59 gmc 1/2 ton vs. 3/4 ton

[daveccpa]

I've got a 59 GMC 3/4 ton PU thats in pretty rough shape, lots of rust in all the wrong places. So I found a 1/2 ton 59 in pretty good shape with not a lot of rust.

I'm thinking of combining the two to make one nice truck. The 1/2 is missing a lot of the parts that I have that are in good shape.

My question is essentially does anyone see a problem with sacrificing the 3/4 ton? They both are the same WB so that isn't an issue.

Thanks

[G&R's57GMC]

No problem, The 1/2 ton opens up more wheel choices.

[northerngmc]

Go for it, from my experience it takes 2 or 3 to make one when dealing with these old trucks.

[OrrieG]

And what you don't use can sell to recoup your investment. Denee is always needing more parts

[_Ogre]

every part is the same except the frame, i'd buy the 1/2 ton and build it
use the cab with the best title
if the 1/2t is the same wheelbase as the 3/4t then the 1/2t is a 3200
same everything as far as the body is concerned
and like orrieg said you can sell parts and probably pay for the build

[55dude]

What are actual differences in frame?
Posted via Mobile Device

[OrrieG]

Go to the link in my signature, year index, than frame info for your year. Basically thickess of the metal, frame width and on bigger trucks depth too.

[_Ogre]

looking at the factory assembly manual section 2 sheet 25.
the 3200 1/2t lwb and 3600 3/4t frames are the same, same everything
3800 frames are the same width as 3100 and up but are flat on top of the frame over the rear axle
all the frames have the same dimensions up front for the cab, other than an eighth inch difference on the front spring hangers
i always thought there were more differences

[1project2many]

I promise a '58 1/2 ton Chevy frame is different from a '57 3/4 GMC frame where the steering box is attached. Although my 55-59 Chevy truck assembly manual doesn't show it, the notch in the top of the frame rail for the top of the box / column was larger on the GMC. When trying to bolt the original power steering box from the GMC into the Chevy frame the box could not be bolted up until the Chevy frame was cut and rolled back almost 1/4" from the original location.

I don't expect too many people will stumble on a factory power steering box from a '57 GMC truck but at least I've given fair warning.

[_Ogre]

correction: chevrolet factory assembly manual
forgot he was discussing gmc, which i know nothing about 'cept they look like chevys