The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Big Bolts model numbers

I am starting work on my 1940 Chevy truck. Model number is 1543 Cab and Chassis only. My question is this how can I tell if it is a 2 ton or 1.5 ton. This truck was made in Canada, and I know 2 tons were not made in the US at that time, Are the parts the same for 1.5 ton and 2 ton trucks

Hy alberta chevy, a 15 series is a 1 1/2 ton, I'm not sure how far my little trick for telling goes back, but here's what I use, if the front end has an octagonal screw in cap in the center of the hub, it's a 1 1/2 ton, if it has a four bolt plate, it is a 2 ton, hope that helps.

nice truck Gerard very cool and very well preserved!gotta love that dry saltless air in alta barns!

Gerard!

You can find out exactly what your truck is and even the day it came off the assembly line by contacting GM Vintage dept.
Call them toll free at 888-467-6853 or write them at 1908 Colonel Sam Drive, Oshawa, Ont. L1H 8P7. Give them the VIN and they can give you the information. My 1946 Chev., model 1543 is a 2 ton delivered as a cab and chassis.
Best wishes, George

Hi Gerard, Got your private message and had trouble replying back, don't know if you got it or not?MY 40 IS A 1533 series, so will be a 1 1/2 ton and yours is a 2 ton.Looking in the gallery, the front bumper appears the same on an other 2 ton, as my 1 1/2 ton bumper.So any bumper from 1/2 ton up should be O.K. Send me another p.m. with your email adress if you lie and I will send you mine to compare. Jim.

Hey Gerard,

Nice truck.
Looking in my 1941-42 Maple Leaf reference manual, it has the 1500 series designated as a 2-ton. Sorry, don’t go back to 1940.
But as 3B said, look at the front hub for the cap and screws.

Dale

thanks for the reply, yes it does have a screw in octagonal type cap. it is guys like you that keeps this site going keep up the great work. PS while I was checking out your suggestion I notice the front wheels had only 5 bolt the same size rim as back, while the back wheels have 10 bolt. Was thinking if I took off the front wheel I will find a plate covering the rest of the holes, if this possible

George thanks for the your reply, will get on the info asap. I would like to restore this truck back to original condition if I am able. I was able to track down some info but what you have told me will help even more. again thanks and will be chatting with you soon

Hi Gerard

If you're doing a complete restoration you might find some useful information by asking GM Vintage to send you a 'specification booklet' for your truck. It's available at approx. $25. It's about 95 pages of specifications and well worth having. Also, you can contact scottssupertrucks.com in Penhold, Alberta (other vendor's available too) for a parts catalogue. A shop manual is another valuable reference along with restoration manual and available there. They have parts for trucks 1932-1972 but since he's so close to you, you may know of him.
Happy restoration.
Geo.

You may want to check out the Gallery to see what kind of flatbeds etc. these trucks have. You have a great looking truck. Enjoy the journey of discovery!

Yes.