GMC_1950The GMC 100 pick up truck for 1950 was essentially an upgraded and relabeled Chevrolet. All of the early GMC and Chevy products bore a strong resemblance. They were said to be made on the same assembly line. The GMC usually had a touch more chrome.The most emphasized difference between the two was the slightly more powerful motor in the GMC. Both had the venerable in line six with overhead valves. The slightly longer throw on the crankshaft produced more power and torque especially at lower engine speeds. Therefor the GMC could be relied upon to be the fastest away from a stop light. Hot rod mechanics sought after the GMC crank which easily fit into the identical block. The engine was lubricated by dippers on the bottom of the connecting rods. When climbing up steep hills the first cylinder’s dipper went dry and a burnt out bearing was the result. Experience drivers compensated by turning around, backing up long steep hills. Modern fears about running low on oil may originate from this type of motor. Tires were beginning to use Dacron but were still rated at there cotton ply rating equivalent. The factory or replacement tires were 2 ply with a four ply ratting typically. Most owners would opt for six ply rating Wheels were sixteen inch even on the half ton. Three quarter ton trucks also had sixteen inch wheels, but were heavier duty split rim type.All transmissions were manual. Most were three speed on the column, which allowed leg room for the center passenger on the three to four friendly passengers. Four speed transmissions with an extra low ratio first gear had shift lever gowning from the floor. The cab climate control was by wind wing windows, or an optional heater which was a box mounted to the firewall under the glove box. The dash “board” was all steel. As with all automotive steel in post war America it was thick.The front axle was a beam with a tie rod. Drivers were careful not to scrape the low hanging front suspension on rocks. The highway building boom came late in the Eisenhower administration and many unpaved roads were part of most trips. Power steering and brakes were unheard of luxuries so driving was much more demanding. The cargo box, or bed had a tail gate that was fixed in the upper or closed portion with bent “S” hooks inserted into two holes. The chains were useful in lowering the tailgate level with the box by inserting the in the single hole on the tailgate.Put the key in the ignition and turn the truck on. That’ all you get. Additional twisting of the key is met with solid resistance. The starter switch is not combined with the ignition switch. There is no separate button. Get out and look for a hand crank. The truck is started with a foot plunger connected directly to the started motor where the solenoid would be. A rubber boot keeps under hood fumes from the cab. Mash on the starter with your right toe and pump the accelerator peddle with your right heel, and the big six is started with a satisfying go-to-work sound. Category:Home › Home • Will higher gasoline prices mean lower sales for new cars? — part 2 • Will higher gasoline prices mean lower sales for new cars? — part 1 • Should the crew of the Sea Shepherd board whaling ships? • Which makes a better pet: A dog or a cat? — part 13 • Grandparents: Can blogging chronicle your genealogy? • Which makes a better pet: A dog or a cat? — part 12 • Are teachers unions the cause of public school problems today? • Which makes a better pet: A dog or a cat? — part 11
