Differences Between GMC and Chevy? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

HeavyK20 · 05-22-2003, 08:20 PM

Besides the obvious like headlights and grill, is there any other differences between a GMC and Chevy? Someone just told me the hood and fenders are different. Is there anything to that claim?

Project1970 · 05-22-2003, 08:57 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by HeavyK20
Gay Mans Cruiser

Them be fightin' words!!!

Seriously, though...GMC fenders are the same as Chevy in '67, and the same as '68 Chevys for all GMCs thereafter ('68-'72), the only difference being between the two is marker lights. The core support is different for GMC (to accomodate the headlights) and the hoods I believe are only different in the holes for badging. The tailgates are different of course, as are the factory steering wheel center cap and the factory hubcaps...and a few other badging differences, but aside from that, the only mechanical difference is that early GMC's could be had with the 305V6. That, and it seems that GMCs are more likely to be leaf-spring trucks. They were not standard this way, however; I used to believe that, but I've got a '70 GMC brochure that says otherwise.

**old Rusty C10** · 05-22-2003, 09:00 PM

the casting of the transmissions and motors are different int he respect that they two tops are different different designs so to speak and maybe bolt patterns

Class of 69 · 05-22-2003, 09:00 PM

The only difference in the hood is the emblems. The GMC fenders are the same as a 68 chev. 69-72 chev fenders are different. The core support is also different to accomodate the headlights. Hood latches are a little different, and the chev has a center grill support. I don't think my GMC has one.

Project1970 · 05-22-2003, 09:06 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Class of 69
The only difference in the hood is the emblems. The GMC fenders are the same as a 68 chev. 69-72 chev fenders are different. The core support is also different to accomodate the headlights. Hood latches are a little different, and the chev has a center grill support. I don't think my GMC has one.

I'm not sure what exactly you mean by center grille support, but I do think my '70 has one...

Class of 69 · 05-22-2003, 09:40 PM

Center grill support bolts to the latch bracket, and core support, and to the grill. Maybe a PO took mine out?

**seacrow** · 05-22-2003, 10:35 PM

Not many people know this but the instrument panel bezel and rubber floormat (if equipped) are color coded to the interior on GMC's

Longhorn Man · 05-23-2003, 12:02 AM

Not all insterment panels were color matched in GMC trucks.

pissonNOS · 05-23-2003, 12:36 AM

i was told by my grandpa that back in the day the GMC was built for the man who took his family to the show and a sunday driver and the CHEVROLET was built for haulin bales and what not

Longhorn Man · 05-23-2003, 12:59 AM

You sure you don't have that backwards? GMC has always been the work truck.

SEVEND2 · 05-23-2003, 01:11 AM

G mans I beleive means G-Spot man

GreenMystChevy · 05-23-2003, 01:35 AM

I have always thought that GMC's were the "nicer" Chevys. I don't know why but I have always felt the same way as pissonNOS's grandpappy.

I happen to own a GMC and there ain't nutin like a big 'ol shiny grill.

*Phillip Johnson* · 05-23-2003, 02:31 AM

I always thought that the 71-72 Chevy was the best looking truck ever made. Ive converted 2 GMC's to Chevys. New fenders, and bumper. Cut the headlight mounts and replace with Chevy ones. That way you don't have to recharge the A/C (if it works).
I just think the Chevy is a better looking truck. BUT, I must admit that I own a GMC YUKON XL 4x4. I like the new GMC grills better than the Chevy ones (only on the new ones)

1969 GMC · 05-23-2003, 04:10 AM

i think today, GMC's are played out to be better (i.e. fancier) than Chevies...maybe it was the same way back then? but it's weird, since GMC has ever only made trucks or trucklike cars, you think it'd be the workhorse of the two.

**seacrow** · 05-23-2003, 07:07 AM

Yes, the instrument panel bezels were color coded on "Custon" and hihgher trim levels I think.

I think that GMC's were always intended to be a "Chevy in a Tuxedo" and were probably supposed to be more optioned trucks. However, the popularity of tilt wheel and AC across the board watered down this theory. I think the ratio of work truck to lux truck is higher on Chevy's than GMC's of the total number built of each brand.

HeavyK20 · 05-23-2003, 07:48 AM

So if I undersand this the 69-72 GMC Fenders = 68 Chevy Fenders. Is that correct?

The only reason I'm even concerned is I have a broker trying to locate a Chevy or GMC for me. I just wanted to make sure most of my spare parts work if I get a GMC.

Thanks for the input

**Desert Rat** · 05-23-2003, 09:41 AM

I believe on the frame nuts/bolts you will find washers on GMC.its something ive noticed and also had heard,i was under the impression that GMC was a step above the Chevrolet.I prefer the GMCs unique front ends.nothing better than a 67-8 GMC but a 67-8 Chevy grille is close.any 69-72 chevy would for sure get a GMC nose,and tailgate.In the trucks ive bought it seems that more of the GMCs have had tachs and big blocks,and bucket seats

05-22-2003, 08:20 PM	#1
HeavyK20 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: New Richmond, WI Posts: 547	Differences Between GMC and Chevy? Besides the obvious like headlights and grill, is there any other differences between a GMC and Chevy? Someone just told me the hood and fenders are different. Is there anything to that claim? __________________ Eric 1969 K20, 465/205 package Last edited by HeavyK20; 05-23-2003 at 07:21 AM.

05-22-2003, 09:00 PM	#3
old Rusty C10 Robert Olson Transport Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: recent transplant to NC USA Posts: 20,283	the casting of the transmissions and motors are different int he respect that they two tops are different different designs so to speak and maybe bolt patterns __________________ Bob 1951 International running on a squarebody chassis "If a man's worth is judged by the people he associates himself with, then i am the richest man in the world knowing some of the fine people of this board" http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...t.php?f=25&a=9 (you can review the site rules here!) PM Me for your vehicle/parts hauling needs in the North East US or see my Facebook page Robert Olson Transport Live each day to the fullest.. you never know when fate is going to pull the rug out from under you... I hate cancer!!

