Pictoral differences found on G4112 vs G506 (more images)

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Pictoral differences found on G4112 vs G506 (more images)

Post by forestry4evr » Sun Dec 16, 2012 5:36 am

Hello all,

I thought it may be of interest to post some differences found on early WW2 Chevrolet trucks. As those who have done research on these machines know, production evolved during the 5 years of production. Most of the changes certainly were for the better, but history is captured in the early "beta" tested trucks. This is not an all inclusive list of differences, just select ones that I happen to have taken images. This truck is a YP model which I think these differences are the same on ZP trucks (1940-41). Those with "N" series trucks (1942-45) will notice the differences.

Enjoy!

Image
Notice bed gussets and stake pockets, this dump bed is made by Hurcules. The tail gate does not pivot on top and bottom as on N series dump trucks

Image
Hood hinge folds over onto itself

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Notice difference when compared to N series hinge

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Civy gauge cluster, data plates on glovebox door, battery under floorboard (ID plates are not on in this image, but evidenced by the 8 screw holes). Don't you love that big hole in the center of the dash that Bubba made for me!

Image
Floor board with access panel for battery. Looks like the PTO lever could hurt in a panic stop!

Image
Better image of the dash board placards and ashtray blank, also note the dashboard trim as found on civilian trucks.

Image
Back window held in place by screws, potmetal retainer on the outside, and window guard is attached by six screws that go through the cab.

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Potmetal on outside of back window with window guard attachment

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Notice that running board is different, no battery box, no fuel filter, and right rear cab corner is not clipped.

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Fuel filter on left is G4112, on right G506 notice inlet outlet difference. G4112 filter mounts in the engine compartment on the right frame rail, it is dimensionally the same as the G506

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Bellcrank on frame for rear wheel drum parking brakes (no transfercase parking brake on the G4112)

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Parking brake cable connecting to drums

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No auxiliary snubber towards rear of leaf spring

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Bed is attached with bolts instead of U-bolts on N series

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Wiring harness lacks junction box on lower left of firewall

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Firewall and engine details, notice the oil filter is on the intake manifold. Battery location is non-original.

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Right door handle is chrome and has locking cylinder similar to civy's at the time

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Door locking mechanism on drivers side door

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Tow hooks look like a claw, and mounts with 2 bolts vs 3 on N series

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On front of bumper 3 mounting rivets per side vs 2 on N series (shown are with replacement bolts) Mounting bracket is different as well

Image
Helper spring stopper on G4112 (attached on image) is stamped steel but thinner stock than the stamped steel ca.1942 stopper (rust colored one) the G4112 thickness is 0.392 inches thick whereas the G506 one is 0.512 inches thick

I don't have a picture, but the fuel tank dimentions and brackets are different as well. Due to the transfercase parking brake mounting on N series trucks, the fuel tank is shorter (~about 5 inches, but forget the exact measurement) on the G506 than those on the G4112. The mounting bracket on the G506 also attaches to both sides of the frame rail where the G4112 only attaches to the right frame rail/

I am sure there are many more differences, and would welcome comments and pictures.

Have fun out there guys!

Paul
Last edited by forestry4evr on Tue Dec 18, 2012 3:11 am, edited 2 times in total.
1941 G4112 Chevrolet with Hercules dump bed


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Re: Pictoral differences found on G4112 vs G506

Post by 40 Chevy » Sun Dec 16, 2012 8:49 am

The fuel tank does not have the extra reinforcement bracket on the drivers side of the frame. The BO drive light is mounted high, the radiator guard is looped around, CHEVY engine side covers. The bed on my truck is the same as yours along with the tailgate. The early trucks did not have a hydro vac.

John G
1940 G4112
1942 G509 969A
1942 G116 series 2
1944 G116 series 5
1942 Sterling HC 165 tractor
1944 Autocar U7144T

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Re: Pictoral differences found on G4112 vs G506

Post by retro-roco » Sun Dec 16, 2012 10:18 am

Do you imagine the front bumper an mounting is original?? The reason I ask is due to how high it sits relative to the frame. Can you even use a hand crank lever to turn over the engine? Is that a v-6 or v-8 engine under the hood?? If it is, then I would use caution trying to determine whats left of original equipment under the hood...
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1942 Chevy G506 1-1/2 ton 4x4 Cargo
1943 Ben Hur water trailer

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Re: Pictoral differences found on G4112 vs G506

Post by cjv-35 » Sun Dec 16, 2012 10:47 am

Nice truck.I see that it has an Autolite voltage regulator.Should it not be DELCO-REMY?I have an NOS one if you are interested.Believe it is for the 25 amp system.

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Re: Pictoral differences found on G4112 vs G506

Post by 42cargo » Sun Dec 16, 2012 1:40 pm

Thanks for the post. Good reference shots.

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Re: Pictoral differences found on G4112 vs G506

Post by Sleeve » Mon Dec 17, 2012 2:37 pm

There is a lot of details and differences to be noted here, for instance the hood hinges, this is the first I was aware of these trucks having two different types. I find all of this interesting, thanks for taking the time to share all you've learned!

-Mike-
Last edited by Sleeve on Mon Dec 17, 2012 2:44 pm, edited 1 time in total.
1945 G7163 Earth Borer

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Re: Pictoral differences found on G4112 vs G506

Post by 42cargo » Mon Dec 17, 2012 2:44 pm

The early trucks also had ashtrays in the dash. Smoke if you got 'em!

