Chevy and GMC differences - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

timmins57 · 05-25-2008, 12:07 AM

Its probably been discussed hundreds of times but I'm new to these trucks. Other than the front end and interior trim what exactly are any major differences between the two trucks. I am looking into a 72 GMC short step-side but would rather have a Chevy and they are few and far between where I'm from. Are the parts interchangeable and can I change the GMC over. Any info would be appreciated. Also any websites that might deal with the conversions would be helpful. You can post here or e-mail if you can help mass_57@hotmail.com

copywritten · 05-25-2008, 12:26 AM

Why get rid of the GMC front end? Four lights are way better than two! Yes parts are interchangeable

72BlckButy · 05-25-2008, 06:10 AM

Sick truck copywritten... but we need more pics!!!!

*ksjh1316* · 05-25-2008, 06:20 AM

x2

BTW Welcome to the site as mentioned above a majority of the parts are interchangeable. To convery to Chevy you will at least need new grill,core support, front fenders. Others will mention the rest of the parts needed.

4 headlights>2 headlights JMHO

Longhorn Man · 05-25-2008, 06:24 AM

to make a GMC look like a chevy, a tail gate, or just the woog grain trim if it has it would be needed to chainge the GMC lettering to Chevrolet, then front fenders, core support and grill. The hood is the same, except the holes drilled for the lettering verses none on the hood of the chevy.
So in reality, the quickest, easiest way, is a whole front clip.
The above is specific to the 72 Tim is asking about.
Tim... welcome to the forum. I would recomend that if you get the GMC, roll with it for a while... it may grow on you a bit, to have the sexy classic lines, but not quite the same as everyone else's.
I took my longhorn in the OTHER direction, making the chevy look like a GMC.

myoldchevytruck · 05-25-2008, 07:39 AM

Big difference, GMC has Leaf Springs and the Chevy has Coil Springs with Trailing Arms. I have made some major changes in my 69' GMC SWB Step Side to give it that Chevy touch. Longhorn Man mentioned a couple - I now have an OEM Chevrolet tail gate (before was an OEM GMC tail gate) and I've changed the entire front clip to a 68'. The other major change is the one I mentioned above, Leafs to Coils. I have also swaped from 6 lugs to 5 including front disk brakes like the 71' and 72's. My photo's in my signature are old but I hope to update over this long week end. If you need pics of any of my conversions, PM me with your email address and I'll send them over. Good Luck.

Pont406 · 05-25-2008, 07:54 AM

I am starting to like gmc better now. For some reasons I never saw 67-72gmc at the junkyards yet.

Longhorn Man · 05-25-2008, 07:55 AM

chevy could be had with leafs, and GMC could be had with coils... in 69, the 1/2 ton GMC came with coils standard.

1969stepside · 05-25-2008, 09:46 AM

a gmc is a

Generic
Made
CHEVY
haha lol i like the gmc in a stepper or a short fleet but that is why they mke so many cars and trucks

72armyswbtruck · 05-25-2008, 10:34 AM

GMC actually existed before Chevy.

1969stepside · 05-25-2008, 10:49 AM

well i thought that it was funny lol

copywritten · 05-25-2008, 12:14 PM

Here are some more pics of my GMC

70GMCer · 05-25-2008, 01:35 PM

GMC........est. 1902

jdstx · 05-25-2008, 02:27 PM

I seem to remember from a buddys project that GMC fenders are interchangable with 67 and 68 Chevys. Can someone verify this?

**special-K** · 05-25-2008, 02:51 PM

Welcome to the board!!!

WARNING:Opinion coming....
Chevys are easier to find with 5x more made.If you want a chevy,get a Chevy and leave the GMC for a "Jimmy" lover.There`s plenty out there and you may become one the more you look at them.I used to not prefer them.Now,I`m converting Chevys to GMCs.
Look at a 55 Chevy.Is there a more popular car?Now,look at a`55 Old,Pontiac,or Buick.They were passed over for years and only desired by restorers true to that marque.As the Boomers started rediscovering old cars the market grew and the most desired ones were all over the place and at a high price.Guys started wanting something different.Now,there`s nothing cooler than a B/A `55 Buick street machine(or Pontiac/Olds).Go to a car show and you`ll carch people looking under hood saying,"It`s another small block."Prolly the greatest motor ever built.But,people get jaded and want to see something different.And,it`s out there.Look under a hood and see a Pontiac 389 tri-carb,an Olds Rocket,or a built Nailhead...oh yeah,a big fat Caddy 500.Now,put one of those in a GMC,since they were the truck line at these dealerships.I just think they are B/A cool.Look around,you`ll see.I love a Chevy.But,when I look alittle closer and see it`s a GMC,now that just kicks it up a notch for me.
Please don`t take this in any way other than just another showing you his take on the matter.It`s up to you what you do.

