1949 GMC 300 series dually 1 1/2 ton flatbed to 1/2 ton conversion ?'s. - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Richard8971 · 11-06-2016, 04:34 PM

Hey guys. I have posted on here my build thread for my "new" 1949 GMC 1 1/2 ton flatbed.

I have read about putting a C-10 frame under it and "making" it a 1/2 ton.

Does anyone have any photos of such a conversion? Or any links to a build thread on here? I just want help deciding on keeping it a 1 1/2 ton truck or making it a 1/2 ton driver.

Thanks!

D

yossarian19 · 11-06-2016, 06:37 PM

If you can get a C10 frame under there, I wouldn't rule out putting a C30 frame under it. The "C" series is pretty wide for AD trucks but it can / does work, just limits your wheel choices a bit I think (but somebody more in the know should chime in soon, I'd think)
What I realized with my TF truck is that these 1/2 ton trucks are rated a LOT lighter on gross vehicle weight than newer cars / trucks of notionally similar rating. Like, a my 1957 TF truck is rated to 5,000 lbs. A 2009 Crown Vic is rated higher than that. So is my 2004 Grand Cherokee. Etc.
So a 197x C30 is probably every bit as strong a platform as your 1949 1 1/2 ton, plus it has disc brakes and is set up for a big block.
In any event, measure across the front of your frame rails - if it will take a C10 crossmember (and I know the 1/2 ton AD trucks will) then it will take a C20 and maybe a C30 cross member, too.

**mr48chev** · 11-06-2016, 07:05 PM

I've been measuring my 51 1-1/2 ton and my 77 1 ton dualie with the idea of finding a ragged but decent running dualie pickup and swapping suspension and keeping the 1-1/2 ton frame.
The frame width front and rear are real close and it seems simpler than trying to do a bunch of fabricating to install the 51 cab on a later frame.

If you have no frame or the frame under the truck now is damaged in some way shape or form head on do the frame swap and don't look back. The other 1-1/2 ton that I got in the deal with this one had so many brackets and what nots scab welded to the back of the frame because it had been a fuel truck with a tank and pump on it at one time that there was no cleaning that frame up to use for anything.

11-06-2016, 04:34 PM	#1
Richard8971 Still livin the "dream" in '54 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Tucson, AZ Posts: 2,656	1949 GMC 300 series dually 1 1/2 ton flatbed to 1/2 ton conversion ?'s. Hey guys. I have posted on here my build thread for my "new" 1949 GMC 1 1/2 ton flatbed. I have read about putting a C-10 frame under it and "making" it a 1/2 ton. Does anyone have any photos of such a conversion? Or any links to a build thread on here? I just want help deciding on keeping it a 1 1/2 ton truck or making it a 1/2 ton driver. Thanks! D __________________ Current build. 1954 Chevrolet 3800 "Ella" SOLD! My '67 stepper "Tangerine Dream" "Anything worth doing is worth doing right" James Dean “When you have eliminated all which is impossible, then whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth.” Sherlock Holmes "There is no spoon." Neo

11-06-2016, 06:37 PM	#2
yossarian19 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Nevada City, CA Posts: 908	Re: 1949 GMC 300 series dually 1 1/2 ton flatbed to 1/2 ton conversion ?'s. If you can get a C10 frame under there, I wouldn't rule out putting a C30 frame under it. The "C" series is pretty wide for AD trucks but it can / does work, just limits your wheel choices a bit I think (but somebody more in the know should chime in soon, I'd think) What I realized with my TF truck is that these 1/2 ton trucks are rated a LOT lighter on gross vehicle weight than newer cars / trucks of notionally similar rating. Like, a my 1957 TF truck is rated to 5,000 lbs. A 2009 Crown Vic is rated higher than that. So is my 2004 Grand Cherokee. Etc. So a 197x C30 is probably every bit as strong a platform as your 1949 1 1/2 ton, plus it has disc brakes and is set up for a big block. In any event, measure across the front of your frame rails - if it will take a C10 crossmember (and I know the 1/2 ton AD trucks will) then it will take a C20 and maybe a C30 cross member, too. __________________ "Over my head" 1957 Chevy 3200, big rear window & 6 lug. Front disc, power steering, Vortec 4.8 / 4L60E swap, hydro boost brakes & patina.

11-06-2016, 07:05 PM	#3
mr48chev Registered User Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Toppenish, WA Posts: 15,711	Re: 1949 GMC 300 series dually 1 1/2 ton flatbed to 1/2 ton conversion ?'s. I've been measuring my 51 1-1/2 ton and my 77 1 ton dualie with the idea of finding a ragged but decent running dualie pickup and swapping suspension and keeping the 1-1/2 ton frame. The frame width front and rear are real close and it seems simpler than trying to do a bunch of fabricating to install the 51 cab on a later frame. If you have no frame or the frame under the truck now is damaged in some way shape or form head on do the frame swap and don't look back. The other 1-1/2 ton that I got in the deal with this one had so many brackets and what nots scab welded to the back of the frame because it had been a fuel truck with a tank and pump on it at one time that there was no cleaning that frame up to use for anything. __________________ Founding member of the too many projects, too little time and money club. My ongoing truck projects: 48 Chev 3100 that will run a 292 Six. 71 GMC 2500 that is getting a Cad 500 transplant. 77 C 30 dualie, 454, 4 speed with a 10 foot flatbed and hoist. It does the heavy work and hauls the projects around.



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