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Apr 26th, 2026 | | AD Chevy Trucks  Over 6,000 pictures Brad Allen has an awesome collection of Chevrolet factory pictures that he has set up from film strips. Check them out!
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| | | | Joined: Jun 2008 Posts: 1,388 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Jun 2008 Posts: 1,388 | So, I've got a question. Back in the good old days, what made folks buy a panel truck, over a sedan delivery?
I know that they carry the same weight, and had the same engine. The panels do have more room, and could be bought with a big four-speed, but still, I'm a bit curious. I guess the panel truck would have larger brakes too?
I've never really seen an advertisement trying to sway a prospective buyer either way. I've only seen a few sedan deliveries of AD vintage, and that was before I got my AD panel (which was the first I'd seen). I don't get out much.
I'm just curious about this. It's friday, and that seems like a good enough excuse to ask! | | | | | Joined: Feb 2002 Posts: 12,029 Cruising in the Passing Lane | | Cruising in the Passing Lane Joined: Feb 2002 Posts: 12,029 | in the good ol days, they both were "deliveries", sedan delivery, panel delivery - "commercial car" or truck - depended on your business and how much of what you "delivered" and where, the 3100 panel might not carry much more than the SD, but the 3800 sure will - grocers and flower shops for example would tend to use the SD for "town deliveries" where they wanted more agility and class - traveling salesmen commonly used them when the bussinessmans coupe wouldn't do - wholesalers and tradesmen tended toward the panels if they needed an enclosed delivery vehicle for "town and country" deliveries that weren't so bulky as to need a real freight truck, and farmers would find the panels more useful I've had a number of sedan deliveries and always preferred them over any other car model, even station wagons, but panels fit my business activities better, and I've had more of them over a lifetime geez, friday already?? my calender still says January  Bill | | | | | Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,270 Bubba - Curmudgeon | | Bubba - Curmudgeon Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,270 |
Bill covers most of the considerations between the two types of "panels".
Also, the 1/2 ton Panel truck has between a 100 to 700 lb greater GVW (the larger number with optional tires and optional rear springs). That, and the larger storage area, might make it more desirable to some businesses?
| | | | | Joined: Oct 2004 Posts: 1,780 Master Gabster | | Master Gabster Joined: Oct 2004 Posts: 1,780 | | | | | | Joined: Mar 2007 Posts: 4,215 Moderator | | Moderator Joined: Mar 2007 Posts: 4,215 | I thought the sedan deliveries were basically a station wagon without the glass. Pontiac even made them, at least in Canada. | | | | | Joined: Jan 2007 Posts: 446 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Jan 2007 Posts: 446 | I would think the sedan deliveries would be more "driveable", especially in town, like a big car. If more panels were sold, it's probably due to cargo size and hauling weight. | | | | | Joined: Jun 2008 Posts: 1,388 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Jun 2008 Posts: 1,388 | It's interesting to me, just how similar the two really are. I do love the volume in the back of the panel truck, and how I can "walk" around back there.
Also, just like in the video, the back doors can swing out 180, for loading, and backing close to things. The sedan deliveries just have that one huge door (to my knowledge). | | | | | Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,270 Bubba - Curmudgeon | | Bubba - Curmudgeon Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,270 |
1951 Model 1508 Sedan Delivery 196 7/8" in bumper-to-bumper length
1951 Model 3105 1/2 ton Light-Duty Panel 196 5/8" in bumper-to-bumper length
(265 lbs heavier curb weight, however)
| | | | | Joined: Dec 2001 Posts: 14,522 Moderator: Welcome Centre, Southern Bolters, Legion Hall | | Moderator: Welcome Centre, Southern Bolters, Legion Hall Joined: Dec 2001 Posts: 14,522 | ...one of the biggest reasons I see is the difference in height and room. I imagine a company could put a drum in the back easier than a sedan delivery! A panel is just plain more rugged in my opinion and the two rear doors give easy access.
Tim points out the length of them being almost identical but for some reason it looks like the sedan has less room behind the seat?? Maybe thats because of the height?. | | | | | Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,270 Bubba - Curmudgeon | | Bubba - Curmudgeon Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,270 | | | | | | Joined: Feb 2002 Posts: 12,029 Cruising in the Passing Lane | | Cruising in the Passing Lane Joined: Feb 2002 Posts: 12,029 | from Tims dimensions picture:
SD interior volume = 92.5 cu ft, interior width = 46" between wheel tubs
panel interior volume = 150 cu ft, interior width = 48" between wheel tubs
Bill | | | | | Joined: Jan 2007 Posts: 219 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jan 2007 Posts: 219 | When i was a kid we often traveled to my uncle's summer place about 3 hrs away on gravel road. I remember going in a 51/52 sedan delivery on a hot summer day, there were 10 people in the car.
We often sit around and talk about those trips we say it was like being in a sardine can. We would all be laying down doing our best to stay comfortable.I think it had some type on linoleum flooring.
Len
Last edited by laybacklenny; 02/12/2012 1:32 PM.
layback
| | | | | Joined: Jun 2008 Posts: 1,388 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Jun 2008 Posts: 1,388 | Wow, more than 50% more volume!
I can't see Tim's site today, perhaps THE MAN thinks I ought not!
I have to say, when I was painting the letters on my truck, I did wish for that big area where the windows are! Can't have everything.
Len, I can't imagine ten people in a sedan delivery. It would be like a sardine can! | | |
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