Top | Common Characteristics | 1947-2nd | '48 | '49 | '50 | '51 | '52 | '53 | '54 | 1955-1st | GMC | GM Canada | Bottom
Tim's Trucks | 1954 Documents | Advance-Design Resource Links
Chevrolet Advance-Design Trucks
Distinguishing Characteristics
General Motors designated the Advance-Design series name to 1947 through 1955 1st Chevrolet trucks that had the new, “Advanced Body Style”. While the GM Master Parts Catalog does not refer to a "first-series" in 1947, it is quite common to refer to the Advance-Design years as 1947-2nd Series through 1955-1st Series trucks.Some General Motors truck factories continued to produce the 1946 model truck through March 1947 (1941-1946 Chevrolet Trucks were designated by many, but not GM, as the Art Deco series). The Art Deco series of trucks was not changed much during World War II (1941-1945). GMC trucks during these samne years were designated New Design trucks.
Common characteristics of all trucks in the Advance-Design series:
• Size designations of the models of trucks ranged from 3100 to 6600.
• The letters on the tailgate were not painted; they were the same color as the tailgate.
• The bed planks/boards were southern yellow-pine, painted black, and were not varnished (some people say the boards were “stained” with coal tar oil and then finished with linseed oil).
• Between 1947-1953, on light trucks (3100/3600), the cabs and fenders were the same color (except for custom, commercial options). Two-tone cabs were not available until 1954. Only then was a white top (Waldorf White or Bombay Ivory color) available as an option and only on the more deluxe cabs.
• Most 1/2 ton pickups prior to 1955 used 16" wheels (15” wheels were an option on ½ ton trucks in 1954/1955-1st and maybe in other years).
• Radios were first available as an "in dash" option on the 1947 "Advance-Design" body style.• A single tail/stoplight was standard and a right taillight was available as a dealer- or customer-installed accessory..
• There were no factory-option turn signals until 1954.
• Dark green was the standard exterior paint color prior to 1955 (Forrester Green until 1952; Juniper Green in 1953). Most other colors, including black, were a non-cost option. Transport Blue was a very common optional color in warm climates.
• A single, body-pinstripe and three pinstripes on wheels were a no-cost option but were not standard (except, maybe, on Suburbans in some years).
• On standard trucks, the interior door-panels/cardboard matched the seat material. The headliner cardboard was usually a different color.
• The cabs on both the pickups and the larger trucks are the same. The front fenders are different due to the increase in tire size on the larger trucks, and the hoods and grilles are larger to adapt to these bigger fenders.
• A 6-volt, negative-ground, electrical system was used on all Advance-Design trucks. Note: GMC trucks had positive ground electrical systems on all 6 cylinder trucks during these years.• Rear-end in 3100 (1/2 ton) trucks was 4.11:1 in all years except 1954/55-1st (3.90:1).
• The GMC and Chevrolet pickups shared cabs/bodies, transmissions, and many suspension parts; however, engines, grills, gauges, electrical components, tailgates, exterior/interior colors, and hub caps were often different.
• Early trucks were titled based on the door-jam-mounted ID plate (between the driver’s side hinges) or the engine number (pressed into the block in a ledge to the rear of the distributor). Different states used different numbers - it has been reported that some states used a code stamped into the chassis, but this code was not placed on the chassis at the factory. If your title used the engine number and it has been replaced over the years, you may have major problems when registering, licensing, and selling the truck. The coding system on the door-jam ID plate changed over the years. This plate could ID the model/series/size and model-year for all years but coulds not always be considered a indentifying/unique serial number.
• Whitewall tires were not available as a factory option (but dealers might have installed them).Top | Common Characteristics | 1947-2nd | '48 | '49 | '50 | '51 | '52 | '53 | '54 | 1955-1st | GMC | GM Canada | Bottom
Tim's Trucks | 1954 Documents | Advance-Design Resource Links
1947 (commonly called 1947-2nd Series)
• 216.5 cubic inch engine; low pressure inline-6 engine with 30 psi oil pressure gauge (the Stovebolt 6, the Cast-Iron Wonder,introduced in 1929).
• 235 cubic inch engine was available on larger trucks; this was also a low-pressure inline-6 engine with 30psi oil pressure gauge.
• Cloth-braided wiring.
• Grille bars and "back splash" bars were body color. In addition, the leading edge of each painted outer bar had a horizontal stripe matching the cab stripe.
• Chrome grilles, only the outer bar was plated. The "back splash" bar was painted body color, the same as the painted grille.
• Windlace around door opening is held in place with screw-on metal retainer.
• Gas tank is mounted under the bed & fills through the hole in passenger bedside.
• Bed contains 9 boards, making the bed approximately 2”-3" wider than prior beds.
