice) to know would be a 3/4 ton should have a longer bed, and three stake pockets. The 1/2 ton would only 2.
That is of course unless someone has gone to alot of trouble and shortened the frame and change the bed.
There are a few other ways to confirm, but that should give you a solid idea of what you've got there.
Your boyfriend sounds like an awful lucky fellow. | | | | | Joined: May 2005 Posts: 26 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: May 2005 Posts: 26 | Look at the wheels. 8 lug for 3/4 ton 6 lug for 1/2 ton.
'50 Chevy 3600
| | | | | Joined: Apr 2004 Posts: 703 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Apr 2004 Posts: 703 | I thought of that one too JRod, when I wrote my original response. But since I was feeling lazy, I didn't think she (just learning) would want to bend over and take the hub caps off (lol). | | | | | Joined: Jun 2000 Posts: 454 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Jun 2000 Posts: 454 | Welcome to the 'bolt.
If the truck still has the manufacturer's plate on the driver's side door post, put it up here and we can decode for you. Or, you can go to the Tech Tips section and read the article on VINs.
If it is a 1951 3600, the number will start with a 1 or 2 digit assembly plant number, followed by J (for 1951), followed by R (for 3600), then a letter for the month of assembly, and finally a sequence number.
Jeff Nelson
"Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy." - Benjamin Franklin
"Always do right. This will gratify some people and astonish the rest." - Mark Twain
| | | | | Joined: Dec 2005 Posts: 6 Junior Member | | Junior Member Joined: Dec 2005 Posts: 6 | Wow you guys are quick! I was browsing pictures of trucks in the Gallery to see if I could tell the difference.
This is great information you have all given me I will use it and find out by tomorrow what it is. And another thing I was thinking of while I was browsing was I guess I could look at the title correct?
But I will also get some pictures to show that way I can get more advice.
P.S. I am willing to get dirty if I have to I love fixing up old cars. I used to have a 67 Ford Mustang that I would always be fixing up. I'm happy to have another classic to work on.
So my story is my BF bought a 1951 Chevrolet 3600 (I think) 5 window truck. I don't know if its a 3/4 ton or 1/2 ton but I came here to do some studying for him and hopefully help him get the truck going.
| | | | | Joined: Apr 2003 Posts: 608 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Apr 2003 Posts: 608 | A Hearty Welcome To The Stovebolt Page,Just learning First hint other than what everybody has said is be careful of how you use the word Fturd or Fojamco around these here parts,cause this bein a GM board mite get us all BANNED or sumthin.  Only teaseing He,s a lucky guy to have you interested in his truck.  Ask away ,If we can help,we will,cause we can.  Regards, | | | | | Joined: Jun 2000 Posts: 2,773 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jun 2000 Posts: 2,773 | Here's a thread with a lot of info on the differences.
http://www.stovebolt.com/bboard/cgi-bin//ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=22;t=002345
For a shop manual you can't get a better one than the factory repair manual. Available from many of the vendors in the links section.
Fred
52 3600
69 C-10
| | | | | Joined: Dec 2005 Posts: 6 Junior Member | | Junior Member Joined: Dec 2005 Posts: 6 | Thanks Fred I've already been looking for some manuals and things to buy for x-mas for him. LoL Steve I almost did say the F word here but thought maybe it was ok but I should have known better. Sorry well I um thank you guys much for your advice. I unfortunately didn't get the pictures of it cus it gets so dark early but I did get the Manufacturer# JP2013
So my story is my BF bought a 1951 Chevrolet 3600 (I think) 5 window truck. I don't know if its a 3/4 ton or 1/2 ton but I came here to do some studying for him and hopefully help him get the truck going.
| | | | | Joined: Dec 2005 Posts: 6 Junior Member | | Junior Member Joined: Dec 2005 Posts: 6 | Oh and I forgot this truck is a 5 lug truck.
So my story is my BF bought a 1951 Chevrolet 3600 (I think) 5 window truck. I don't know if its a 3/4 ton or 1/2 ton but I came here to do some studying for him and hopefully help him get the truck going.
| | | | | Joined: Jul 2005 Posts: 1,158 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Jul 2005 Posts: 1,158 | Hrm... Five lugs... Sounds as if she's been modified.