timmins57 · 05-25-2008, 02:56 PM

Thanks for the info so far. Going to go look at the truck this morning and we'll see!!!!. Maybe it will stay a GMC.

ed2552 · 05-25-2008, 03:23 PM

Keep it a GMC until you find a chevy you like and decide which one you like better when you get to that point

68gmsee · 05-25-2008, 04:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1969stepside

a gmc is a

Generic
Made
CHEVY
haha lol i like the gmc in a stepper or a short fleet but that is why they mke so many cars and trucks

Naw, man, it means "Genuinely Made Chevrolet"...

................ Because As 72armyswbtruck said, they were made first.

Actually, I have one each and I really have begun to like the looks of the four headlights. Go ahead an keep it a GMC, fix it up the way you like it. Who knows, you may come across a Chevy later and you will have one each.

timmins57 · 05-26-2008, 03:02 PM

Well, I went to look at the truck and it needs: doors,fenders, floor , tailgate,bed, so the rust free deal wasn't as advertised. All the paarts were there but not quite what I want . Have to keep looking I guess and maybe the Chevy will show up. Thanks for all the advise.
Seems like it was just the GMC guys responding!!!!

jsbgump · 05-26-2008, 04:59 PM

Here's a picture of Chevy differences

68gmsee · 05-26-2008, 05:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by timmins57

Well, I went to look at the truck and it needs: doors,fenders, floor , tailgate,bed, so the rust free deal wasn't as advertised. All the paarts were there but not quite what I want . Have to keep looking I guess and maybe the Chevy will show up. Thanks for all the advise.
Seems like it was just the GMC guys responding!!!!

You did get responses from people that have both or have had one of each, it seems... Basically, we were just trying to give you some direction and not feel that because it's a GMC, there's no appeal...

Personally, I'm a Chevy person first. But I like having one of each..

Good luck on the next one...

Willys47 · 05-26-2008, 06:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 68gmsee

Naw, man, it means "Genuinely Made Chevrolet"...

................ Because As 72armyswbtruck said, they were made first.

Actually, I have one each and I really have begun to like the looks of the four headlights. Go ahead an keep it a GMC, fix it up the way you like it. Who knows, you may come across a Chevy later and you will have one each.

Get Mechanic Coming. I like the GMC and Chevys so I just bought the first one I found.

**Bob B.** · 05-27-2008, 05:46 AM

Nobody's mentioned the V-6 yet?

Longhorn Man · 05-27-2008, 05:55 AM

the specific truck in question is a 72.. there was no V6 by then

1969stepside · 05-27-2008, 05:57 AM

that is a cool pic

05-25-2008, 12:07 AM	#1
timmins57 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Timmins ontario Posts: 5	Chevy and GMC differences Its probably been discussed hundreds of times but I'm new to these trucks. Other than the front end and interior trim what exactly are any major differences between the two trucks. I am looking into a 72 GMC short step-side but would rather have a Chevy and they are few and far between where I'm from. Are the parts interchangeable and can I change the GMC over. Any info would be appreciated. Also any websites that might deal with the conversions would be helpful. You can post here or e-mail if you can help mass_57@hotmail.com

05-25-2008, 12:26 AM	#2
copywritten CopyWritten Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Cypress TX Posts: 173	Re: Chevy and GMC differences Why get rid of the GMC front end? Four lights are way better than two! Yes parts are interchangeable Attached Images

05-25-2008, 06:10 AM	#3
72BlckButy Tot Roddin' Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Mid-MO Posts: 24,461	Re: Chevy and GMC differences Sick truck copywritten... but we need more pics!!!! __________________ -Nate 1969 CST SWB - Project Blank Slate (4.5/6" ECE Static Drop, 6-lug disc brake upgrade (manual), Billet Specialties Vintec 20x8.5 255/40 (F) 20x10 295/40 (R), 250 I-6) 1960 AMF Skylark - Tot Roddin' (Lowered with custom frame; soon to include custom push bar and interior) 2008 Silverado CrewCab 1LT (5.3L, 3:73, 4x4, LT1, Z-71, Towing Package)

05-25-2008, 06:20 AM	#4
ksjh1316 Account Suspended Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Wichita KS Posts: 1,599	Re: Chevy and GMC differences x2 BTW Welcome to the site as mentioned above a majority of the parts are interchangeable. To convery to Chevy you will at least need new grill,core support, front fenders. Others will mention the rest of the parts needed. 4 headlights>2 headlights JMHO Last edited by ksjh1316; 05-25-2008 at 06:23 AM.

