59 gmc 1/2 ton vs. 3/4 ton - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

daveccpa · 05-15-2013, 06:11 PM

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** · 05-15-2013, 10:27 PM

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

northerngmc · 05-17-2013, 11:07 AM

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

OrrieG · 05-17-2013, 02:04 PM

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

_Ogre · 05-17-2013, 05:24 PM

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 · 07-26-2013, 06:31 PM

What are actual differences in frame?
Posted via Mobile Device

OrrieG · 07-26-2013, 08:36 PM

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 · 07-27-2013, 01:23 PM

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 · 07-27-2013, 02:27 PM

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 · 07-27-2013, 03:32 PM

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

05-15-2013, 06:11 PM	#1
daveccpa Registered User Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Olympia, WA Posts: 37	59 gmc 1/2 ton vs. 3/4 ton 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

05-15-2013, 10:27 PM	#2
G&R's57GMC Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Shasta Lake, CA. Posts: 1,619	Re: 59 gmc 1/2 ton vs. 3/4 ton No problem, The 1/2 ton opens up more wheel choices. __________________ Glen & Jane's Rides ‘57 GMC NAPCO Long Bed V8 4 speed Bought 2008 7 other cars & trucks , 5 trailers '56 Chevy Long Bed I6, 4 speed Bought 1990 Sold 8.22.2020 ’56 GMC Suburban Pickup V8, 4 speed Hydramatic Bought 1996 Sold 10.11.2020 My Other Tinkerings http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...75#post8967275

05-17-2013, 11:07 AM	#3
northerngmc Registered User Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Whitehorse YK Canada Posts: 2,651	Re: 59 gmc 1/2 ton vs. 3/4 ton Go for it, from my experience it takes 2 or 3 to make one when dealing with these old trucks. __________________ Blaine 59 GMC 9314 a.k.a. Whoopee 68 C20 50th Anniversary a.k.a. The Rat http://www.flickr.com/photos/northerngmc/ http://www.members.tripod.com/P-wee/index_032.htm 1.61803 is one H of a lot better than 3.14159, no really it is!

05-17-2013, 02:04 PM	#4
OrrieG Registered User Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Idaho Posts: 8,800	Re: 59 gmc 1/2 ton vs. 3/4 ton And what you don't use can sell to recoup your investment. Denee is always needing more parts __________________ 1959 Chevy Short Fleetside w/ 74 4WD drive train (current project) OrrieG Build Thread 1964 Chevelle Malibu w/ 355-350TH (daily driver) Helpful AD and TF Manual Site Old Car Manual Project

05-17-2013, 05:24 PM	#5
_Ogre Registered User Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Motown Posts: 7,677	Re: 59 gmc 1/2 ton vs. 3/4 ton 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 __________________ cool, an ogre smiley Ogre's 58 Truk build how to put your truck year and build thread into your signature shop air compressor timer

07-26-2013, 06:31 PM	#6
55dude Registered User Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: tacoma wa. Posts: 1,037	Re: 59 gmc 1/2 ton vs. 3/4 ton What are actual differences in frame? Posted via Mobile Device

07-26-2013, 08:36 PM	#7
OrrieG Registered User Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Idaho Posts: 8,800	Re: 59 gmc 1/2 ton vs. 3/4 ton 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. __________________ 1959 Chevy Short Fleetside w/ 74 4WD drive train (current project) OrrieG Build Thread 1964 Chevelle Malibu w/ 355-350TH (daily driver) Helpful AD and TF Manual Site Old Car Manual Project

07-27-2013, 01:23 PM	#8
_Ogre Registered User Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Motown Posts: 7,677	Re: 59 gmc 1/2 ton vs. 3/4 ton 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 __________________ cool, an ogre smiley Ogre's 58 Truk build how to put your truck year and build thread into your signature shop air compressor timer

07-27-2013, 02:27 PM	#9
1project2many Registered User Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Lakes Region NH Posts: 3,167	Re: 59 gmc 1/2 ton vs. 3/4 ton 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.

07-27-2013, 03:32 PM	#10
_Ogre Registered User Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Motown Posts: 7,677	Re: 59 gmc 1/2 ton vs. 3/4 ton correction: chevrolet factory assembly manual forgot he was discussing gmc, which i know nothing about 'cept they look like chevys __________________ cool, an ogre smiley Ogre's 58 Truk build how to put your truck year and build thread into your signature shop air compressor timer



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