How long is a 1952 Chevy pickup?
Approximately 196–199 inches long with the standard short bed, and about 210–212 inches with the longer bed configuration.
The length of a 1952 Chevrolet pickup varies by model and bed choice, reflecting Chevrolet's Advance-Design lineup of that era. For most collectors and restorers, the key factors are bed length (short versus long) and whether any aftermarket additions or bumper styles alter the bumper-to-bumper measurement. Precise figures come from the specific truck’s factory documentation or VIN plate, but the ranges below cover the typical configurations seen on 1952 3100-series and related pickups.
Length by bed and model
Chevrolet offered two primary bed lengths and corresponding overall lengths for the 1952 pickup line. The following figures reflect the common factory configurations from that year.
- Short bed configurations (about 6.5 feet / 78 inches): overall length typically around 196–199 inches (roughly 16.3–16.6 feet).
- Long bed configurations (about 8 feet / 96 inches): overall length typically around 210–212 inches (about 17.5 feet).
These ranges cover the main 1/2-ton and 3/4-ton trucks in 1952, noting that individual trucks may differ slightly due to bumper design, spare-tire mounting, or aftermarket modifications.
Other factors that can influence overall length
Beyond bed length, a few design choices or accessories can push the measurement slightly beyond the nominal figures.
- Different bumper styles or aftermarket bumpers can add a few inches.
- Spare tire placement (underneath the bed vs. in a mount on the bumper) may alter bumper-to-bumper length.
- Front-end modifications, tow hooks, winches, or auxiliary equipment can contribute minor increases.
- Regional or dealer-specific options sometimes result in small variances from the standard specs.
To confirm the exact length for a particular 1952 Chevy pickup, measure the vehicle from bumper to bumper or consult the factory data plate or original spec sheet for that truck.
How to verify for a specific vehicle
If you own a 1952 Chevy pickup or are considering a restoration, you can verify length more precisely by checking the VIN and trim code, consulting Chevrolet's era documentation, or using a measured measurement from bumper to bumper with the tires inflated to standard height and the vehicle on level ground.
Summary
In sum, a 1952 Chevy pickup generally falls in the 196–199 inch range for short-bed 1/2-ton models and about 210–212 inches for long-bed variants, with small variations possible due to bumper design and equipment. For exact measurements, reference the specific truck’s factory documentation or measure the vehicle directly.
