Technical 1938 vs 1939 Chevy Truck

I've been a late 60s truck guy for awhile but I have been looking for something different since so many of that era are being built. I have gotten interested in the older versions and have found both a '38 and '39.

Outside of the cosmetic area what are the major differences? I believe the cab on the 39 is bigger, right? Is one "better" than the other or does it just come down to individual taste?
Just looking for information any facts or opinions anyone has would be appreciated

 

We (my son and I ) checked out a 39 truck a month ago, here in New Zealand..
Looking at the cab size, I would say they are possibly the same size.
The 37 has a one piece flat screen, whereas the 39 is a two piece, angled screen..

 

Interesting. I thought I had read somewhere the cab was taller and wider on a 39. I hadnt even noticed the windshield! Thanks for the input!

 

HAMB'er Dusty-NZ has a killer '37 (EDIT:Correction, '40) truck you may find interesting, still running the 216.
For more info, check HERE: http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/dustys-truck-stuff.908428/

 

Try this site Type in the year +GMHeritagecenter .com to compare hope this helps you out, this is my 38

 

'37-'38 are the same with grill and hood changes. '39 is different cab, hood, fenders, and frame. '39 is very similar to '40, in '41 they switched again and kept the style through the war till '46. '39 may be slightly bigger then '37-8 trucks, but not by much. Drivetrain will be the same.

 

Thanks for all the help and especially the pics! Man, both years are great looking, tough decision.

I did find this articles: http://www.pickuptrucks.com/html/history/chev_segment3.html

It state that there are some differences in the cab sizes...
however it also says that the 39 is by far the best looking truck in Division history to that point. lol

That's the way fights start! lol

 

Pictures, is important.
Pictures, or it never happend.

 

That's a 1940 not a 1937 and yes the 39 cab is bigger and basicly the same right through 1946.

 

The late'36 ( has wood in it ) '37 & '38 share same cab size - '39 -'46 same - check Jim Carter out - has info on these trucks - be aware of sheet metal parts differences - some is hard and $$ to find - good luck

 

Not many new parts for the 38 and some grill parts and emblems are hard to find. I have had both and i think the cab is bigger on the 39 .My wifes 38

IMG_20151022_170447_687 by wingedexpress posted Oct 31, 2015 at 7:04 PM

 

my opinion is the 39 and 40 are a much better looking truck. looked for one for years , found my ford and built it .

 

I like the 39 and 40 more but i am a little biased

 

Well, that explains the "40 CHEV" license plate! LOL
Certainly, the 1937 trucks had the same sveldt, Art-Deco styling of the beautiful passenger car offerings of that year.
The grille's the same, but check out the load capabilities of that babbited, spray oiled, first generation 216!

( Note also the one piece wind shield, as inthweedz pointed out.)

 

Amazing! Gonna have to keep this pic.

Fellas, thanks for all the help. I hope everything works out that I can get one of these old girls and hang around to learn a ton from you all.
I like both styles but since I am 6'4" I may need all the room I can get! Lol

 

iva 38 half ton(still under construction.)from looking at pictures I would say the 40 windscreen is taller..legroom is tight in a 38.two ways I found to compensate for this raise your seat height,thin out the seat back,move the throttle pedal to the right as far as practical.i also moved the brake pedal to the right of the column.(auto trans).im under 6ft
but its still tight in there
as far as I know the 40 dash has vents in the dash for defroster,39? ,38 has not

 

My son has a 40 3/4 ton long bed (he loves the length), but of course it is lowered and pretty nice. We looked at several 39s along the way and cosmetically they were about the same as the 40. Seems like there is a difference in the upper grille bar and I am pretty sure the 40 upper bar is not reproduced. Lots of costly things to buy as you restore one, so buy the most complete one you can. Not much reproduced on the interior either.

 

[img id="yui_3_10_0_1_1512306318922_1026" alt="1939 truck dash board panel pickup gmc 39 one year ..." src="http://i.ebayimg.com/images/i/161761530798-0-1/s-l1000.jpg">

39 has the demister vents