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Re: Pictoral differences found on G4112 vs G506

Post by Sleeve » Mon Dec 17, 2012 2:50 pm

That makes me think of the old advertising slogan "Lucky Strike Green goes to war" Lucky changed the the shield on their packaging from green to red to free up green pigment for the war effort, or so they said.


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Re: Pictoral differences found on G4112 vs G506 (more images

Post by forestry4evr » Tue Dec 18, 2012 3:09 am

Hello all,

I hope the images were fun to view.

The serpentine grille and Chevrolet embossed side panels were not exclusive to G4112 trucks. 1942 G506's had both of those items up to approximately June 1942 (would like some input on nailing down that exact date). Blackout driving headlights were not installed at all on early trucks, as the wiring harnesses lack the circuits, and the grill guards lack mounting holes. I think BO headlights were a depot addition on some vehicles, and true the early brackets seem to be mounted high.

Good eye on the voltage regulator, it is an Autolite. Mounting holes are evidently the same. How a Dodge part found it's way on a Chevy is a blasphemous mystery. It will be changed.

The firewall on the G4112 is as simple and uncluttered as these Chevy's get, so I can easily reconstruct to original.

I am still not convinced that the early trucks had functioning ash trays. I have seen 3 apparently original G4112 trucks, and they all have the ash tray front, but it is just used as a cover for the hole in the dash. As smoking was a common activity post war, I think that many early trucks were retrofitted with civilian ash trays after they were decommisioned. The dashboard has everyting there to bolt on a civilian ash tray bracket.

I am not sure about the hand brushed red paint on the interior of my truck. At first I assumed "firetruck", but it is only on SOME parts of the interior? None of the exterior has red paint with the exception of the hubs. I am now inclined to think it was some more random act like "hey bubba, get some of that red paint from the shed and go paint that Chevy" and perhaps nothing more. Another mystery.

Paul
1941 G4112 Chevrolet with Hercules dump bed

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Re: Pictoral differences found on G4112 vs G506 (more images

Post by Ronnie Guin » Tue Dec 18, 2012 4:21 pm

Paul, my November 42 G506 has the serpentine grille and Chevy embossed side panels. The blackout light was added to the top of the grill on the drivers side.
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Re: Pictoral differences found on G4112 vs G506 (more images

Post by MChapin » Tue Dec 18, 2012 6:15 pm

Ronnie- Interesting, Do you have the serial Number? mainly wondering what plant truck was built in. Mine was built in the Baltimore plant, DOD was 6-42. Has the embossed panels, non serp brush guard, BO drive mounted on side. Of course one thing or another could have been swapped out over the last 70 years. but interesting to compare.

Mark

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Re: Pictoral differences found on G4112 vs G506 (more images

Post by forestry4evr » Wed Dec 19, 2012 3:47 am

That is interesting to hear about the serpentine grilles. I have a parts truck that is a September 1942 with a straight grille. My assembled in Baltimore, MD June 1942 has the serpentine grille. Of other trucks currently intact with decent manufacture validation, it seems as the serpentine grilles and embossed side panels ceased at about the same time. I recall reading somewhere that the mid 1942 goverment contract prohibited product names on vehicles. As noted, a lot can happen in 70+ years. One thing I search for upon dissasembly is clues of previous work performed. It seems that many post war owners were not particularily careful about using all/correct fasteners or reinstalling grounding straps. Did both of your grills still have the bottom panel attached with fasteners that had large star-like lock washers and two short grounding straps connecting to the frame? I would suspect any truck that has a non-original engine as the grille would have been removed in the process and perhaps "traded" with what the owner considered a better one.

The side panels are a wild card, easily removed and swaped around. My personal theory on side panels is that many owners past and present want others to know it is a Chevrolet and seek the embossed panels. Many owners put embossed panels on much later models, as I have seen numerous images of trucks with wood or composite beds that had them. Other supporting evidence is that NOS non-embossed panels can be purchased today from several sources, but not so for the embossed.
1941 G4112 Chevrolet with Hercules dump bed

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Re: Pictoral differences found on G4112 vs G506 (more images

Post by Joe Gopan » Wed Dec 19, 2012 4:29 am

They have had since early 1942 to deplete any embossed side panel spares. I have crated NOS (not stamped) with radio shielding that are have GM labels dated 1951 or 1952.
I am out of them now but the Chev 4X4 had one truck that had a special stamped Splash Guard, possibly Dump Truck that had a specially relieved upper outer corner that was for a tail pipe
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Re: Pictoral differences found on G4112 vs G506 (more images

Post by Ronnie Guin » Wed Dec 19, 2012 5:04 pm

Paul, my G506 serial number is 9NJ23 then some space and 5023.

The DOD is 11/42
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Re: Pictoral differences found on G4112 vs G506 (more images

Post by forestry4evr » Thu Dec 20, 2012 2:32 am

Ronnie, Did you restore your truck? Could you tell if the engine or frontend sheet metal had been previously removed? It is interesting that it was produced so late in 1942 but still has a serpentine grille.

Here is a picture of my 1942 truck. It was very original with everything intact. The only modifications made were real crude so they were easy to detect. BO headlight was added after the factory as the mounting holes on the grille were done with a hand drill and not too precise, rather than a press or stamping machine. Mark, this truck was produced the same month at the same assembly plant as yours but the two trucks have different grilles?! It was assembled in Baltimore, MD 14NH06 DOD 6/42.

Image

Paul
1941 G4112 Chevrolet with Hercules dump bed


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