how much more is a 5 window worth?

[red70chevelle]

I found a 1949 3/4 ton, 5 window GMC for $1000 Canadian (around $800 US). It's been sitting outside in the bush for around 20 yrs, it appears to be pretty much complete (drivetrain, pannels, trim, etc), the corner glass is in good shape, not sure if the engine turns. The body is reasonably straight for an old farm truck and while is does have some rust its not a complete bucket. I've been looking for a truck like this for a while and had kind of set my limit at $500 for a truck in this condition, unfortunately the owner is firm on $1000. Does the 5 window feature make it worth much more or does the fact that its a GMC and a 3/4 ton drop the value? Any opinions would be appreciated.

Paul

[Fred T]

The 3/4 ton is the big price dropper. Very limited on upgrades. The differential is 3.5" narrower than the later models, makes a swap hard. Leaves you wil a gear ratio of 4.10 as the only affordable option. Wheels with the correct setback are tough to find, and a lot of places won't work on the two piece rims. No one makes an IFS to replace the straight axle, and adapting a later model is difficult due to the narrow frame.

Around here, a running 3/4 ton, all original with rust is worth about $500. Add a few more bucks for the 5 window. The GMC part, I don't know. They did have a better engine in the US. In Canada they usually had the Chevy engine, IIRC. If the truck runs, and isn't in too bad of shape, the price might not be too bad. It depends on what's available in the area.

9 years ago I bought my 52 Chevy 3/4 ton, all original with no rust through except for the left rear stake pocket, that end had been sticking out the corner of the bed. 3 window cab, 63,000 miles. Father-in-law had used the truck on the farm, and I bought it at auction for $585. At the time it was worth about $400, but the wife wanted something to remember her dad with, and I had $1,000 in the bank, so I bid until I got it. One guy bidding against me, he didn't know I was family or he probably would have stopped earlier.

Here's two photos.
http://www.myoldtruck.com/gallery/fi...3/8/Loaded.jpg
http://www.myoldtruck.com/gallery/files/2/3/8/AC016.jpg

[Phat]

Hey Fred you make good points.. Now dont come down too hard on the 3/4 ton frames. Lots of IFS stuff for them now.Not many rear suspensions but thats easy stuff for most builders. I rather prefer them to tell the truth. I like they are straight in the back and easy to shorten.Yep i have to move the mounting brackets on the bed but not a real big deal when bulding a complete truck. I think the 5 windows bring a little bit more money now.Dont know why as of 10 15 years ago nobody wanted them LOL The Gmc sometimes brings a little less money but not that much. You can change a GMC to a chev or a chevy to gmc pretty easy. With *****in floors and the new full cowl patches i think we are going to be saving more and more of these ole cabs. 500 -1000 bucks now if it rolls and some what usable cab and frame is about right here in the Northeast. Seeing another trend around here now....the 9 foot bed. Wished it had not come around as i really was getting ready to build a long truck..........Long wheelbase better ride.I think they look cool with long boards and 3 stake pockets.LOL
Now the 1 ton and up are in my opinion a steal right now and you can get a great cab...but its hard to rip a nice old big truck apart for just the cab.Just my opinions as a rod builder and not a restorer anymore.
Paul buy it and get started if its in your heart...you will know if it feels right. Corner glass is no more a problem as it is repoped and the used stuff has come down to around 50 bucks a peice at swap meets with 25 bucks not hard to find either.

[Fred T]

Phat - Is someone selling a true 3/4 ton IFS? I knew you had been turning 3/4s into 1/2s, but I'm wanting to keep the 8 bolt so I can use the truck for hauling.

[Phat]

Fred how much weight?

[Fred T]

Originally Posted by Phat

Fred how much weight?

With my hauling picture, you shouldn't have to ask! Heaviest load I've hauled was about 2 tons, so I would guess about 3,000 lb on the front axle.

[RCANSAW]

Hey Red, I don't know what the availability of these trucks are in Canada but if they are that hard to find you might want to buy now and get started. Just remember,if it's not what your looking for, price don't matter. If it is, price really don't matter.

[DennyB]

Originally Posted by RCANSAW

...... Just remember,if it's not what your looking for, price don't matter. If it is, price really don't matter.

hear hear!
ANd

[red70chevelle]

Thanks for all the input guys, I guess I've got a bit of thinking to do about this. That's a nice looking truck Fred, I like the picture of it working! If I end up buying this truck I plan on keeping it pretty stock like yours. I assume they came from the factory with the "trap door" behind the cab on the left, I thought this farmer put it in himself - he said they used to fill the box with grain and then shovel it through the slot and into an auger. Thanks again everyone, not sure what I'm going to do yet but I really appreciate all the information.

Paul

[Hart_Rod]

Here's a picture of my "work truck".

Rob

[Phat]

Get used for everthing from 1 1/2 yards of topsoil to the wife getting the x-mas tree. It delivered a couch last nite.Hell hate to admit it but i even put bagged salt in her. Cant drive the newer 4x4 as it gets about 11 mpg Ole truck gets 25 on a good day.Driven allmost year round here in New England.

[solidaxel]

Rob, Is that a Photoshop pic!!!!!!!!!

[Hart_Rod]

NO! I use my truck.

Rob