The 1945 GMC truck holds a unique place in automotive history. Built during the tail end of World War II, these rigs weren’t just for farmers and families—they were for the front lines. Many of the trucks built that year were military-spec or adapted for civilian use after the war. Restoring one today isn’t just a mechanical job—it’s a piece of preservation work. But getting your hands on the right 1945 GMC parts? That’s where the real challenge starts.

This guide walks through the systems most likely to need attention, what parts are still floating around out there, and where you’ll need to get creative with fabrications, cross-fit solutions, or donor builds.

Most 1945 GMCs fall into one of two categories: either a CCKW military truck or a civilian-style ½-ton or ¾-ton that was built under tight wartime restrictions. Chrome was scarce, design was minimal, and durability was king. These trucks often came with a 228ci inline-six, 4-speed manual transmission, and leaf springs all around.

Fun fact: Many ’45 GMCs were built using leftover 1941–1942 tooling, with limited changes due to war production constraints.

That means part compatibility can be a weird mix of pre-war and early post-war components—which makes restoration both interesting and tricky.

Let’s start with the good news. There are still a few categories where reproduction and NOS 1945 GMC parts are available with a little digging.

Brake System
The braking system is simple and purely mechanical in some versions—but it needs updating for modern safety.
You can usually find:

• Brake shoes and hardware
  
• Master cylinders
  
• Wheel cylinders (many cross-compatible with Chevy trucks of the same era)
• Hard line kits (pre-bent or DIY)

Drivetrain & Suspension
The inline-six engine family has good aftermarket support, and drivetrain parts often overlap with ’41–’47 GM trucks.
Still available:

• Engine gaskets and rebuild kits
  
• Fuel pump and water pump
  
• Leaf spring shackles and bushings
• Steering knuckles and tie rods

Electrical
Originally 6V, most trucks get converted to 12V during a resto—and most of the parts are universal-fit.
What to replace:

• Full wiring harness (Painless or similar)
  
• Generator (or switch to an alternator)
  
• Switches and bulb sockets
  
• Ignition coil and resistor

Now for the tougher stuff. These are the parts that either don’t exist anymore or are so rare they’re hoarded by collectors and priced accordingly.

Body Panels and Trim

• Front fenders and running boards (fabrication or donor trucks only)
  
• GMC-specific grille inserts (Chevy versions are not a direct match)
  
• Dash clusters and knobs
  
• Window frames and channels
  
• Bumpers (usually custom made or reconditioned originals)

Cab Components

• Seat frames
  
• Headliner bows
  
• Cab mounts (some can be adapted from later models)
• Firewall grommets and heater ducting

Miscellaneous Hardware
You’ll often find missing or mismatched bolts, brackets, and clips—especially on military versions that were stripped or repurposed post-war.

Pro tip: Bring what you’ve got to swap meets. There’s no better way to barter for weird parts than to have a matching bracket someone else needs.

Don’t assume anything is stock—these trucks have lived lifetimes. Many were re-engined, shortened, or modified by previous owners.
When sourcing parts, search under “1941–1946 GMC” and “early Chevy truck”—you’ll get more hits that way.
Document every modification—future you (or the next owner) will appreciate it.

At Classic Parts Pro, we’re not afraid to chase rare parts—and we’re building a network of vendors, collectors, and rebuilders who share that same mission. Whether it’s a rebuilt fuel pump or a full wiring harness, we’re working to make sure 1945 GMC parts don’t fall through the cracks.

We’re also actively seeking original components from small suppliers and garages that might still have 1940s stock tucked away.

Restoring a 1945 GMC is equal parts honor and headache. You’re not just wrenching—you’re resurrecting a piece of history. These trucks served in wartime, worked the land, and hauled loads long before interstates existed. If you’re keeping one alive, Classic Parts Pro is here to help however we can.