How Do I Identify 1947-1955 Chevrolet Trucks?
- 1). Stand on the left or right side of the hood of the 1947 to 1955 Chevrolet truck and inspect the series number under the "Chevrolet" nameplate. Identify the size of the truck by the number: 3104 for half-ton (116-inch wheelbase), 3604 for three-quarter-ton (125.25-inch wheelbase) or 3804 for one-ton (137-inch wheelbase).
- 2). Stand at the front of the truck and examine the front grille. The 1947 to 1953 models feature five chrome horizontal bars across the grille, or an alternate large thick single horizontal grille bar bisected by a short single vertical bar. The model year 1954 (sold through May 1955) features a wider grille opening with a vertical bar that bisects the horizontal chrome and comes to a point in the center. Above the grille (meeting the hood) is a separate chrome trim.
- 3). Lift the hood and examine the engine. Original 1947 to 1953 Chevy trucks feature an in-line six-cylinder engine. The cylinders will be in a straight line from front to back. The engine's displacement is 215.5 cubic inches.
- 4). Sit in the driver's seat of the cab and grab hold of the shift lever on the steering wheel column or on the floor to your right. Push the clutch in with your left foot and shift the lever upward into first gear on either gearshift lever. Follow down to second gear on either lever. Push the shift lever forward and up to enter third gear on the steering column version. Push the gear lever to the right and up on the floor version to enter third gear. If you cannot pull down into a fourth gear on either version, the transmission is a three-speed. If there is a fourth position, it is a four-speed manual transmission.
- 5). Measure the cargo box. The half-ton's cargo box is 78 inches long, while the three-quarter-ton model featured an 87-inch cargo box and the one-ton had a 108-inch box. All cargo boxes are 50 inches wide and 16.25 inches tall. Wood panels with steel strips cover the box floors.
- 6). Inspect the windshield. The 1947 to 1953 Chevy trucks have two-piece windshields. Model year 1954 and later Chevys have one-piece windshields. Step inside the cab and look at the steering column gearshift lever. Automatic transmissions, identified by P (Park), R (Reverse), D (Drive) and L (low gear) at the top of their columns, are only available on 1954 and later models.