05-25-2008, 06:24 AM	#5
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,693	Re: Chevy and GMC differences to make a GMC look like a chevy, a tail gate, or just the woog grain trim if it has it would be needed to chainge the GMC lettering to Chevrolet, then front fenders, core support and grill. The hood is the same, except the holes drilled for the lettering verses none on the hood of the chevy. So in reality, the quickest, easiest way, is a whole front clip. The above is specific to the 72 Tim is asking about. Tim... welcome to the forum. I would recomend that if you get the GMC, roll with it for a while... it may grow on you a bit, to have the sexy classic lines, but not quite the same as everyone else's. I took my longhorn in the OTHER direction, making the chevy look like a GMC.

05-25-2008, 07:39 AM	#6
myoldchevytruck Retired Air Force Veteran Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Pembroke Pines, Florida 33024 Posts: 1,808	Re: Chevy and GMC differences Big difference, GMC has Leaf Springs and the Chevy has Coil Springs with Trailing Arms. I have made some major changes in my 69' GMC SWB Step Side to give it that Chevy touch. Longhorn Man mentioned a couple - I now have an OEM Chevrolet tail gate (before was an OEM GMC tail gate) and I've changed the entire front clip to a 68'. The other major change is the one I mentioned above, Leafs to Coils. I have also swaped from 6 lugs to 5 including front disk brakes like the 71' and 72's. My photo's in my signature are old but I hope to update over this long week end. If you need pics of any of my conversions, PM me with your email address and I'll send them over. Good Luck. __________________ Harry 69' SWB Step Side 1/2 Ton w/68' Front Clip Swap from Leafs to Trailing Arms (Complete) Swap 6 Lug to 5 Lug (w/ Disk Brakes in Front) 3/6 Drop Help Support The Board Click Here For Information On How To Subscribe Krue's FAQ Page Vendors Last edited by myoldchevytruck; 05-25-2008 at 07:41 AM.

05-25-2008, 07:54 AM	#7
Pont406 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: West Hills, California Posts: 679	Re: Chevy and GMC differences I am starting to like gmc better now. For some reasons I never saw 67-72gmc at the junkyards yet.

05-25-2008, 07:55 AM	#8
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,693	Re: Chevy and GMC differences chevy could be had with leafs, and GMC could be had with coils... in 69, the 1/2 ton GMC came with coils standard.

05-25-2008, 09:46 AM	#9
1969stepside Registered User Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Johnson City Tennessee Posts: 1,191	Re: Chevy and GMC differences a gmc is a Generic Made CHEVY haha lol i like the gmc in a stepper or a short fleet but that is why they mke so many cars and trucks __________________ Greater love hath no man than to lay down his life for a friend. Members i Have met Earl Slick68 1969 Stepside Build thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=1#post4253546 Chevy Trucks the longest lasting most dependable trucks on the road Last edited by 1969stepside; 05-25-2008 at 09:47 AM.

05-25-2008, 10:34 AM	#10
72armyswbtruck Registered User Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Idaho Posts: 4,034	Re: Chevy and GMC differences GMC actually existed before Chevy. __________________ "Remember, They can Kill You, but they can't eat You, That's against the law!!!!!!!!!"

05-25-2008, 10:49 AM	#11
1969stepside Registered User Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Johnson City Tennessee Posts: 1,191	Re: Chevy and GMC differences well i thought that it was funny lol __________________ Greater love hath no man than to lay down his life for a friend. Members i Have met Earl Slick68 1969 Stepside Build thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=1#post4253546 Chevy Trucks the longest lasting most dependable trucks on the road

05-25-2008, 12:14 PM	#12
copywritten CopyWritten Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Cypress TX Posts: 173	Re: Chevy and GMC differences Here are some more pics of my GMC Attached Images

05-25-2008, 01:35 PM	#13
70GMCer Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Joppa, Maryland Posts: 4,408	Re: Chevy and GMC differences GMC........est. 1902 __________________ 1997 GMC Sierra Ext 1965 Mustang

05-25-2008, 02:27 PM	#14
jdstx Registered User Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Texas Posts: 63	Re: Chevy and GMC differences I seem to remember from a buddys project that GMC fenders are interchangable with 67 and 68 Chevys. Can someone verify this?