• This is the last year that the three-speed transmission uses floor shift
• Parking brake was activated by a lever next to the floor-shifter.
• Windshield is 2-piece, non-movable type.
• Headliner center bow is screwed to roof of cab.
• One piece door glass - no vent windows in door.
• Die-cast single-piece metal hood emblem.
• Hood side emblem says CHEVROLET and either THRIFTMASTER or LOADMASTER, depending on the size of the truck.
• Chevrolet name is stamped into the tailgate (painted the same color as the exterior color).
• Shock absorbers are lever-action type.
• Huck type brakes were used.
• Gas tank is mounted under the bed & fills through the hole in passenger bed side.
• Vacuum wiper is under the dash (in prior years, it was above the windshield).
• VID codes started with: EP on 1/2 ton, ER on 3/4 ton, ES on 1 ton, etc..
Top | Common Characteristics | 1947-2nd | '48 | '49 | '50 | '51 | '52 | '53 | '54 | 1955-1st | GMC | GM Canada | Bottom
Tim's Trucks | 1954 Documents | Advance-Design Resource Links
• 216.5 cubic inch engine; low pressure inline-6 engine with 30 psi oil pressure gauge.
• 235 cubic inch engine was available on larger trucks; this was also a low-pressure inline-6 engine with 30psi oil pressure gauge.
• Cloth-braided wiring.
• During 1947-48, the Chevrolet painted grille-bars and "back splash" bars were body color. In addition, the leading edge of each painted outer bar had a horizontal stripe matching the cab stripe.
• On chrome grilles, only the outer bar was plated and the "back splash" bars were painted the body color, same as the painted grille.
• Windlace around door is black rubber and secured with metal strips screwed in place.
• Gas tank is still under bed.
• Bed still contains 9 boards.
• Headliner center bow is screwed in place.
• ??? Redesigned three-speed transmission now uses column shift with linkage attached to case side.
• ??? The parking brake is now activated by a pedal through the left side of the floorboard.
• ??? Similar to Late 1947. Three speed transmission now uses column shift linkage.
• Die-cast metal hood emblem (same as 1947)
• Serial #'s, FP 1/2 ton, FR 3/4 ton, FS 1 ton, etc...
Top | Common Characteristics | 1947-2nd | '48 | '49 | '50 | '51 | '52 | '53 | '54 | 1955-1st | GMC | GM Canada | Bottom
Tim's Trucks | 1954 Documents | Advance-Design Resource Links
• 216.5 cubic inch engine; low pressure inline-6 engine with 30 psi oil pressure gauge.
• 235 cubic inch engine was available on larger trucks; this was also a low-pressure inline-6 engine with 30psi oil pressure gauge.
• Cloth-braided wiring.
• The "back splash" bar of the painted grille was white.
• On chrome grilles, only the outer bar was plated and the "back splash" bars were painted white, same as the painted grille.
• Bed still contains 9 boards.
• Early 1949
- Similar to earlier trucks, except: gas tank is now located behind seat inside of cab.
- Hood emblem becomes chrome-plated steel.
- As in '47 and '48, on Chevrolet light trucks hood-side chrome emblem states THRIFTMASTER. Large truck side hood emblem states LOADMASTER.
- Serial #'s, GP 1/2 ton, GR 3/4 ton, GS 1 ton, etc...
• Late 1949
- New style cab windlace fits in metal track around door opening.
- Headliner center bow is now "floating type", not screwed to roof of cab, as before.
- Hood side emblem says CHEVROLET, no longer says THRIFTMASTER.
• Series designation emblems also on side of hood; 3100 on 1/2 ton, 3600 on 3/4 ton, 3800 on 1 ton, etc. Serial #'s same as Early 1949.
Top | Common Characteristics | 1947-2nd | '48 | '49 | '50 | '51 | '52 | '53 | '54 | 1955-1st | GMC | GM Canada | Bottom
Tim's Trucks | 1954 Documents | Advance-Design Resource Links
• 216.5 cubic inch engine; low pressure inline-6 engine with 30 psi oil pressure gauge.
• 235 cubic inch engine was available on larger trucks; this was also a low-pressure inline-6 engine with 30psi oil pressure gauge.
• Cloth-braided wiring.
• The "back splash" bar of the painted grille was white. On chrome grilles, only the outer bar was plated and the "back splash" bar was painted as the painted grille.
• Modern tubular type shock absorbers replace lever-action type shocks.
• Driver's side cowl vent handle is flat steel, not maroon knob as in previous years.
• Headlight frames remain chrome-plated brass.
• Wiper knob chrome plated steel.
• Last year for driver's side cowl vent.
• Serial #'s HP 1/2 ton, HR 3/4 ton, HS 1 ton, etc...
