VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND EARLIER 1933-1936 1933 Chevrolet 1.5 Ton 133" WB Truck Info

I have heard that the 1933 Chevrolet 1.5 ton trucks used left over 1932 parts. I know my 1933 truck fenders are 1932 fenders. Does anyone know where I can find out just how many 1932 parts were used on the 1933 trucks. I know my engine numbers are 1933 so I was just curious of the story behind this. Thank You

I asked this question myself once when I bought my 33 1 1/2 ton. I will tell you what I was told, but there are guys here who know are more qualified. Here goes. Trucks were not really trucks until 36, meaning prior to 36, trucks were made from last years left over car parts. In our case, your truck is a Master. It was made from left over Master parts from 32 and 31. Fenders, Radiator, Cowl, were car parts. Doors and cab back were unique to the truck. In 35-36, as I understand it, the parts used were parts actually made for the newly designed truck. Ford,(sorry for swearing) did the same thing until around 36. That is what I got on the subject.

There were no Master models in 1931 or 1932. The first year for the Master was in 1933.

The first year for Chevrolet trucks to have their own special sheet metal that was not used on the passenger cars was 1934, not 1936.

And this is why we keep the old dog around! thanks for correcting me, as I was just relaying what I was told. However, I did not mean to say "Master Parts" Thank you Dog.

Bow Wow!

To add a bit to what the Doggie wrote:

The "common" story about early trucks being "built from previous year car parts" is NOT true. Yes occasionally some parts were continued on trucks. Often a similar looking part was used on later trucks but in many cases the parts are not identical. Location of holes, indentions and other alterations were often necessary for the parts to fit. For instance '31-'32 truck front fenders appear to be the same as '29-'30 truck and passenger car. But, there is a difference that is easy to spot if you know where to look. The best way to determine if an earlier passenger part will FIT is check the parts books. Caution: It may not be 100% authentic as is the case for the fenders cited above.

I understand that this "common" misconception will perpetuate despite the best efforts to correct it. Just be aware that following it can be very costly.