The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk 49 vs 50

Does anyone know how to tell the difference between a 49 and 50 3600?

Also, Does anyone know why some trucks have the windows in the rear corners of the cab, while others don't? Is this an option, or was it based on year/model?

the 3 window cab [no corner windows] was the standard [cheapest] model, the 5 window cab [w/ corner windows] was an extra cost option that most farmers and working men didn't opt for .... for different Advance Design year details check out the GM information kits here [click the 'show' after trucks]

Bill

Here is some information about distinguishing characteristics for 1949 and 1950.

Information from various websites.

A 1984 article on A-D differences

I've heard that the 3-window cabs are much more rare, actually. The 5-windows were an extra option though.

I agree with Bill regarding the rarity of 3-window vs 5-window.

"In the day", the 3-window was much more common. They were cheaper. I never saw a 5-window in the 60s and 70s (on the roads or in the junk yards). It was only when I got into restoring my 54 Suburban (in 1994) that I learned about the 5 window cabs.

It may now seem that 5-window cabs are more common - that might be because they are more desirable and/or they have survived because owners took better care of them?

Of course, my experiences were in VA/NC/MD and the majority there were farm/work trucks.

yes, the reason 5 windows seem more common nowadays is that's what has survived, what all the hobbyists want, and what's most common at show[off] meets .... also likely the majority of the [cheaper] 3 windows were worked to death long ago, as working mens trucks were meant to be .... if someone could come up with factory numbers on how many of each were produced I'd bet donuts that 3 windows accounted for over 75% of production and now account for 95% of the AD's found behind barns everywhere - same with big window TF trucks, fewer made, more preserved

Bill

I was removing the gas tank to get 15 year old gas out, and found a license plate. That lead me to find out that my wifes grandmother was the actual owner, and is signing the title over now. Also, that it is a 1950 3 window 3600. What a good day. and to think i was going to have to file for a lost title, and go through all that hassle.

Brad, you are one lucky guy. Today might be the day to play the lottery......