Top | Common Characteristics | 1947-2nd | '48 | '49 | '50 | '51 | '52 | '53 | '54 | 1955-1st | GMC | GM Canada | Bottom
Tim's Trucks | 1954 Documents | Advance-Design Resource Links
• 216.5 cubic inch engine; low pressure inline-6 engine with 30 psi oil pressure gauge.
• 235 cubic inch engine was available on larger trucks; this was also a low-pressure inline-6 engine with 30psi oil pressure gauge.
• Cloth-braided wiring.
• The "back splash" bar of the painted grille was white. On chrome grilles, only the outer bar was plated and the "back splash" bar was painted as the painted grille.
• Vent windows in doors are introduced.
• Outside door handles are still turn-down type. Only year with vent windows and turn-down handles.
• Mid-year change from 9 board bed to 8 board bed.
• Engine in pickups remains 216 cubic inch babbit bearing low oil pressure type for Chevrolet, (used from 1937 to 1953). GMC continues with the 228 cubic inch full pressure engine as their standard unit.
• Seat adjustment horizontal rod under cushion is run through a rubber grommet which is secured to the seat riser frame. Earlier year seats adjusted with a metal cable.
• Last year for 80 mph speedometer.
• Last year for chrome window handle knobs and chrome wiper knob.
• Serial #'s JP 1/2 ton, JR 3/4 ton, JS 1 ton, etc...
????? Huck vs Bendix brakes – what years
Top | Common Characteristics | 1947-2nd | '48 | '49 | '50 | '51 | '52 | '53 | '54 | 1955-1st | GMC | GM Canada | Bottom
Tim's Trucks | 1954 Documents | Advance-Design Resource Links
• 216.5 cubic inch engine; low pressure inline-6 engine with 30 psi oil pressure gauge.
• 235 cubic inch engine was available on larger trucks; this was also a low-pressure inline-6 engine with 30psi oil pressure gauge.
• Cloth-braided wiring.
• Shortages during the Korean War are the primary reasons for the eliminating of bright work on the 1952 and 1953 truck. Therefore, painted items on these trucks included: hub caps, bumpers, grille, radio speaker horizontal trim, glovebox door, etc.
• Interior window cranks and wiper knobs changed to maroon plastic.
• The “back splash” on painted grills was light gray to match hub caps and bumpers.
• Outside door handles are now push button type.
• Speedometer now shows maximum speed of 90 mph.
• Horizontal trim above & below radio speaker grill & glove box door are painted steel, not stainless steel as in prior years.
• All beds are now 8 board type.
• Chevrolet hub-caps changed from chrome-plated to gray-painted steel with black block letters, however, stamping and shape remain the same as prior years. Some say a very few deluxe 1/2 ton pickups still carried the chrome cap.
• In mid-year, GM stopped using 3100, 3600, 3800 emblems on side of hood. However, CHEVROLET emblems are used the entire year.
• Inside window handle knobs & wiper knob are now maroon. Serial #'s , KP 1/2 ton, KR 3/4 ton, KS 1 ton, etc...
Top | Common Characteristics | 1947-2nd | '48 | '49 | '50 | '51 | '52 | '53 | '54 | 1955-1st | GMC | GM Canada | Bottom
Tim's Trucks | 1954 Documents | Advance-Design Resource Links
• 216.5 cubic inch engine; low pressure inline-6 engine with 30 psi oil pressure gauge. (the last year)
• 235 cubic inch engine was available on larger trucks; this was also a low-pressure inline-6 engine with 30psi oil pressure gauge. (the last year)
• Cloth-braided wiring.
• Shortages during the Korean War are the primary reasons for the eliminating of bright work on the 1952 and 1953 truck. Therefore, painted items on these trucks included: hub caps, bumpers, grille, radio speaker horizontal trim, glovebox door, etc.
• Interior window cranks and wiper knobs were maroon plastic.
• The “back splash” on painted grills was light gray to match hub caps and bumpers. On chrome grilles, only the outer bar was plated. The "back splash" bar was as the painted grille.
• Last year for 216 cu.in. babbit bearing type engine. Powerglide-equipped automobiles used the new, higher-pressure 235 engine (with hyydraulic lifters).
• Series/model emblem on sides of hood changed (same as 1954) - hood side emblem change to large 3100, 3600, 3800, etc...only. No CHEVROLET emblem on side.
• Hood emblem now stainless steel.
• First year for the optional left side mount spare on this series of pickups.
• Door post ID plate is now blue & silver. Prior years were black & silver.
• Last year that wood blocks are used under bed.
• Serial #'s, H 1/2 ton, J 3/4 ton, L 1 ton, etc...