05-25-2008, 02:51 PM	#15
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,852	Re: Chevy and GMC differences Welcome to the board!!! WARNING:Opinion coming.... Chevys are easier to find with 5x more made.If you want a chevy,get a Chevy and leave the GMC for a "Jimmy" lover.There`s plenty out there and you may become one the more you look at them.I used to not prefer them.Now,I`m converting Chevys to GMCs. Look at a 55 Chevy.Is there a more popular car?Now,look at a`55 Old,Pontiac,or Buick.They were passed over for years and only desired by restorers true to that marque.As the Boomers started rediscovering old cars the market grew and the most desired ones were all over the place and at a high price.Guys started wanting something different.Now,there`s nothing cooler than a B/A `55 Buick street machine(or Pontiac/Olds).Go to a car show and you`ll carch people looking under hood saying,"It`s another small block."Prolly the greatest motor ever built.But,people get jaded and want to see something different.And,it`s out there.Look under a hood and see a Pontiac 389 tri-carb,an Olds Rocket,or a built Nailhead...oh yeah,a big fat Caddy 500.Now,put one of those in a GMC,since they were the truck line at these dealerships.I just think they are B/A cool.Look around,you`ll see.I love a Chevy.But,when I look alittle closer and see it`s a GMC,now that just kicks it up a notch for me. Please don`t take this in any way other than just another showing you his take on the matter.It`s up to you what you do. __________________ "BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~



Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.

05-25-2008, 02:56 PM	#16
timmins57 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Timmins ontario Posts: 5	Re: Chevy and GMC differences Thanks for the info so far. Going to go look at the truck this morning and we'll see!!!!. Maybe it will stay a GMC.

05-25-2008, 03:23 PM	#17
ed2552 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Charles City IA Posts: 1,626	Re: Chevy and GMC differences Keep it a GMC until you find a chevy you like and decide which one you like better when you get to that point __________________ '67 C20, Under the Knife!, LWB, Eaton HO-52, Rear Coil Springs 72' GMC C2500, 350, TH400(?), Dana 60 '67 K10 4-spd., 305, SM465, Dana 44, 12 Bolt, RUST! '65 C60 292, 4 spd, 2 spd Rearend, 15' Grain Box, MINT! 09 Yukon Denali 82k Miles 6.2L/6A

05-26-2008, 03:02 PM	#19
timmins57 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Timmins ontario Posts: 5	Re: Chevy and GMC differences Well, I went to look at the truck and it needs: doors,fenders, floor , tailgate,bed, so the rust free deal wasn't as advertised. All the paarts were there but not quite what I want . Have to keep looking I guess and maybe the Chevy will show up. Thanks for all the advise. Seems like it was just the GMC guys responding!!!!

05-26-2008, 04:59 PM	#20
jsbgump Gone Fishing Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Fort Worth, Texas 76135 Posts: 12,361	Re: Chevy and GMC differences Here's a picture of Chevy differences Attached Images __________________ 68 Chevy Short Fleetside LSX Swap Under Way 3.73 posi 2.5/4 drop Frame of resto has been started 2022 Hyundai Tucson Limited 2019 Chevy Traverse Redline Edition Wifes Ride Build Thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=1#post3483616

05-27-2008, 05:46 AM	#23
Bob B. Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 1,349	Re: Chevy and GMC differences Nobody's mentioned the V-6 yet? __________________ 1967 GMC CM-2500 Camper Cruiser, 351E V-6, NP 435 4 speed, Dana 60, and factory A/C. 2012 GMC K-3500 WT regular cab, 6.0L Vortec, 6L90.

05-27-2008, 05:55 AM	#24
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,693	Re: Chevy and GMC differences the specific truck in question is a 72.. there was no V6 by then

05-27-2008, 05:57 AM	#25
1969stepside Registered User Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Johnson City Tennessee Posts: 1,191	Re: Chevy and GMC differences that is a cool pic __________________ Greater love hath no man than to lay down his life for a friend. Members i Have met Earl Slick68 1969 Stepside Build thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=1#post4253546 Chevy Trucks the longest lasting most dependable trucks on the road

Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.