VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND EARLIER 1912-1928 1/2 ton or 1 ton

I asked earlier and am still hoping someone can tell me how to determine the difference between a 1926 1/2 ton and a 1 ton pickup. Crazy as it sounds, I've looked at every '26 picture I can find and I still don't know. Are there serial numbers to identify it or different wheels, fenders or what? It seems that my '26 is slightly different from everything I've seen. I bought it as a 1/2 ton but I'm thinking it may actually be a 1 ton. Anyone?
tks,
Jerry

Jerry,
Chevy may not have designated any truck as a 1/2 ton in 1926. They would likely have just called it the "Light Commercial Chassis" or something similar. It would have been very much like the passenger chassis.
If you have a 1 ton truck, it will have substantial springs on the rear and heavier wheels/tires as well. Also, a longer wheelbase. I don't have my info handy to give you specifics but your serial number should answer your question if you can find it.

Mike

A 1/2 ton will have the same rear end and springs as a car. A 1 ton has a much heavier rear end and springs and wheels then a car.

Thanks Mike. One of the confusing things on my truck is the bigger wheels on the back (6 retaining bolts) and small on the front (4 retaining bolts). The tires are 21 inch all around but I suspect somewhere along the line someone may have put either a car front end or just car wheels on her front because the wheels are only 3 1/2" wide. The entire cab is enclosed with door windows and the rear window (no windows on the sides behind the seat like a 5 window later model chevy truck) or some of the "work" trucks I've seen pictured. The headlight buckets are teardrop like on some of the '26 cars and it has cowl lights and a front bumper. I'll check the rear springs when I get home. One other thing, the rear fenders have a crease in the metal about 12" above the running boards.
tks for the reply and any add'l info anyone can share,
Jerry

Mike,
To continue the saga, I checked the rear springs this morning and counted 13 layers of the springs. Having nothing to compare with, I am going to guess that that would be considered heavy duty. If anyone can enlighten me further, I would be greatly appreciative. I have yet to measure the wheel base but I suspect it is going to be 124 inches.

Not many words rhyme with six but here goes...

I get my kicks in a '26,
Jerry

You have a 1 ton truck. The 1/2 ton has a shorter 105-107" (can't remember which for '26) wheel base.

For the fine folks on the other side (down under), how the heck did so many antique chevy vehicles end up there? Before reading this site, I had no idea there was such an interest in restoration in so many countries other that the US. I think it is wonderful that so many oldies are coming back to life but have to admit I am totally surprised by their worldly popularity. I guess I am typical yankee, uneducated!

Having said that, I am very proud to be one of the lucky stiffs that owns one for myself. I feel like I am in an exclusive club and surrounded by the best folks there are! I hope to rub elbows with this group for a long time. Oh, I've forgotten to mention I have Parkinson Disease so if I'm not rubbing elbows, I may be "shakin" elbows. Ha, ha.

Jerry

Australia started importing 'Chevs' starting with the Little in 1914 or so. In 1928 we got around 12,000 Chevs, with possibly 1,000 still around.
Chris

Totally awesome! I had no idea!

Jerry

I finally got around to measuring the wheel base and was not too surprised to find that it is 124". Ok, I have a 1 ton, now which type or model? Looking on stovebolt and other places, just when I think I've discovered another just like mine, I realize they are different...like the other may not have cowl lights and mine does, or mine has two molding-like lines going around the doors (stamped into the metal) and the other does not. I also have rear fenders that have an actual crease in the front about 12" or so above the running boards (haven't seen that anywhere). I guess I need to post some pics and see if any of you fellas or gals can put the identification on her. Like everyone, I just want to know exactly what I've got.

Peace,
Jerry

Chevrolet sold 1 ton trucks prior to 1931 but didn't have a commercial division to produce those truck cabs and bodies. That being said, how did Chevrolet get the trucks produced? The answer is they contracted with various commercial body companies to produce the cabs/bodies, truck parts that were used to assemble trucks and/or to send chassis to have bodies installed. So there are several differences in the trucks depending on the assembly plant and who supplied the parts. Determining which body company produced the parts or assemblies is difficult without supporting literature.

Ha, ha, the more I know the less I know. Wow, such diversity but boy is this fun. Maybe I'll never know exactly but heck, everytime I walk into the garage...there's this big green and black truck just staring right back at me. And the best part is that she is all mine. '26 rocks beyond words.

Last night was my first outting with a local antique car club curbside meeting at a local burger joint. When I drove up it was like I was in a people magnet. So many people thanked me for bringing her (the truck [AND my wife), that I started getting a bit embarrassed. So many questions and so much interest. Is this what it is going to like every time I drive it outside the neighborhood? WHAT FUN.

No, by the 10th time people see the truck their enthusiasm begins to wan a bit.

My, my, ain't they fickle? Probably most won't notice me at all because of the warp-speed I am going when I pass by...unless of course I stop in for gas.

Nah do worry about that, I drive my 28 pick for work every day and always get questions and at least 1 offer to buy it, have done so on and off for 18 years now, it's getting to the point some people are saying gees that thing is still going, RAYCYCLED