Top | Common Characteristics | 1947-2nd | '48 | '49 | '50 | '51 | '52 | '53 | '54 | 1955-1st | GMC | GM Canada | Bottom
Tim's Trucks | 1954 Documents | Advance-Design Resource Links
• 235 cubic inch, high pressure, inline-6 engine with insert bearings and 60 psi oil pressure gauge. This is the first year that this high-pressure 235 engine is used on a Chevrolet truck; however, a version of this engine with hydraulic lifters was used on 1953 Chevrolet passenger vehicles that were equipped with the Powerglide transmission. Solid lifters were used on all truck 216, 2235, and 261 engines.
• 261 cubic inch, high-pressure, inline-6 engine was available on larger trucks. Canadian Pontiacs also used the 261 engine (with hydraulic lifters).
• Full wheel covers available as an option/accessory for 16” wheels (for the first time).
• Chome deluxe options are again available, including grill, hubcaps, vent window frame, inside and outside window trim, and bumpers.
• Steering wheel and horn button changed (same wheel but not button used through 1956)
• Plastic-coated wiring used in the electrical system instead of cloth-braided wiring.
• One-piece windshield
• Completely changed interior (same in 1955-1st series) – with a newly designed dash, almost nothing above the floor is the same as in previous years
• New design "bull nose" grill. The standard grill was painted body color with Thistle Gray inner bars (on all models, exxcept Commercial Red - Argent Siulver inner bars). The chrome grill had Bright White inner bars.
• Completely redesigned bed. Top of bed sides are now flat, not angled as in previous years.
• Rear bumper is an option for the first time since since 1951, but is now dimpled/dropped in the center to make room for new license plate location.
• Taillight is now round.
• A factory-option tumsignal upgrade is now available (part of the steering mast - not a clamp-on unit).
• Rear-end in 3100 (1/2 ton) is now 3.90:1, formerly 4.11:1
• Serial #'s, H 1/2 ton, J 3/4 ton, L 1 ton, etc...
Top | Common Characteristics | 1947-2nd | '48 | '49 | '50 | '51 | '52 | '53 | '54 | 1955-1st | GMC | GM Canada | Bottom
Tim's Trucks | 1954 Documents | Advance-Design Resource Links
First Series 1955 ( commonly called 1955-1st Series)
• All series of trucks had open drive shafts instead of a torque-tube (enclosed driveshaft) - the first year for the 3100 1/2 ton trucks.
• Chrome plated, cast metal series/model emblem on sides of hoods changed from the style used in 1953/1954.
• Same "bull nose" grill as used in 1954, but this year the entire grill was painted Waldorf White. The chrome grill had Waldorf White inner bars (?????).
• Last year that Chevrolet trucks used the six volt electrical system. GMC 6-cylinder trucks were still 6v positive ground but GMC continued to make 12 volt an option throughout the year into the next body style in all trucks, except those equipped with a V-8 engine has 12v electrical systems.
• Serial #'s, H 1/2 ton, J 3/4 ton, L 1 ton, etc...
Top | Common Characteristics | 1947-2nd | '48 | '49 | '50 | '51 | '52 | '53 | '54 | 1955-1st | GMC | GM Canada | Bottom
Tim's Trucks | 1954 Documents | Advance-Design Resource Links
• From 1939 and up, the "standard" GMC six cylinder was a high pressure insert bearing engine - initially 228 and 248 cubic inches (which became standard on 1/2 ton trucks in 1954).
• 80 psi oil pressure gauge throughout the New Design series
• The GMC with six-volt system uses a positive ground electrical system (until 1956), except for the V-8 equipped trucks in 1955, which were 12v negative fround.
Top | Common Characteristics | 1947-2nd | '48 | '49 | '50 | '51 | '52 | '53 | '54 | 1955-1st | GMC | GM Canada | Bottom
Tim's Trucks | 1954 Documents | Advance-Design Resource Links
• Almost all Canadian built GMC pickups prior to 1953 used the Chevrolet 216 engine, not the 228 and 248 GMC type placed in U.S. trucks.
• The Canadian Chevrolet using the larger GMC 228 and 248 was the "Maple Leaf"!
Top | Common Characteristics | 1947-2nd | '48 | '49 | '50 | '51 | '52 | '53 | '54 | 1955-1st | GMC | GM Canada | Bottom
Tim's Trucks | 1954 Documents | Advance-Design Resource Links
Jim Carter Antique Truck Parts
Light Commercial Vehicle Association - JANUARY/FEBRUARY, 1984
Top | Common Characteristics | 1947-2nd | '48 | '49 | '50 | '51 | '52 | '53 | '54 | 1955-1st | GMC | GM Canada | Bottom
Tim's Trucks | 1954 Documents | Advance-Design Resource Links