1940 1/2 ton "KC"

Chevrolet offered truck models rated from 1/2 ton to 1 1/2 ton capacity. This gave a GVW range of 4,400 or 4,600 pounds to either 12,000 or 14,000 pounds, depending on tire size or 4 vs, 6 ply tires. Sales for 1940 rose 11 percent. The total sales for this model year was 196,994.

The basic look of the 1940 truck is almost indistinguishable from 1939 truck. Most people think only the top of the grill changed. However, the pickup box was entirely new, being longer and wider to add 2 cubic feet of cargo space. This box was used with very little changes through 1953. Other changes included the switch to the new for 1940 standard of "sealed beam" headlights. This change forced the parking lights to be moved to the top of the front fenders like the cars, but the headlights remained attached to the radiator uprights as before. This was the last year for that characteristic. After 1940 the headlights would be moved to the top of the fenders and in 1960 they would become part of the front grill. Another change for 1940 was the switch to safety glass throughout the cab.  

Wheelbases changed slightly for 1940. 1/2 tons remained at 113 1/2 inches. 3/4 ton and 3/4 ton specials were 123 3/4. 1 tons were 133 inches. 1 1/2 tons again ranged from 133 and 158 1/2 inches in length. The COE (Cab over engine) model ranged from 107 5/8 to 156 5/8.