1950’s Chevy Trucks Model Numbers

What are all the various model numbers of early Advance Design 50 trucks?

The following information comes from the Chevrolet Restoration Pack so often discussed on the oletrucks list.

The wheelbase on the 3104 is 116″ – there is not a listing for anything longer til you get to the 3600’s which is shown to be 125.25″.

The final two numbers are the same for all the lines of trucks. All the “02” are flat face cowl chassis models, etc.

Model Number – Model Description – Nominal Rating – Wheelbase

3100 – Light Duty – 1/2 Ton – 116″
3600 – Medium Duty – 3/4 Ton – 125.25″
3742 – Medium Duty Forward Control Chassis – 3/4 Ton – 125.25″
3800 – Medium Duty – 1 Ton – 137″
3942 – Medium Duty Forward Control Chassis – 3/4 Ton – 137″
4100 – Heavy Duty – 1 1/2 Ton – 137″
4400 – HD – 1 1/2 Ton – 161″
4500 – Medium Duty School Bus – 1 1/2 Ton – 161″
5100 – HD COE – 2 Ton – 110″
5400 – HD COE – 2 Ton – 134″
5700 – HD COE – 2 Ton – 158″
6100 – HD – 2 Ton – 137″
6400 – HD – 2 Ton – 161″
6500 – HD – 2 Ton – 179″
6700 – HD School Bus – 2 Ton – 199″
6800 – HD School Bus – 2 Ton – 212″

The following number gets added to the above numbers, depending on the actual truck style.

Model – Number – Description

Flat Face Cowl Chassis – 02 – Chassis and Cowl, no windshield
Windshield Cowl Chassis – 12 – Front end including windshield, no cab
Forward Control Chassis – 42 – Chassis for forward control (eg: step van type)
Cab Chassis – 03 – Cab and Chassis
Pickup Truck – 04 – Whole Pickup
Panel Truck – 05 – Whole Panel
Suburban – 06 & 16 – Whole Suburban
Canopy Express – 07 – Like a Panel with canvas covered side openings
Platform Truck – 08 – Flat Bed
Stake Truck – 09 – Flat Bed with Stakes

NOTE: The above information applies to early ’50s Advance Design Chevy trucks.