1954 GMC swap

[Flysocal]

Let's say a guy wanted to switch his 54 Chevy front sheet metal to GMC. Hypothetically speaking will I need a 54 GMC hood, front fenders and grill? Is that all? Or is the inner fenders, hood latch, core support, front bumper full plate, etc etc different? I've got everything I need for my 54 Chevy and getting close to bodywork and paint. I have an opportunity to buy a 54 GMC project that I could use parts towards a trailer and am curious about the front sheet metal. Kinda funny, I like the 47-53 bed, 54 Chevy cab (dash) 47-49 doors, and GMC front end.

[iowaboynca]

Sounds a lot like my truck...
1951 Chevy cab, 1950 GMC front, probably 51 bed as it has a chevy tailgate...

Not quite sure how the 54 stuff would match up. You'd think that it would as GM was probably looking to keep costs down but there are such differences with the cabs. (at least the dash)

If i had to guess I would say the back end stuff (fenders to cab, hood springs, etc) would work and you'd take everything off the front end of the GMC to use.

If the project $ is good enough, heck you might have a foundation for another truck if you don't use it on this one.

Good luck either way!

[e015475]

The hood is of course different, but I think you'll find that difference extends into the core support and radiator.

The core support on a Chevy is squared using two rods to cross brace it. The core support on a GMC doesn't have these rods, but instead relies on a 'bridge' over the top of the radiator to hold the core support square.

The radiator is different too. On a GMC the radiator fits further into the core support, and to clear the top the radiator, the filler cap is on an elbow. For a Chevrolet, the filler cap is on the top of the radiator. All the sheet metal that supports the hood latch is different too. I think the latch itself, the pin and the safety catch are the same between the two.

I think it might even goes further than the radiator and the support. The front crossmember on the frame that holds the radiator support itself is different between a GMC and a Chevy. I don't know if a Chevy frame will take a GMC radiator support - might be worth comparing the two trucks you have.

As far as I can tell, the inner fenders are the same between a GMC and a Chevy

[dsraven]

check out this page on the old chevy trucks page. I think it was a copy of something from Jim carters parts book. it has explanations and pics to back it up. copy and paste on google or whatever. front cross member is different for sure. I know from experience on a buiddies 54 gmc. tough finding motor mounts that fit that one properly

http://www.oldchevytrucks.com/blog/i...assis-1947-55/

[whitedog76]

Looking in the LMC catalog, the 54/55 Chevy & GMC share the same front fenders.

When reading the Jim Carter article, seems as though the GMC radiator support and radiator were different. My guess is because the GMC engines were longer and they needed room.

On another note, the Canadian GMC trucks used Chevy engines, not the the GMC's.

With all that said, It seems possible. You will definately need the hood latch panel. Probably have to modify the Chevy Radiator support.

[joedoh]

I am like you, I like the 48-53 gmc fronts and I REALLY like the early 47 1/2 ton gmc front end, I have a bumper here and would love to find another grille, they weigh a ton but I digress..

you will need everything related to the hood, the core support is different as has been mentioned and the hood latch area is two pieces unlike the chevrolet single piece, although my 47 GMC did not have the second piece included and I didnt need it with the s10 swap.


I havent tried using the chevy core support in place of the gmc one but like mentioned the radiator mounts INSIDE the core support on a GMC instead of mounted to the back of it like a chevy, the GMC engines were longer and needed the room for the fan.

[whitedog76]

I'm looking at a 54 GMC cab myself, so I'm paying attention to this thread.

The grille seems the same throughout the years, but the surround is different.

The 54 has wings vs. earlier had just a hole for the marker.

I'm wondering if the earlier surround could be modified for the 54 fenders.

[Flysocal]

As much as I like the GMC grill, I'm going to leave well enough alone. Point of diminishing returns. I have everything for a 54 Chevy and it looks damn cool. If I ever do another truck it will probably be a 54 GMC long bed so I can haul my motorcycles. Definitely an interesting thread for those not as far along as I am. This stuff does not interchange easily but anything can be done. That's hotrodding for ya!

[whitedog76]

Just for future reference, here's a breakdown of the 47-53 grille assembly.

http://www.oldgmctrucks.com/photos/4...SheetMetal.jpg

[whitedog76]

You have to admit, the dash in the 54/55 are cool too.

[Flysocal]

Yes sir I like em all but 54 is the best year imo. The 54 Chevy dash is my favorite but the 54 GMC dash is damn cool. Lots of options for any gauge you want.