The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk 1950-51 GMC OR 1947-48 Chevy?

I am new to this whole forum thing so be patient. I figured its time to start the search for a truck i can restore with my son. Granted he is only 4, it can take years to complete this project. i definatly have my work cut out for me because at 4 he is already a gear head. I thought i would be a great bonding experiance and a great tribute to my grandfathers who worked in the gm and fisher body plants in the midwest. My question to all is am leaning towards the 50-51 gmc or the 47 48 chevy. Is this a good call? is one better than the other to restore? Any help would be awesome if anyone can chime in. Thanks

from what i have seen the 47&48 chevy is about the same as 50&51 gmc...but from what i have seen the chevy was more stylish (better look) then....(not now GMC is much better product than chevy)...i had the same choice and i picked the 48 chevy...liked the looks better...just personal option of what u like better

If you are restoring, it becomes a matter of taste. Reproduction parts are slightly more available than GMC parts. But if you start out with a sound truck it won't matter.

It sounds like you are just starting a family, I would think about the future in your choice of vehicle too. My choice would be the 7 passenger suburban, but then I am biased too. I like the GMC, many don't. Values are about the same and once you walk away from the grille, you can hardly tell the difference.

The engines are different, the GMC'S have always had the full pressure engine, with sizes of 228, 248, or improved with a 270 and 302 to power your truck. Chevrolet did not have a full pressure system until (I think) 1954, they were powered by a 216, 235 and the 261 can be installed too.

The 1947/50 have knee action shocks and slightly less seat room and the 1951/53 were a little more roomier and had improved braking and suspension (tube shocks) The 1954/55 trucks were improved with a one piece windshield, full pressure engine and a different dash. This is where Chevrolet and GMC really differ.

Look in the gallery for the different looks that these trucks offer. Use the search feature to discover past posts regarding any questions that you may have and most of all......welcome!

I'm kinda biased towards GMC too. Keep in mind that You the wife and one young child is all that will fit in a pickup. If the plan is to build it for the kid it doesn't matter all that much. Show him pictures and see what lights his eyes up.

Go for the suburban, you'll be the coolest dad in town!

Thanks for the info. And your truck is a work of art. Was drawn to the same color also.

My 2 cents is go with the cleanest one you can find to start with. Personally I love them all. I really like the one piece windshield but prefer the earlier interiors with all the stainless steel.

So i decided to go a diffrent route. Found a 1954 GMC 3600. All orginal, az truck no rust. beauty. would like to know if i made a good choice. Copy and paste link below to see truck. Any advice or help would be awesome.
http://s1092.photobucket.com/albums/i401/fnlkal76/

Your link is not public.

How do i post pictures on here?

Go on line to Webshots, or Photobucket or some other website for pics. Then upload your pics. When you pics are loaded, go to the one you want to post and copy the link and come here and post it.