The VIN/Serial should be longer than JP2013. The VIN on my '46 is longer than that, and the ones on the Advance Design trucks are longer yet.
It should look something like this: 3JPL35574
3 = Detroit Assembly Plant
J = 1951 Model Year
P = 3100 Series (1/2 Ton)
L = Month of Manufacture (December)
35574 = Serial Number
For a 3/4 ton, the P should read R.
It might be on the title, but back in the day it wasn't uncommon for the truck to be titled on the Engine number, instead of the Serial number. Definitely check the VIN tag. It should be in the driver's side door riveted to the frame.
A GM Shop Manual will be indespensible for most things, (at least, if they're stock) and Tom Brownell's book is cool, too.
If it's got a non-standard Engine and/or Tranny (235 I6, V8 of any displacement/make, SM420, T5, et cetera), find out what it's got and get a shop manual covering those components. Sooner or later, he'll need to know how things are put together. | | | | | Joined: Jul 2005 Posts: 1,158 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Jul 2005 Posts: 1,158 | Oh, and Welcome to the 'bolt! | | | | | Joined: Dec 2005 Posts: 6 Junior Member | | Junior Member Joined: Dec 2005 Posts: 6 | Definitely check the VIN tag. It should be in the driver's side door riveted to the frame
This is exactly where I looked I couldn't believe it when I read it but I guess its been modified by someone I will re read it when there is more light and get some pictures to post for sure up here but it definately said JP. I also ordered the manuals for a 51 chevy and door handles for inside and out for him for x-mas from jim carters. I'm so exited!
Oh and thank you for the welcome!
So my story is my BF bought a 1951 Chevrolet 3600 (I think) 5 window truck. I don't know if its a 3/4 ton or 1/2 ton but I came here to do some studying for him and hopefully help him get the truck going.
| | | | | Joined: Jul 2005 Posts: 1,158 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Jul 2005 Posts: 1,158 | Sounds like a half ton, then maybe.
What's on the title? | | | | | Joined: Oct 2003 Posts: 445 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Oct 2003 Posts: 445 | Get a Catolog from Chevy Duty.Com. There FREE
dan-pa
| | | | | Joined: Nov 2005 Posts: 21 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Nov 2005 Posts: 21 | LMC truck will also send you out a free catologue. | | | | | Joined: Apr 2000 Posts: 28 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Apr 2000 Posts: 28 | My daily driver is a 51 3800, and i am doing a ground up on another 51. Welcome and let me know if i can be of any help.Nice to see some excitement about trucks | | | | | Joined: Dec 2005 Posts: 6 Junior Member | | Junior Member Joined: Dec 2005 Posts: 6 | I am a little busy with x-mas right now but still working on getting the information. I'll have to make a new post for it because you guys seem to have lots to talk about lol. This was already on page 2  I will post soon.
So my story is my BF bought a 1951 Chevrolet 3600 (I think) 5 window truck. I don't know if its a 3/4 ton or 1/2 ton but I came here to do some studying for him and hopefully help him get the truck going.
| | | | | Joined: Sep 2005 Posts: 1,028 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Sep 2005 Posts: 1,028 | Justlearning,
I'm just learning too. Check the rear spring mounts. On a 3/4 ton they mount outside the frame on brackets. On 1/2 tone they mount directly under the frame members.
Welcome to the Stovebolt!
Rich | | | | | Joined: Sep 2005 Posts: 1,028 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Sep 2005 Posts: 1,028 | The Chevy restoration package is free from Chevy and has more information and specs on these trucks than anyone could possibly need. They copy it and send via snail mail. I think I got mine in 2 weeks after talking to them. You will need the Vin Number to get the right pack.
Good luck
Rich
Chevrolet Customer Assistance Center
Chevrolet Motor Division
General Motors Corporation
P O Box 7047
Troy, Michigan 48007-7047
Phone: 1-800-222-1020 | | | | | Joined: Nov 1995 Posts: 1,159 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Nov 1995 Posts: 1,159 |
~ One of many.
| | | | | Joined: Mar 2002 Posts: 9,112 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Mar 2002 Posts: 9,112 | JustLearning,
welcome to the Stovebolt. Did you know that Jim Carter has a sale on right now? To get the 20% discount, you have to tell them it is a code JC71. I think that it may still be in effect | | |
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