55.2-59 Canadian vs American GMC

[Phungki]

first let me say that this site and its members are awesome. I wouldn't even know where to begin on my project without the information i have got on here.

I have only recently began to get to the physical work on my truck and am trying to figure out, what seems to be to me, the most difficult part of this project.

My American made GMC has a Chevy front end on it. My goal is to eventually find and put on the mustache,bullets and grill guard that came on the 56 GMC.
Will these things fit ok with the Chevy front end pieces? Im talking about the latch panel,radiator support, splash guard and fenders. I understand the fenders have little flat spots and a couple holes to accommodate the mustache. I think i can work this part out. I think I have read that the Canadian built trucks use the chevy front end pieces. Is this correct? Does that mean all the front end Chrome will fit fine with what i have? Or are there specific GMC parts I must have to get those Chrome pieces to attach/fit properly?
This front end dilemma seems to be the thing I cant get my head around.

Thank you for reading and any info you might be able to give me

[Northern 52]

Not sure if this helps but it's hard to find info on the Canadian trucks. I have what has a GMC info plate and an all Chevy front end. To add to it, the serial number indicates a 1952 (the second number) but the cab has no vent windows and has the cab side vents like a 1950. I'm really not sure what it is, perhaps a frankentruck, but I have it registered as a 1952 Chevy here in Canada.

[mr48chev]

This is allegedly a Canadian 56 GMC once you get by the embellished description. https://barnfinds.com/canadian-cousi...c-9300-pickup/

Another one. http://www.classictruckshop.com/arti...6-gmc-stepside

I can't see any major difference from the US version nose wise.

As I said when I believe it was you asked on face book a lot of guys back years ago didn't like the bulky looking GMC nose and swapped to a Chevy nose or put on a Chevy nose after a wreck. Most guys fixing up a 55/57 truck in those days wanted the cleaner less bulky looking 55/56 Chevy nose. If I had kept my 57 Chevy Panel I would have swapped a 56 Chevy nose to it.

[Phungki]

Originally Posted by mr48chev

This is allegedly a Canadian 56 GMC once you get by the embellished description. https://barnfinds.com/canadian-cousi...c-9300-pickup/

Another one. http://www.classictruckshop.com/arti...6-gmc-stepside

I can't see any major difference from the US version nose wise.

As I said when I believe it was you asked on face book a lot of guys back years ago didn't like the bulky looking GMC nose and swapped to a Chevy nose or put on a Chevy nose after a wreck. Most guys fixing up a 55/57 truck in those days wanted the cleaner less bulky looking 55/56 Chevy nose. If I had kept my 57 Chevy Panel I would have swapped a 56 Chevy nose to it.

I asked about it on here before which is where I heard that the Canadian gmc had the same radiator support as the Chevy.
Well I guess I’m trying to do the opposite of those guys from back in the day. Put that bulky GMC stuff on

[Phungki]

The difference I’m referring too you can’t see unless the hood is up 😁 But basically I’m wondering if it’s necessary to change everything up front in order to attach the GMC front end “accessories”? I really need to get up close to some of these trucks other than my own which wasn’t fully assembled when I got it

[Foot Stomper]

I've researched much about my 9310, a Canadian built 1959 GMC.
What I've learned is that the Chevrolet drive train was used and that all the sheet metal was the same as the US model. You should expect every thing to bolt up exactly the same on your front end pieces.

I purchased a 55 9310 in the past, I'll see if I can find some pics.

One thing we Canadian's did differently is record production numbers. I learned only 2697 9310's were built in 1959, for example. A 9310 is the model number for short wheelbase half ton pick up.

Hopefully I've helped.

[Phungki]

Yes indeed you did. So hopefully when I do find the mustache, bullets and grill guard I can install them into the Chevy front end I have with maybe some minor adjustments
Thank you

[Foot Stomper]

On the topic of the bullets... don't buy any from a 58 as they are unique to that year only.

[Phungki]

Originally Posted by Foot Stomper

On the topic of the bullets... don't buy any from a 58 as they are unique to that year only.

Right. I believe I need 55-56 only

[dsraven]

my 57 bullets are not drilled for the u shaped cross piece that connects the bullets on the earlier model. not sure if they are shaped differently or not.

have you tried bills truck stop? he seems to have a lot of stuff for GMC

http://www.billstruckshop.com/55-59used.html

[Phungki]

Originally Posted by dsraven

my 57 bullets are not drilled for the u shaped cross piece that connects the bullets on the earlier model. not sure if they are shaped differently or not.

have you tried bills truck stop? he seems to have a lot of stuff for GMC

http://www.billstruckshop.com/55-59used.html

I not sure if they are shaped different either. I’ve been trying to find that out.
I’ll have to check out Bills. Not sure if I’ve come across that yet or not

Thank you

[dsraven]

there is a pic of the setup there at least. that way you may be able to get hooked up or at least know what you're looking for.
good luck.