When it comes to restoring a 1951 GMC truck, the beauty’s in the bones—and the bones are built tough. This was a post-war truck with working-class DNA, still built to haul but styled with just enough chrome and curve to catch a few stares. But getting one back on the road today takes patience, creativity, and knowing which parts still bolt up—and which don’t.

In this guide, we’ll dig into the core systems on a ’51 GMC, show you what parts can be sourced off-the-shelf, and flag the spots where you’ll likely need to track down vintage vendors or even fabricate your own fix. These old GMCs are built like tanks, but after 70+ years, they all need a little help.

Often overshadowed by its Chevy Advance Design cousin, the 1951 GMC shares a similar body style but came with heavier-duty components and a unique powerplant: the inline-six “Jimmy” engine—either the 228ci or 248ci. These engines were slightly more powerful than Chevy’s 216 and had better torque curves for commercial work.

Fun fact: 1951 was the first year the corner vent windows were introduced, and it was the only year with a transitional dashboard before the ’52 redesign.

For restorers, that means parts interchange can be tricky—it looks like a Chevy, but it ain’t always one.

Engine & Drivetrain
If it hasn’t run in decades, plan on refreshing everything that moves, spins, or leaks.
Replace or rebuild:

• Water pump and thermostat
  
• Fuel pump and carburetor
  
• Spark plugs, wires, cap, rotor
  
• Timing gears

Rear axle seals and pinion bearing (common leaks)

Braking System
Manual drum brakes all around. Don’t expect much stopping power without upgrades.
Common replacements:

• Brake shoes and springs
  
• Master cylinder
  
• Wheel cylinders
  
• Soft brake hoses
  
• Steel hard lines (prone to internal corrosion)

Electrical
If it’s still 6V, upgrade it. If it’s already been converted to 12V, double check the wiring job.
You’ll likely need:

• New alternator or 12V generator
  
• Complete rewire harness (cloth-covered wires don’t last)
  
• Starter and ignition switch
  
• Bulbs, sockets, and fuse panel cleanup

Suspension and Steering
These trucks drive like, well… old trucks. Worn kingpins and cracked springs don’t help.
Replace or refurbish:

• Leaf spring bushings
  
• Shocks (original lever shocks often swapped to modern tube style)
  
• Kingpins and tie rods
• Steering box adjustment or rebuild

Cooling System
The radiator probably leaks or is clogged, and those old hoses are brittle.
Parts to check:

• Radiator (many swap to aluminum)
  
• Thermostat housing
  
• Heater core (if equipped)
  
• Radiator cap and overflow system

Not every part is a catalog click away—especially with GMC-specific trim and components.
Things that are tough to track down:

• Dash gauges and bezels
  
• GMC-specific grille inserts
  
• Window regulators and vent assemblies
  
• Bed sides and tailgate panels
  
• Original bench seat frame and tracks

This is where the project gets creative. Some parts cross over from Chevy (door glass, seals, weatherstrip), but others—like the GMC hood emblem or steering wheel—are unique and require some digging.

Use Chevy Advance Design chassis diagrams for reference—but don’t assume parts are a direct fit.
If you’re upgrading to modern brakes or power steering, consider a front clip swap (like a Mustang II or S10 setup).
Always test-fit reproduction panels. Aftermarket fenders and doors often need tweaking to align.

At Classic Parts Pro, we’re passionate about tracking down 1951 GMC parts that don’t make the big catalogs. We work with mom-and-pop shops, former GM dealers, and specialty rebuilders to keep rare components alive. From brake rebuild kits to wiring harnesses to rebuildable cores, we’re building the kind of parts source we wish existed back when these trucks were just old farm rigs.

Need something oddball? Give us a shout—we might already know who’s got it.

The 1951 GMC pickup might not have the parts availability of a Tri-Five Chevy, but that’s what makes restoring one so satisfying. It’s rugged, rare, and full of character. If you’ve taken one on, you’re not just fixing up a truck—you’re preserving a piece of working-class history. And at Classic Parts Pro, we’re proud to be part of that effort.