Hello everyone, I'm new to the HAMB as a member, but have read many of the forums in the past. I have recently picked up a 42 GMC that I had originally purchased as a parts truck to build a chevy tuck with my dad. Then after some research found out the very low production numbers. Then I started noticing some odd things, the grill has always been painted witch isn't that odd but there is no other chrome trim on the truck, the gauge cluster bezel has no sign of chrome and has some original paint on it, it has a military style gas pedal, and plastic coated doorhandles. This sounds a lot like the blackout/victory trim cars and trucks produced between December and January of 1942 after the US entered WW2. Is there any way to verify this? is this something special? Or i could just be miss informed not much info on these GMCs out there anymore. Either way we have decided to restore this truck as close as factory as we can, any information is appreciated. Thank you!
If it is true 42 build . The welds on the cab next to the windshield will be visible. The lead that was once used to smooth those over with was used in making bullets . Metals used for chroming were used for military purposes. I have a 1942 late production 1 1/2 ton Chevy . I’ll get some pictures of the welds on the cab for you .
Just went out and took a look, Are you referring to the upper or lower seam, lower seam has nothing upper seam is hard to tell from a quick look. looks smoothed out with lead, tried scratching with a screwdriver, couldn't really tell but it has rust in the area (i know lead don't rust) ill go out and get a better look tomorrow.
Perhaps the final numbers on the Vin or ID tag could possibly lead to an approximate ***embly date because usually the entire amount built was included of all models of the year.
GMC was building a few civilian trucks alongside the military trucks at that time. The painted parts were shared, as well as whatever it took to finish a vehicle to put into inventory. Very few were delivered to civilians after early Jan. as most went into a pool to be distributed according to priority needs. Your acc. pedal appears to be a civilian stamping that didn't get the rubber vulcanized to it - shortage of rubber by then ... Those exposed cab welds are common to most every GMC until 1954. Never have read any explanation for why they didn't finish them. Concurrent year Chevrolets were finished & none of them seem to have cracked.
According to the serial number it is a later 45 model, looking into it it makes more sense as the 45s largely did not have chrome. thankyou for all the help, still going to restore this old truck
I bought a car Oklahoma tag for my 47 Merc . It is a 1946 plate with a small 47 plate that bolted over the old year . This was to save steel due to shortages . Why OK only did it the one year is unknown. But many manufacturers didn’t use chrome or lead on some models to save metals . That’s my .02
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