89gmc1
Forum Newbie
Posts: 3
Reg: 02-17-14
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09-21-17 05:09 PM - Post#2708428
I have located several 1949 to 53 Chevrolet/ Gmc 1/2 ton
trucks. I wish to do a custom restoration (street rod makeover.)I would like others opinions on the best year to buy. Just trying to gather up about what year would be best and why. I know this can be very subjective.
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 raycow
Honored Member
Posts: 27353
Loc: San Francisco, CA
Reg: 11-26-02
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09-21-17 06:02 PM - Post#2708438
In response to 89gmc1
These trucks are very much alike, differing only in details. For example, transmissions, fuel tank location, vent windows, and door handles. However, only you can decide which details are important to you. Since you are building a custom rather than a stock restoration, you can put any year details you like on any year truck you like.
Ray
| Those who choose an automatic transmission want transportation. Those who choose a manual transmission want to drive. |
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89gmc1
Forum Newbie
Posts: 3
Reg: 02-17-14
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09-21-17 06:53 PM - Post#2708446
In response to raycow
Thank you Ray. I will just chose the one in the best condition.
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wagonman100
Super Senior Member
Posts: 13966
Loc: Baltimore, MD
Reg: 11-27-04
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09-21-17 07:19 PM - Post#2708454
In response to 89gmc1
Also don't alway believe the year that they say the truck is will be the year it actually is. I've seen several that way. If you get to know the details about the year changes, you can spot the one listed incorrectly. Over the years, these trucks got wrecked, rusted and titles lost. So VIN tag switching to one with a good title and parts from a different year truck swapped out are not uncommon. But I've seen other ones that are quite obviously not the year advertised quite often. No big deal as long as the title is clear and the VIN matches, but be aware.
I'm looking for one my self, but I just want to find a cheap one with a good title and frame. That way I can use the frame and title and buy the new complete body they now sell.
Jay
Some days it's not worth chewing through the restraints.
1999 Silverado Z71 4X4 extra-cab short bed
1983 Malibu Fauxmad - tubbed
1978 El Camino Kustomized
1972 Monte Carlo
1957 210 handyman wagon
1957 Nomad sport wagon |
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monty56
"14th Year" Gold Supporting Member
Posts: 1391
Loc: Chandler(it's a dry heat)...
Reg: 04-26-04
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09-22-17 09:23 AM - Post#2708509
In response to wagonman100
I personally prefer the GMC grille if you can find one. Also The complete cab w/ doors is available aftermarket.
Monty
'56 3100 Short Stepside Someday
2001 Chevy Suburban 2500
2009 Saturn Vue w/20's
Member: Desert Classic Chevy's Inc.
Monty's 56 Truck
Avatar is my Truck
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89gmc1
Forum Newbie
Posts: 3
Reg: 02-17-14
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09-22-17 03:57 PM - Post#2708549
In response to monty56
These trucks are in east Tennessee . Next week I am going and I will check and make sure they are still available. I think that "lost titles " are easier to get so I shall find out soon. Thanks for the comments and help with these.
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raycow
Honored Member
Posts: 27353
Loc: San Francisco, CA
Reg: 11-26-02
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09-22-17 04:33 PM - Post#2708554
In response to 89gmc1
In case you haven't seen it yet, here is a list of the year to year changes in the AD trucks. This should be helpful if you are trying to verify the claimed model year of any you might find for sale. You might want to print it and take it with you when you go truck shopping.
http://devestechnet.com/Home/History
Ray
| Those who choose an automatic transmission want transportation. Those who choose a manual transmission want to drive. |
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bry593
Contributor
Posts: 800
Reg: 10-07-13
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10-05-17 10:47 AM - Post#2709836
In response to raycow
I like the '54 bed with the flat tops (easier to stand on), but prefer the ribbon grill, split windshield and '51+ door handles. You can't have everything, where would you put it?
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Mick53
Platinum Supporting Member
Posts: 158
Loc: Northern Indiana
Reg: 04-02-16
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10-07-17 01:02 PM - Post#2710057
In response to wagonman100
I have a 54 3/4 ton parked out back. It was keeping my 53 company. not interested in selling it for frame and title but junk yards have to have titles to crush them. We have a lot of them laying around small junk yards in Indiana that are not worth restoring. I can think of at least 10 within 10 miles of my house.
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 Bel Air kiwi
"3rd Year" Silver Supporting Member
Posts: 4117
Loc: New Zealand
Reg: 04-24-14
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10-16-17 06:58 PM - Post#2711067
In response to Mick53
Hi Guys, I agree that the best option is to choose the best condition you can. The differences are so slight and mainly interchangeable.
You should plan out your build and decide if you want a stock frame or not, otherwise you can build a complete truck from repro parts, all you need is a title, but that is not a cheap exercise.
Our trucks were never Sunday drivers so they are beaten and rusty. Although I bought what looked like a good driving truck and I have used it for yard work for decades, I won't be using any of the panels on the rebuild.
Because I am an engineer, not a sheet-metal guy I bought a complete front clip of repro parts.
Guards, hood, grille slam panel, bumpers, etc, and imported a mint used cab from Northern California.
I have a Jag front end, a 9" ford diff with GM ends, a 305 and TH350 all sitting in the shed awaiting the right time to build.
Cheers Kiwi
48 3100 RHD, 51 Deluxe 4DR RHD, 51 Bel Air parts car, 52 Bel Air P-Glide LHD. Others 23T, 32 Tudor, 58 Edsel pacer 4DR HDT, 79 F250 351C RHD. 69,70,82 Capri. No mobile, no TV, and no Jap cars.
And when it was laid to waste, they called it peace. |
Edited by Bel Air kiwi on 10-16-17 07:02 PM. Reason for edit: No reason given.
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