Are the cabs from 47 to 54 all the same?

[Bonechip67]

Im sure this has been asked, but are there any major diff's from 1/2 ton to 1 ton cabs? Will they all interchange? You can sometimes find a pretty decent 1 ton cab and was wondering if it would fit on my 1/2 ton frame.

[sweet70beast]

Yes all cabs from 47 to 50 and 51 to 53 and 54 to 55.1 are the same other than some minor cosmetic differences. This is from half ton all the way up to 2.5 ton.
47-50 has the drivers side vent door 51-53 does not, 54-55.1 has a one piece windshield, however they are all interchangeable with each other.

[mknittle]

47-48 had three point cab mounts.49 to 55 first gen have 4 point mounts with shackle like leaf springs
1 ton cabs are the same as 1/2and 3/4 ton. they change from 11/2 ton up.

[MrTucker]

also, gmc and chevy cabs are the same, even produced from the same factory.

[Bonechip67]

What about fenders?? I know the larger trucks wont work, but is there a difference between the 1/2 and 3/4? I went to buy some inner fender wells and the guy showed me 2 different lengths..

[mknittle]

Originally Posted by Bonechip67

What about fenders?? I know the larger trucks wont work, but is there a difference between the 1/2 and 3/4? I went to buy some inner fender wells and the guy showed me 2 different lengths..

same with the fenders.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=484509

[Bonechip67]

So they are the same cab and fenders up to 1 1/2 or 2 1/2? Got some conflicting answers here and I just want to make sure before I purchase a big rig just for the cab and maybe fender. Thanks for all the info guys!

[mr48chev]

1/2 and 3/4 tons have the same fender.

This one does have a frenched headlight though as it is the one off my truck.
Note the length of the wheel opening.
This is the fender on a 1-1/2 ton standard cab 51 truck

Note the longer opening with less material at the back of the fender and actually a more nicely rounded opening. On a truck running oversize rims and tires this might actually work better than the smaller opening.

Here are both the 1/2 ton on the bottom and the 1-1/2 ton together

[mknittle]

sorry I meant up to 1ton. I have 2 1ton trucks that have the same fenders as my 1/2 tons 11/2 ton are as mr48 says.

[Dan Bowles]

Originally Posted by MrTucker

also, gmc and chevy cabs are the same, even produced from the same factory.

The 54/55S1 GMC and Chevy cabs have different dashes. All the other years are the same between the two.

[mr48chev]

When I was a pre-teen my stepfather at the time and his cronies claimed that the GMC had a heavier frame than the Chevys but I've got a half ton GMC frame setting out here to put under my 48 and the metal is the same gage. I think some GMC owners of new trucks make the same claim though and they come down the same assembly line.

[Dan Bowles]

Originally Posted by mr48chev

When I was a pre-teen my stepfather at the time and his cronies claimed that the GMC had a heavier frame than the Chevys but I've got a half ton GMC frame setting out here to put under my 48 and the metal is the same gage. I think some GMC owners of new trucks make the same claim though and they come down the same assembly line.

They are Proffesional Grade, dontchaknow! At this stage of the game, I have no idea why there remains 2 GM truck divisions. It is just badge engineering.

[MrTucker]

Originally Posted by Dan Bowles

The 54/55S1 GMC and Chevy cabs have different dashes. All the other years are the same between the two.

You're right, I should have clarified that. 47-53 cabs are identical, not 54-55.1

[mr48chev]

Originally Posted by Dan Bowles

They are Proffesional Grade, dontchaknow! At this stage of the game, I have no idea why there remains 2 GM truck divisions. It is just badge engineering.

So that they can sell trucks at two dealerships in the same town or local area.

They even took away the GMC franchise from one dealer here in town and gave it to another so that both lines weren't under one dealer. He has separate lots across the street from each other but that was too close for GM.

[paulspickupparts]

There are a whole bunch of differences . Almost year by year. Early trucks had two front cab mounts and one rear. LH Cowl vent. Smaller channel over the steering column. Different bolt pattern for speedo and gauges. Different door strikers for turn down handles. No in cab tank. Held in place by screws weatherstrip retainers around doors. Cable seat adjusting. Overlapping inside windshield moldings. Many other differences

Later cabs eliminated cowl vent on LH side and went to four point mounting system. Different mounting pattern for speedo gauges. Different door strikers. Higher channel for steering column. Slide in door weatherstrip retainers. In cab tanks. Track seat adjusting. Non overlapping inside windshield moldings.

54 up has many more differences. 1 piece windshield,different dash. Different column clamp . Different front cowl vent.

Sorry I did not break down by year but some changes changed by year while others did nto. But I would eat up 10 pages as not all changes occured at the same time. So it was a constant state of flux. Many other changes I have not listed . It would take too many pages and I type too slow. Thanks

[Bonechip67]

Ok, so I found a 1 1/2 ton truck with a decent cab. is this the same as the 1/2 ton cab? also, its a 48, what if anything would I have to do to make it work on a 53 frame? Any info would be great! Thanks

[paulspickupparts]

Rear cab mounts. Fronts will be the same.

[Bonechip67]

So other than the rear mount they are the same? Didnt know if there was a size difference and if the fender holes will line up. Also, think I could change out the rear cab mount without too much trouble?
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[paulspickupparts]

Fender holes will line up and will work. The difference is in the fender. See above. You can probably adapt the rear shackle mounts from a 53 if you have availablity. I should have some around if not.

[Bonechip67]

Thanks, i may take you up on that Paul! Just wanted to make sure they are interchageable. Some say the 1/2 tons to 1 tons are, and others say up to 2 1/2 are.. Just want to make sure before I go though the trouble of tearing it off the frame and dishing out the dough that it will work.

[paulspickupparts]

The cabs will work and are the same but stay away from the fenders and front clip parts as they are different and don't mix well together. Even the hood hinges are slightly different . Use pickup only parts for the rest of your build. At least as far as sheetmetal.Good luck.