05-22-2003, 09:00 PM	#4
Class of 69 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Stillwater MN Posts: 1,166	The only difference in the hood is the emblems. The GMC fenders are the same as a 68 chev. 69-72 chev fenders are different. The core support is also different to accomodate the headlights. Hood latches are a little different, and the chev has a center grill support. I don't think my GMC has one. __________________ 69 GMC K10 ..some restoration required....still..

05-22-2003, 09:40 PM	#6
Class of 69 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Stillwater MN Posts: 1,166	Center grill support bolts to the latch bracket, and core support, and to the grill. Maybe a PO took mine out? __________________ 69 GMC K10 ..some restoration required....still..

05-22-2003, 10:35 PM	#7
seacrow Registered User Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Bradenton, Florida Posts: 366	Not many people know this but the instrument panel bezel and rubber floormat (if equipped) are color coded to the interior on GMC's __________________ 71 GMC Custom. 350, 4bbl., auto. Restored in memory of my grandfather. 2008 Ford F-250 Super Duty CC King Ranch, moonroof, heated captains chairs, 6.4 PowerStroke. 2007 Suzuki Hayabusa, all black 1985 Mustang GT T-top, 5 spd. 54K orig miles.

05-23-2003, 12:02 AM	#8
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,693	Not all insterment panels were color matched in GMC trucks.

05-23-2003, 12:36 AM	#9
pissonNOS senior member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: fort macleod alberta Posts: 2,770	i was told by my grandpa that back in the day the GMC was built for the man who took his family to the show and a sunday driver and the CHEVROLET was built for haulin bales and what not __________________ 69 GMC bagged

05-23-2003, 12:59 AM	#10
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,693	You sure you don't have that backwards? GMC has always been the work truck.

05-23-2003, 01:11 AM	#11
SEVEND2 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Menifee, Calif, USA Posts: 2,145	G mans I beleive means G-Spot man __________________ With a 1972 Chevy Custom-10 Long bed w/350cid th350, (under-construction). Progress on truck so far (follow link): http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...ad.php?t=51051 and stage 2 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...ad.php?t=58132 ~ "Why couldn't you have just put the bunny back in the box?" ~

05-23-2003, 01:35 AM	#12
GreenMystChevy Registered User Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Woodinville, WA Posts: 513	I have always thought that GMC's were the "nicer" Chevys. I don't know why but I have always felt the same way as pissonNOS's grandpappy. I happen to own a GMC and there ain't nutin like a big 'ol shiny grill. __________________ Jeremy '71 C-10 '72 GMC K2500 '72 Nova (Dad's) '70 Chevelle SS '55 Sedan Delivery Attempting to build up this here 4x4...make her real tall and purty...well, maybe just tall

05-23-2003, 02:31 AM	#13
Phillip Johnson Account Suspended Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: Grants Pass, Oregon Posts: 1,580	I always thought that the 71-72 Chevy was the best looking truck ever made. Ive converted 2 GMC's to Chevys. New fenders, and bumper. Cut the headlight mounts and replace with Chevy ones. That way you don't have to recharge the A/C (if it works). I just think the Chevy is a better looking truck. BUT, I must admit that I own a GMC YUKON XL 4x4. I like the new GMC grills better than the Chevy ones (only on the new ones)

05-23-2003, 04:10 AM	#14
1969 GMC Registered User Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: The Rubber City Posts: 5,498	i think today, GMC's are played out to be better (i.e. fancier) than Chevies...maybe it was the same way back then? but it's weird, since GMC has ever only made trucks or trucklike cars, you think it'd be the workhorse of the two. __________________ 1969 GMC K2500 1996 Honda Accord 2007 Kawasaki KLR 650

05-23-2003, 07:07 AM	#15
seacrow Registered User Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Bradenton, Florida Posts: 366	Yes, the instrument panel bezels were color coded on "Custon" and hihgher trim levels I think. I think that GMC's were always intended to be a "Chevy in a Tuxedo" and were probably supposed to be more optioned trucks. However, the popularity of tilt wheel and AC across the board watered down this theory. I think the ratio of work truck to lux truck is higher on Chevy's than GMC's of the total number built of each brand. __________________ 71 GMC Custom. 350, 4bbl., auto. Restored in memory of my grandfather. 2008 Ford F-250 Super Duty CC King Ranch, moonroof, heated captains chairs, 6.4 PowerStroke. 2007 Suzuki Hayabusa, all black 1985 Mustang GT T-top, 5 spd. 54K orig miles.

05-23-2003, 07:48 AM	#16
HeavyK20 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: New Richmond, WI Posts: 547	So if I undersand this the 69-72 GMC Fenders = 68 Chevy Fenders. Is that correct? The only reason I'm even concerned is I have a broker trying to locate a Chevy or GMC for me. I just wanted to make sure most of my spare parts work if I get a GMC. Thanks for the input __________________ Eric 1969 K20, 465/205 package

05-23-2003, 09:41 AM	#17
Desert Rat Senior Member Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Darrington, Washington Posts: 3,963	I believe on the frame nuts/bolts you will find washers on GMC.its something ive noticed and also had heard,i was under the impression that GMC was a step above the Chevrolet.I prefer the GMCs unique front ends.nothing better than a 67-8 GMC but a 67-8 Chevy grille is close.any 69-72 chevy would for sure get a GMC nose,and tailgate.In the trucks ive bought it seems that more of the GMCs have had tachs and big blocks,and bucket seats



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